p. 159 | Review and Herald, Vol. 35, No. 20. (5/3/1870)

S. WHITNEY

By S. Whitney

From Sr. Whitney.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am looking up for my Saviour's smile, listening for his voice, feeling for his hand and searching for his footprints, that I may walk safely through the perils that beset our pathway on every side. Yes, I am looking to Jesus as my friend, and find the proof of his friendship in the rebukes and chastenings he administers in faithfulness and truth.

I have written thus and paused to inquire, Is this true? or am I deceived by my own deceitful heart, and blindly led by the wicked one? Oh! how deceitful the heart, and how cunningly crafty the adversary! Surely,

“I travel through a world of foes, Through conflicts sore my spirit goes, The tempter cries, You ne'er shall stand, Nor reach fair Canaan's happy land; But Jesus is my friend.”

Are any of you "wrestling hard as I am now, with sins and doubts and fears?" Oh! how comforting the testimony that if we do what we can on our part to be ready for the conflict that is just before us, God will do his part, and his all-powerful arm will protect us. He would sooner send every angel out of glory to make a hedge about faithful souls, than that they should be deceived and led away by the lying wonders of Satan.

In Jesus' strength I can overcome. I must, I will, give more earnest heed to the things that I have heard, cleanse myself from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and perfect holiness in the fear of God. May He who says, "My grace is sufficient," be ever near to shield me from the fiery darts of the wicked one, that I may stand at last among those who shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Yours in the hope of eternal life.

S. WHITNEY

Franklin Co., N. Y.

Report from Bro. Matteson.

By John Matteson

THE month of March I spent in Labett Co., Mo., near Oswego. Held meetings two weeks, and occupied the rest of my time in writing. One week we had such a snow-storm and weather so severe that it was not expedient to have meetings. I had not been there long before a great excitement was gotten up about a new railroad and town to be built right there. This made it utterly impossible to get up an interest in the truth. A number of our publications were brought out among the people. Some have been brought to investigate, and I hope some will be found honest enough to obey. Went back to the brethren at Elk Creek, Linn Co., with a team, camping out two nights, which is the cheapest way to lodge in this country. Held meetings with them Sabbath and Sunday, then went on to Centerville. Had five meetings. Good interest. A few more started. Trust the brethren here will be in earnest, live out the truth, and try hard to get rid of their idols. Sunday morning came to this place.

This is a small country place, with two mills, a store, tavern and a few dwelling houses. Thickly settled all around. Last winter I was invited to come here, but found no time. Since then, the Protestant Methodists have had a revival here, and added ninety converts to their church. I thought it duty to try the prospect here before I left this country. Have the use of the school-house when it is not occupied by them. Have much prejudice to encounter as bad rumors have been circulated by our enemies. This place is only eight miles from Centerville. I have given three discourses, which have been well attended. Have prayed and spoken in the Methodist class and prayer meetings. Prejudice seems to be giving way. Some think there are a number of honest souls in this vicinity. May the Lord help to reach them, and do a good work for the glory of his name and the advancement of the cause.

JOHN MATTESON.

Farlinville, Linn Co., Kan., Apr., 1870.

INROADS OF EVIL.

The San Francisco correspondent of The Watchman and Reflector draws this dark picture of California Christianity: “Here, perhaps, as nowhere else, in so great a degree, the Christian church is committing adultery with the world, and the heavenly Bridegroom has departed from his bride. Theater-going, dancing, card and billiard playing, intemperance, Sabbath-breaking, and fashionable worldliness, are all found and tolerated in the Christian church, while but few are crying out against them. Brethren who come hither to preach Christ crucified must expect to find this type of Christianity prevailing largely, and be prepared to cry aloud and spare not, for until war is waged against these enemies in the camp of our King, the battle must surely go against us. The enemy is coming in like a flood, and making rapid strides to complete victory. . . . Revelry now reigns on Sunday.”

Christian Evidence Society

THE CHRISTIAN EVIDENCE SOCIETY is the name of an anti-infidel organization existing in England. We learn from our British exchanges, that at one of its conferences,—recently held “to consider the best means of counteracting, on a more widely extended scale, the strenuous and systematic efforts of infidels in the metropolis and throughout the country, which are now assuming so alarming a character,”—the Bishop of London, who presided, said, “that, on returning to the metropolis after seventeen years’ absence, he was struck with the systematic attitude which infidelity had now assumed. ‘Skeptical opinions were making progress in the upper ranks, as well as among other classes. Large numbers of books and periodicals of pernicious tendency were in circulation, and German literature had been brought forward prominently in England, and adopted by some of the dignitaries of the Anglican Church. All this told upon the modes of thought of the humbler classes.’” The testimonies of thoughtful, devoted men everywhere respecting the spread of skepticism, should surely arrest attention and lead to a serious consideration of the question: Do the Scriptures teach the conversion of the world? — Advent Herald.

A Call for a Tent Effort in Ohio

BRO. T. F. EMANS writes from Mercer Co., Ohio: We have been favored with a visit from Bro. St. John, and his labors for a short time in this place. As the result, six worthy and respectable citizens have received the truth. There are many others who have acknowledged the truth who only need a little more labor to induce them to take up the cross and walk out in obedience. We need more labor here to complete a glorious work well begun, and we must have it ere long, or the cause must suffer great loss; for there are a number in this community who are almost persuaded to obey, and the enemy is aroused, and is laboring hard to destroy the good seed sown.

The interest manifested is remarkable, and we can not but perceive the hand of the Lord in it. Commencing in our obscure school district, the interest has spread until the whole community for probably ten miles or more around are intensely interested to hear. The way is fully opened for a tent effort here. Indeed, from present indications nothing short of this can satisfy the demand to hear; and we are well satisfied from the evidences we have that could such a meeting be held here some time during next summer, it would result in a strong body of commandment-keepers being raised up, the people are calling loudly for such a meeting, and offer to pledge themselves to defray all expenses of bringing, erecting, and seating, the tent, and also of supporting the messengers while engaged here.

SR. S. CRANDALL writes from Winnebago Co., Wis.: I want a name among God's people. It is about nine years since I embraced the truth of the third angel's message, and my faith grows stronger in it. I am striving to overcome. I believe it is the hour of trial and temptation, but if we trust in Jesus, he will preserve us.

I feel the need of a deeper work of grace in my heart to prepare me to stand in the trying scenes just before us. My companion died last May, leaving me to go through this dark world alone. This brings many responsibilities upon me, and I feel that I need the strengthening hand of God, that I may be able to withstand all the wiles of the enemy, and get the victory. I request the prayers of the brethren and sisters, that I may stand with them on Mount Zion.

Obituary Notices.

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.

DIED, in Hillsdale, Mich., April 14, 1870, the little son of Bro. A. and Sr. P. Gleason, aged 3 years and 2 months.

This little boy was taken in a moment, as it were, from the bosom of this family. On the day above specified, he attempted to cross the mill race, as he had frequently done before, and the wind blowing strong, he lost his balance, fell in, and was drowned. After about five hours' search, his body was found about a mile below.

Funeral was held at the F. W. Baptist meeting house, on Sabbath, April 16. I. D. VAN HORN.

FELL asleep in Jesus, in Monroe, Iowa, March 23, 1870, our beloved sister, Mollie Chalfant, aged 27 years. Last fall she came from Ohio, to spend a while with her uncle's family, with a slight hope of regaining her health, by the change of climate, but consumption was doing its sure work, and soon we saw she must die. Though unable to attend the course of lectures here, during the winter by means of books and the interest of those with whom she was staying, she became convinced of the leading points of the Advent doctrine, and died with full faith in the soon coming of Jesus and the reward at the resurrection. She had early given herself to the Lord, and was beloved by all who knew her, on account of the sweet graces prominent in her character. She leaves a mother to mourn the loss of a lovely daughter; brothers, a kind sister; and friends, a devoted and self-sacrificing associate.

Funeral sermon was preached, April 17, by D. M. Canright, from I Thess. 4.

"Weep not for the Christian, Whose labor is done; Who, faithful to duty, The treasure has won. The jewel was fitted Forever to shine, A gem in the casket, Immortal, divine."

L. C. CANRIGHT.

Health Institute.

By General Conference Committee

At the recent annual meeting of the stockholders of the Health Institute, a Board of Directors was chosen, consisting of efficient business men, who have shown their interest in the work by strenuous efforts put forth to correct errors which have too long existed, and to so re-arrange the working of the Institution as to secure the confidence of the stockholders and of our people, and the approbation and favor of God. They are at this time together, having left their homes and business at this busy season, traveling at their own expense, and have so far perfected their arrangements for the immediate future as to warrant us in saying that we are satisfied that the interests of the Institute will be well cared for by them, and that we look upon its future prosperity as a matter of certainty.

We feel greatly encouraged, and are much rejoiced that we are able to speak words of encouragement to the friends of this Institution. We believe it is in the providence of God that this work has been undertaken, and to succeed, it must have his continued blessing. We earnestly invite the friends of the cause to pray that it may enjoy his favor, and yet become what it was originally designed to be, a place where the sick may receive physical and spiritual benefit, and a means of spreading the true light in regard to the laws of our being, and so aid in the great work of purifying a people to overcome, and stand strong in God amid the perils of the last days.

All letters on business, and all requiring answers, should be addressed to “HEALTH INSTITUTE, Battle Creek, Mich.” GEN. CONF. COM.

Appointments.

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

PROVIDENCE permitting, I will meet with the brethren in Sutton the second Sabbath in May; Charleston, the third Sabbath. A. S. HUTCHINS.

The next Monthly Meeting for the Knoxville and Sandyville churches will be held at Knoxville, May 14 and 15, 1870. Bro. Butler will be present and hold meetings the following week. The brethren from Monroe, Decatur City, and Clark Co., are cordially invited. BENN AUTEN.

The next Monthly Meeting in Northern Maine will be held with the church at Corinville, Sabbath and first-day, May 14 and 15. By order of the committee, GEO. W. BARKER.

The Monthly Meeting for May in Rhode Island is postponed until June 17 and 19, and will then be held at Lafayette, commencing the 17th at 7:30, P. M. Let all come who can. Some minister will be there, if no providence prevent. This arrangement is to give opportunity for those who wish to attend the general meeting at South Lancaster, Mass., May 7 and 8, to do so. P. C. RODMAN.

Ill. and Wis. Camp-meeting.

PROVIDENCE favoring, the southern camp-meeting, for the Ill. and Wis. Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, will be held near Nora, Jo Daviess Co., Ill., June 16–21. Nora is on the Ill. Central railroad, twenty miles north-west from Freeport, and about the same distance east of Galena. We earnestly desire that our brethren and sisters come themselves, and bring with them all they can, who have an ear to hear the present truth. Bro. and Sr. White are expected. We would also be glad to see as many of the friends of the cause from other States as can come. We expect this will be the most important meeting ever held within the bounds of this Conference.

Let the lovers of the truth pray that God may meet with, and bless, his people. Arrangements will be made, so that all who desire, can obtain food, and provisions, on the ground. R. F. ANDREWS. For Camp-Meeting Com.

Camp-Meeting in Minnesota.

This meeting will be held at Dodge Center, Dodge Co., Minn., June 23–28, 1870. Dodge Center is on the Winona and St. Peters railroad. The place of meeting is four miles west of where it was last year. MINN. CAMP-MEETING COMMITTEE.

Iowa Camp-Meeting.

PROVIDENCE permitting, there will be a camp-meeting held on the farm of Bro. Thomas Hare, 1½ miles west of Marion, Iowa, and 3½ miles from Cedar Rapids, commencing Thursday, June 9, and continuing five days. Bro. and Sr. White and other speakers will be present. We hope there will be a general attendance of the friends of the cause throughout the State. We also extend a cordial invitation to those in other States who can attend. Conveyance will be provided for those stopping at Cedar Rapids, who come by railroad from the east or west; while those coming from the direction of Dubuque will stop at Marion. Feed and provisions can be obtained on the ground. A hearty invitation is extended to all the friends of the cause to come themselves and bring with them all who are interested in present truth. We expect this will be the most important meeting ever held in the State. IOWA CAMP-MEETING COMMITTEE.

Iowa State Conference.

The next annual session of the Iowa State Conference of S. D. Adventists will be held near Marion, Iowa, in connection with the camp-meeting, June 10, 1870.

We hope every church in the State will be represented by delegates. They should come prepared to make the reports called for by the constitution, viz., a “written report of their standing, their losses and additions during the year, also the yearly amount of their S. B. funds.” They should be able to give the amount of money paid by their churches during the year to ministers and the treasurer. Let every church appoint its delegates in season. A church with twenty members or under, is entitled to one delegate, and an additional delegate for every fifteen additional members. IOWA STATE CONF. COM.

To Correspondents.

H. S. GUILFORD: The green and dry trees of Luke 23:31, doubtless are intended to represent good and bad persons; as commentators tell us that it was common among the Jews to liken a righteous person to a green tree, and the wicked to dry and dead trees. See Ps. 1:3. In the previous verse we are evidently carried down to the visitations of God's wrath upon the wicked at the opening of the great day of the Lord. And the sense seems to be that if the righteous are treated on earth, as they were then treating Christ, of what tribulation and punishment would the dry trees, the wicked, be thought worthy, when the great day of retribution should come.

J. WHITE, Leelanaw Co., Mich.: For an exposition of Heb. 12: 22–24, the only verses which are a source of difficulty in the chapter, see, Which? Mortal or Immortal? pp. 67–70.

M. E. CHURCH: For an explanation of the expressions, “Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched,” and the “Vengeance of eternal fire,” see Which? Mortal or Immortal? pp. 97–100.

Western Camp-Meetings.

CHANGE OF TIME.

A CHANGE of one week, in the time of the western camp-meetings appears unavoidable. We would not make this change unless absolute necessity seemed to compel us so to do. The meetings will be held as follows:—

Marion, Iowa, June 9—14. Nora, Ill., “ 16—21. Dodge Center, Minn., “ 23—28. —— Wisconsin, June 30, to July 5.

GEN. CONF. COM.

Note from Bro. Bourdeau.

By D. T. Bourdeau

We arrived in this city in safety last Monday night, after an absence of nearly two years. We parted with our fellow-laborer, Bro. Loughborough, at Oakland Depot, Cal., the Tuesday previous, having labored together in California upwards of twenty months, bearing each other's burdens, and sharing each other's sorrows and joys in trying to overcome, and in our efforts to further the cause of truth. We are happy to find things assuming a favorable and prosperous attitude in the different branches of the work at head quarters, and to see God's careworn servants cheerful and encouraged in the Lord, and in the enjoyment of a good degree of health. Upon the whole, our general health is better, though we feel the wear of the journey, etc.

Pray for us, that the prospering hand of the Lord may be with us as we enter another field of labor.

D. T. BOURDEAU.

Battle Creek, Mich., April 28, 1870.

Notice.

By R. F. A.

To the officers of the Ill. and Wis. Conference, I would suggest that Nora is the place in which to hold our Conference, in connection with the camp-meeting, and that it is time the appointment was given.

R. F. A.

Michigan Central Railroad Time Changes

As will be seen by the table, the time of the Michigan Central Railroad has been changed for the summer. The fast New York express is again running, and other trains are somewhat changed.

Michigan Central Railroad.

GOING WEST.

LEAVE.	MAIL.	DAY EXP.	EVE. EXP.	NIGHT EX.
Detroit,......	6:50 A.M.	7:30 A.M.	5:45 P.M.	10:10 P.M.
Battle Creek,	1:00 P.M.	10:57 A.M.	11:20 P.M.	2:48 A.M.
Chicago, Arrive,	8:05 P.M.	4:00 P.M.	6:30 A.M.	9:00 A.M.

GOING EAST.

	MAIL.	DAY EXP.	EVE. EXP.	NIGHT EX.
Chicago,	5:00 A.M.	11:00 A.M.	5:15 P.M.	9:00 P.M.
Battle Creek	11:53 A.M.	4:04 P.M.	11:20 P.M.	2:48 A.M.
Detroit, Arrive,	5:40 P.M.	7:35 P.M.	3:45 A.M.	7:30 A.M.

THESE trains all run by Chicago time, which is fifteen minutes slower than Detroit time.

The Peninsular Railway.

By L. D. WIBBLE

UNTIL otherwise ordered, trains will be run as follows:

	A.M.	P.M.		A.M.	P.M.
Battle Creek, dep.	6:15	2:15	Charlotte, dep.	9:00	4:30
Bellevue,	7:00	3:00	Olivet,	9:50	5:10
Olivet,	7:20	3:20	Bellevue,	10:00	6:30
Charlotte, arr.	8:00	4:00	Battle Creek, arr.	10:45	6:15

All trains will stop at Verona, Penfield, Madison's, State Road, and Walton.

L. D. WIBBLE, President and General Superintendent.

Business Department.

Not Slothful in Business. Rom. 12:11.

RECEIPTS.

For Review and Herald.

Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which should correspond with the Numbers on the Papers. If money for the paper is not due in time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.

$1.00 each. Michael Follan 36-24, B F Hoar 36-24, Mrs M A Anderson 36-24, G W Englestein 37-11, S A Sweet 35-1, J O Brown 36-1, A Fife 37-1, Jane Peck 35-17, M A Chute 36-20, Thomas Locher 36-20, Jas Pease 36-1, Mary B Dewes 36-17, O Lawton 37-20, Helen Shepard 36-20, Mrs E P Williams 36-20, O O Bridges 37-14, B B Buck 36-20, C H Barrows 36-18, Emma Wheeler 36-20, Wm T Hornady 36-20, Angelene Grossman 36-20.

$2.00 each. A M Smith 36-15, Mrs Amy Austin 37-20, Robert Carr 37-1, O S Rooney 38-19, Wesley Hoff 36-1, Warren Sutliff 37-14, A Stewart 36-1, J A Young 37-9, H Rousseau 35-8, E O Fish 37-1, Jesse Tenney 38-1, A Hurlburt 36-1, Chas Higgins 37-17, Mrs L Parrot 37-11, J M Brigham 36-21, J Marnes 37-12, J Hebner 37-1, M Davis 36-20.

Miscellaneous. B W Gerald $5.00, 36-1, P A Gammon 1.50, 36-13, Jacob Kiehl 1.50, 37-13, W Greenlee 1.25, 36-9, B Sell 5.00, 37-1, Miss A Coit 50c, 36-13, Andrew Dunlap 3.00, 37-14, E H Territ 1.50, 37-7, Peter Weeks 3.00, 37-20, H L Richmond 75c, 36-20.

Books Sent by Mail.

Orville W Austin $2.53, Edwin Church 25c, E T West 2.00, A W Leighton 2.75, Eunice Sherman 25c, F Burnham 25c, A Woodruff 27c, P R Mills 55c, J N Loughborough 1.12, A M Smith 1.00, Lois R Carr 25c, M J Stewart 25c, M A Chute 25c, Mrs O Gregory 12c, Geo Detweiler 10c, Julius C Smith 1.65, Mrs J W Morgan 35c, E Woodhouse 80c, Albert Weeks 25c, L Roberts 12c, Arthur A Steere 63c, Elbridge Green 12c, E Zytkoskee 1.00, Orin O Bridges 2.00, J N Loughborough 40c, Frank W Mace 15c, Wm H Wild 20c, H S Kittredge 12c, Benton Haynes 1.20, Daniel Pratt 40c.

Michigan Conference Fund.

Church in Bushnell $89.64, Church in Jackson 50.00.

General Conference Missionary Fund.

E Elmer $1.25, S Elmer 75c, D C Elmer 1.00, W Sutliff 6.00, Maine Conference 10.00, Church in Orleans, Mich., 27.00, D R Palmer and wife 50.00.

Cash Received on Account.

S B Whitney $17.00, Jesse Dorcas 2.65, W Sutliff $1.00.

Received on Book and Tract Fund.

T Alverson $50.00, E T West 6.50, Wm Harmon 6.00, John Welling 5.00, Premium on gold 1.20.

Foreign Missionary Fund.

M J Reed $1.85.

The Coming Religious Contest

There can be no doubt but the next leading question in this country is to be a religious one. This is the general impression. Says a writer in the Advocate and Guardian: “We have just gone through a terrific struggle for national life and liberty. We are rapidly nearing a grander, fiercer strife, for religious life and liberty.” But when we reach this religious contest, if we read prophecy aright, we have reached that which is to mark the closing hours of probationary time. Tokens of this contest are rapidly accumulating. Enough is seen to show its nature, and the questions that will be involved. Are we ready?