p. 126 | Review and Herald, Vol. 28, No. 16. (9/18/1866)

Sunday in Paris.

By Editor

“REV. WM. PATTON, D. D.,” of Chicago, Ill., now sojourning in France, writes to the N. Y. Independent, concerning the observance of Sunday in the city of Paris:

“I have had sight and experience of a Parisian Sunday, and it conveys a sad, but healthful, practical, lesson. When I awoke in the morning, the same din and bustle and hucksters’ cries from the streets below, saluted my ears as on other days. I looked out of the window, and the shops were all open, and vehicles of every kind were driving about as usual. After breakfast I started for the American Chapel, and, on the way, saw that all kinds of traffic proceeded uninterrupted, while, nearly opposite the chapel, the masons and laborers were busy hoisting the stones and laying them in place on a new building. At rare intervals, shutters were up at a shop-window, though these increased considerably in the afternoon. In the evening, as I went to another place of worship, through the Champs Elysées, there were crowds of people amusing themselves in every conceivable way, walking, riding, with games, at puppet shows, at concerts and dances, at refreshment saloons, etc., etc. Only he who has witnessed the scene can imagine it. A French pastor, in Paris, tells me that it is now rather the practice of many workmen to labor on Sunday and take a holiday on Monday! Now, in such an atmosphere, worldliness has every possible advantage over religion, and the wonder is that the churches can maintain a foothold in the community, and that piety can avoid universal lukewarmness and backsliding. There must be some connection between the feeble progress of pure religion in France, and this method of secularizing Sunday. There must be, also, some middle and tenable ground between such a day and a rigid, Judaistic, Puritan Sabbath. Neither seems to conform to Scripture, nor to meet human wants. There may be changes of opinion yet to come in America, as to the precise scriptural basis of the weekly day of worship. There will probably be many, ere long (judging from exegetical tendencies in biblical scholars), who will doubt the safety of resting it on the fourth commandment; and who, dropping a Jewish Sabbath as authority, will prefer to cling to the ‘Lord’s Day,’ or ‘the first day of the week,’ as an independent institution; on the single warrant of the example and teachings of Christ and the apostles, and not as an alteration of a command of the Decalogue—one of the hardest of things to prove.”

Such a confession from such a source, is worthy of note. It is refreshing to find a doctor of divinity acknowledging, first, that Sunday-keeping cannot be defended from the fourth commandment without altering the commandment; and second, that the alteration of the commandment is “one of the hardest of things to prove.” Equally significant is the intimation that they must cling to the “Lord’s Day,” or “first day of the week, as an independent institution, on the single warrant of the example and teachings of Christ and the apostles.” The theological training necessary to create a D. D. of the present day, is not sufficiently Biblical to dispel the illusion that any such independent institution exists. But let them search for it; and they will find that, like some other imaginary theological creations, it is without body or parts, center or circumference, name or location. It has neither superstructure nor foundation, substance nor shadow. This institution, also, will be found “one of the hardest of things to prove.” Neither Christ nor his apostles have ever given precept or example for any such thing. Our Lord never took the day into his lips; he never religiously rested upon it, nor placed upon it any sort of sanctity whatever. The apostles never gave it any title of sacredness. They ever called it simply first day of the week. And the only example they have left us concerning it, is to make it a secular day.

We rejoice in the Rev. doctor’s Sunday experience in Paris, inasmuch as it has called out such a confession. Let it be passed around; and let the agitation on the Sabbath question continue. As surely as light dispels darkness, so surely, upon investigation, must every honest mind come to the conclusion that the observance of Sunday, as a Sabbath, finds no aid or comfort in the Scriptures of truth. We believe, with the writer, that “there may be changes of opinion yet to come in America, as to the precise scriptural basis of the weekly day of worship,” and that more and more will be found “who will doubt the safety of resting” the observance of the first day, “on the fourth commandment,” which so positively and unalterably requires the observance of the seventh.

Truth Falling in the Street.

By Editor

AMONG all the indications of political trouble now darkening the horizon of this country, none are more significant for evil, than the apostasy to the side of disloyalty and oppression, of eminent men who have heretofore stood unflinchingly for justice and right. Yet such events are just what we might look for from the declarations of the inspired record that evil men and seducers at this very time should be waxing worse and worse; that the tendency of the age should be downward; and that even professing Christians should be guilty of the dark catalogue of sins mentioned in 2 Tim. iii, 2–5.

But when such men as Henry Ward Beecher desert the principles for which they have so long labored, braved so much opposition, and endured so many sacrifices, what may we not look for next?

Concerning Mr. Beecher’s apostasy, the N. Y. Independent of Sept. 6, 1866, thus speaks:—

“With profound surprise and grief, we have read Mr. Beecher’s letter to the Cleveland Convention. Our friends will find it in another column. Would to God it needed no other commentary in this journal than a regretful silence! But a sense of duty constrains us to accompany its publication with a solemn protest against the public course to which it commits its author. This letter quenches our last hope that Mr. Beecher was to unite with the friends, instead of the enemies, of his country. We know and love him well. No man’s motives are purer; no man more affectionately reveres his native land. But, under the spell of an unhappy blindness which has rested on his eyes for a year past, he has done more injury to the American Republic than has been done by any other citizenWe had secretly cherished the conviction that Mr. Beecher, during his last few months of silence concerning public affairs, had been a sad and thoughtful witness of the mischievous policy of the President. We could not force our minds to believe that in the great civil struggles of the approaching autumn, the minister of Plymouth church would be found on the side of Clement L. Vallandigham, the pirate Semmes, and the murderers at New Orleans. Of course Mr. Beecher loathes these men; of course his letter is in a loftier and purer strain than the common tone of Copperhead politics; but the humiliating fact remains that Mr. Beecher, deliberately and officially, under his hand and seal, has entered into league and covenant with the Johnson party:—a party whose only hope of victory is by a league of traitors against loyal men. This is Mr. Beecher’s position! It is a solemn hour for the nation. “He that is not for us is against us.” By Mr. Beecher’s past record, by his inherent sympathy with universal liberty, by his ancient scorn of treachery in public men, he belongs to the loyal party from whom, like a self-dishonored leader, he has become a voluntary deserter.

Mr. Beecher’s public attitude at the present moment, is the attitude of a man who is putting a great reputation to the ignoble use of debasing his country. If, in view of this awful fact, this journal were to lend through silence a seeming acquiescence, or even an implied palliation, we would justly be held an accomplice in the guilt. Since the occasion, therefore, compels us to speak, we have no other alternative than to choose the strongest possible words of condemnation. We have only to add that, if any of Mr. Beecher’s friends, or of our own, shall feel pain at reading this protest, let them imagine the greater pain of writing it.”

“Sheshach.”

By Merritt E. Cornell

THE only definition we have of Sheshach is, “Praise of the whole earth.” From this it has been thought to refer to the United States. When speaking of the nations’ drinking the cup of wrath in the last day, after mentioning all the kingdoms and powers of Europe, it is added, that “The King of Sheshach shall drink after them.” Last of all the Two-horned beast shall drink. The false prophet shall drink the dregs. That power so hypocritical as to set forth a lamblike profession and make their boast of it before the whole world, and then act like a dragon, and give life to an image of the beast, will receive the bitterest of the dregs of that awful cup.

But now this government is indeed the “Praise of the whole earth.” Mr. Wm. A. Drew, Commissioner of the State of Maine, visited the world’s Fair held at London, in the summer of 1851. He speaks of the glory of the United States as above that of any other nation—that so it appeared at the Great Exhibition. In his book, Glimpses and Gatherings, p. 318, he says:

“The stars and stripes wave over the doors and indeed extend along the entire top of the east end of the building,—so every one that enters must pass under the flag of our Union. The United States are feared and respected more than any other nation. Our skill, our naval and military prowess, our intelligence, our free institutions, and our great and glorious country, so full and rich in natural resources, make us the wonder and admiration of the world. I never saw and felt the truth of this statement so veritably as I have ever since I came into England. I am proud of my country, and to be able to say, wherever I am, I AM AN AMERICAN! The announcement always commands attention and respect.”

M. E. CORNELL.

A Good Testimony for the Visions.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

A GOOD sister who has lately embraced the truth, has just received from its enemies a package of objections to the visions. In writing for explanation on some points, she speaks of the visions thus:

“As to my own personal experience concerning the visions, I must say, I have never read any book except the Bible, which led me to search my heart, which gave me such desires for holiness, and which encouraged me to persevere in the good way, as do these books.”

Now can this be the work of Satan? Does he teach men to be better, to love God more, to fear for themselves, and to hate sin? Has any one ever been led to lightly esteem the Bible, or break the law of God, or cast away their faith in Christ, or to commit sin in any way by reading these visions? No; they have been led directly the other way. I have read the visions many times, but never without feeling stirred up to be more careful in my life and to be more devoted to God. Thousands of others bear a similar testimony.

But who are they that oppose the visions? The great mass of them are those who oppose the law of God and hate the Sabbath with a perfect hatred. The majority of the rest are those who have been reproved and their wicked course condemned and exposed by these visions. There is a plain reason why they hate them. Do those who have cast away the visions live any better, or more holy lives than when they believed them? No; but the reverse. How do I know that? Because they can now join hand in hand with those who are the bitterest enemies of God’s law and Sabbath, and who were once their enemies. They are now good “brethren” together and can have their papers, books, and appointments advertised by them. See advertisements in the Crisis.

It seems strange to me how those who believe in the Sabbath and third angel’s message can reject the visions. The greatest reformation that has ever been wrought on the Sabbath has been carried on by those who profess to be preaching the third angel’s message. Do you believe the Sabbath reform is of God? Yes. Do you then believe that the very means which has started, led out, and sustained this reform, is all of the Devil? Who started the paper that is now doing so much for the Sabbath? Who published the books that are now shedding so much light on the Sabbath and kindred truths? Whose prayers, preaching, and labors have brought so many thousands into the observance of God’s law? All well know that Bro. and Sr. White have led out and done more in all this work than any others. Now what is more absurd and contradictory than to suppose that the work is of God, and the workmen of the Devil! The cause of God, but the means of Satan!!

Dear friends, this is the position that those occupy who accept the Sabbath reform, and reject the visions.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

Portland, Me.

The Days of Confusion.

Why is it that the conductors of the secular press more readily discern the signs of the times, and have a far more correct knowledge of the abounding iniquity which now prevails throughout the world, than those do who have the control of the religious publications of the day? Is it willful ignorance, and an inveterate hatred of the truth? Is it pride, denominationalism, the love of the world, or all combined together, that induces the conductors of the religious press, to reject the evidences of the rapid fulfilment of prophecy? Has the Lord given them the choice between truth and error; and in consequence of their choosing the latter, has he smitten them with moral blindness? The following remarks are from a popular monthly magazine, the proprietors of which are

professors of religion, but probably borrow their views of things from their file leaders.

“Things are not now as they have been. A new era has dawned, or is beginning to dawn. The world is getting to believe, however slowly, in the Fatherhood of God, and the brotherhood of man. The day of narrowness and bigotry, of class and caste, seems passing away. There is, beyond dispute, a spirit abroad in the earth, exciting to humane thoughts, rousing to generous endeavor, stimulating to philanthropic deeds, refining constitutions and laws, and seeking by all right methods, to broaden and elevate our common humanity.”—Harper's Magazine for August.

The “Peace and Safety” cry must be kept up, contrary to the evidence of every one's senses. “Peace, Order, Tranquility and Civil Authority Exist in and throughout the whole of the United States of America.”

“We have heard of a “Great Revival of Religion near,” of a temporal Millenium “about to dawn;” but we think, on reading the following extract from the Cincinnati Times, that they are at a great distance from us.

Plain Words.

By Editor

In the last Independent we find an article in reference to the late visit of Andrew Johnson to Chicago to preside on the occasion of laying the corner-stone of the Douglas monument. It exposes with an unsparing hand his departures from his professed Republican principles, and his complicity with rebels and traitors. Had we space to give it entire, it would well repay perusal. As it is we can give but two paragraphs:

“What an opportunity for a great career was offered to this man, before the nation suspected that he was a trickster! But that stone-cut head, that deep-set and lachrymious eye, that half-clenched hand seeking to be a fist, indicate a man who might be a hero among bullies, but can never be a champion of moral ideas. Accordingly, though he might have restored the Union in thirty days after Lee’s surrender by simply dictating Impartial Justice, he chose instead to reanimate the rebellion and to re-imperil the country. Though he might have won a proud title as the uplifter of the lowly, he chose instead to remand the oppressed to be crushed by the oppressor. Though he might have established perennial order in the rebellious states, he chose instead to restore the old hostilities of twenty years ago. Though he might have re-constructed the Republic in the spirit of unity, and with the bond of peace, he chose instead to keep it angrily divided, section against section, to this unhappy hour.”

The article closes with the following paragraph. Not much of peace or prosperity can our country expect if the foregoing and following paragraphs contain a true description of its chief magistrate, personally and politically.

“Meanwhile, in the solemn hour when he stands by the monument of Douglas, let him forecast the epitaph on his own. Happy is he who, after death, lives again in a nation’s grateful remembrance. Cursed is he who, dying, is buried beneath the reproaches of the just and the accusations of the poor. Touched with insanity, corrupted with lust, stimulated with drink, let the President of the United States, standing for a half-hour by the grave’s edge, calm his blood and chasten his thoughts, till he can reflect, for his warning, how a chief magistrate who betrays his country shall become a handful of dishonored dust.”

Interested Interpretation.

By R. F. COTTRELL

To account for the unscriptural and anti-scriptural practices of apostate Christianity, interpretations of some of the ancient prophecies have been given, which, though not very interesting, are certainly interested.

When the records of the New Testament have been searched in vain for authority for keeping Sunday instead of the Sabbath, and for sprinkling instead of baptism, the ancient prophets have been appealed to, and, lo! David is found to have said, “This is the day the Lord hath made,” Isaiah, “So shall he sprinkle many nations,” and Ezekiel, “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean.” The day the Lord hath made of course must be Sunday, and the sprinkling must be Christian baptism. And the practice of the apostles and primitive church in regard to these subjects, is considered of no force to settle the controversy, but must give place to such lucid interpretations of prophecy. But the prophecies of the great apostasy of this dispensation, resulting in a power that should think to change times and laws, are not so clear to their understanding.

There is no weekly Sabbath mentioned in the New Testament but the seventh day; and the Holy Spirit still calls this day the Sabbath. And there is abundant historic evidence to sustain the following assertion of Sir Wm. Domville: “Centuries of the Christian era passed away before the Sunday was observed as a Sabbath. History does not furnish us a single proof or indication that it was at any time so observed previous to the Sabbatical edict of Constantine in A. D. 321.”

So also of baptism, the meaning of the term, and all the circumstances incidental upon its administration, as related in the New Testament, with the inspired commentaries of the apostles in the epistles, all go to show that it was immersion. And there is abundant historical testimony to sustain the following from F. Brenner: “Thirteen hundred years was baptism generally and ordinarily performed by the immersion of a man under water; and only in extraordinary cases was sprinkling or affusion permitted. These latter methods of baptism were called in question, and even prohibited.”

Yet in the face of the well-established meaning of terms, the teachings of the apostles, and the early history of the church, there are those who will tenaciously cling to their forced interpretation of prophecies which say nothing to the point, and peril their salvation upon proofs and evidences on which they would not risk a dollar. When will they learn to deal honestly with God and themselves?! How does God look upon such evasions of truth and duty?

R. F. COTTRELL.

MRS A. H. HUNTLEY

By MRS A. H. HUNTLEY

From Sister Huntley.

BRO. WHITE: While reading Review No. 12, the past day, I could but thank the Lord for a paper which seems so applicable to the wants of God's people in every circumstance, especially so when passing through trials and affliction. Every article was food, yea, a sermon. Even the first line “Blessed are they that mourn,” was a solace to my aching heart. Never

were these words so precious, or so truly applicable as now. Never did afflictions press so heavily upon me, nor was ever my heart torn with such keen anguish.

About five months ago I was called to part with my dear companion, and now of late my youngest daughter has fallen—the notice of whose death you have probably received. Although we mourn not as those who have no hope, our lot seems very sad and lonely, myself and older daughter being all that remain of my family.

The exhortation, to mourn with those who mourn, has been heartily heeded by our Brn. and sisters here, and many have been the tears of sympathy shed with us in our bereavement for which we feel thankful.

MRS A. H. HUNTLEY

Peterboro, N. H., Sept. 2. 1866.

The Health Reformer.

By C. O. Taylor

The first number of “The Health Reformer” fell into my hands last evening. Then, and this morning I have given its contents a thorough perusal. I hail it with joy in the midst of our people. It is to give new life and energy to the progress of the third and last message. Its subject-matter is a part and parcel of the same, and can not be separated; and you, and all who contribute to its columns, and all who sustain you, will be carrying forward the work of preparation for the coming of the Just and Holy One. This people must, and I trust they will, take hold of the subject of Health. They should not think they have all the light, and thus stop growing in the knowledge of this important field of truth.

And again when they see the way, they should walk in it. Passion or appetite should not for a moment stand in the way. The God of Heaven is moving his people in this direction. We have taken up our line of march for Paradise restored, “where the inhabitants will not say, I am sick;” and our Captain would teach us many things before we get there. Isaiah speaks of a people whose “health shall spring forth speedily.” They are to raise up the foundations of many generations, and are called, “The repairer of the breach,” &c.; and they are to turn away their feet from the Sabbath from doing their pleasure on that holy day.

I have seen light and truth in the Health Reform for the last six years, and it looks brighter and of more importance to-day than ever.

C. O. TAYLOR.

Farmington, Pa.

The Cause in N. Y.

By Elias Goodwin

DEAR BRN. AND SISTERS: I would say to the praise of God, that he has not yet left his people in Oswego County, nor spued them out of his mouth. But his mercy is still lingering over us, and seems to be saying to us, “Be zealous therefore and repent. Behold I stand at the door and knock, &c.” Oh how great is the mercy and long suffering of God; that he still bears with us after remaining lukewarm so long; and yet is not willing that we should perish, but if we will only repent, and open the door, he will yet come to us, and will sup with us and we with him. Surely the mercy of God endures forever; let all his people say Amen, and give praise to his Holy name.

We have lately been favored with the faithful labors of Bro. N. Fuller, whose labors the Lord signally blessed at Roosevelt, and Oswego City, in rescuing some from the snare of the Devil who had in a measure been taken captive by him, and in comforting and encouraging the saints generally to take hold of the work of God anew, and make a greater effort than ever before to overcome.

Dear Brn. and Sisters in Oswego Co., let us not soon forget the faithful exhortations, and admonitions of our dear brother; but may we all give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip; for how shall we escape if we neglect this great salvation which is now offered us under this last message of mercy—the message of the “Amen, the faithful and true Witness” unto the church of the Laodiceans.

Bro. Fuller closed his labors in this city last evening, Wednesday Aug. 22, by preaching to a room full of our neighbors whom we invited in. Some seemed to be considerably interested in the words they heard spoken; and we feel somewhat encouraged to hope that some of them will take hold of the truth and be saved thereby, if we who already profess the truth in Oswego, only walk consistently and circumspectly before them. Oh! may God help me that I may so let my light shine before them that they may see my good works and glorify my Father which is in Heaven.

I think I do feel the importance, in a measure at least, of being whole-hearted in the cause and work of God. A few faint prayers, night and morning, will never gain us the victory. We must take more time in seeking the Lord,—make a greater effort than we have in the past; or, I fear we shall never overcome. Oh! let us make it the one great business of our lives to seek the Lord,—seek meekness, seek righteousness; if it may be we shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.

I would say that I am fully in union with the Health Reform in diet, &c., that is going on amongst the people of God. I fully believe it to be of God, and well calculated to help us to overcome our evil and corrupt passions and fit us to be translated at the coming of our Saviour. Unless we take hold of this reform heartily and live it out, I fear we shall not be able to get the victory over the world, the flesh, and the Devil. Oh! may God grant us to be overcomers, by the word of our testimony, and the blood of the Lamb.

ELIAS GOODWIN.

Oswego, N. Y. Aug. 22, 1866.

THE MORAL MARKET.

By Wm. S. Foote

The following report of matters in the moral market has been made. We hope it is not entirely correct:

Honor—Scarce. Old stock exhausted, and the new will be a complete failure.

Virtue—Old growth nearly consumed. Young growth—prospects very unpromising.

Honesty—None in market.

Patriotism—First quality scarce; none to be disposed of. Second quality easily bought on speculation at a 100 per cent. discount.

Prudence—All in the hands of old stockholders.

Modesty—Stock badly damaged. None for sale.

Vice—Market overstocked.

Pride—Market glutted.

Politeness—Cheap. Holders unwilling to dispose of stock at present rates.

Scandal—None at wholesale. Dealt in chiefly by hawkers and peddlers at retail.

Religion—None genuine on hand. Stock generally adulterated. Very few investments.

Love—None offered—except for greenbacks.

Talent—Scarce article. Sold exclusively for cash.

Consistency—Out of fashion.

We can say that we believe the above a true picture of the times in which we live; let those who doubt it, compare it with 2 Tim. iii, 1–13.

Wm. S. Foote.

Praise and Prayer.

By S. J. WAKELING

Let every heart in rapture sing, In choral strains let all rejoice; In praises to our heavenly King Let all unite in heart and voice.

All ye who love him, bow the knee, In supplication at his throne, In mercy Lord, remember me, When to thy kingdom thou shalt come.

May I be one to hail with joy, Thy signs upon the opening sky; And when as lightning shines above, Thy glory beams on every eye,—

May I be one to rise and meet With joy my Saviour in the air, Where friends I love again I’ll greet In songs of final triumph there.

S. J. WAKELING.

Memphis, Mich.

Letters.

“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”

This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith.

Missionary's Return from Africa

From Sister More.

From a letter just received from sister H. More, late missionary to Africa, we make the following extract:

“I was so prostrated with the combined influences of constant exertions from onerous duties, in a pestilential clime, (Africa) and the depression arising from the heart disease, that I doubted whether I should be able to reach my native land. The yellow fever had cut off whole ships’ crews in that section of country, particularly trading vessels, on the rivers. Quite a number of deaths had occurred in the harbor at Freetown, while I was at the Mission house waiting for sailing after my passage was engaged. Our missionary physician had died, and the missionary at whose house I was, buried his only son. The next day I was informed that the flag of the Chanticleer was at half mast, and the hearse passed the Mission House with the remains of the Supercargo. I felt truly sad and perplexed, not knowing what to do, but prayed the Lord to guide me aright. My mission friends advised me to decline going on that ship, and I wrote the captain to that intent; but he assured me it was overwork which brought on African fever, and caused the sudden death, and no contagion need be apprehended, as the ship had been thoroughly fumigated with disinfecting agents, and re-painted; adding, in the words of Inspiration, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me,” &c. Bro. C. said he admired the spirit of the letter, and we decided that missionaries should be no less courageous than sea captains. I was accommodated on that trading vessel only in consequence of my being a missionary, who needed a change to recruit health. I had been refused a passage on three vessels previous to this. One of them, the Africa, had with difficulty returned to port, and was now having her cargo re-shipped on the Chanticleer, her damages on the shoals having unfitted her, so that she was condemned as unseaworthy; and I saw that the good hand of the Lord was in it, that she would not take me as a passenger. Another one, the Ann Elizabeth, whose captain would not wait for me to go on board, though his accommodations were good, ran into, and sunk, a ship near Boston harbor, and the captain was being tried for it, when we reached Boston; and our pilot informed us he had previously been tried for flogging one of his men in such an inhuman manner, as to cause his death. I was thankful I was not permitted to be on board such a ship, to witness the cry of drowning persons; as the collision was so sudden that it admitted of no escape. All went down to a watery grave. I had a safe passage through the mercy of God, though two of our seamen found a grave beneath the ocean’s billows. As I witnessed the burial service, the lowering of the hammock into the briny deep, I did not know but I too might thus be buried. But the thought was sweet that the sea would deliver up the dead, as surely and as safely as the land, and that the Judge of all the earth would do right by all. I was glad to rest at Lancaster, and unite with the little church there in keeping the commands of God and the faith of Jesus. This privilege I had long desired, and as Bro. Richmond had been healed while I was there, I felt that it was my privilege to be also healed. I was accordingly prayed for, and anointed in accordance with James v, and healed. I have not enjoyed so good health for years. I am endeavoring to live out the health reform, and doubt not the sanitary influence it exerts on the general health of those who practice its health-giving and renovating measures.”

Obituary Notices.

By Hiram Abbott; George I. Butler; B. F. Merritt

DIED, in East Townsend, Huron Co., Ohio, Thursday, Aug. 23, 1866, of lingering consumption, Bro. Hiram K. Herr, aged 31 years, 4 months, and 25 days. Bro. Herr embraced the truths of the third angel's message about a year since. He gave good evidence that he loved the truth and the people of God.

After a long illness, and much affliction, he came down to the gate of death with composure and resignation. He received the blow of the enemy without a struggle, having a bright hope of a glorious resurrection when the Life-giver comes. He said, “I am willing to go; it will be but a little while before we meet where we shall part no more.”

Bro. H. leaves a wife and one child, with numerous friends to mourn their loss. Suitable and appropriate remarks were made upon the funeral occasion by Bro. George Smith, upon the promises of the gospel that await the people of God, to be awarded at the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. HIRAM ABBOTT.

DIED, near Waukon, Iowa, August 7, 1866, of dysentery, our dear mother, Sarah G. Butler, aged sixty-seven years.

Mother embraced the present truth about eighteen years ago, under the labors of Bro. Bates, when there were but a few who kept the Sabbath. Ever since then her faith in this work has been unshaken. In her last illness she was perfectly willing to be laid away, and manifested all through it, that resignation and gratitude for every little kindness, that we should expect to see in one whose peace was made with God. She suffered comparatively little pain. We hope to live so as to meet her in the resurrection morn. GEORGE I. BUTLER.

DIED, in Princeville, Ill., July 6, 1866, Charlie W., youngest son of W. P. and C. Merritt, aged 11 months and 12 days. Funeral discourse by Bro. H. C. Blanchard, from the words, “Is it well with the child?” 2 Kings iv, 26.

Also, died in Princeville, Ill., August 24, 1866, Margie A., only child of J. L. and S. R. Merritt, aged 1 year and 2 months.

Bro. Blanchard spoke on the funeral occasion from Job xiv, 14. “If a man die, shall he live again?” We are comforted with the hope that these little ones will come again from the land of the enemy.

These lovely ones, so young and fair, In life's bright morn are thus laid low, Awhile to rest,—no more to share Earth's sufferings, or its sorrows know. And in the resurrection morn When Jesus comes, we hope to see These little ones, now from us torn, All robed in immortality. B. F. MERRITT.

JOSHUA PHILBRICK

By Joshua Philbrick

From Bro. Philbrick.

BRO. WHITE: I have for some time past felt a desire to bear my testimony in favor of the cause of present truth, which I dearly love. Since the appointed fast, I have felt my heart and interest united with the Lord's dear people as never before. How precious was the evidence that God was hearing prayer, and that he would raise up his own chosen ones, who have borne the burden of the third angel's message with such untiring zeal. Oh, may the heavenly angels that excel in strength, deliver and shield the messengers from the attacks of Satan and his angels, is my prayer. I love the sweet spirit of the third message. How pure, elevating, heavenly. And oh, how condescending on the part of our kind heavenly Father, through the pleadings of his dear Son, to send us so many counsels, admonitions, warnings, and entreaties, as tokens of his love. Oh, the depth of his love toward his people! And I, the least and most unworthy of them all, have the greatest reason to praise him. And in view of the straight work that is before me, I cry out from the depth of my soul, Shall I be an overcomer, or shall I be overcome? And then in view of the Lord's great love, when I see and feel my utter inability and helplessness, in my own strength, to be an overcomer, I sink in view of his loving kindness! How willing he is that we should feel our need of him, and cast ourselves upon his atoning merits, and then believe he saves. Blessed be his dear name forever.

Oh, how sweet the thought, how blessed the confidence, that Jesus loves me. I often feel that I must praise him, though so unworthy.

Since I first read the book, "How to Live," I have felt an ardent love for the leading principle embraced in that work; and I firmly believe that a reform has begun, that will run parallel in the future with the truths we have received, until the great work will be accomplished, the servants of God be prepared to receive the "excellent glory," to endure the hour of temptation, and to share a blessed reward.

JOSHUA PHILBRICK

Washington, N. H.

Sister S. L. Crous writes from Appleton, Ohio: I feel encouraged to be faithful, since I attended the tent meeting at Bellville, and heard such excellent arguments and exhortations. It was food to my hungry soul. After hearing Bro. Loughborough's excellent discourse on the Saints' Inheritance, and the preparation that must be made in order that we may enter into the city, I felt like making a full consecration, and coming unto the Lord with a pure and fervent heart, and imploring of him that his Spirit might guide me into all truth, and help me to keep the commandments, that I might have a right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city. Every discourse seemed to me to grow better; and I felt such a wakening up as I never felt before. Bro. Lawrence, on baptism and practical religion, and Bro. Van Horn on the Gifts and other subjects, were all seemingly just what I needed to hear. The Holy Spirit rested upon the dear brethren, as they set before the people the unpopular truths of the Bible. Surely the Lord is with them. Yes, he is with them, and blessing his people everywhere. How encouraging are reports from the brethren in different parts of the field. I rejoice that the number is being made up, and every preparation is being made for the coming of our Lord. I rejoice in his holy name for his goodness and his mercies unto us, in that our ears have been saluted with the sound of the third angel's message, and our eyes have beheld the messengers of the Lord. We pray much for those dear brethren that labor in this State. We believe the Lord has sent them this way.

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