In Review No. 2, Vol. xxviii, we find this sentence. It seemed to me to be worthy of a few thoughts. How many a dark night to the Christian has seemed to usher in the morning, the bright morning of deliverance. Dark nights of toil, of sorrow, of temptation and deep anguish, have ever been succeeded by, and have ushered in, the morning. That dark night of temptation in the wilderness did but usher in the morning which manifested the love of God, as he said, "This is my beloved Son; hear ye him." That was a dark night of trouble and sorrow, as the disciples saw their beloved Master taken by a wicked mob, insulted, and derided in every possible manner, and finally shamefully crucified between two thieves, and laid in the grave. Ah! was it not a dark night? but it was soon followed by that bright morning when Jesus rose a mighty conqueror, and triumphed over death and the grave. Joy unspeakable filled the hearts of the disciples as they saw the form of him "whom they supposed should have redeemed Israel" safely restored to them. As words of comfort fell from his lips, their courage was again revived, light succeeded the darkness. The dark clouds were riven asunder, and they covenanted anew, methinks, to live and die in the cause of him who had died for them.
Dark indeed was that night of 1260 years of terrible persecution through which the people of God passed; but the bright morning of the Reformation soon followed. Christianity spread her fair wings, and light from the throne seemed to burst over the world. We follow the history of the people of God down through the various changes through which they passed, and we find that ever and anon the smiles and blessings of God would burst through the gloomy clouds to cheer the hearts of those who held on by faith.
But we leave the past, and come to our own day. Dark was the time when the war threatened to drag us into the dreadful conflict; but God signally heard and answered the prayers of his people. The bright sun shone over our heads, as peace with her balmy wings seemed to hover over our land. We expected to see the church rise, and with it come the loud cry of the third angel; but ah! how disappointed! But the message could not go only as it went right. We were not right. We were lukewarm, unfit to be intrusted with the last message of mercy to the world. The afflicting hand of God has been laid upon us heavily. The messengers were afflicted and compelled to quit the field. Our enemies were before and behind. But brethren, let us cheer up, a bright morning is before us, if we continue to humble ourselves, confess and forsake our sins. God will work for us. He is mighty to save. His arm is not yet shortened, nor his ear heavy. Mercy still lingers. Oh, let us embrace it.
Darker nights are before us than we have yet seen; but "as thy day, thy strength shall be." Soon will come the bright morning of the resurrection, when the saints will be ushered into their eternal inheritance. Reader, may this be our happy lot, is my prayer.
H. F. PHELPS.
A Lonely Believer’s Appeal
By James White
From Sister Jackson.
BRO. WHITE: While reading the testimonies from the lonely ones, I feel greatly encouraged, for I too am one of the lonely. I have not had the privilege of meeting with those that keep the commandments since one year ago last winter; then Brn. Canright and Doty delivered a course of lectures at Jackson Prairie, three miles west of this place; since which time I have been striving to live out the truths of the third angel's message, and I find while so doing the worst enemy I have to conquer is self. I desire the prayers of the brethren and sisters that I may prove faithful in the performance of every duty enjoined upon me, that I may at last gain the victory over every besetting sin. At times the way seems dark and lonely, but I have found a remedy in going to my closet and there trying to keep nothing back but laying my sins, sorrows, and temptations before my ever blessed Saviour, and beseeching him to forgive where I have done amiss; and when I return, it seems as though the clouds were all gone, and darkness exchanged for light.
There are many inquiring minds here that seem anxious to learn the truth. May God in his mercy direct some of the messengers this way. Our house is open to any who might see fit to come here and hold meetings, I think there might be great good done here.
Your sister striving for the kingdom.
E. JACKSON.
HELEN A. OLMSTEAD
By Helen A. Olmstead
From Sister Olmsted.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: For the first time I take my pen, to address a few lines to you through "The Review." A little more than two years have passed since I embraced the "truth," and I can say to-day, that I am glad that I ever was led to come out from the world and embrace it. There is only one family in Clinton besides myself who keep the Sabbath and they live two miles from me. We often meet, as I very often go to spend the Sabbath with them. The nearest church is twelve miles, at Johnstown. I go there quite often to meeting.
Though I am so situated this summer teaching school, that I meet a great deal of opposition, still by the grace of God assisting me I am trying to be faithful. 'Tis true very many times the way has looked very "hard and rough" and my feet have been very weary, yet I think of the One who trod the rugged path before me, the meek and lowly Jesus, and then I try to tread patiently and trustingly the path marked out for me. It is only a little while, before Jesus will come and if we are only faithful we will be well rewarded for all our trials and disappointments here.
Pray for me that I may ever be faithful and at last have a right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city.
HELEN A. OLMSTEAD
Clinton Wis.
WM. COTTRELL
By Wm. Cottrell
From Bro. Cottrell.
BRO. WHITE: I am pleased to learn through the Review that your health is improving. We hope and pray that you may yet be restored to health, and that much good may result from your labors in the good cause.
We are very anxious that a minister should give us a call, and come prepared to labor as long with us as will be thought profitable. Will not Bro. Loughborough or Brn. Van Horn and Lawrence come. Brethren, wont you respond to the call from Bowersville, Ohio. Truly we need help. Brethren, let me hear from you through the Review, and also address me a private note at Bowersville, Green Co., Ohio. Will you insert this call in the Review, so that those brethren may see the same, as I don't know where to address them while they are in the field and traveling.
Yours in hope.
WM. COTTRELL
Bowersville, O.
Pressing On in Faith
By M. M. Castle
From M. M. Castle.
It is almost eight years since I embraced the present truth, and I am just as determined as ever to try to press my way on, although I find Satan on every side, to discourage and try to destroy, and cause me to make many crooked paths, but I know God's grace is sufficient if I put my trust in him.
Pray for me that I may not be found wanting in that great day when the Saviour comes for his jewels.
M. M. CASTLE.
Obituary Notices.
DIED, in Marietta, Crawford, Co., Wis., Nov. 9, 1865, my mother, Orpha J. Steele, aged 70 years and 27 days. Deceased had been a firm believer in the Advent faith about four years, and a member of the same church a little more than one year.
"She sleeps in Jesus soon to rise,
When the last trump shall rend the skies;
Then burst the fetters of the tomb,
To wake in full immortal bloom."
DIED, in Marietta, Wis., June 29, 1866, my father, Timothy Steele, aged 82 years, 10 months, and 3 days. He had been a member of the S. D. Adventist church about two years.
"Sleep on, aged pilgrim, in the grave,
Free from toil and care,
The forest trees doth o'er thee wave,
As thou art sleeping there."
Farewell, aged pilgrim, thou hast gone,
Thy sufferings now are o'er,
May heavenly angels guide thee home
To that celestial shore.
SUSAN C. MCMASTER.
Marietta, Wis.
Worldly Talk
WORLDLY TALK.—I fell into a mistake when a young man in thinking that I could talk with men of the world on their own ground and could thus win them over to mine. I was fond of painting, and so talked with them on that subject. This pleased them; but I did not consider that I gave a consequence to their pursuits which does not belong to them; whereas I ought to have endeavored to raise them above these, that they might engage in higher. I did not see it at the time; but I now see it to have been a great error. A wealthy man builds a fine house, and opens to himself fine prospects; he wants you to see them, for he is sick of them himself. They thus draw you into their schemes. A man has got ten thousand pounds; you congratulate him upon it, and that without any intimation of his danger or his responsibility. Now you may tell him in the pulpit that riches are worth nothing; but you will tell him this is vain, while you tell him out of it that they are.
To Whom It May Concern.
By John Nevins Andrews
For the benefit of those who desire to possess and preserve a complete set of our works for use and for future reference, I would say that I have prepared, and caused to be bound, in a plain, but neat aud substantial mauner, nearly all our works that now exist in pamphlet form.
These form a library of seven volumes, of 570 pages each, of great value to all who are desirous to acquaint themselves with the doctrines of S. D. Adventists. I offer these libraries at the cost of the books, the binding aud the labor of arranging them. The binding of each library costs $2.10. The entire cost of the seven volumes that compose a library, is $8.00.
Those who desire a set of these works, would do well to send for them at once. Direct to J. N. Andrews, No. 313, Main St. Rochester, N. Y., and they will be forwarded immediately by express. These libraries are much more complete than those which I had bound some time since. J. N. ANDREWS.
The Cause in Norridgewock.
By J. N. Andrews, D. M. Canright
We reached this place July 6, aud find the interest in the cause of truth in this region unabated. Indeed, we may safely say that the work is with many evidently taking a deeper, stronger hold of the heart. The faithful labors of Elder Putnam have been greatly blessed to the good of the friends of truth in this place, and they are highly appreciated by them.
We hope for the blessiuq of God upou our future labors, and for divine guidance iu all we have to do.
J. N. ANDREWS,
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Norridgewock, Me., July 10, 1866.
Blanks.
By John Norton Loughborough
It seems necessary to make some explanation concerning the blanks which have been issued by Conferences for the use of churches and ministers, as some do not seem to understand them. The first we will notice is Quarterly reports of S. D. Treasurers, "To the State Conference Secretary." These are to be used at the close of the quarter, and refer to what has been paid to ministers, or to the Treasurer during the quarter. See State Constitution, Art. iii, Sec. 4. It is designed to reckon these quarters from the time of holding the Conference. In Mich. this year it will be from May 15; in Iowa from about June 1; in Ill. and Wis. from July 1; in Minnesota from July 1.
Quarterly Reports of ministers are also to be made at the close of the quarter, to the State Conference Secretary, concerning money which they have received from churches or the Treasurer during the quarter. See Constitution, Art. iii, Sec. 5. If churches and ministers will bear in mind that it is to the Secretary that these reports are to be made, and not trouble the Conference Treasurer with them, they will save both Secretary and Treasurer much trouble. If you have money to send on your Conference pledge for this quarter, please send it to the Treasurer; and let all be prompt in their payments and reports, and as much as possible have your accounts square at the close of each quarter. Let us be as prompt in paying our tithes to the Lord, as we are in meeting Cæsar's demands upon us. Luke xx, 25.
The other blanks, such as "Financial Report and Pledge," "Church Report," and "Credentials for Delegates," are to be used in making your report when your delegates come to the next session of the Conference. Each delegate will need a certificate, or credential; but only one of each of the blanks called "Church Report," and "Financial Report," need be sent from any one church. The use of all other blanks will be readily understood.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Notice
Is hereby given to all belonging to the church of S. D. Adventists at Oronoco, Minn. We would once more request you to faithfully represent yourselves at our Quarterly Meetings (of which due notice is always given in Review), according to the resolution passed by this church, and published in Review Vol. xxvii, No. 15. Please read again. This church is represented at the Conference as being 48 in number, a large percentage of whom we know nothing about. Will you tell us where you are? Are you for, or against us? We hope all will be faithful to report hereafter. Something must be done. We must know whether you are with us, not only in name, but in heart. "So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof, for the people had a mind to work." So brethren, when we as a people have a mind to work, the breach will be restored, and the cause move forward.
Those who report by letter, will please direct to Thomas Harlow, Oronoco, Olmstead Co. Minn.
For, and in behalf of the church.
THOMAS HARLOW, Elder.
H. F. PHELPS, Clerk.
Conversion of a Roman Catholic.
By James Hackett
BRO. WHITE: I would like to say to the brethren and sisters that the third angel's message has come to me, for which my heart is overwhelmed with joy. I was brought up a Roman Catholic, and was chosen by the priest for one of his clerks. This was in England, and as it is their office to wait on the priest, to ring the little bells, &c.; I am well versed in all their ceremonies, professions of faith, &c., which makes me doubly thankful for the light I now enjoy. The Review is a welcome messenger. I have kept the last two Sabbaths. My wife is almost persuaded as well as others in this place. Pray for us, that our faith fail not. May God increase our numbers.
Yours, striving to overcome.
JAMES HACKETT.
Ft. Lincoln, Kansas.
Appointments.
Conference in Ohio.
ThE next annual session of the Ohio Conference of S. D. Adventists, will be held at Lovett's Grove, Wood Co., Ohio, on Friday, July 27, 1866. Delegates are requested to meet at the chapel on Thursday evening, (at 6 o'clock) July 26, to organize the Conference, choose Committees, and so arrange business, that there will be no hindrance to the progress of business on Friday. It is very desirable that all the churches be fully represented by delegates, and that the delegates bring with them, full reports, as the printed blanks indicate. Religious exercises to commence on Sabbath and continue over first-day.
Bro. Loughborough and others are expected to be present.
A general invitation is extended to all, who can, to attend this meeting, with the hope, that all, whether they do, or do not attend, will pray for God's blessing to rest upon this Conference. Delegates, will find conveyance at Tontogany on Thursday, and others on Friday, to convey them to Lovett's Grove.
OHIO CONF. COMMITTEE.
Providence permitting, we continue our appointments from Milford to St. Charles', July 21 and 22. Chesaning 24 and 25. Owasso 28 and 29. Will some brother come from Woodhull, and we will meet with the church there 31 and Aug. 1. Locke, 4 and 5. Genoa, 10 and 11. Bunker Hill, 18 and 19. Thence to Monterey.
The next Quarterly Meeting for Franklin County, will be held at West Enosburg, Vt., Aug. 4 and 5. I will try to attend this meeting, if Bro. Stone does not.
Business Department.
RECEIPTS.
For Review and Herald.
Annexed to cash receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money receipted pays. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
E E Root 30–1, J Teuny 30–1, Mrs A White 30–1, A Hammond 29–23, A B Rust 29–7, W Sanborn 30–1, O McKean 28–16, J Crook 29–1, J Cole 29–1, L Bullock 28–14, N Ward 29–5, Mrs M L Townsend 29–1, J P Farnsworth 29–1, B Reed 30–7, J Wheeler 30–1, S Whitney for Mrs L Martin 30–1, I M Davis 27–1, J Welton 29–1, M Judd 29–1, Mrs T Cummings 30–1, W B Davis 28–1, G W Newman 29–1, D Hewitt 29–1, D Upson 29–1, J Dayking 29–1, L Hall 27–8, W French 27–1, E J Connet 29–1, W Caviness 29–1, W W Wellman 27–9, Mrs M Ely 30–1, F Crummet 28–22, each $1.
S A Williams 28–1, O P Bovee 31–1, S Babcock 30–1, H Swartout 30–1, W J Hardy 30–2, B Farnham 29–1, I Gardner 30–1, Wm E Allchin 30–1, Mrs M Barber 29–21, Wm Slocum 30–1, J Slocum, 30–1, L H Densmore 30–1, S G Beede 28–1, H Holcomb 30–1, E B Bronson 28–1, H Grant 31–1, G M Dimmick 28–1, A G Woodbury 30–1, H Patch 28–1, B Crandall 29–3, A G Carter 30–8, P Slater 29–14, H F Lashier 29–1, J B Benson 29–1, H Hall 30–1, E Gibbs 30–1, Mrs J Day 31–1, P D Nye 30–5, H Phillips 30–13, R M Kilgore 30–12, L A Bourn 29–1, J Carpenter 30–1, E Emery 30–1, W W Jilz 29–1, S E Edwards 28–3, G W Edwards 29–1, L Newcomb 30–10, M Titus 30–1, C S Lynnell 30–3, Mrs S Wells 30–7, D Honeywell 30–1, E Muntz 30–1, L H Ells 28–1, Mrs W W Chase 30–1, S Walker 30–1, I C Choate 29–8, E Rackliffe 30–1, E Williamson 30–1, T Francis 30–1, each $2.00.
D Whistler 28–23, J Finton 28–13, H Salisbury 28–16, Mrs E Bullis 29–1, R A Jeffries 29–7, E Dalgrien 30–1, each 50 cts.
A H Clymer $4.00, 33–20, E Lawton for Mary A Mead $2.50, in full of acct, E Lawton $2.50, 32–14, J P Bascom $2.50 in full, Jas Aldrich $2.50, 30–1, M Hale $3.00, 31–1, C Kelsey $3.75, 30–20, J H Warren $3.00, 29–1, M Lull $4.00, 30–10, H C West $2.50, 28–20, T Lindsay $3.00, 31–7.
Subscriptions at the Rate of $3.00 per year.
L S Gregory 30–1, E Merrill 29–1, S H King 31–1, J F Sindlinger 30–18, H Crosbie 32–1, E Odell 30–16, M W Porter 29–1, O F Guilford 29–11, D Carpenter 30–1, each $3.
Donations to Publishing Association.
Brn. at Leslie, Mich $19.80, E Muntz $2.20.
Cash Received on Account.
S H King $5.00, W Merry $5.00, J Bostwick $2.00, E D Place $10.00, E S Griggs $2.00, H S Gurney 50c, E G Dood for D M Canright $2.00.
Books Sent By Mail.
Emily Langdon 50c, John Wilson 50c, A B Rust $1, P C Rodman 75c, F H Lashier 45c, Geo M Dimmick 54c, Mrs E P Thompson $2.25, R M Kilgore $3, Z C Warren $1, Mrs T Cummings 5c, W Cruzan 10c, G W Newman $1, Mary Briggs 50c, D W Milk 50c, S W Rhodes 75c, E Muntz $1.80, M F Dibble $2.
To Raise the sum of $500 for Bro. R. F. Cottrell.
Previously received $150.66, F Maynard $2.50, H Crosbie $5, W E Cheesbro $5, Benj F Berry $5, Buel L Whitney $5.
To Raise the Sum of $700, for Bro. M. E. Cornell.
Previously received $336.66, A H Clymer $4, F Maynard $2.50, J F Sidlinger $5, H Crosbie $5, E S Griggs $10.00, D A Wetmore $10.00, O F Guilford $10.00, B F Berry $5.00.
For the Western Health-Reform Institute.
The following amounts are subscribed for shares in The Western Health-Reform Institute at $25.00, each share.
A H Clymer $25.00, L S Gregory $25.00, O Mears $50.00, J Mears $25.00, J B Gregory $25.00, H Nicola $25.00, R Sawyer $25.00, M J Sawyer $25.00, R S Tyler $25.00, J Fargo $25.00, A W Maynard $100.00, J L Wilson $25.00, M C Holliday $25.00, L B Kneeland $25.00, J P Hunt $25.00, J Gulick $25.00, E S Griggs $25.00, C K Farnsworth $100.00, H S Guilford $25.00, D A Wetmore $25.00, A M Brigham $25.00, H Main $50.00, T T Wheeler $25.00, J Q Foy $25.00, I Abbey $100.00, W Merry $25.00, W S Ingraham $25.00, E B Stephenson $25.00, J L Kilgore $50.00, R M Kilgore $25.00, D Smouse $25.00, H J Rich $25.00, H Hilliard $25.00, D W Milk $25.00, E S Lane $100.00, W G Buckland $50.00, R Loveland $25.00, Dr J D Dennis $25.00, M Wilcox $25.00.
Michigan Conference Fund.
Ch. at Caledonia s. b. by Sr. Bascom $1.25, at West Plains $5.35, at Orleans $23.00, at Orange $10.00, at St Charles $60.00, at Winfield $7.75, at Chesaning $9.00, Brn. at Leslie $5.20.
For Battle Creek Meeting House.
Minnesota Conference $50.00.
The Meaning of Goatee
By Editor
A correspondent expressing his gratification in seeing the resolutions on dress, lately published in the Review, says he does not understand the one which speaks of "donning the moustache or goatee," and asks for light. In reply we would say, that when those resolutions were adopted by the General Conference, the word "donning" was very properly changed to the word "wearing." The only other difficulty we presume, is with the word "goatee," as "moustache" is of such common use as to be understood by all. Goatee we suppose may be defined in general terms, as wearing the beard in such a way as to make the person look like a goat; more particularly a small tuft of hair worn under the chin. This latter is the definition given to it in the latest editions of Webster.