Earlier text: Historical Department.THE ROOSEVELT MEETING.
By James White
In company with Bro. and sister Bourdeau and Bro. Orcutt we left Battle Creek the 23d inst. At Rochester, N. Y., we joined Bro. and sister Andrews and Bro. and sister Gaskill the 24th, and in company with them and other brethren we met at Syracuse, we reached the place of meeting a little after sunset. We were glad to hear that the brethren were coming in from all parts of the State. We were weary when we left Battle Creek. And although we were taken all the dreary way through Canada in the Palace Sleeping Car, yet we slept but little, and now that we321were comfortably situated at sister Drake's we enjoyed a good long night's rest in refreshing sleep. Sabbath morning the house of worship was full at an early hour. Here we were happy to meet Bro. Taylor, Whitney, Edson, Rhodes, Wheeler, and many of the old hands in the cause. But we are sorry to say that many of these seemed to be bound in spiritual darkness, some for this cause, and some for that. Mrs. W. and self occupied most of the time during the Sabbath with as much freedom as could be expected under the circumstances. Pointed testimony reached many, but they seemed too weak to rise and free themselves. In the evening closer testimony was given. There was but little freedom, but it was a time of general conviction. First-day morning the brethren were together at nine, and a social meeting continued till half past ten. I then spoke one hour and a half upon the law and the gospel. The congregation listened with unusual attention. In the afternoon a social meeting was enjoyed, in which Bro. Bourdeau and Andrews and Mrs. W. took part with stirring testimonies. It was evident that a great work must be done for the brethren, especially for the Roosevelt church. Bro. Rhodes led off with good confessions, and received encouragement and sympathy. Others confessed their wrongs and backsliding, and the entire meeting warmed into the work. It was decided to hold the meeting another day, and at nine in the morning of second day, the brethren assembled. I have only time to say that this was a day of great labor, and a great work was done. Nine hours were spent in exhortations, confessions, and prayers for repenting backsliders and sinners. The afternoon meeting held from two till eight, and closed up with thirty forward for prayers, most of whom spoke with weeping. We are pained to leave the work unfinished. But we must leave for the cars at eight this morning. It is six while I write by a lamp, and as we have yet to take breakfast, hold another meeting, and pack up for Maine, this report must go meagre and incomplete. I will here add that nothing stands in the way of our testimony in this State. Testimony No. 13 explains matters to the satisfaction of all and the relief of many who have suffered under false reports. The brethren have shown their love for us in deed as well as in word. As our real work is seen and better understood, and the condition of our worldly matters is known, there is no lack of sympathy on the part of the people. We fear they will do too much for us. The elders of the Battle Creek church have kindly sent a circular to some of the brethren in different States. This we now regret, as we choose to have no general action in our behalf. The idea generally entertained that we had considerable property has been in the way of our receiving that sympathy and help we sometimes needed. Now that this is removed, we shall lack neither. Roosevelt, Oct. 29, 1867. REPORT FROM BRO. LOUGHBOROUGH.
By John Norton Loughborough
At the time of my last report I was at Adams Center, N. Y., for the purpose of attending the N. Y. State Conference. That Conference was indeed an interesting and profitable, though solemn, meeting. Much business was attended to during the Conference, yet we think it was more than ever realized by all present that this business was not of the nature of our own secular business; but was business which related to the great work of preparation for the Judgment. Prayer-meetings were held every morning during the Conference at a very early hour, about the rising of the sun. This, with preaching each evening, and on Sabbath and first-day, gave good opportunity for religious exercises, and afforded strength to the scattered ones there assembled. Aside from these meetings, social meetings were interspersed wherever opportunity offered. Deep solemnity pervaded our midst. Solemn vows were made to live more devoted to the cause of God, and to daily seek a new conversion, and sanctification to the work of present truth. Two of the ministers of this Conference were detained by sickness from meeting with us. Bro. Fuller, the President of the Conference, and Bro. Cottrell, another member of the Committee, were both prostrated with fevers, brought on by over-labor in caring for the sick. Bro. Andrews was the only member of the State Committee present. Fervent prayer was offered by the Lord's people that his afflicted servants might be again raised to health, to fill their places in the church, and in the cause. There was one feature in this Conference which was truly encouraging: whereas, heretofore, the brethren have scattered away from the meeting as early as Sunday night or Monday morning, leaving a very few to attend to the last, and most important day's business of the Conference, this year there was a good house-full, who remained all through the day on Monday, to participate in the duties of that meeting. The Conference finally broke up with a prayer-meeting early on Tuesday morning. All felt that truly the Lord had been with us, and that it was good to enjoy his presence. I went from the Conference to visit Bro. Cottrell, being called there by telegram. Finding him very low and delirious from his intense fever, I telegraphed to Bro. Andrews to come from Rochester to Ridgeway, that we might seek the Lord together in behalf of his afflicted servant. We found Bro. Cottrell had first taken care of his own son through a fever, and then went to take care of Bro. Fuller, where he remained as long as he could. In returning home, already half sick, he walked, and carried his heavy satchel four miles from Medina to his home. Overtaxed nature gave way, and he was prostrated with fever. Bro. Andrews and myself anointed him with oil as directed in James, and joined with the family of Bro. Cottrell in seeking God's blessing upon this poor sufferer. The Lord heard prayer in his behalf. Bro. Cottrell soon opened his eyes, and joined with us in our season of prayer. His companion said to him, “Roswell, you do love the Lord, because he has heard prayer for you, don't you?” “Oh! yes,” said he, “I have loved the Lord a long time.” With the prayer of faith we thought it also duty to use “Nature's remedy,” water. When we left, in the afternoon, Bro. Cottrell was greatly relieved. The next two days I spent visiting with my relatives in Canandaigua and Victor, and calling on the few scattered Sabbath-keepers in the latter place. I spent the next Sabbath after the Conference, with a few friends from Victor, Rochester, and Parma, who assembled at the house of Bro. Andrews in Rochester. Spent first-day in council with Bro. Andrews on business matters, and in the evening left for Battle Creek, where on Tuesday afternoon I met Bro. and Sr. White and others, who had just returned from their western trip. They immediately met with the church in Battle Creek to confer on the propriety of a meeting of investigation, which has already been noticed in the Review, and in Testimony No. 13. I am glad indeed, that I had the opportunity of attending that meeting, and glad for the good results which have followed it. It was truly an experience gained in these meetings, which I trust will be of lasting benefit to the Battle Creek church, and to the cause in general. One Bro. who came some thirty-six miles to attend the meeting, was amply paid by one hour's testimony sister White bore in one of the meetings. It seemed in that meeting, as though the angels of God were all around us, and that the Lord, indeed, by his Spirit, was calling on our hearts to yield to him. It was not excitement, or flights of joy, but a holy, heavenly solemnity, which deeply affected the heart. May the Lord help us all to carry out the good resolutions we formed in that meeting; and may we ever stand by the servants of the Lord. May we ever be found among those that shall “believe in the Lord,” and so “be established;” “believe in his prophets,” and so “prosper.” Never again may we be left to touch the Lord's anointed, or do harm to his prophets. Last Sabbath met again with the church in Monterey. Held two meetings in the daytime, and a business meeting in the evening. On first-day commenced a series of meetings in Allegan, where I now am. The prospects are fair for a good work here. May the Lord grant it, is my prayer. Allegan, Mich., Oct. 29, 1867. REPORT FROM BRO. CORNELL.
By M. E. Cornell
The friends of truth in this part of Saginaw County are now rejoicing over the great encouragement they have received during the late series of meetings. The new house of worship, very neatly finished and furnished, was solemnly dedicated to the worship of God, Sabbath at half past ten o’clock. Though disappointed in our hopes of seeing some of our preaching brethren, yet we were all glad to see so many from St. Charles, Vassar and Watrousville, and to hear their cheering testimonies. We had four meetings each day as follows. Prayer meeting at 9 o’clock, preaching at 10½, social meeting at 1, and preaching in the evening of each day. We were rejoiced to see so many out who had been prejudiced heretofore. The opposition is now giving away and there is a prospect of another harvest of souls in this place. We remain here till we are sure our work is done. May the Lord still work for us here. For the dedication service we chose the following text: “Build the house and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified saith the Lord.” Hag. i, 8. 1. We rehearsed the circumstances which gave rise to the enterprise. Above fifty had embraced the Sabbath here, and with their children were compelled to meet in a small school-house, so that even on the occasion of the Sabbath school and Bible class the house was crowded. All felt the necessity of building a commodious house immediately. 2. By the prospering hand of God the house is now finished. It is not a church or Sanctuary. These are not appropriate names. The church is made up of the worshipers, not of the place of worship, and our Sanctuary is in Heaven. Meeting-house, House of worship or House of prayer, are significant and proper names. 3. That God may be glorified in the house, the worshipers must hold it in reverence and treat it as holy to the Lord. 4. God will take pleasure in the house, if those who worship in it are punctual, whole-hearted worshipers. The house is not to be worshiped. There is no room for pride. With the house let every heart be dedicated to God. We requested all who were decided to walk in all the light of present truth to arise, and it seemed as though nearly two thirds of the people stood up. The spirit of these meetings was more solemn than joyful, and the impression made will be lasting on many hearts. To God be all the glory. Tittabawassa, Oct. 29, 1867. An exchange furnishes us with the following facts, which are of interest and importance to every one. Set a pitcher of iced water in a room inhabited, and in a few hours it will have absorbed from the room nearly all the respired and perspired gases of the room, the air of which will have become purer, but the water is utterly filthy. This depends on the fact that water has the faculty of condensing, and thereby absorbing all the gases, which it does without increasing its own bulk. The colder the water is, the greater its capacity to contain these gases. At ordinary temperature, a pint of water will contain a pint of carbonic acid gas, and several pints of ammonia. The capacity is nearly doubled by reducing the temperature to that of the ice. Hence water kept in a room awhile, is always unfit for use, and should be often renewed whether it becomes warm or not. And for the same reason, the water in a pump stock should all be pumped out in the morning before any is used. That which has stood in the pitcher over night is not fit for cooking water in the morning. Impure water is more injurious to the health than impure air, and every person should provide the means of obtaining fresh, pure water for domestic use. CARE FOR THE SERVANTS OF CHRIST.
By M. D. Amason
For several months past I have been an eye witness of some of the arduous labors of the servants of God, and it would be impossible in words to describe the toil and weary care attending these labors. It is not extravagant to say that their only hours for rest are when passing from one place of meeting to another; and often this time is occupied with anxious thought pertaining to the cause of God. They do not think of themselves, but their care is how can we advance the cause of Christ; how labor for the good of souls? Strength and time are not spared, till worn and weary they fail and would not have power to go farther, but by faith in God they again pursue their way, doing the bidding of the Lord, performing well the work he has given them to do. It may be said of them truly, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Dear brethren and sisters, these servants of Christ should be tenderly cared for. There is not danger of doing too much. Passing from place to place, very feeble often, and we might say always weary, they need the best of care. As I have looked into the pale faces of some and heard the hoarse articulation of others, I have thought, not long will they be with us to labor and aid in the great work of preparing a people for Christ’s coming, unless God especially sustains them. But how can we spare them? The harvest is great and the laborers are few. Men of God, with long years of experience, God would have them live to serve him and his people. But will they be sustained and upheld by the prayer and faith of God’s people? They may be; but Satan would triumph to see them taken away from the cause of God; but a stronger than he can spoil his goods. As the servants of God come into your midst, care for them. Paul wrote to Philemon, “But withal prepare me a lodging; for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.” If essential then, why not now, that special care be taken of the worn servants of God? Perhaps sleeping one night in a damp bed, very common in this season of the year, would unfit them for weeks of labor in the cause of God. Then how necessary that every care be used and every precaution taken. Another care should be good hygienic food. Not any rich cakes, pies, and sauce. But good, wholesome bread, plain pies, and nicely-cooked vegetables; special care is necessary in providing for those who labor so earnestly for the good of souls. They are not notional in these things, but they need the very best to nourish their strength in order to perform the work of God. Labor and expense are nothing, if they but reap the benefit of it. Then another care should be not to breathe into their ears troubles that it is our lot to bear. Often trials rise by reason of a lack of consecration to God. Perhaps reproofs are given, and a long train of trials the result, or something seems dark and obscure. Instead of going before God and letting the trial have a purifying effect, it is dwelt upon and at last God’s servants must be burdened with it, who know nothing of the circumstances and hear but one side of the story. I have had a little chance to see the effect of this, unnerving the mind for repose, and causing sleepless nights. They need no such variation in the work assigned them. Spare, oh! spare the servants of God, and instead of adding to their labors and burdens, let them have all of our heartiest sympathies, prayers and watchful care to aid them on in their great and peculiar work. We all love to have them come among us. We love their plain testimonies and fervent prayers; we love to see souls coming to Christ as the result; then care for them in return. May God help us and forgive any failure on the part of his people, and we with them share a reward in Heaven at last. THE CHASTENINGS OF THE LORD.
By A. M. A. CORNELL.
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous, therefore, and repent.” Rev. iii, 19. This language of the faithful and true Witness never seemed so solemn, so full of meaning, as now. When the light first shone upon us with regard to the Laodicean message, I accepted it. I had no doubt but that it applied to us as a people. For a time it had its effect upon me, and I tried to heed the loving counsel given in it; but the work in my heart was not deep enough to effect a thorough reformation. My zeal grew less and less, until I ceased to struggle with that earnestness that the case demanded, and I sank into an indifferent state. Although at times I have felt alarmed and tried to shake off this lethargy, my efforts have been too faint, too half-hearted, and the work was not accomplished for me that the message designed. While in this condition of spiritual blindness and unconsecration, I have failed to heed as fully as I should the testimonies and admonitions so mercifully vouchsafed to me through the gifts of the Spirit, and, in consequence, have not had strength to overcome, or power to resist the enemy. But during our late meetings here, while enjoying the faithful labors of Bro. and sister White, the Spirit of God wrought powerfully upon the hearts of his people, convincing of sins, and impressing all minds with the solemn reflection that we are doing up work for the Judgment. I feel the deepest gratitude in my heart that I have been permitted to share in this work of humble repentance, confession of wrongs, and returning unto the Lord, and have had some assurance that the Lord would return unto me, and heal all my backslidings. I most deeply regret all in the past that has been displeasing to God, or a grief to his saints. I trust that I shall learn wisdom by what I have suffered, and be able to turn to the best account these lessons of bitter experience, that they may not need to be repeated; not to be ignorant of Satan's devices, but live so near to God that I may be kept from his snares. I shall strive by the help of the Lord to redeem the past, fortify the weak places, and keep the heart with all diligence. I am sorry that for so long a time I have occupied a doubting position on the dress reform. Had I stood in the light, and counsel of God, these doubts would have been easily disposed of. But I rejoice to say that as I have lifted the cross, and walked humbly in the path of obedience, I have experienced God's sweet blessing and approbation. I bless the Lord for his long-suffering and forbearance toward me, and realize, as never before, the importance, yea more, the imperative necessity, of being in perfect union and sympathy with this people in all their work of preparation. It is just as true now as ever that “rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” May God save his people from these sins, and may none draw back to perdition, but all believe to the saving of the soul. The Lord has dealt very mercifully with us, and chastened us in love. Oh, may we be so exercised by it, that it shall yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness. Through the blessing of God, the untiring labors of Bro. and sister White have resulted in a glorious work here, in which we all rejoice. These dear servants of God hold a larger place in our affections and confidence than ever before. May we ever esteem them highly in love for their work's sake, and hold up their hands by our faithful prayers and careful walks. I still crave a humble place with God's people, and an interest in their prayers, that my future course may be characterized by humility and faithfulness, that I may share in the glory soon to be revealed. REFORMED.
By Henry F. Phelps
This is the past tense of the verb reform, and signifies, corrected; amended; restored to a good state; formed anew. Yes, made anew, changed to a good state; no longer in a bad condition; for, having bid farewell to the lusts of the appetite, brought our unruly passions under control, we can press on our way in the Christian journey with alacrity and delight. Yes, reformed. Oh! delightful! Who would desire to change this “good state” back again for that bad one. No longer dependent upon those unhealthy, poisonous narcotics, tea, coffee and tobacco, for strength, nor from the stimulant of flesh-meat. We press our way onward, nothing fearing, our minds clear, unclouded, our whole system in good working order. We suffer but few of those aches and pains we once endured. In short, we are so changed that those trials and temptations that we once so much dreaded and thought to be so hard to endure, are become of little or no account; and greater trials are surmounted with very little difficulty. We almost fancy that one might become a youth again, by reforming. But what we have said is no fancy sketch. It is real. A great change can be made. A great change is being made in many, and is it not desirable? Come, brother,323sister, you who look with suspicion upon this reform, to you I say, Try it. The benefits to be felt in this life are worth all, yea, more than all the expense. But, thank God! our hope does not all end here. No, no. If we continue this work of reform, we shall, in a little while, be reformed, made anew, even to heavenly perfection, our vile bodies changed and made like to Christ’s glorious body. Oh! joyful thought! Come brother and sister, come sinner, begin and go on with us in this noble work. The pay is good, the reward is sure. “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noon-day. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” The time is near to come when the church of God will be “fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.” “And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Zion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And in their mouth was found no guile, for they are without fault before the throne of God.” This is the company I ask you to join. This is the company I mean to be found with. May God help me to keep pace with them, and at last stand with them on Mount Zion. A QUESTION.
By Elvira B. Stevenson
A solemn inquiry rests on my mind,
What shall I do to be saved?
While time flies by, on wings of the wind,
What shall I do to be saved?
There is a great work, I know, to be done,
I have many sins to overcome,
If I with the saints would be gathered home,
Then what shall I do to be saved? They tell me the Saviour is coming soon,
Then what shall I do to be saved?
He's coming to gather, his people home,
Oh! what shall I do to be saved? O Lord, by thy Spirit, enlighten my mind,
And help me the true path of duty to find,
And cherish a humble and contrite mind,
And know what to do to be saved. A WORD TO THE SISTERS.
By Eliza Van Giesen
DEAR SISTERS IN CHRIST: I love to read your cheering testimonies in the Review. It encourages me to press my way on toward the kingdom of God. I feel thankful for the light of present truth; and as I believe the health and dress Reforms are a part of it, I am trying to live up to them as well as I can. But I must say that I feel sad sometimes; not on account of wearing the reform dress; but when I go among a company of Adventists, of perhaps twenty or more, and find not a reformed dress among them, and then hear what to me seem their insufficient excuses for it. It would be encouraging to me and others, and I believe it would be the best way for all to come out with the reform dress together. It would do away prejudice, and soonest stop talk among opposers; in a great measure very soon. And then we should know one another here when we meet; but now I can scarcely tell some professed Adventists from the world. Sisters, do you think God's eye is upon you? Do you read in his word the many admonitions to be separate from the world? In the language of Paul, I would say, Dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Let us improve the time that is mercifully given to us, and walk in the light while we have the light, lest darkness come upon us, and it be said of us, Let them alone. I feel that I have a great deal to do to get perfect in the sight of God. I am trying every day to live nearer to God, and watching with deep interest every advance step of the reform; and heartily do I wish it God speed; for reform is what we need in all our ways—our living, our dress, and our conversation, that our light may shine. Scoffing will not hurt us. And think it not strange concerning our fiery trials; for when we are tried we shall receive a crown of life. If we lack wisdom, let us ask of God, who giveth liberally and upbraideth not. If we lack faith, let us ask the Lord, as the disciples of old did, to increase our faith. If we want to enjoy the smiles of our Saviour, let us live for it. Our trials here are but for a moment. They will soon be over. Soon we shall see the King in his beauty descending; and may we all then be able to say, Lo this is our God, we have waited for him, and he will save us. Pray for me, that I may endure until I shall stand with those that shall hear the welcome, Well done. Yours, striving for a home in Heaven. NEARER HOME.
By Sarah J. Thayer
“One sweetly solemn thought
Comes to me o’er and o’er,
I’m nearer my home to day,
Than I ever have been before.
Nearer my Father’s house
Where the many mansions be,
Nearer the great white throne—
Nearer the jasper sea.” Oh! how sublimely beautiful the thought! How full of consolation to the poor, tired, and often soul-oppressed pilgrim here! Nearer home! Each day brings its cares, its annoyances, its trials, and its sorrows; but as hour after hour rolls on, I am drawing nearer to rest. Sweet, peaceful rest! No more disturbed by the manifold temptations which beset me here on every side. Freedom from the powers of the enemy; rest from weary toil that many times scarcely yields subsistence; freedom from the taunts and jeers of the wicked world; rest from watching the flickering lamp of life go out; for in our home above, death with its dark pall will never approach our dwelling to take one of our loved ones from us; the sod will never hide them from our sight, while we turn away in an agony of grief to tread our desolate path. There will be no more death. And God himself will wipe all tears from our eyes. Oh! I long to dwell in a land where the inhabitants shall all be righteous. Where the dark effects of sin will never be seen or felt. And I am journeying thither. I am but a sojourner here, each day I am traveling on, each night brings me nearer to my blissful home. And as I pass on, let me learn every lesson my heavenly Father would have me learn by the way, that I may be fitted for my heavenly mansion. Let me, like my Saviour, do good to all as I have opportunity. Let me inspire the fainting ones with new life by pointing them to the prize at the end of the race, soon, oh! soon to be awarded to the faithful overcomer. Let me entreat thee, sinner, to “Behold the Lamb of God.” Let me lead the little ones to that Saviour who said, “Suffer little children to come unto me.” Let me point the aged to the “Rock that is higher than they;” Let me speak words of comfort to the sorrowing mourner. True I cannot, like Jesus, restore the widow’s son; but I can implore the blessing of that same compassionate Jesus upon her; I can point her to the Christian’s happy land on high; I can refer her to many precious promises from which we may draw consolation in our distress. Oh! let me ever remember that each day brings me nearer home. And while I rejoice let me also improve the time to the glory of God. Soon I shall see the “city of my God.” Oh! will its pearly gates open at my approach? Shall I hear a voice inexpressibly sweet saying to me, “Come?” Shall I behold my Saviour with arms outstretched to me? Shall my feet tread the gold-paved streets of the New Jerusalem? Shall I have a harp, and be permitted to join my voice with that white-robed company around the throne? Yes, all this, and vastly more awaits me, if I am faithful to the end. Yes, me; but not because I am great or good. Oh! no, I am nothing; Jesus is all. Through him alone I can attain to an inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled and that fadeth not away. In his blood I can be washed from every stain of sin. Through obedience I can develop a character without fault. In Jesus’ strength I can walk the straight and narrow way, and it will grow brighter and brighter as I proceed until it ends in never-ending day. Nearer home! Fellow Christians, let this be your watchword. Let me entreat you, faint not by the way. Be not weary in well doing. You have the promise, “As thy day, so shall thy strength be.” Go to Jesus. Tell him all your woes. “Earth hath no sorrows that Heaven can not heal.” He is the same compassionate Saviour to-day, as when he walked upon the earth. “A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” He is touched with our infirmities. He knows our weakness. He desires our good. He says, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Then go to him. There is rest for the weary. There is peace for the troubled heart; a peace the world cannot give nor take away. Would you enjoy that perfect peace? Cast all your care on Him who careth for you. Look above the world. And while you faithfully discharge each duty, rejoice that each day brings you nearer home. Dear reader, do not murmur at the trials by the way. If the Captain of our salvation had to be made perfect through suffering, how much more we. The servant is not above his Master. Oh! is it not enough to be as our Master? But who is called to pass through what he endured? Think of his sufferings and complain not at your light afflictions. Do friends turn from you? Bind Jesus closer to your heart. He will never forsake. His love will never grow cold. Though all the world combine against you, he is above all. And he has prepared a mansion for you. Your dwelling here may be poor and uncomfortable, but there it will be a mansion. You may suffer want and privation. There you will never hunger, neither thirst any more. Are you afflicted? There will be no more pain. Are you wasting away by disease? There the inhabitants shall never say, “I am sick.” Be encouraged! If you are his child, nothing shall separate you from his love. And your earthly pilgrimage is drawing to a close. Fill up the few remaining moments with usefulness. Prepare to enter into rest. For the night is far spent, and the day dawns. The longer and darker the night, the sweeter will be the light of the coming morning. Oh! glorious day! Oh! blessed home! “My Father’s house on high,
Home of my soul, how near;
At times to faith’s aspiring eye,
Thy golden gates appear.” From Sister Crous.
By Samantha L. Crous
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: The importance of purity has long rested with deep weight on my mind. My thoughts are directed to James iv, 8: Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands ye sinners; and purify your hearts ye double-minded. In the first place we are exhorted to cleanse our hands, and next to purify our hearts. How necessary then to search our hearts to see whether they are pure or not. But how are we to know this? We must search the word of God, and compare ourselves with it, and see if our hearts are in harmony with it. Let us see if we have purified our souls “in obeying the truth unto unfeigned love for the brethren.” Do we “love one another with pure hearts fervently?” Let us ask ourselves the question, Do we love God with all our hearts and our neighbor as ourselves? Do we love to be looking “for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works.” Will the Lord purify us unto himself for a peculiar people if we do not help in the purifying process? Are we not exhorted to purify ourselves? The apostle speaking in regard to those whom the Lord said he would receive as sons and daughters, says, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Let us cleanse ourselves. This shows that we have a part to act in this work. We must lay aside everything that would defile our bodies or becloud our minds. Not until I have become pure and holy in the sight of the Lord shall I desire the coming of that Just and Holy One. The apostle has said, “And unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” We do not show that faith in looking for him that we profess, unless we are zealous unto all good works. The Saviour has said, “I know thy works.” By our works we are known, and by our works we are to be judged. We are commanded to let our light shine, that others seeing our good works, “may glorify our Father which is in Heaven.” If our good works will cause others to glorify God, how careful we should be that all our works and words are according to the will of God. I thank his holy name that he has caused me to feel the importance of a pure heart. I will, by the help of God, endeavor to cleanse myself that the Spirit of the Lord may dwell in my heart, and that I may be led into all truth.
SAMANTHA L. CROUS.
Licking Co., Ohio. SISTER M. M. BROWN writes from Kennebec Co., Maine: We would be very glad to have any of the brethren and sisters visit us. We are very lonely. There are no Sabbath-keepers near us, and I cannot go any distance to meeting. It is nine years since I was at an Advent meeting. We should be glad to have some of the preachers visit Litchfield Corners. We think they might do good. We live sixteen miles from Topsham, and about sixteen miles from Augusta. We feel very thankful for the Review, which we receive free. BRO. R. I. LADLEE writes from Whiteside Co., Ill. I love the truth more than ever, and want to be one of those who will be purified and cleansed from all their sins, that when Jesus comes I may go with him to the glorious home which he has prepared for them. I would honor God by keeping all his commandments, and love Jesus who died on the cross for me, to wash away my sins with his precious blood. I would live a pure and holy life here so that I may be prepared for those things that are coming on the earth. Oh! for greater attainments in holy living as we pass down to the close of time! May we make our calling and election sure before it is too late. Now is the time to arouse from our sleep, put on the helmet of salvation, and prepare for what is coming. Let us be more united. Let us stand firm in the cause of God. I praise the Lord for the truth. BRO. D. A. SMITH writes from Wal. Co., Wis.: I am happy to hear of your recent good meeting at Battle Creek. I hope the Lord will continue the good work, and that it may spread far and wide. I feel that I need a deeper work of grace in my own soul. For this I am daily striving. May the Lord bless his remnant people with a general outpouring of his Holy Spirit, and the spread of the third angel's message, is my prayer. 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. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.