Earlier text: The CommentaryENCOURAGING MEETINGS IN N. Y.
By N. FULLER
According to arrangement, I have been laboring in connection with Eld. R. F. Cottrell on the Western District, N. Y. After the Quarterly meeting at Olcott, I remained and followed the interest by a protracted effort, which was greatly blessed both to the church and those without. The church commenced to seek the God of their fathers with all their hearts. The Lord met them as soon as they took a step in advance. The result was, four young persons come inquiring what they must do to be saved. Some of them had severe contests with the enemy; but they have gotten the victory by faith, so as to feel that they have a hope that is like an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast. Backsliders were reclaimed, cold professors began to feel the holy fire kindling in the soul, and they resolved to no longer stand in the way of the work of God. Each resolved, by the help of the Lord, to hold every step they gained, which, if they do, they will see the work of God prosper in their midst. “Oh that each from his Lord
May receive the glad word,
Well and faithfully done.” We left just in season to reach the Quarterly Meeting at Lancaster. A good representation of brethren and sisters from Olcott, and several from Rochester, were in attendance. The meetings were characterized by the same good Spirit we had felt at Olcott. Wrongs were searched out and confessed, and the church seemed to be prepared to go on their way rejoicing. Satan has desired to have some of the dear saints at Lancaster, that “he might sift them as wheat.” I trust many can truly say as the Saviour did to Peter, “I have prayed for thee.” Oh! may the Lord rescue them; and he will if they continue to trust in him. From thence we went to Nile Settlement, to attend the Quarterly Meeting for Allegany. Here we found the need of much labor with the church. We at once set about the work. The church entered into a covenant to seek God with all their hearts, and seek him now. An interest begun to awaken, not only in the church, but among those who did not profess religion. Nine offered themselves for prayers, most of whom were not Sabbath-keepers. Two confessed the Saviour and found him precious to their souls. They also acknowledged the claims of God’s law, Sabbath and all. Our meetings commenced at sunset, evening after evening, and the Lord greatly blessed our earnest effort. But the time came for us to go to attend the Quarterly Meeting at Roulette, Pa. We left an appointment here again as soon as we could return. The Lord was with us at Roulette, and the church were greatly strengthened. We found a willingness on their part to take hold of the work of God in good earnest. May God bless and strengthen them. We then returned to Allegany and resumed the work. There was an increasing interest both within and without the church. The time being at hand when Bro. Cottrell must go to attend the Farmington Quarterly Meeting, it was decided that I should remain and continue the meetings, which I did until evening before last. Over twenty have offered themselves for prayers. Seven or eight have taken up the cross. Some, with hearts all melted by the Spirit of God, said they should fight against the law of God no more. I think the work has not reached its height yet. It has been a soul-reviving and sin-killing time. Heaven rejoices to see men turning to God, being willing to have his law written in their hearts. I write hastily while waiting for the cars to take me to the Quarterly Meeting at Catlin, after which I am to return and continue the meetings at Nile. Belvidere, N. Y., March 20, 1867. MEETINGS IN VERMONT.
By A. C. BOURDEAU
My last report closed with the meetings held Feb. 9 and 10, at Irasburgh, Vt. During our stay in this place we were comfortably entertained at the pleasant home of Bro. H. W. Barrows. The sleighing was poor, caused by a severe thaw; yet we were thankful that we had a good team to take us to our next place of appointment. Feb. 16 and 17, we met with the church at Sutton. Although it rained hard, Sabbath morning several had courage to turn out in the storm to attend the meeting. But while they felt amply paid for the pains they had taken, the absence of their elder from the meeting caused them to feel sorrowful. We unanimously decided to meet at his place the day following. Here we dwelt largely upon organization and Systematic Benevolence, after which eleven raised their figures on S. B., from $17,68 to $40,08, and $6,75 were donated to the Publishing Association. As I exhorted the brethren and sisters to be punctual in assembling themselves together, I was reminded of the course that the brethren in E. pursued about a year ago, which I will here relate: Difficulties among some threatened to ruin precious souls. We had tried to bring reconciliation among the parties concerned, but to no effect. Finally we arranged to have several prayer and social meetings with the church each week, hoping that would lead us to strive for a deep and genuine work of grace in the heart, and help us to more successfully defeat the enemy. In this the Lord enabled us to be eminently successful. But as the meetings progressed and became more and more interesting, we noticed that some families did not attend, and thus were depriving themselves of privileges which might be of lasting benefit to them if they enjoyed them. One brother lived too far from the meeting house, and could not come. But we gave the word to the brethren to go and hold an evening meeting at his house; and as they drove up to his door, one team after another, his heart was filled with joy! He quickly found room for the teams in his barns, and opened his doors to receive the brethren and sisters; and the result was that he and his family were encouraged to attend the prayer meetings, and were greatly revived in the good work and strengthened in the faith. Another brother and his wife who had been in the truth only a few months, did not feel well enough to212attend evening meetings. We had also an evening meeting at their house. After that they were the first that drove up to the house of prayer, at every meeting. Their two daughters attended with them; and under the melting influences of the Spirit, it was not long before they decided to serve the Lord with their parents, and with several of their young friends who embraced religion during these meetings. On our way from Sutton to North Troy, Feb. 19, we had a pleasant visit at Bro. N. Orcutt’s, in South Troy. Bro. O. has sold his farm, and, with his wife, intends to spend a few months at the Health Institute for the purpose of recovering their health; after which he purposes to devote more of his time in laboring in the cause as the way may open. They took eight shares in the Institute, and donated $5,00 to the Association. Owing to bad roads the meeting was small at North Troy. On Sabbath and first-day, Feb. 23 and 24, we held meetings with the church at East Richford. A goodly number of brethren and sisters from North Troy and Berkshire, Vt., and North Sutton, C. E. attended these meetings. Bro. A. Stone was present and assisted in preaching. The Lord gave liberty in speaking on the Health Reform. We trust that this church will be encouraged to advance in the good way under the labors of Bro. Stone, who now resides in their midst. Wednesday evening, the 27th, I gave a discourse in a school house near Bro. N. Austin’s in Berkshire. The few Sabbath-keepers in this place are trying to hold on to the truth whereunto they have attained. Sabbath, March 2, we were happy to meet with the brethren and sisters at home. The battle goes well in Enosburgh. We feel of good courage and strong in the faith. On Tuesday evening, March 5, we attended a prayer and social meeting in the S. D. A. meeting-house with the church at home. I spoke about forty minutes on the advances which God’s people are making, and the obligations that we are under at the present time to place ourselves and our means upon the altar, where the Lord can use us in his service and the means that he has lent us in his cause, according to his own good pleasure; that at his appearing, when all earthly treasures shall fail us, we may have laid up treasures in Heaven, and be accepted with the pure and holy “in everlasting habitations;” and thus not be found of that class to whom it shall be said, “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted,” etc. James v, 1–4. These principles were endorsed by the brethren and sisters in their testimonies. We felt truly thankful, and the dear saints seemed very near to us, while they expressed with tears the deep emotions of their hearts and their sympathies for the servants of God who have to sacrifice comfortable homes, and the society of loved ones, to go out and labor in the wide harvest field. This meeting was truly interesting, and a time long to be remembered by the church. On Thursday, the 7th, in company with Bro. M. Gould and M. N. Cross and their wives, we started in a heavy snow storm, for Wolcott, Vt., where we arrived in season to commence our meetings the next day at 11 o’clock, A. M. The meeting, which lasted three days, commenced and progressed with increasing interest to the close. I gave five discourses, held two conference meetings, and one business meeting. At the business meeting, I had the opportunity of making statements for the purpose of clearing away objections and erroneous ideas that existed in the minds of some, relative to the W. H. R. Institute. I also made some remarks on Systematic Benevolence, examined the standing of the church, and we appointed a S. B. treasurer. Then eleven shares were taken in the Institute, $4.25 donated to the Association, and the figures on S. B. were raised nearly $23.00 higher than they were before. There is indeed a coming up on the subject of Systematic Benevolence in this State, which shows the love and appreciation of the truth that exists in the hearts of God’s children; for the more we love and appreciate the truth, the more we are willing to sacrifice for the advancement of the cause of truth. It is true that we are invited to come, and “buy . . . . without money and without price.” But this has reference to the plan which has been established for human redemption. Nothing short of our availing ourselves of the merits of Christ’s blood can save us from the effects of transgression, and freely secure unto us the joys of an endless life in the Paradise of God. But aside from this free grace that is granted unto us, there are duties incumbent upon us, some of which relate to the use we should make of our means in the cause. Systematic Benevolence as it is adopted by our people works well, and can be compared to a main spring in a machine. With this plan we need not go outside of the cause to get propelling power. The cause has propelling power in itself. Or, in other words, it is not necessary for us to solicit means from those without to help sustain the cause. There is means in the church. The cause can support itself. Thank God for such a plan, and for the disposition that he has given his people to carry it out. But the Lord deals very closely with us upon this subject. We have repeatedly seen in our experience that those who put in their property at its full value are blessed. While those who do not come up to the figures generally adopted on all what they are worth, usually fail of being prospered. Their means are often cut down to their figures. For instance, I know a brother who six years ago was worth only $700.00. Since the plan of Systematic Benevolence has been adopted by our churches, he had always chosen to give in his figures in full, including both real estate and personal property. He has been prospered so that his property is now put in at $2300.00. Another brother once put in his property at half its value. Afterward a circumstance occurred which caused him to lose $150.00. This could have been avoided by using proper means previous to its occurrence without any trouble. He became convinced that he had failed in withholding from the Lord what belonged to him, and doubled his figures at once on S. B.; and also donated some means in a benevolent enterprise. Bro. White’s remarks on Systematic Benevolence in his reports were timely. Doubtless they have led many to consider the subject more closely, and good results are following. Says the wise man, “The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Prov. xi, 25. While I held meetings at Wolcott, we were cordially entertained by Bro. and sister Hutchins at their pleasant and comfortable home. Bro. H. has poor health and needs to be careful and avoid all over-exertion. A. C. BOURDEAU.
Andover, Vt., March 24, 1867. BRIEF REPORT.
By James White
We held interesting meetings in Newton two days, March 23, and 24. Brethren came in from Burlington, making in all quite a good congregation. Bro. Byington met with us. On Sabbath morning we spoke an hour and a half on Sanctification, and with a few moments’ intermission Mrs. W. spoke at least an hour and a half. On first-day we spoke one hour and a quarter on the parable of the ten virgins, the marriage of the Lamb and the second advent, and Mrs. W. followed for one hour and three fourths with much freedom. Then the brethren enjoyed a good social meeting, in which nearly all took part. We stopped at our old home in the family of Bro. and Sr. Glover. Sabbath and first-day, March 30 and 31, we held meetings, as appointed in Review, in Convis. Sabbath morning we spoke on Health Reform, purity of the flesh and spirit, for one hour. Mrs. W. then followed for one hour and three-fourths on the same theme. The truth was well received, and, we hope, will be lived out. First-day a business meeting was held, at which their Systematic Benevolence was raised to the plan, which increased their figures to twice their former amount. We were kindly cared for at the good home of Bro. Smith, the Elder of the church, and April 1, we returned home where we have been busily engaged in boxing goods ready to move north.
JAMES WHITE. To the Church in Minn.
By Henry F. Phelps
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Long years have passed since the cause here was represented by a very few, who had moved from other places. Many and earnest were your prayers that you might have help, and that a people might be raised up here who would keep the commandments of God and obey the testimony of Jesus. Your prayers were not unavailing; partially they have been answered. Many of you in the past, have done nobly. Many no doubt gave liberally of their means to support the cause. But mostly by the liberality of others has the cause been brought to its present state of prosperity,—yes, prosperity, compared with what it was a few years ago; but yet much remains to be done. The cause here is yet in its infancy. Many honest ones are starving for truth, who, could they once hear it, would be living epistles, known and read of all men. But as yet the laborers are few. But God has heard your prayers in this also. Of late two efficient messengers have come into our midst, and now the question is, shall they be supported? or will we by a neglect of duty suffer their hands to be tied, while thousands are perishing around us. If we do, blood will be found upon our garments in that day. May God help us to do our duty. But are all doing their duty? I mean in every particular, but more especially in regard to Systematic Benevolence. Are all doing duty here? I speak from a knowledge of facts, many are negligent, many are far behind. To such the language, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,” is very applicable. Brethren, we profess to be engaged in a systematic work. S. B. is based upon a noble system, by which all bear an equal burden, but how can it be system, when a few pay more than they could in justice be asked to do, and many do not pay more than the one half? (I speak the truth.) Some of our brethren do not put down more than one half what they are actually worth, and even do not pay what they do put down. Let the case of Ananias and Sapphira be a warning to such. Brethren bear with me; but can we expect God will long bless and bear with such individuals? The cause of God is suffering by your neglect. Let us rouse, be zealous and repent, lest the faithful witness spue us out of his mouth; lest we be cast off, and others be raised up to take our crowns; lest it be said of us “Go to now ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten, your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasures together for the last days.” Let none feel hurt at what I have written. I mean no one but the guilty, and if such will be urged up to do their duty, the end of these few lines will be gained. Some have done, and are still doing nobly; let them continue, and God will bless them; and may many others come up to our next series of Quarterly Meetings, prepared to do likewise. For the benefit of all who may need it, and by the request of a few, I will here give a plan which I have followed out for some time. I was once alike guilty with others in allowing my S. B. to be neglected; but, since adopting the following, I have found no trouble. It is this. I take one-tenth of all the money I receive, and lay it by. For instance, if I receive one dollar, I lay by ten cents of it, if two dollars I lay by twenty cents, and in the same ratio for any greater or less amount. Let all try this, and see how soon they can pay up all arrearages on their S. B. —The total loss of cattle in Holland from the rinderpest, is stated at 115,962. New York.—A corporation is proposed, with $2,000,000 capital, to convey the Saratoga Springs waters in pipes to New York city, for the jaded fashionables to drink fresh. —Mr. F. Lambie leaves Detroit Apr. 13th, for Scotland and other European countries, for the purpose of inducing emigration to the United States, especially to Michigan. To forward his enterprise, he will take out specimens of the mineral and agricultural productions of this State. Mr. L., himself a Scotchman, describes this country as the one “to which all look as the land of promise for the poor and the oppressed.” —The Connecticut election has gone Democratic. —A number of the New York city clergy, bankers and merchants, have united in requesting A. T. Stewart, a Commissioner to the Paris Exposition, to use his influence in favor of closing the United States’ department on Sunday during the continuance of the Exhibition. Another Terrible War Impending.—The Herald’s Constantinople correspondence, dated February 23th, says Turkey is concentrating her hosts of various nationalities in great force in and around Constantinople. Russia is re-inforcing her regiments and advancing on her frontier line, and the Turks of all classes seemed impressed with the belief that a struggle was at hand in which the Sultan’s position must be maintained at the cost of much blood or the Crescent be retired from Europe to the Asiatic shores of the Bosphorus. The Viceroy of Egypt, moved, it is thought, by French advice, bears himself more independently toward the Sultan as he understands the near approach of war. Paris.—April 1.—The great Paris Universal Exposition was formally opened this morning. The day was observed as a holiday by the entire population. At 11 o’clock the doors were opened, and by the time the Emperor arrived there were 5,000 persons inside. Outside at least 100,000 people had assembled. There were 8,000 police on duty, and the order was excellent. Every carriage in Paris seemed to have been employed. The Virginia Colliery Explosion.—While Louisiana is threatened with ruin by the waters of the Mississippi, Virginia suffers a more startling though less extensive calamity from subterranean fires. An explosion in the Clover Hill coal pits, about 20 miles south west from Richmond in a straight line, has killed 69 miners and, at last accounts, the fire was still unsubdued. —The Methodists are building a large Monumental church at Washington, to cost $200,000. It will be the largest and most imposing edifice on the continent. Pews will be set apart for the President and his Cabinet, the Judges of our courts, Generals of our army, and other distinguished persons. Seats, also, will be provided for the different States, so that strangers from every section of our extended republic may feel that they have a place to worship when visiting the metropolis. Being national in character, persons of every denomination have taken an interest in its completion. Chief Justice Chase and Gen. Grant are members of the Board of Trustees, and the first men of the nation are among the contributors to this great monumental edifice, which is destined to stand for ages to come as a temple of truth and citadel of freedom. —It is generally admitted by newspapers throughout the country that this has been an exceedingly fair winter for farmers. There has been snow enough to protect the wheat, and there is every prospect of abundant crops. The Condition of Spain.—William C. Bryant, in his last letter from Spain to the N. Y. Evening Post says: I think the population of Spain, as a whole, the raggedest that I ever saw in any part of the world. A deep discontent, if I may trust what I have heard and seen, pervades all classes of the inhabitants, save the priesthood and the small minority which adheres to them. The regulations of the government obstruct in a thousand ways enterprise and the exchange of commodities,213and now, as if to try the patience of the people to the utmost, the government has codified in this present year the taxes of the next, doubling the public burdens at once. In case the army, three-fourth of which, according to the estimate of some, is already disaffected, should demand a change of administration, it is apprehended by many that the people, seizing the opportunity, may inflict a bloody vengeance on their oppressors. It is, however, altogether as likely that the change will take place quietly, when the Queen and her immediate advisers shall see that resistance to change is utterly hopeless.
—Professor Agassiz, at his late Cooper Institute lecture, showed the futility of all theories concerning the origin of man, except that of special creation. The Sunday in Venice.—“Carleton,” the well-known correspondent of the Boston Journal, now traveling in Europe, gives the following description of the Sunday in Venice, which may be regarded as illustrative of the state of things in Roman Catholic countries: “The church bells were ringing, and I went out at an early hour to see how the Sunday would be observed. Nearly all of the shops were open, and men were hard at work. They had all kept All Saints, and had lost one day’s wages during the week; there was to be a regatta at noon, and an illumination in the evening, and therefore, the morning must be given to labor. In the churches priests were saying mass. Here and there a poor old woman was kneeling on the cold marble floor, counting her beads, and here and there, also, a beggar in tatters, who paused in his praying to ask for soldi. Outside of the church a huckster had piled his cabbages and turnips for sale, while in front of it a straggling company of gymnasts had got up their theatre—four men and a woman, with their faces daubed with red and yellow paint. The woman dressed in a short, dirty frock, was beating a brass drum, one actor blowing a trumpet, one scraping a violin, one turning a crank of a hand-organ. They were orchestra and company, and after a clatter of instruments, they went through a series of tricks on a spring-board for the amusement of the crowd, a half dozen bells ringing all the while in the belfry above them, and a hundred or more priests, not a stone’s-throw distance, saying mass for the dead.”
—Twenty years ago there were no newspapers in California. To-day there are twelve dailies, one tri-weekly, and forty-one weeklies in San Francisco alone. In the remainder of the State there are twelve dailies, one tri-weekly, and seventy-three weeklies. Californians are a reading people, and the State press is quite up to the average of our best papers. —Letters from Vera Cruz state that Marshal Bazaine, with the last of the French troops, embarked on the 13th; and a Havana letter states that he was in the latter city on the 23d. Vera Cruz was in a state of siege, and the news received there from the interior is said to be “of a doubtful character,” an expression which, when we consider the character of Mexican news generally, will be understood to impart a pretty decided condemnation. Another attempt at revolution is reported in Hayti. According to one account, the revolutionary leaders were executed, and all was peace; according to another, President Geffrard had found it necessary to take refuge in Jamaica. The inhabitants of Cuba had been invited by certain gentlemen in Spain, whose names are not given, to depose the Queen and declare a Republic. So that in “Latin” America, if there are no wars, there are, at least, “rumors of wars” in plenty.—Detroit Tribune. Trial of Jeff. Davis.—Judge Underwood, of Virginia, has been in Washington for several days in conference with the Attorney General respecting the trial of Jeff. Davis. It is said to be the intention of the court to have this case tried at the May term, and it is understood that Chief Justice Chase will preside. —Mr. Seward, on Saturday morning about 2 o’clock, concluded a treaty with the Russian ambassador for the purchase of the territory known as Russian America. A proclamation was at once issued, calling on the homeward bound Senators to stop and ratify it. This country is about 600 miles square, with a narrow tail about 400 miles long extending Southward along the Pacific coast. The Mississippi Levees.—The numerous breaks in the levees render certain the devastation of the richest portion of south western Louisiana. The giving way of the Grand Levee at Morganza overflows seven parishes. This was one of the largest works of the kind in the world, and was but recently completed. Work is progressing at the Romans crevasse, fifty-six miles above New Orleans, with some hope of closing it. The most recently-reported break is nine miles below Baton Rouge, which will do immense damage, cause great suffering among the poorer classes of whites, and throw thousands of freedmen upon the resources of the Bureau. What the Michigan Legislature Accomplished.
The Michigan Legislature adjourned on Monday, after a session of eighty days. Some very important legislation has been passed at this session, which has in the main been a diligent and profitable one. There has been unusually little mere political discussion, members choosing to rather expend their strength in practical work on committees than in forensic displays that subserve no good purpose. A marked feature of the session has been the opposing views of the two Houses and the Governor on the subject of granting municipal aid to railroad enterprises. Another marked feature has been the very liberal action of the Legislature toward our public institutions, exceeding far that of any similar body in the past ten years—a liberality that the people will approve and appreciate. Among the principle measures of the session are the ratification of the constitutional amendment, the passage of an act providing a convention for the revision of the State Constitution, the bills appointing County Superintendents of common schools, providing a new Judicial Circuit, modifying the law in relation to Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State, appointing a Commissioner for the Muskegon improvement, levying a tax for the support of the University, extending the time for the completion of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, admitting colored children on equal terms into the public schools, establishing a Soldiers' Home in Detroit, protecting consignees of goods and defining the responsibility of railroad companies, extending the jurisdiction of the Recorder's Court, amending the Metropolitan Police law, commissions for city government and other important legislation for Detroit, and a joint resolution accompanied by a very able report in favor of the Northern Pacific Railroad. The session has been rather prolific in committees of investigation by which three of our principal railroads have been overhauled, the Detroit House of Correction looked into, the last Auditor General brought to account, etc. It is gratifying to know that the Republican members of the Legislature have maintained harmony and good feeling among themselves, and have no scenes of frivolity or personal disagreement to look back upon with humiliation and regret. Outrages and Riots in the Coal Districts of Pennsylvania.
PRIVATE advices from the Pennsylvania coal regions tell of numerous outrages which are being committed by miners in Schuylkill county. The ruffians, who are mainly Irish, are known throughout the region as the “Molly Maguires.” They are banded together in a secret organization for the purpose of controlling the mines, and resort to murder and robbery. The people of the county are greatly excited, and hitherto have been unable to bring offenders to punishment, as the juries in the County Court have been picked by men connected with the desperate gang. Appeal has been made to Gov. Geary for an order to remove the accused for trial to another county, and the Governor has promised to use all the power at his command in bringing the guilty to justice. It is almost impossible to get information in regard to the desperadoes, and the local newspapers are afraid to publish what facts are known concerning them. On Friday afternoon last, Mr. Littlehales, a Superintendent of one of the mines, was shot through the heart on the road between Thomastown and Mackeysburgh, while returning from Pottsville, where he had been to procure money to pay off the hands under his charge. The murderers, however, got nothing but a few dollars and the Superintendent’s watch, as he had not been able to get the funds from Pottsville, which were to be sent on the following day. No clue to the murderers has been obtained. Threats have been made against Superintendents of other mines, who live momentarily in fear of violence. Notices have been posted by the ruffians, of which the following is a specimen: “MARCH 1, 1867.
“Take notice from this time if you want to live, for I think your time will be very short, so you must look out for all you get, and any man on the colliery until the 20 cents is put on,” [Diagram of a coffin and pistol.]
Four Superintendents have been personally warned to leave, under penalty of death for non-compliance. Several murders have been committed already, numerous houses have been robbed, and the miners generally have stopped work. The movement excites very great uneasiness among the coal operators, who are taking active measures to secure the arrest of the ringleaders and put a stop to the disturbance, which threatens to be of the most serious character. Gov. Geary has been applied to offer a reward of $5,000 for the arrest of the leading men.—N. Y. Times, Mar. 22. Conference Department.
By H. W. Lawrence
Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x, 25. This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. We speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience. BRO. SMITH: I would like to inform the readers of the Review that I am in harmony with the advance movements of the body of Seventh-day Adventists, the Health Reform not excepted. I acknowledge the wisdom granted the church through the gifts of the Spirit as vastly superior to the private judgment of individuals. I rejoice that wrongs can be corrected and put away. There seems to be a yielding to straight testimony among our people at this time more readily than formerly. This to me is a token that many will overcome. I trust Testimony No. 11 will lead the church to a closer union with the Saviour. I have often thought that we who profess “present truth,” ought to feel for the erring more as Moses felt for his people when pleading for God to spare them, &c. Several in this locality have recently manifested an unusual degree of anxiety to have their experience in harmony with Rev. iii, 18–20. We can but hope for signal victories when the church engage in the conflict with the “whole armor” upon them. In hope of triumph at last, I remain a lover of truth. H. W. LAWRENCE.
West Bangor, N. Y. L. C. TOLHURST
By L. C. TOLHURST
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: The scattered few in this part of Ohio have had the privilege of meeting together in Quarterly Meetings, and for one I can testify that I have been made glad by seeing the scattered forces gathered together and brought into working order. Suffer me to say that I think protracted labor among the churches in this State would not be labor lost. It seems that every Quarterly Meeting has told upon us. I trust we have tried to improve upon what we have heard. In union there is strength; and who have greater reasons to unite forces than Seventh-day Adventists, while just before us is the city and the glories of the new earth, and while our longing hearts are almost impatient to be there? I feel that the Health Reform is doing a great work among us; and in the words of Cowper, can say, “Man, Nature’s guest, by invitation sweet,
Receives from her both appetite and treat;
But if he play the glutton and exceed,
His benefactress blushes at the deed;
For Nature, nice, as liberal to dispense,
Made nothing but a brute the slave of sense.
Daniel ate pulse by choice—example rare!
Heaven blessed the youth, and made him fresh
and fair.” The Review, how it comes laden with meat in due season! Mine is often wet with unbidden tears. It seems to me there is more compelling power in the message since the Health Reform commenced its work. I desire to keep pace with God’s people. I have much to overcome, and many seeming obstacles in the way, but my prayer is that they may only prove as helps to the development of every Christian grace. Then I can say with Madame Guion, “I fear no ill, resent no wrong,
Nor feel a passion move,
When malice whets her sland’rous tongue;
Such patience is in love.” A Reader’s Renewed Earnestness
By Martha A. Green
BRO. SMITH: Having been a reader of the Review for more than six years, I would again express my thankfulness that I have ever been made acquainted with the precious truths it advocates. It is my only preacher, and how the lonely ones that seldom see the living preachers of the truth can appreciate the sermons it contains! Surely they are meat in due season. As I look over my past life I see that I have been in a lukewarm state. Oh that I may have strength to arise and give my whole heart to the work. I know that God's people are making advances, and if I do not get on higher ground I shall be left behind. I have been reading in sister White's Testimony where she says, “We can overcome, yes, fully, entirely. Jesus died to make a way of escape for us, that we may overcome every evil temper, every sin, every temptation.” This is what I believe many of God's people are doing, but oh! am I? is the solemn question. I will try to be more in earnest. MARTHA A. GREEN.
Fine, N. Y. Monthly Meetings and Christian Fellowship
By W. D. SHARPE.
ACCORDING to appointment March 16th, Bro. Smith from Norwalk and Bro. Abbott from Wakeman were with us at our first Monthly Meeting. The Lord also met with us and we had a free time in waiting upon him. There were not as many at the meeting as we expected. We hope the brethren will feel the necessity of turning out at these meetings, for we are admonished to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is, but to exhort one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching. I have just returned from Fremont where I have been attending another Sabbath meeting in which the Lord poured out his Spirit upon us, so that we all felt as Peter of old did, it was good for us to be there. I feel encouraged to strive a little longer for that crown of glory that will never fade away. Our next Monthly Meeting will be held at West Townsend, Apr. 13, commencing at 11 o'clock A. M., and we hope the brethren will come out to take hold and help move the work onward. I would say to the brethren that I believe these meetings are one step in the right direction. Therefore in writing, my object is to stir up your minds by way of remembrance. I rejoice that by the mercy of God I was ever led to embrace the present truth, and that I have been led in a way that I knew not of. God is still leading his people, step by step. When we were in darkness in relation to cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, the light came upon the subject of Health Reform which we believe to be a part of the third angel's message. I would say to those traveling through this way, that they will find a welcome home at Bro. Herald's or at my house. We believe that this place would be a very good point for a course of lectures, and we would like to have some one come and give us a course if the Lord wills.
W. D. SHARPE.
Clyde, Ohio. DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS of like precious faith, I feel very small and unworthy, yet I do praise the Lord for the way he is leading his people, and for the light that shines on their pathway. I am now in Johnson, stopping awhile with dear Bro. and sister Loveland, who have so recently been called to drink the bitter cup of bereavement the fourth time. But it is all working for good. The Lord sweetens it all by his peaceful presence and thus sustains and supports them. Only one dear son left, and a grand daughter, and they have recently given their hearts to God. At morn and eve we hear these two children call on the Lord and thank him for his goodness to them. I wish that all the parents of the remnant church could have such a good hope of being an unbroken family in the kingdom as have Bro. and sister Loveland. I see them and they with me are earnestly striving to overcome. The Lord hears us pray and blesses us together. I feel it a privilege and a blessing to stop awhile with this family for the ark of the Lord rests here. I believe God is bringing up his people; yes, and he is sifting Israel. He will have a pure people, zealous of good works. It seems the latter rain will soon be poured out on his church. Then no spot on her countenance in that glorious day! Once more I would say, I thank the Lord for the Health Reform. Although 73 years old, it is doing me good. Four years I have been troubled with asthma and catarrh and heart disease; now I am much better of all these complaints. It is a pleasure to live a life of self denial because I see and feel God is calling us so to do. “The Lord is a sun and a shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; and no good thing will he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” “But as for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the Lord will lead them forth with the workers of iniquity; but peace shall be upon Israel.” Yours expecting to overcome.