OLD MOTHER EARTH has been indulging in some odd caprices within the last ten years, the variety and frequency of her antics having especially increased during her last three annual revolutions. Tornadoes, waterspouts by land as well as at sea, freshets, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes, have become of almost daily occurrence, and of continually augmenting intensity. Moreover, they embrace a larger and larger area of territory at each recurrence. The last shock, which so fearfully devastated South America, was felt over one-third of the earth's surface. These portentous phenomena are seriously engaging the attention of the scientific world. The remark that they only seem to us more frequent because our means of communication are more complete and rapid, and that we now hear from all parts of the globe simultaneously, will not explain the matter, since the late commotions have been attended by disturbances of both land and sea in parts of the earth which have been constantly accessible for centuries, that were totally unparalleled in previous history. The change of the Gulf Stream from its course, and the alteration of climates, have been some of these increased marvels. That some tremendous and general transformation is going on cannot be doubted, and we may expect it to reveal itself in grander majesty from day to day.—N. Y. Mercantile Journal.
JOHN MCMILLAN
By John McMillan
From Bro. McMillan.
In my visit to Iowa last June, my chief object was to learn for myself what sanctifying influence the truth had upon, and among, its professors, compared with the popular professions of the day. Having read of the division in the S. D. A. ranks in Iowa, I was much pleased, while at Marion, with the spirit of charity manifested among the brethren and sisters. It was but natural, at least, that I would like to know how united in sentiment and action the opposition were, as that (Marion) was the headquarters of the dissenters. Previous arrangements were such that I had not time to mingle with them, and judge of the fruit, which I should have preferred to do. The brethren and sisters manifested no disposition to criminate those who differed with them, as will be seen in my correspondence, page 107 of REVIEW, yet admitted that they were not united which I found corroborated by the statement of disinterested persons.
From such circumstantial evidence, I wrote what I did with no desire to represent the opposition in an ill light, but believing it to be a fact, adverted to it, in order to represent the brethren at Marion in a true light, as it is by enduring temptation that we prove the genuineness of our profession. If I have represented any professing members of Christ in an unjust light, it was undesignedly and in ignorance, and should I hereafter find out that I have offended one of Christ's little ones, even ignorantly, I shall feel bound to make the confession as publicly as I had made the offense.
JOHN MCMILLAN
Prescott, Wis.
Overcoming the Sin of Talkativeness
By Nellie Boynton
From Sr. Boynton.
BRO. SMITH: I have just finished reading Testimony No. 16, and cannot forbear writing a few lines to those of like precious faith, hoping that, if there are others under the same condemnation as myself, they also may take courage to make new, and more determined efforts, and, above all, to pray more earnestly for grace to enable them to persevere in overcoming those besetting sins which God is so merciful and condescending as to point out to us in this manner.
I am very sorry to say that I am one of the unhappy ones, that “talk too much,” and spend time unprofitably, in vain conversation. The struggle to overcome this is a severe one, and I have been tempted again and again to give up trying to overcome this fault. Satan tells me I never can succeed; that God will not accept “such a lame offering. But for Jesus’ sake, he has promised to forgive all our sins, and give us help in every time of need. He will be our guide, even unto the end. Blessed be his holy name!
Oh! for a deeper work of grace in our hearts, that we may be more watchful of our words, that we sin not with our tongues. I cannot give up the battle yet, and I write this, hoping to have the prayers of those more worthy than I, that God will assist me in overcoming this, and every other, sin, that at his coming I may be one of those in whose mouth is found no guile.
I beseech you who are not burdened with despairing thoughts, and are basking in the clear light of God’s love and forgiveness, to pray for the erring ones, that they be not “overcome of evil.”
Your unworthy sister, NELLIE BOYNTON.
Saginaw Co., Mich.
The Last Gathering Call
By D. A. Eddy
SR. D. A. EDDY writes from Catt. Co., N. Y.: Let no one give up; for we are able, in the strength of Jesus, to go up and possess the goodly land. The road may be rough, but it cannot be long; so let us smooth it with hope and cheer it with song. How thankful I am that it is my privilege to hope and trust in the Lord, and all that will, may share the same. I ask not for less trials, but I want the grace of God to sustain me. Unless we have trials, we shall have nothing to overcome, and cannot have the overcomer's reward. I can say, Praise the Lord for the light of the third angel's message. Awake, O my soul, and let the Spirit of truth sink deeply into thy heart. Mercy calls for the last time, in this third message. Who will heed the last gathering call?
You that are lonely ones, sitting alone from week to week with no one by your side, to cheer you on your way, your mourning will ere long be turned into joy. Encourage yourselves in the Lord. Soon the work will close. Be faithful unto the end. We learn that the Saviour is coming soon. Is he coming for you and for me? Will He give us the welcome, Well done? Look up and take courage; for He that now tarries, will not tarry long, but will come to take his ransomed ones home. I want to be there—I must be there.
Obituary Notices.
By J. H. Waggoner
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
DIED, in Mannsville, Jefferson Co. N. Y., Oct. 24, 1868, Bro. Benjamin Stillman, aged 67 years.
Bro. Stillman was born in Rhode Island, and was taught from his youth to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. For some years after removing to the State of New York, he lived in a backslidden state, and neglected the Sabbath. He embraced the Advent faith in 1844, and on hearing the third angel's message, about fifteen years since, he commenced the observance of the Sabbath in the message. Though feeble and diseased in body, and bowed down with age, he retained his senses clear to the last hour, and expressed his willingness to sleep till the Master comes.
Funeral at the house of Bro. Bailey, on the 26th, where a large company of friends and neighbors attentively listened to the words of exhortation and comfort given by the word of the Lord.
J. H. WAGGONER.
Notice.
By H. F. Phelps
ONE word to S. B. treasurers, and others who correspond with me. My address is Pine Island, Goodhue Co., not Olmstead Co., as some write it. Letters will come just as well without the county being named.
H. F. PHELPS, Conf. Sec.
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
PROVIDENCE permitting we will hold meetings as follows: With the church at South Norridgewock, Me., Nov. 13-16. We shall expect to see, at this meeting, a general attendance from that portion of the State. But, as this church has but recently entertained the State Conference, and we have no time to consult with them in regard to entertaining another meeting, we feel it our duty to request all who attend this meeting from other places, to come with provisions and bed-clothes to take care of themselves, as far as possible.
With the church at Portland, Me., Nov. 20-23. Here we shall expect to see a general gathering from this part of the State. But, as this church is small, with few to entertain, those who attend must come prepared to care for themselves as far as possible, or stop at hotels.
With the brethren in Rhode Island, where Bro. Rodman may appoint, Nov. 27-30.
With the church at South Lancaster, Dec. 4-7. We shall expect to see, at this meeting, a general attendance from Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It will be necessary, also, at this meeting, that the friends bring provisions and clothing.
JAMES WHITE,
ELLEN G. WHITE.
The next Monthly Meeting for the churches in the vicinity of Newton, will be held at that place the second Sabbath in November. Come to this meeting brethren and sisters, bringing a share of the good Spirit with you.
JOHN BYINGTON.
CATLIN Center, N. Y., Nov. 14, 15. All wishing to be baptized will be ready then. Roulette, Pa., 21, 22.
N. FULLER.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet the brethren in Brookfield, Mad. Co., N. Y., or where Bro. Abbey may appoint, Sabbath and first-day, Nov. 21 and 22.
J. N. ANDREWS.
I WILL, Providence permitting, meet with the church at Gridley, McLean Co., Ill., Sabbath and first-day, Nov. 14, 15. I will commence a series of meetings in Woodburn, Macoupin Co., Ill., (or near that place, as Bro. Wm. Penniman may appoint,) Wednesday, Nov. 18, and continue as long as the interest may demand. Will Bro. Penniman meet me, Thursday, the 18th, at Shipman, on the St. Louis, Alton, and Chicago R. R.
My address will be Princeville, Peoria Co., Ill.
H. C. BLANCHARD.
Tract Distribution.
THE following item speaks for itself. Be not weary in the work of tract distribution. That which did such a good work in the great reformation of the 16th century, will prove equally effectual in carrying forward the further reformation necessary in these last days.
“D’Aubigne thus writes in the time of the reformation: ‘These epistles, prayers, books, and broad sheets, were the means of the regeneration of the age. These unnoticed writings alone diffused throughout the nation beams of light and seeds of holiness.’”
New Tracts—New Issues.
By Editor
A new edition of that candidly-written and powerful tract, “A Vindication of the True Sabbath,” by J. W. Morton, has just been issued by the Association. This work has so long been before our readers, that it needs no new commendation from us. Let this edition rapidly follow its predecessors in the good work of spreading light on the Sabbath truth. Price 10c, postage 2c.
Also, a new edition of the excellent, 16-page tracts, by Bro. White, “The Law and Gospel,” and “God’s Memorial.” Thirty thousand each of these two tracts have now been printed. By mail, per hundred, $1.50. By express, $1.00. Two cents single.
The little tract, “Which Day do you Keep, and Why?” comes out in a new edition, revised, and having a page of new matter in the place of the notice of publication. Some are ordering this tract under the name of “The Sabbath in a Nutshell.” It does indeed present the Sabbath question in a nutshell; but this is not the name of the tract. Good reports are already coming in from the first edition, now scattered over the land. Let it still be kept moving. By mail, per hundred, 37c. Express, 25c. Less than a hundred, by mail, at the rate of 50c per hundred.
“Some Features of our Times,” a 4-page tract, has also been re-issued. A brief description of some of the characteristics of the present state of the world. Price same as, “Which Day do you Keep, and Why?”
“Seven Reasons for Sunday-keeping Examined,” by J. N. Andrews. This has long been a standard tract on that question. It shows the entire foundation of Sunday-keeping from a scriptural point of view, to be merely a thing of the imagination. Price same as other 16-page tracts.
A new tract. “A Sign of the Day of God.” An exposition of the prophecy of Nahum as relating to the wonderful application of steam in these last days. This tract is appropriately headed with a cut of a train of cars, and is on a subject which will at once arrest the attention of all, and call their minds to the fact that we are in the day of God’s preparation. 8 pages. Price, by mail, 75c. per hundred. Express, 50c per hundred. Less than one hundred, by mail, at the rate of $1.00 per hundred.
LOVE.
By Vesta N. Cudworth
AIR.—“Bell Brandon.”
Let it rest by silver waters,
Where frail vessels rock on the wave:
Where bleeding feet press o’er the brambles,
Or pass to the cold, cheerless grave,
And nestle with friends by the fireside,
Its sweetest songs sing ever there,
Let home be its symbol forever,
Though checkered with suffering and care;
Oh! hoard up the best and the brightest,
And make it a holy spot there.
Aye, scatter it warm in the sunshine,
Where little feet patter along;
Its dews o’er the vile and repenting,
’Mid poverty, wretchedness, wrong.
Its golden threads ever be weaving,
Through tears, and devotion, and song.
’Let earnest hearts plant its bright banner,
Wherever the dark curse is found,
Oh! scatter its pearls free as summer
Has scattered its blessings around.
VESTA N. CUDWORTH.
Painful Accident and Death.
By R. R. York
ON Sept. 22, 1868, Bro. Franklin Merrill, of Falmouth, Maine, accidentally fell into a tank of hot water, and was so severely scalded that he died the following day, aged 64 years.
For a number of years Bro. M. was a devoted and prominent member of the Congregational church. A few years ago he embraced the Sabbath views, and connected himself with a little company, of like faith, in Falmouth, with whom he remained and labored till his death. He was a kind and faithful husband and father, and also a beloved brother in the Lord. He bore his intense sufferings with the greatest patience, and died rejoicing in Christ, and in hope of soon awakening to everlasting life.
A deeply afflicted wife, and large family of children, are left to weep over the loss of one so near and dear to them. May the grace of the all-comforting, and sustaining One, rest upon them all, and bring them at last to the better country, there to join husband and father in singing redemption's song.
“Oh! how good that heavenly shore
Where we'll meet and part no more.”
R. R. YORK.
Portland, Me., Oct., 1868.
Post Office Address
By J. H. Waggoner
My post office address till further notice will be Skowhegan, Maine. J. H. WAGGONER.
Famines Abroad
FAMINES ABROAD.—It is feared that the famine which last year ravaged the most fertile districts in the south of Prussia, will return this season. In many portions the drought and immense conflagrations have destroyed the entire crops, and in others the harvest is insignificant. In Morocco the famine is fearful, even worse than in Algeria.
BUSINESS AND PERSONAL.
A limited space will be given under this head for Business Notices from the brethren, at 20 cents per line for each insertion. Parties must give good reference as to their standing and responsibility.
WANTED.—Want a place to work with a Sabbath-keeper. I have a family. Address, Mr. Rosil Horton. Logansville, Sauk Co., Wis.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money receipted pays,—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Papers. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
$1.00 each. E Munger 33-20, B F Merritt 32-9, W W Oderkirk 32-18, Mrs Mary Elitt 34-1, Mary Hall 34-7, J Stillman 34-18, H W Lawrence 34-9, R C Watson 33-20, J Brigham 33-21, H Searles 34-1, T Coburn 33-1, M G Cole 34-20, E Davis 32-1, Mrs O Nye 33-1, L Porter 34-1, N H Wilkins 33-16, E Dalgrien 36-1, J Bowman 34-20, Mrs J Warlock 34-2, A P Whitney 34-20, J Cassidy 34-20, J W Brackett 34-20, Mrs M Tilton 34-20.
$2.00 each. Jas Morris 34-20, E Rew 35-1, J L Green 34-11, E Spencer 35-5, A Damon 32-11, A Zellers 34-14, F Hall 34-14, R Vorhees 34-1, J Spencer 34-22, M S Saterlee 34-1, C B Preston 35-1, H Brigham 34-20, M Brown 35-11, M Arnold 35-1, N C Wheeler 34-22, H Bunce 34-11, J W Cronkrite 34-20, Mrs A M Green 35-1, M Dow 34-1, G H Mathews 35-1, I Green 34-20, J Orcutt 35-1, S M Mills 33-1, W A McIntosh 35-1, W Look 34-20, J A Young 33-9, L M Hayward 34-20, Betsey Wright 34-20, L M Bartlett 34-13.
Miscellaneous. H Hall $5.50 34-10, A H Robinson 1.50 34-5, Mrs A Smith 50c 32-4, A Abbey 2.50 32-1, J Ghering 3.00 34-1, J M Ballou 3.00 34-10, J L Merritt 2.50 33-19, A Kellogg 2.50 34-9, R C Honeywell 25c 33-7, S Gordon 1.50 33-6, Sarah Gorton 3.00 33-15, F Z Andrews 1.62 33-12, D Malin 3.00 34-1, H Decow 3.00 34-20, Mrs M S Lathrop 1.50 34-15, J Deming jr 2.50 34-8, Abijah Thayer 5.00 35-9, John Stone 3.00 35-2, G Trow 2.00 34-11, S E Thompson 1.50 34-20, W Bovee 2.75 35-15, N Bemis 3.00 33-9, Mrs A C Russell 50c 33-20, Mrs A E Heaton 1.25 34-1.
For Review to the Poor.
Ira Abbey $5.00.
Shares in Publishing Association.
Leuche Green $10.00, C M Whitney 10 00.
Instructor to the Poor.
J U Cottrell $1.00.
Cash Received on Account.
R F Cottrell $20.00, S B Whitney 20.00, C O Taylor 43.00, H W Lawrence 50c, H F Phelps 2.50.
Books Sent by Mail.
Geo I Butler $2.28, A W Smith 75c, E Munger 1.00, E Rew 2.00, J M Elitt 1.00, Lucy Porter 40c, Mrs M Cartwright 15c, J C Smith 1.22, T Gorton 2.00, J W Fosdick 2.00, Mrs A E Heaton 1.00, P A Smith 70c, J N Noyes 2.00, M A Hayward 2.00, David Atkins 25c, S R Aldrich 10c, J N Loughborough 1.25, C R Ogden 1.42, E English 1.00, W Brink 15c, T D Bourdeau 50c, H F Phelps 4.00, J B Pratt 1.10, E C & H M Hendee 1.27, Lucy Spencer 72c.
Books Sent by Express.
Elder James White, South Lancaster, Mass., $118.25, Kensington, Conn., 38.06, South Norridgewock, Me., 116.79, B F Merritt, Chillicothe, Ill., 4.00.
Michigan Conference Fund.
Charlotte, $37.50, Owosso, 34.00.
General Conference Missionary Fund.
B M & E P Osgood $1.00, C R Ogden 1.58, Maine Conference 100 co.
Received on Book and Tract Fund.
Ann Lane $5.00, Helen Brigham 2.00.
Receipts for Benevolent Fund.
Lewis Wilson, J T Upham, Henry Brown, Ann Lane, A A Fairfield, T Smith, A friend, E M Prentiss, B L Whitney, E M Armstrong, N C Wheeler, M C Hoag, R N Hood, Lucretia Rose, M Dickinson, Mary E Josselyn, each $1.00.
Ira Abbey, A friend, H Green, S I Abbey, J Perry, H Bunce, L Green, S B Whitney, C M Whitney, R F Cottrell, L O Cottrell, each $10.00.
Sister Cobb, J Q Foy, Geo D Ballou, Emma Robinson, M Edson, Heber Brigham, $2.00 each.
Mary Allen, H Green, L Green, Nameless, & E W Phelps, each $1.00.
Sophronia Drake $15.00, N Y State Conference $60.00, Dr Field 3.00, Mariah Edson 3.00, E Lake 75c, A sister 65c, Olcott meeting 53.75.
For California Mission.
C B Preston $5.00, A Friend 5.00, D B Green 10.00, S I Abbey 5.00, J Perry 5.00, Nameless 1.00, Mary E Josselyn 5.00, Lucinda Patterson 2.00.
On Shares in the H. R. Institute.
Margaret Smith $25.00.
The Bible Doctrine of the Weekly Sabbath
By Editor
We have received, from Eld. N. V. Hull, advance proof of a very able and comprehensive article on the Sabbath question, entitled, “The Bible Doctrine of the Weekly Sabbath.” As soon as we have room, we will lay it before the reader.
Baptist Tidings
By A. Smith
“BAPTIST TIDINGS,” a large 8-page, splendidly executed paper, devoted to the interests of the Baptist denomination, is issued in Detroit, Mich. It has reached No. 16 of its first volume. We cordially place it upon our list of exchanges.
A. SMITH. Respecting the nature and office of Christ, see Bro. Waggoner’s late work on the Atonement.