Earlier text: SAINTS' INHERITANCETHIS meeting was one of much labor and trial, but an object was accomplished which will result in much good for the cause here. The elements of division which had existed for months were faithfully exposed, and a heavy burden and discouragement was removed. An open Sabbath-breaker was publicly reproved, and was finally disfellowshipped for the sins of Sabbath-breaking and fault-finding. He had on the Sabbath taken a grist from the mill, engaged a blacksmith to shoe his horse, and suffered his family to prepare cheese curd &c. After several attempts to justify these acts, and an exposure of the fallacy of his arguments, an attempt was made at confession on a portion of the charges, but all he said only made his case look darker still. He then claimed that he was to be disfellowshipped because he did not believe the visions, which the whole conference knew was false. In his defense he claimed that the visions were Papacy, and before he closed he said they were "good and glorious" and they "perfectly endorsed our faith" &c. The position taken was, that while the church did not require him to confess faith in the visions in order to fellowship, yet we could not approbate his continually finding fault with those who do believe them. The straight testimony given concerning the duty to keep the Sabbath holy, brought out some voluntary, hearty confessions from several who had not kept the Sabbath according to the commandment, and the law was magnified. Finally, for the reasons mentioned above, fellowship was withdrawn from Samuel Everett until such time as he shall fully confess and forsake his sins. The conference was somewhat troubled by a religious fanatic, author of a book entitled "The Midnight Cry," where his name appears as "Rev. Castle Churchill." He comes among us as an Adventist and Sabbath-keeper, and introduces his fanatical notions, such as that the Two-horned beast is the order of Jesuits, and the image is the crucifix, &c.; that the abomination of desolation is yet to be set up, and the tribulation of Matt. xxiv, is yet future; that the signs in the sun, moon and stars are figurative, and are yet future; that the Sanctuary is the church, &c. The brethren should stand to their post, and not give place to such a spirit, no not for an hour. The conference appeared to be in harmony except the things mentioned above. Brn. Dorcas and Graham of Iowa, who labor occasionally in word and doctrine, were with us. Also Bro. S. Myers of Illinois was present, and bore a pointed testimony against the Age-to-come and Messenger spirit, giving some of his own experience in the matter. Most of the testimonies in the social meetings were cheering and good. In the business meetings it was voted that the churches in Iowa should provide a home for Bro. Hull's family. Bro. A. Caldwell proposed to furnish a house and lot in Decatur City, and Bro. S. Osborn, of Dayton, would do the same; but it was agreed that Bro. Hull should be located in Iowa City. In consideration of the tent necessities, it was thought best to defer building for the present. Brn. B. F. Curtis and S. Adams were chosen to look after the wants of Bro. Hull's family. Bro. H. E. Carver and the above named brethren were unanimously chosen as central tent Committee for Iowa, and Brn. S. Osborn, F. Morrow, and A. Caldwell were appointed a corresponding committee to solicit aid in their respective localities, and report to the central committee. $15,00 was subscribed, and $17,50 was paid on former pledges, to enable us to start out with the tent. Bro. White's letter to Bro. H. E. Carver concerning the cause in the West, was read and heartily appreciated by the brethren. It was then motioned that the conference express their gratitude for the help of the brethren east, and cordially accept the laborers sent among them, and that they do all they can to hold up their hands by their prayers and means. The vote was unanimous and hearty. The latter part of our meetings was interesting. Lawyers, doctors and preachers were out to hear. On First-day four were baptized. One brother came 175 miles to attend the conference and be baptized, and we all had good evidence that he was dead to the world, and alive to God. * We pitch the Iowa tent in a new field this week.37The Lord is uniting our hearts, and we trust is fitting us up for the great work before us. QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION.
By John Nevins Andrews
1. Some believe that the ten commandments which Jehovah once enacted, were afterward abolished by him, and that after this he re-enacted nine of them. Is there any authority for such a singular theory? Can you think of a single instance in which God has enacted a law, then abolished it, then re-enacted it? 2. Is not the promise connected with the fifth commandment, applied in Eph. vi, 1-3, to Gentiles as well as Jews? How then can the commandments be called Jewish? 3. Redemption is consummated for the church at the second advent. Luke xxi, 28; Rom. viii, 23; Eph. iv, 30. The only sense in which redemption was effected at the first advent was that the price was then paid for it. This was the death of the Son of God. Now if any day should be kept to commemorate redemption should it not be the crucifixion day, on which that price was paid? Eph. i, 7; Col. i, 14. 4. There is no recorded instance in the Bible of the observance of the great day of atonement. Is not this fact as remarkable as that Sabbath-keeping should not be named in Genesis? 5. How could the Galatians be represented as desiring to be in bondage again to certain beggarly elements, if the Sabbath was what Paul thus designated? Gal. iv, 9. For they had previously been heathen, and consequently had not observed the law of God. Does not this fact prove conclusively that Paul did not refer to the Sabbath, but did refer to the heathen observance of days, and months, and times, and years? 6. Burial with Christ in baptism is the divine memorial of the burial and resurrection of the Saviour. Rom. vi, 4, 5; Col. ii, 12. Do those honor him who change baptism to sprinkling, and then keep Sunday as a memorial of the resurrection of Christ?
J. N. A. THE LAST PLAGUES.
By M. E. Cornell
THE description of the seven last plagues in the sixteenth chapter of Revelation, though brief, is yet the most terrible that can be found in all the book of God. At different periods since the creation, the wrath of God has been manifested against the wicked in various and terrible judgments; but no judgment of the past can compare with the last plagues—they are the "wine of the wrath of God" without any mixture of mercy; the "time of trouble such as never was." In that trouble, the most noisome and grievous sores will break out upon men, causing the most excruciating pain, with faintness and thirst. They go for water, but the second and third vials have turned it all to blood, like that of a dead man. No language can describe the horrors of that time, when, burning with fever, and famishing with thirst, man shall have nothing but blood to drink. But in addition to this, the fourth angel's vial, poured upon the sun, brings down his strength sevenfold, the heat of seven days. They will then be scorched with a fire of great heat, and still there is no water to cool a parched tongue. The horrors of a guilty conscience will also enhance their misery. They have worshiped the beast, rejected the last solemn warning, and now they are rejected of God, who is to them a consuming fire. Mercy is clean gone for ever, and they blaspheme because there is no repentance. Could this suffering purify and save them, there would be relief; but alas! there is no hope—they must suffer and die. For one hour of probation they would give worlds if they had them to give, but the decree is past, and they must be "filthy still." But the work is not yet done, there are still lingering dying men upon the earth. The last vial is poured out; the treasures of the hail are opened, and the great hail stones, each weighing a talent (57 lbs.) sent down by the whirlwind of fury, will complete the work. O reader, let us heed the third angel's call—it is the proclamation of the day of vengeance of our God. Now is the time to be thoughtful and consider, before it is too late. The warning is now, and the judgment will follow. It is no new thing, that the Lord will smite with a curse. The flood, the destruction of Sodom, Nineveh, Babylon and Jerusalem—all are witness to God's faithfulness in rewarding iniquity. O how solemn, when we think of the greatest times of trouble in the past, and consider that the one to come is far greater still. It is good to call to remembrance the former days, and be warned in time. How soon the inhabitants of earth have forgotten the dreadful scourge of the cholera. They never will be mindful of God's judgments till too late. Alas! there is no fear of God before their eyes. Nations have been visited for their sins, but they do not turn to God. In A. D. 1333, a plague called the black death swept over Europe, destroying one fourth of its inhabitants. The following description will give some idea of its terribleness. "This dreadful scourge broke out in the East in the year 1333, and with various symptoms traversed during twenty-six years, the whole of the old world, from China to England. Wherever it came, people were oppressed with dumb fear or grew mad with terror. The churches were closed—family ties were dissolved—mothers deserted their children, and children their parents. The miser forgot his gold, and the lady her lover. Everything the sick had touched, their breath and clothes spread the contagion. Merchants of immense wealth brought their goods to the church, but money had become poison, and the monks only received it to die. The churchyards could no longer contain the corpses, and they were left unburied, or arranged by thousands in pits, or thrown into rivers. China lost thirteen millions of inhabitants. India was depopulated, Tartary, Mesopotamia and Syria were covered with dead bodies. The Kurds fled in vain to the mountains.' In Germania and Cesaria, none were left alive. Only a few cities of Asia escaped, and her loss, aside from that of China, was nearly 24,000,000. From the Orient, preceded by an offensive mist, the plague settled down upon Italy and Europe. Here ensued the same destruction of business, and the devastation of cities. More than 200,000 towns and villages were depopulated. Italy lost half her inhabitants. Germany lost 1,200,000. In many places in France, not more than two in twenty were left alive. In England, it is said nearly nine-tenths of the inhabitants perished. This last is evidently too large an estimate, but without exaggeration, Europe was despoiled of 25,000,000, or one fourth of its entire population. In Florence, it was forbidden to toll the bells, lest the survivors should surrender to despair; and the historian records, that when the plague had ceased, men thought they were still wandering among the dead, so livid had terror and anxiety left the countenances of the survivors." "And there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation." Dan. xii, 1. O spare thy people, and save them from the awful plagues which are soon to be poured out. WRITING FROM EXPERIENCE.
By J. Clarke
THE request has been made in the Review for those who can to write from experience, upon the subject of holiness, For one, I must freely own that I cannot yet do so. I have not yet attained to holiness of heart and life, but this I do, I press forward. I believe that I am justified freely by His grace, and this gives me inward joy. Justified, reconciled to God, through Christ; daily I drink in rich draughts of his love; the word of God by his inspired servants is to me a glorious field of fruits and flowers, from which I gather delicious food. Often my heart is enraptured as I read the faith and works of those who have borne aloft the standard of truth in ancient times, and the consoling thought is ever with me, that their God who wrought for them, is our God. In prayer, I feel a confidence in God, more and more deep, and the current of his love runs through my soul in an unfailing stream, (yet subject to ebb and flow because of my own frailty,) and I have at times an unusual evidence of his love and goodness. I feel that I am not ashamed to own my Lord. No, he is all and in all to me. I have longing desires to attain to holiness, and perfect purity, and charity, but the conflicts I daily experience, show to me that I have not fully overcome; but it is glorious to realize that Jesus is with me by his good Spirit, to aid and encourage me in this arduous work. I do not fret and worry because I have not yet attained to holiness. No, I try to bear with temptation, and to resist it just as I would face a north-east snow storm, bravely, firmly, cheerfully, and for his grace I ask confidently, and wait patiently, and the answer is often instantaneous, and always sure. Oh yes, God's promise is sure; his note of hand is never protested. Is not the blessing of justification a very great prize? and by improving this well, I hope ere long to attain with all the faithful to that holiness, without which, no man can see God. In connection with justification, I believe the work of holiness or sanctification is in progress, and as I look back upon the past, I discover that my slow progress has been caused by a lack of entire consecration, and this still is the impediment in my way. But I know of no other way but to labor on, steadily, cheerfully, hopefully, confidently. Indeed, such has been the hold sin and error have had upon my mind, that I deem it a miracle of grace, that I may even enjoy a hope of triumph over sin and death. But I will press onward, the Lord helping me. God and Christ and holiness, shall be first and last. I will war with every form of evil, in self or out, will fight manfully, cheerfully, successfully; will say to my God, I will not let thee go except thou bless me. Thus warring, if I fall I will fall in the ranks. TO THE MINISTERS.
By Danl. T. Taylor
BRETHREN: I am doing a new work, viz., gathering statistics. Your aid is solicited. I am sending out several hundred circulars,—these will explain themselves and open my task. I began this task last December. Many to whom I have written have done well, others have retarded my work. To such I wish to say that I am doing this work to benefit a great and good cause. A complete list will be put into the hands of each of the four editors who may publish this call. It may be printed,—the names and Post Offices with or without the views attached. This will be as you shall say. So then give your opinion concerning its publication. And do not be ashamed or afraid to state your views and position. Do not lumber your letter, but reply systematically, briefly, and fully. Do not shrink from answering as some have. Do not give me the trouble of sending a second time. Do not guess at any names of men or places, but simply state such as you know. Further information in relation to the plan will be given you in due time. Help me in it but do not hinder, so shall you have the benefit of the undertaking when completed. For God and truth, DANL. T. TAYLOR.
North Wardsboro, Windham Co., Vermont. Bro. Taylor wishes a full list of our preachers. As we are unable to give this, with the P. O. Address of each, we conclude to give below, his circular, that all may see it, and answer to the questions therein proposed, returning their answer to D. T. Taylor, as per direction. CIRCULAR.
By Daniel T. Taylor
Dear Sir: I am desirous of ascertaining the name, address, position, and views of each and every minister in this country, unconnected with the other denominations, but who passes as a so-called Second Adventist. Will you please answer, on receipt of this, the following questions: 1. What is your name in full? 2. What is your P. O. address—Town, County and State? 3. Are you a pastor or evangelist? 4. Are you sick, aged or idle? 5. Are you ordained, or unordained? 6. Do you hold to Wm. Miller's view of the millennium? 7. Do you hold to a mixed millennial age? 8. Do you place the 1000 years (Rev. xx) in the past? 9. Do you hold to endless pain, or utter destruction? 10. Do you hold to a conscious or an unconscious condition in death? 11. Do you keep Sabbatically the first or the seventh day of the week, or neither? 12. Will you give me the name and address of every other so-called Advent min'ster in your STATE, as you are able, who is preaching or has preached the SPEEDY com'ng of Christ? Please reply immediately, and briefly, as also plainly, to
DANIEL T. TAYLOR,
North Wardsboro, Windham Co., Vermont. A STRIKING CONTRAST.—The Washington Republic calls attention to the fact that the terms of the preamble of Dr. Patton's resolution offered at the Tract Society meeting, in condemnation of the African slave trade, is precisely the same as the one offered in congress by Mr. Ethridge two years before. The House refused to lay it on the table, by a vote of 72 to 137. The American Tract society laid Dr. Patton's upon the table by an immense majority. The House is composed of professed politicians; the Tract Society is composed of professed Christians. What is the inference? Once wandering through the land of dreams, In search of something new, A church—'twas on a Sabbath morn— My curious notice drew; And thinking I should see the mode Of Christian worship there, I entered just in time to hear The closing hymn and prayer. The church was rich without display; From gorgeous colors free; Through unstained glass the light of heaven Was shining cheerfully, And rich and poor sat side by side; I saw no cushioned pews, Whose doors the meanest of the flock An entrance might refuse. And when the hymn was given out, With what astonished face I watched a lady clad in silk Bend forward from her place, To share her book with one whose robes So scanty were, and mean, No maiden form of earthly mould To greet her would be seen. And yet I saw not that the deed Lessened a single grace, But rather that a sweeter look Beamed on the maiden's face. And while I pondered in my mind, How such a thing could be, The whole assembly joined to sing Some time-worn melody. Vainly I strove with modern ear To catch the organ's tone; Those simple Christians swell the praise, Of God by voice alone. And here no fashionable airs, The tedium to beguile, Are set to solemn hymns of praise, And sung in opera style. And yet the music of that choir Right pleasant was to hear, Though nothing in the strain I found, To please a critic's ear; But childhood joined in ringing tones With those of faltering age, And rich and poor, and old and young, In the blest work engage. I listened, and my thoughts recurred To many a boasted choir In city church, who weekly meet To praise the Lord for hire; And well, thought I, the church of God This mockery might spare. I ceased—for every head was bowed In reverential prayer. And all in spirit seemed to join, Nor could I well forbear, For Christ, and not the minister, Was most apparent there. In words of charity and love Did the whole world embrace, Unfettered by the love of sect, That modern Christian grace. And little did I care to know If Old the School or New, From whence the soul of such a man Its rich instruction drew. His teacher none could well mistake; One only can impart Lessons of wisdom that can guide A sinful, human heart. Too soon that fervent prayer was o'er, The benediction asked, And slowly down the spacious aisles The congregation passed. Slowly, as one might turn his back Upon the gates of heaven, After a taste of angel's food, Unto his soul was given. And now kind greetings were exchanged, With many a friendly word, And Christians met as Christians should, Who serve one common Lord. One heart, one mind, one earnest will Seemed to inspire the whole, As friend to friend with freedom told The welfare of his soul. Strange, though it seem, no single word These curious folks did say, Of "politics," of rise in stocks, Or gossip of the day. Not only did they "shut up shop," And lock the office door, They turned the key on worldly thoughts, Till holy time was o'er. The sermon, while a group discussed, I listened in amaze, And marveled at the words they used, When speaking in its praise. They did not call it "great," or "deep," "Ingenious," "witty," "smart," Or "thank their stars they had a man After the people's heart." But whispered low, with moistened eyes, "How precious was the word; How full of hope the promises Their strengthened souls had heard;" And murmured blessings on his head, Who, laboring by their side In all simplicity and truth, Preached Christ the crucified. I heard, and could not silence keep, "Thrice happy souls," I cried, "Am I in heaven?" With sudden start My eyes I opened wide— Looked round a moment in amaze— Saw my mistake with pain, And never since have dared to take A nap in church again. A Methodist’s Conversion to Sabbathkeeping
By John Reynolds
Bro. Smith: I have heretofore belonged to the Methodist church, but about two years ago my attention was called to the subject of life and death. A short sentence in a small book has caused me to reconsider all my former opinions, and the result has been a thorough change in nearly all of my former faith. That sentence was this, "All should have a Thus saith the Lord, for the foundation of their faith." With this motto, I commenced searching the Scriptures with prayerful attention and I trust an unprejudiced mind. My last investigations have been on the subject of the Sabbath. In them I was aided by your Sabbath tracts, which were sent me by a brother in Eaton Co., Mich. I feel very grateful to him for his kindness in sending them to me. My former brethren have opposed me some in my views, but in this they fail, for I have the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. This they profess to have, but if they have it, it is so wrapped in the cobwebs of theology that I never have seen the blade. There is but one besides myself in this county that I know of that keeps the Sabbath. Remember us at the throne of grace.
John Reynolds.
Isabella Co. Mich. H. L. DANIELS
By H. L. Daniels
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS, you that love the appearing of our Lord and Saviour, I would say to you that I am trying to do the will of my Father which is in heaven, by living in obedience to all his commandments. I praise his holy name that whereas I was once blind, now I see; that he has made this light to shine upon our pathway, to guide our feet amid the perils of these last days. My faith grows stronger as the day of redemption draws nearer. I mean by the grace already given me, to lay aside all vanity and pride, to live a humble, self-denying Christian, that I with you may be ready to meet the Lord at his coming, to share in the great refreshing, or the latter reign. With my thoughts centered on Jesus, the great author of eternal salvation to those that believe, I will run with patience the race set before me; for I believe that the great day of the Lord is nearer than many of us are aware. If this be so let us awake out of sleep, girding on the whole armor of God, living out this truth by a well-ordered life and a godly conversation. Let us not sleep any longer upon the verge of the Judgment, but watch and pray more, lest this day come upon us as a thief. As professed children of the light, let us walk in it, and be sanctified through the truth. Let us seek meekness; for it may be we shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger. Dear lonely ones, who, like myself, have not the privilege of meeting with any of like faith to worship God on his holy Sabbath, be faithful a little longer. The scattered saints will soon be gathered to part no more. Our Lord will soon come with power and great glory. Then those who have fallen asleep, who now rest from their labors, will come forth with forms fashioned like unto Christ's most glorious body. It is a blessed hope. The bands of death will soon be broken, sickness and sorrow be done away. God will wipe away all tears from our eyes. Then will this mortal put on immortality. With these glorious prospects before us, let us not despair, but keep ourselves unspotted from the world, working out our own salvation with fear and trembling. My prayer is that we may overcome the world, leave it with all its charms behind, while Satan is working with all power and signs and lying wonders, gathering his armies together, binding them in bundles to be burned. While we are persecuted and hated by the world, I pray the Lord to increase our faith, and help us to rid ourselves of everything that is unholy and unclean, that we may be prepared to go through the battle which is just before us. Let all evil be done away from among us, that we may be gathered into the unity of the faith, and the will of the Lord may be done by us. He will have a pure, holy and peculiar people. Knowing that the consummation of all things is near, may we be filled with the Spirit, get our hearts right before the Lord, obtain the eye-salve and white raiment, keeping our eye upon the holy city, and our feet in the straight and narrow path, that when Jesus comes we may lay hold on eternal life, enter in through the gates, eat of the39tree of life, live and reign with our King, and walk the golden streets of the New Jerusalem. Woodhull, Steu. Co., N. Y. P. S. I would here make a request through the Review that Bro. Cottrell, or some of the other messengers would come here this fall, and preach the word. There are hundreds who never heard this message. Some are anxious to hear, and I think good may be done. Meetings in Plum River, Ill.
By Solomon Myers
BRO. SMITH: At the request of Bro. Sanborn and for the encouragement of the friends of present truth I will give you a sketch of the meetings held here May 28th, 29th and 30th. Bro. Sanborn labored with us faithfully and the work was prospered in his hands. The brethren from Greenvale, Millville, and Plum-River, came together on May 29th when the church was set in order and celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house. Old difficulties were removed and wrongs confessed. Bro. S. came to our house the 30th, preached at 5 P. M., and baptized one of my daughters, and started on his return the 31st. The church met again last Sabbath, June 4th according to appointment, at which time there was an effort made to point out some of the duties that are imperative upon all who expect to meet the approving smile of the Lord and enjoy the presence of the Holy Spirit. There was not a dissenting voice raised, but a uniform assent given, and resolutions were made to persevere until the end of the road. We had a calm, sweet, heavenly time, and all seemed to feel that the Lord cared for us. A few who have professed faith in the third angel's message still stand aloof from the church; but we hope that the brethren will take such a course, and so closely follow out the precepts of Jesus that such will be added to the church as shall be saved. In conclusion I would say that the impression seems to prevail with all with whom I have an opportunity to converse in the church, that the Lord's hand is in the work, and he is gathering and uniting his people. The consequence is an increase of faith, and a greater desire for holiness of heart. The Lord is exalted and we are humbled. O praise the name of the Lord, he knows them that fear him.
SOLOMON MYERS.
Plum-River, June 5th, 1859. 'Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.' DEAR BRO. SMITH: I feel to thank God for his goodness and mercy to me, his unworthy creature. I am not weary in trying to do well, for in due time I shall reap if I faint not. I know of a surety that this world is not my home; but thank God, I have one, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. I am trying to labor a little in the message. I have broken ground here in Pacific; and the people seem to be deeply interested and hungry for the truth. Also in the town of Scott, the Lord has begun a good work, and O may he carry it on to perfection. Brethren, pray for us. Standing Firm in the Faith
By Wm. H. Brinkerhoff
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Although we cannot converse one with another face to face yet we can through the columns of the Review cheer one another in our journey to life. Our hearts can beat in unison, our affections can all be centered on him who is able to make us wise unto salvation. He is the same yesterday to day and forever. O let us heed the language of Paul to the Romans "I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service. Rom. xii, 1. O let us have a living faith, stand fast and firm, and be built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. Upon this foundation what need we care for the "world's dread frown?" Although we may be mocked and derided by those that are led captive by Satan at his will, that are in possession of the carnal mind, who are making the commandments of God of none effect by their traditions; yet let us press forward. The gates of the holy city, the New Jerusalem, are almost in sight. Let us keep his commandments that we may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into that city.
Wm. H. Brinkerhoff.
Afton, Iowa. Where Does the Soul Go?
By John Crapsey
Eld. Jno. Crapsey writes from Portville, Pa.: "A few days since, I was off on some business, and on my return home, the Sabbath overtook me in West Genesee, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., during which time I was invited to attend meeting with a people who call themselves Seventh-day Baptists. Elder Campbell was their settled preacher. But soon, after some deliberations and considerations, it did appear quite evident that Mr. Campbell and myself did not see quite eye to eye as watchmen ought to see, especially on some of the fundamental doctrines of the Bible, viz., the sleep of the saints, destruction of the wicked, immortality, &c. There was also a Bible class to come on immediately after service. The question for consideration had previously been given out, which was, Where does the soul go when the person dies? This subject, as you very well know, must have been very interesting to me, for these despised second Adventists are not drawing the bow at a venture. God is greatly opening their understanding and revealing to them the true knowledge of the Scriptures. Hence it is that they see eye to eye. I took my seat at the foot of the class, and the preacher in the middle of the house as a sort of moderator and interrogator. The question, Where does the soul go? was answered, To God. Some Scripture was introduced as supposed proof. There were three persons who advanced some scripture as proof that the soul slept in the grave. The preacher said he would like to hear the opinion of the stranger, which I most gladly gave. I then reviewed some few arguments which had been presented, remembering at the same time that I should be reviewed, and replied to by the propounding minister. I also requested the Elder to give us the original for soul and spirit. Suffice it to say, I think that I never saw the truth come home to the hearts of the children of men with more convincing power in all my life before. Dear brother, it was clad in triple steel. In short, it appeared to paralyze every argument brought against it. So you see, the truth has begun to explode in their midst, and may the Lord continue to be with those who are seeking after it." Sister M. A. Streeter writes from Pulaski, N. Y., June 11th. "I have not heard a sermon since I commenced keeping the Sabbath. My daily prayer is that God will send some messenger this way that will present the truth before the people. I have tried to live religion since I was sixteen years old, and can truly say I never saw the way so plain as since I commenced to keep all the ten commandments. My heart does rejoice that there is a people trying to live by the whole word of God and not a part. The saints seem very near to me. O that I could meet with them once more on earth. Do pray for us and all the lonely ones that we may arise with the message and not be left behind." A Sabbath-Keeping Couple in Vermont
Bro. E. Bartlett writes from Jay, Vt. "Myself and wife are the only Sabbath-keepers in this town. We meet with great opposition, but are trying to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, that we may be numbered with the 144,000. We desire an interest in the prayers of the brethren and sisters that we may endure to the end, and receive the crown. We have been to but one Sabbath meeting since we embraced the truth. We feel thankful for the light of the third angel's message, and pray God may keep us through all our trials and preserve us to the great day. He has kept our feet in the way so far, and we feel to trust him for the future. Brethren, remember us." Questions About Christian Association
By M. M. Osgood
Brethren and Sisters Scattered Abroad: To you I send greeting—May he who is able to keep you from falling and to set you in the presence of his glory faultless, be the first object of your love, your chief joy and happy hope. I feel that there are sure trials awaiting you, and me too, if I walk blamelessly before God the Father. Satan is not only working with power by signs, intent on deceiving even the elect, but he seems to be working in every conceivable form. All around I hear the rumbling of his lion roar, and see intimations of the presence of his forked tongue. Verily as a prince he reigns in the hearts of the children of men. Often does the question arise, How much, and when will it answer to mingle with those who do not follow the Lord Jesus except in name, but seem to prefer the service of the “prince of this world?” There seems no prospect of benefiting any save a very few, and if we cannot benefit them I fear they will injure us; for so much are we the creatures of influence, moulded and fashioned in a great measure by those in whose society we principally mingle. Now what shall we who are separated from all or nearly all of like precious faith and holy practice do? How can we best glorify God? Shall we spend the greater portion of our time at home? or shall we go among careless professors and professed worldlings, and spend our time in striving to lead them from sin and error into truth? These are questions which greatly perplex me now. Will some of greater experience and wisdom and knowledge in the ways and will of God express their convictions of duty through the Review on this point? There is no question with me in reference to making or receiving complimentary calls, or of spending an hour occasionally in vain and profitless chit-chat. Nay, nay, there is no time for that. We have enough to do to set our own house in order and render our feeble assistance to those who feel the importance of doing the same, or those who may be made to feel the importance through well directed effort. The day of the Lord is evidently hastening on. The long dreaded war has begun; perplexity and distress of nations follow in its rear. The sea and waves roar mightily as I am often persuaded by occular demonstration; and when the powers of heaven are shaken and men's hearts fail them for fear of those things coming on the earth, we have but to look again to see the Son of man coming. O that God's children might be prepared to resist every influence of Satan, and please the Father in all things! I presume that many of the saints are to day enjoying a rich feast. Yesterday (the Sabbath) I felt a most ardent desire to make one of the number assembled at B. C. for conference and prayer. May God enable those who do assemble to transact all their business in his fear and love and may they bear with them from that place to their homes a holy sanctifying influence, live more separated from the world and be ripening fast for the kingdom. O that great grace might rest upon the conductors of the Review and kindred publications, causing them to grow strong in the Lord and in the power of his might, do valiantly. Your sister desiring a better country that is a heavenly.
M. M. Osgood.
Bronte, C. W. June 5th 1859. If you have any respect for Christ, cleave closely to him, In the height of your prosperity, expect adversity, but fear it not; if it come not you are the more sweetly possessed of the happiness you have, and the more strongly confirmed; if it come, you are the more gently disposed, and more firmly prepared. Striving to Make Her Calling Sure
Sister E. Wilcox writes from Hubbardsville, N. Y., "By the grace of God I am striving to walk in the staight and narrow way which leads unto eternal life. O, what is all this vain world worth, in comparison with this? I want eternal life at the expense of all things else. I feel very thankful for the precious privileges I enjoy from day to day, and I want to improve upon them as I shall wish I had done when called to render up my account to God, the Judge of all. But especially I feel thankful that I ever was led to see my lost, and ruined condition without a Saviour, and that I was enabled to flee to him for mercy. I hope and trust he has heard my cry. I feel thankful that I ever heard the first message, and the second, and third, and that I ever tried to heed them. I am sorry that I have not more fully lived up to them, that I have not been a bolder soldier of the cross, that I have not followed the meek and lowly Jesus more fully, and been instrumental in doing more good. O, I want to improve upon every remaining moment as I shall wish I had when the last one is past. They are fast being numbered and I want to realize it more fully, and give all dilligence to make my calling and election sure. I often fear that I shall be left to my own ways, and finally come short. Oh! who could endure that awful sentence from the dear Saviour, Depart from me, I know you not. I want to be a doer of the work, and not a forgetful hearer. I feel thankful that the Lord has borne with me, in my unfaithfulness so long, and that he is still saying unto me, This is the way, walk ye in it. I feel thankful that I was ever led to see, and embrace the holy Sabbath; and though unworthy was numbered with commandment-keepers. I am thankful that I have the Review to read. I want the truths it advocates to have their sanctifying influence on my heart, and I want to be enabled to live them out and finally have an inheritance with all the redeemed on mount Zion."