Earlier text: The Visions---Objections AnsweredLonely Ones, Take Courage.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
MANY among us are alone in their families or neighborhoods, in keeping the Sabbath. In a family, perhaps the wife keeps the Sabbath while the husband and children oppose; or the husband keeps it and the rest oppose; or a child keeps it, and the parents oppose, &c. Those who keep the Sabbath, of course are very anxious that the other members of the family should see and embrace the truth. At first they are generally full of faith and zeal, thinking that their friends must see the truth as clearly, and embrace it as willingly, as they did. To this end they pray for them, talk to them, and read to them. In most cases they are sadly disappointed. Their friends "can't see it," and they are frequently turned off with, "Oh pshaw, it's all nonsense; and you will give it up yourself in less than three months." This sometimes tries their faith and patience severely. Frequently the opposing members are very bitter against the truth; will not go to hear it preached, will not even read a paper or tract, get angry when the subject is even mentioned, and try to hinder those from keeping the Sabbath who wish to. As weeks and months and years pass by thus, the lonely Sabbath-keeper becomes almost discouraged, and ready to give up. Now it is for the encouragement of these that I write what I have seen and experienced. For an example, I know a brother who began to keep the Sabbath all alone. His wife and five children all opposed him, and were very bitter against the truth. They would not listen to a word, nor read a tract in its favor. But he held on to the truth without wavering; he prayed for them, and laid books in their way. At the end of one year they chanced to hear a few sermons. This made them a little more favorable. In a little while the wife embraced the Sabbath. In the course of another year two of the children embraced it. Five years passed by, and then two more came in; and now the last one is soundly converted to the truth. Here is a good sister, who has kept the Sabbath five years alone, her husband opposing her all the while. He would not look at a book, nor a paper. He was full of arguments against the truth, and seemed to go further and further from it every day. Her faith for him was nearly exhausted, when all at once the Spirit of God got hold of his heart, and he yielded the battle, and is now rejoicing in the truth. He now says that when he was opposing the Sabbath the hardest, he often felt convicted that he was doing wrong. He would read the papers and books, when he could do it without being seen. For five long years that faithful wife prayed for him; but it seemed as though God did not hear. Yet every prayer was heard and remembered in Heaven. Doubtless angels were sent to watch over that man, and to press the truth upon his mind. At last he had to yield, and thus her prayers were answered. I remember being grieved and hurt, several years ago, by the jesting and ridiculing of my young friends, when talking to them about the truth. It seemed to me then, that there was no hope of their embracing it; but now they are rejoicing in it, as well as I. Scores of other examples might be given, to show that it is of no use to be discouraged, however discouraging things may appear. The Lord often works when we least expect it. Hence to the lonely ones we say, Be of good courage, live out the truth, and trust in God. But do not be over-zealous in the matter. Many are long hindered from embracing the truth, and some driven from it entirely, by the misconduct of their friends who are anxious to convert them to the truth. Because they do not immediately37embrace your views, do not therefore conclude that they are dishonest, and give them to understand that you think them hypocrites. Reason with them as though you believed that they would gladly receive the truth, if they could only be persuaded what it was. Do not take particular pains to disturb them on Sunday. It only irritates them, without doing any good. Be as conciliatory as you can, without compromising the truth; but be firm as a rock, and do not yield a hair's breadth of the truth, for any consideration. Some have done what their own sense of right and truth told them not to do, thinking thereby to gain the good will of their friends, and thus the more easily bring them to the truth. But it always has directly the contrary effect. Their friends only despise them for it, and take it as an evidence that they are about ready to give it up themselves. So we say, Be firm, and live out the truth scrupulously, if you wish your friends to embrace it. Oh! the solemn, the awful responsibility that rests upon that person in the family, who professes to know, and be living the truth, while the others do not. They watch you with a critical eye, in your conversation, in your actions, in the prayers you make, or neglect to make, in the spirit you manifest, &c. In a great degree, their salvation depends upon your actions, their souls will be required at your hands. Not carelessly did Jesus say, "Ye are the salt of the earth," and, "Ye are the light of the world." Then that one in the family who knows the truth, is the light of the house. From you must the rest get their light. If you improve this opportunity for good, it is a glorious privilege to you, and a great blessing to your friends. Let us then not be weary in well doing, for we shall reap in due season, if we faint not. The trial of our faith may be long, but it will not fail of reward, if we hold on to the arm of God, and live out the truth. To the Brethren in New England.
By John Nevins Andrews
Bro. Canright and myself purpose to leave for the Eastern Mission on Monday July 2. We design to call at South Lancaster, Mass., July 3; and to spend the Sabbath July 7th, in Norridgewock, Maine. We purpose to begin our labors there and hope during the season to visit and labor with all the churches in New England. We will do our utmost to fulfill the demands for labor, and we ask our brethren to have all possible patience. We also ask your hearty, prayerful co-operation in the work. I have thus far been necessarily detained this way, but have done all in my power to hasten the time of our departure. I trust we shall see of the salvation of God the coming year. I cannot refrain from calling your attention to the case of Eld. D. M. Hanscom of Strickland's Ferry, Maine. In the last Review Bro. Howard states the fact that Eld. Hanscom is still confined to his bed with sickness as he has been for several months past. I have reason to believe that he is in need of assistance, and I feel warranted in saying, that he is worthy of it. I ask the brethren to remember him in this time of distress. Eld. Hanscom has shown his willingness to give all for Christ. I trust he will not be left to suffer. J. N. ANDREWS. Proselytism.
By R. F. Cottrell
It is a sectarian virtue not to try to proselyte from other sects. This virtue is founded upon the admitted fact that one denomination is as good as another, provided it has popularity, and that the differences in the creeds of orthodox denominations are non-essential; and consequently the errors which they severally hold, and the truths, are about of equal value, provided always the holders of error are sincere; and the popular sects must be admitted to be sincere—those that are unpopular need not expect the exercise of so much charity toward them. Having no intention, then, of making proselytes, they must disclaim such base intention, and make all they can without intending it. Perhaps their repudiation of the intention to proselyte arises from the fact that their Jewish prototypes fell under the condemnation of our Saviour, because they compassed sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he was made, they made him two-fold more the child of hell than themselves. So proselytism has become a thing to be disowned. But the labor of the Christian is to proselyte, if the conversion of men from error to truth is to proselyte. If to make true disciples to Christ is proselytism, then it is a part of the great commission given to the apostles. Go disciple all nations, said Christ. The Christian church is a missionary society. It is their business to make disciples to Christ—to persuade all that are in sin and error to embrace the faith "once delivered to the saints." Brethren, let us be faithful, and bring all to the faith we can, whether professors of religion or not. Let us be zealous missionaries, ever laboring to get the truth before men. He that converteth a sinner from the error of his ways will save a soul from death. The Christian's Hope.
By C. Webster
How cheering the words of the inspired writer, when he tells us that we are begotten again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled and that fadeth not away. Again he says, "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast." Yes it is this blessed hope that sustains us amid the care and turmoil of this life. It points us forward to the time when Christ, who is our life, shall appear to gather his chosen ones, and escort them safely home to those mansions which he declared he would prepare for those that love him. Oft I ask myself the question, Are those heavenly mansions prepared for me? By the grace of God, and by obedience to his commands, I can obtain a home with all the blessed in those holy mansions. By faith and obedience the promise is unto all. "Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, and be ye saved." Although the invitation is so extensive, can we even hope that all will share in its rich provision, while we see thousands of individuals entirely regardless of God's law, and despising those who are earnestly striving by faith and obedience to obtain the promised reward of eternal life in the kingdom of God? Even while hope buoys us up, sorrow fills our hearts as nature's most tender ties are affected, while the loved ones of earth express no desire to prepare for the coming of the Just One, and enjoy with us a home in the earth made new. But again the words of the Saviour come to our aid. He says, "I come not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." Again, "Cast your cares" upon me. We will trust him for he has overcome the world, and there is still efficacy in his blood. None of his pardoning power is lost. He still intercedes for dying man. Mercy lingers. God's faithful messengers are now proclaiming the last solemn warning which bids us flee to the ark of God for safety, that we may have a pavilion wherein to hide, while the wrath of God is passing; that our sins may all be blotted out, and our names retained in the Lamb's book of life, having washed our robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb; that we may stand spotless and pure before the Judge of all the earth. We shall then realize the hope that is now set before us; "for yet a little while and he that shall come, will come and will not tarry." Try the Spirits.
By E. G. Rust
Not alone the spirit of prophecy which is in our midst, neither the spirit of our brethren; but our own spirits, to see what spirit we are of. We all have a work to do in our own hearts, and that without a moment's delay, else the day of God's wrath will overtake us as a thief, while we are saying, My Lord delayeth his coming. This is no time for us to be drinking in the spirit of this world—in all its jesting, joking and carelessness, but a time for us to afflict our souls, humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land, and seek righteousness and meekness, and it may be we shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger. In view of these things, brethren, let us live soberly in reference to our Master's return; for he will soon come again. Let us be zealous and repent of all our sins. Let us faithfully try our own spirits, that we may know what manner of persons we are. Let us plead for the eye-salve and white raiment. We are told to prove our own selves. Now, to prove anything is to demonstrate it beyond the shadow of a doubt. (Webster. Prove, to make trial; to succeed.) How is it with you, brother, sister, in regard to your acceptance with God? Have you succeeded in your suit at the throne of grace? Have you any doubt? Then try the spirits. “Examine yourselves whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Cor. xiii, 5. Let us faithfully try our motives, and see whether we glorify God in all our acts, thoughts aud words; for time is short, and we have but little time to work. How is it with you, fellow-Christian? Do you harden your neck against reproof? If so, you will come to sudden destruction, and that without remedy. Buy of the true Witness gold tried in the fire. Have you a spirit that rebels when restrained by your brethren? Then seek humility. Not only ought we to be patient when reproved for our faults, but also when reproved, even when not in the wrong. 1 Pet. ii, 19, 20. Our Master and Pattern, who did no sin, bore with meekness all the taunts and scoffs of the council, rabble and high priest, answering nothing at all to their false accusations. Let us plead for the mind and disposition of Jesus. Try the spirits, brethren. The Falling Stars.
By Wm. S. Foote
As there has been much speculation relative to the cause of what some are pleased to call the "Meteoric Shower" of Nov. 12, 1833, and as many who are opposed to the present truth, profess to consider it as an event which does not fulfill the prophecy of our Saviour in Matt. xxiv, "The stars shall fall from heaven;" it may be well to regard the opinion of a writer in Tract, No. 33, published by the American Reformed Tract Society, who unwittingly bears testimony to the truth of our Lord's prediction. He does not stand alone, but his testimony is corroborated by that of other astronomers of note at the present time. Some would-be wise men, have ascribed the cause to be "A highly electrical state of the atmosphere," some have called them "Gaseous Aerolites," &c. The testimony referred to, is as follows: "The source whence these (so-called) meteors proceed, is distinctly ascertained to be a belt of small Planetoides, revolving around the sun, in a little less than a year, and in an orbit intersecting the earth's, at such an angle, that every thirty-three years or thereabouts, the earth meets the full tide on the 12th of November. These meteors are true and proper stars. All the observations made during the year 1833, agree with those of previous years, and confirm what may be regarded as sufficiently well established, the cosmical origin of shooting stars." The Privilege of Prayer.
By M. C. Butler
How shall I pray? Paul says, “I will that men pray everywhere lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting.” 1 Tim. ii, 8. To whom shall I pray? “My God unto thee will I pray.” Ps. v, 2. When trials, troubles, and sore temptations arise, shall I cease praying to my heavenly Father? “As for me I will call upon God and the Lord shall save me; evening and morning and at noon will I pray and cry aloud and he shall hear my voice.” Ps. lv, 16, 17. How can we know when the Lord hears us? “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and his ears are open unto their prayers.” 1 Pet. iii, 12. When we pray do we expect God will grant us our petition? Let us examine our hearts in the sight of the Lord, and cast out everything that hinders a free intercourse with the Lord. “Beloved if our hearts condemn us not then have we confidence toward God, and whatsoever we ask we receive of him because we keep his commandments and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” 1 John iii, 21, 22. Finally, brethren, pray for me that my faith fail not, and that I may be enabled to overcome all my sins and temptations, and stand with you all on Mount Zion.
M. C. BUTLER. East Thetford, Mich., June, 1866. A Good Example.
By Catharine M. Shepard
[We have received the following letter from Sr. Shepard of Beaver Dam, Wis., giving an account of a cheering visit from some of the church at Mackford. Would it not be well for other churches to follow the example of the Mackford brethren, and visit occasionally the scattered ones in their vicinity, who cannot well meet with them? It would greatly strengthen and encourage them.] DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I wish to say a few words through the Review to the praise of the Lord. For nearly a year I have not had the privilege of meeting with my brethren and sisters until yesterday, when a large portion of the Mackford church came here and held a meeting. Some of my lonely brethren and sisters who seldom meet with those of like precious faith, can appreciate what I mean, when I say that the enjoyment of that meeting was inexpressibly sweet. For some time past my health has been in a low condition, especially my nervous system has been very weak in consequence of having been overtaxed with labor and care. In this state, I have often been overcome by Satan to speak fretfully, and this has caused me almost continual grief. I have sought earnestly for grace to overcome, yet have not been able to gain a victory that I could hold for much length of time. Yesterday, as I confessed and prayed with my brethren and sisters, I believe that our prayers were heard by the great Creator. I did not then feel a spirit of rejoicing, yet since the meeting I have enjoyed a sweet serenity of mind; and my nervous system, before so weak, does not seem to suffer so any more. I want to give to God the glory due unto his excellent name, and I mean in the future to be more careful of my health, that I may be able to honor and glorify God. In our family we observed the season set apart for fasting and prayer, and felt sure that God heard our prayers. It was a profitable season to us. I praise the Lord for the love and union that exists through our ranks, and I believe the time is near when every cause of discord will be sifted out from among us. Some of my brethren and sisters came a distance of thirty miles or more, to attend meeting with me, and I wish them all to know that it was not in vain. I trust they will have their reward. "We'll wait till Jesus comes, and then be gathered
home." Gratitude for Present Truth
By M. E. Reynolds
Bro. WHITE : When I realize the great goodness of the Lord to me, in permitting me to live in these last days, when the last note of warning is being given to a sin-cursed world, and the mist which has so enshrouded the truths of the Bible is being swept away, and God's glorious truths are shining forth in all their clearness and beauty, an unerring guide to those who yield themselves servants to obey, my heart is filled to overflowing with gratitude, and I would say with the poet, “I do rejoice that life was given,
In these last days to me.” Again, when I witness the special tenderness and watch-care of the Lord in leading his people step by step, gently bearing with our wayward, rebellious spirits, forgiving our wanderings and departures from the narrow way ; kindly winning us back to himself, my heart exclaims, “ surely the Lord is good,” and I feel that henceforth I will devote all to his service. The visions of Sr. White are a source of great comfort to me, so full of light aud instruction, and affording such unmistakable evidence that the Lord is with his people, preparing them for the latter rain, and for translation to his heavenly home. I might say much in favor of the Health Reform, as I have received great benefit from heeding it, both physically and spiritually, and have resolved never again to allow rebellious feelings to rise against the requirements of the Lord, knowing that he will require nothing of me which is not for my good, however crossing to nature. Let us rather rejoice that the Lord condescends to point out these things, drawing our affections from earth, making the path plain and easy for our feet, that we may overcome, and inherit all things. My heart has often been cheered by the testimonies of the scattered flock given through the Review, especially have I felt interested in those containing an account of the observance of the days of fasting and prayer, and while I have feasted on their testimonies, I have thought of those who I knew felt a deep interest for the prosperity of the cause of truth in this vicinity, and who, perhaps, like myself, were anxiously awaiting each week's paper, thinking to receive a report from the church. As no one has spoken, perhaps it would not be amiss for me to say that it was my privilege to spend the four days of fasting and prayer with the church in Orwell and Bloomfield. The meetings were held in a private house, and were pretty generally attended, though some did not feel the importance of suspending business during the four successive days. The Spirit of the Lord was with us, and we had a heart-searching, profitable, waiting together. “While we earnestly besought the Lord to remove the rebuke from off his servants, and speed the third angel's message, we felt the sweet assurance that he heard our prayer and would in his own way send deliverance to his afflicted people. The little church here are passing through some severe trials, which, though for the present they seem grievous, we trust will work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Truly we are in the sifting time, and the Lord is trying our motives. Pray for us, that we may endure the refining process, and come forth thoroughly purged from dross, that we may be prepared for an abundant entrance through the gates into the city, when Jesus shall come to gather his waiting children home. In hope, M. E. REYNOLDS. Repentance and a New Course
By J. M. Booth
BRO. WHITE: The Lord has in mercy spared us through four years of darkness, disobedience, and discouragement, bound by the enemy. The Lord in his providence has directed us to this place. I have cried unto the Lord the past year for a change. The sorrow and distress of mind that I have had for myself and family, it seemed as though I could endure no longer. I give God all the praise that he has wrought a change. I have enjoyed more of the blessing of God in the last five weeks, than the past fifteen39years. And now I do not wish to settle down in ease, but live in the discharge of duty, and make all my wrongs right as far as possible, the Lord helping me. My heart was sad, when I saw you so feeble, to think that I had added to your cares and troubles. Can you and Sr. W. forgive me? I will try to live so as to meet you in the kingdom of God. I am sorry for my wrong course in Marshall; that the cause of present truth was wounded; and I feel sad for the trouble I caused Sr. Smith, and Bro. and Sr. Crouch. I want their forgiveness for all my past wrongs; and I hope they will aid me by their prayers, that I may overcome and with them have a place in the new earth. The Lord is good. I want to draw nearer to him, to lay aside everything that would keep me from serving him with my whole heart, and go with the remnant people through to Mount Zion. J. M. BOOTH. We had kept house sometime and had a fair complement of looking-glasses. We thought them as true and well mounted as our neighbors—had no thoughts of getting more at present. But father said we should have another mirror, and with the word came the thing. It was accepted thankfully, but with no particular idea of using it much. I was not in the habit of spending much time before glasses, and so often passed and repassed it and spent my hours in the room with it, without observing its reflective power. But I chanced one day to be sitting before it, thinking of anything but myself, when it threw full in my face a hasty word that had just escaped from my lips. "Well, that's something new," said I; "I guess I must look out what I say; what kind of a mirror is this?" Something soon called me away and my discovery passed from my mind. But again of a morning I happened to move it a little roughly in a fit of impatience, when lo! as I looked in it, it shot out anger bright and blazing. It startled me! "What have I here?" "Whoever heard of such a mirror?" "There's some secret about it. My father must have had an object. I must not forget this." And yet I did forget it; and soon it showed me a rudeness of manner again—a little vanity of dress—a forgetfulness of prayer—the folly of unnecessary fatigue—trifling words on the Sabbath, an unkind speech of a neighbor. "O father, who would have imagined it?" cried I. "Must I walk so carefully or see all my follies reflected back to me, and perhaps made manifold?" Yet I learned to love the mirror. In fact all our others were forgotten beside it. For I soon found also that other things and better were shown there as well. That my smile was there, was not strange. I had seen it in other mirrors often. But it had a new sweetness here, it was not vain to say so. I saw my love there every day. It beamed back and filled my eyes, I was grateful. I saw the gift and graces of the mind and heart I loved the best, yielded there more and more distinctly. I was proud. I had often prayed before it and it had echoed the sound of my words, but one calm evening I thought I saw that it prayed, and ere many weeks passed it did indeed reflect our own love of Jesus. There is no mirror like a child.—Sel. "If You Love Me, Lean Hard."
Miss Fiske, in her devoted labors among the Nestorians, tells a charming little incident which carries with it a good moral. She had spent a large part of the Sabbath in hard toil, having superintended and taught in the Sunday-school, and taken charge of a prayer-meeting with her scholars. Very weary and exhausted, she longed for rest. But duty seemed to call her to a neighboring village where Mr. Stoddard was to speak; and as she sat on a mat on the floor without support, thinking that still another meeting with the women readers in the village was before her, her strength seemed inadequate to the great pressure of duties. For a few moments she was despondent, longing for some respite from this severe toil. But suddenly a Nestorian woman took her seat directly behind her, and whispered in her ear, "Lean on me." She politely declined, but the good-hearted woman drew her back forcibly, and compelled her to find support. Soon she whispered again, "If you love me, lean hard." "Very refreshing," says Miss Fiske, "was that support. And then came the Master's own voice, repeating the words, 'If ye love me, lean hard,' and I leaned on him too, feeling that, through that poor woman, he had preached me a better sermon than I could have heard at home. I was rested long before the service was through; then I spent an hour with the women, and after sunset rode six miles to my own home. I wondered that I was not weary that night nor the next morning; and I have rested ever since on those sweet words, 'If you love me, lean hard.'" Christians often grow weary in well-doing, because they fail to lean on Jesus. If they could hear his voice saying, "If ye love me, lean hard," refreshment would come in the hardest toil, and animate them to new diligence.—National Baptist. Popular Theology vs. Bible.
PROUD orthodoxy brings to view,
"Beyond the bounds of time and space,"
The saints' secure and blest abode,
An immaterial, heavenly place.
A triune God of three in one,
Yet immaterial they own,
Within an immaterial Heaven,
Upon an immaterial throne. This mystery I cannot solve:
How such a Heaven can be attained;
For when long years have passed away,
Their viewless goal they have not gained.
And if perchance they could arrive,
Beyond the bounds of time and space;
What kind of Heaven would greet their eyes,
Since 'tis an immaterial place? An immaterial Godhead too,
Devoid of form and parts they say,
Dispensed his universe all through—
To such a being wherefore pray?
Consistency! oh jewel rare!
Scarce to be found except in name;
The Scriptures plainly do declare
There is a God of heavenly frame. They tell us of a city too,
Built not indeed by human hands;
Whose walls with precious stones are laid;
And in the midst God's throne doth stand.
Its gates are pearl, its streets are gold;
Life's tree doth ever flourish there;
And there the saved securely dwell,
And in its matchless glories share. 'Tis at the resurrection morn,
The saints' reward is to be given;
And not at death as some declare,
That they acquire the bliss of Heaven.
The second resurrection comes,
And brings the doomed their dread reward;
For in the lake of fire they burn,
Both root and branch as saith the Lord. A God of love and mercy too,
Whose justice plainly here is seen;
"The soul that sinneth it shall die."
"They'll be as though they had not been."
A conscious and immortal soul,
Is but the famous artful lie,
First unto Eve in Eden told,
"God knows ye shall not surely die." "Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another." This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith. The Haverhill Church and Present Truth
By D. D. Haines
BRO. WHITE: I praise God for his goodness and mercy to me. The little church here observed the fast, and have the evidence that we enjoy the favor of God, and are sanctified by obeying God's word and striving to live up to the great light of the third angel's message. We are all united in those blessed truths. Our love for present truth is greatly increasing. We have trials, but they are all for our good; and we want to be very patient under them, that all things may work together for our good and the glory of God. We value Spiritual Gifts very highly; for those sacred and blessed truths have been blessed to God's dear people in a remarkable manner; and we desire to be very thankful to God for such a great blessing to the church. We are striving to overcome all besetting sins, and profit by the good instruction given to us in this solemn time, when so many are in the valley of decision, deciding for eternal life or death. This church adopts the resolutions on dress passed by the B. C. church. In hope of life through Christ. D. D. HAINES.
Haverhill, Mass. The Cause in Blue Earth County
By Moses Kunselman
Bro. White : I wish to make known through the Review my whereabouts, and the progress of the cause in this part of the country. We live in Shelbyville, Blue Earth County, Minnesota. The truth has found its way here, and into the hearts of a goodly number of honest souls, for which our hearts are made glad. Last Sabbath, the 16th, at our regular place of meeting at Bro. Dimmick's, Bro. Pierce was expected to meet with us and preach the word of life to us. We were disappointed in not seeing him, but we were not disappointed in having a rich blessing from the Lord. Bro. F. W. Morse was present and spoke in the forenoon words of comfort to the Sabbath-keepers present, about thirty in all. In the afternoon we had a prayer and social meeting, in which all took part. Tears were freely shed for gladness of heart, and joy for the truth, in view of the solemn times and day in which we are living, and the great work before us. Pray for us, brethren, that we may be guided by the same Spirit that is leading God's people through to that better land. For the benefit of the scattered brethren in Blue Earth and Faribault Counties, I would say that there are meetings every Sabbath at Bro. Dimmick's, Bass Lake, Faribault county. MOSES KUNSELMAN. A Sabbath Keeper Away from Home
By Charles L. Boyd
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: The truths of the third angel look very precious to me. I am away from home and friends attending school. I crave the society of some one of like faith. There are none here who keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. The people are almost entirely unacquainted with our views, and look upon us as fanatics. I am often told that the Lord is not particular about the day, provided we keep one seventh part of time, and keep it in the right manner; but as they bring no scripture to prove their theory, I do not receive it. There are quite a number here who believe in the soon coming of the Son of God. I believe that a course of lectures delivered on the subject of the Sabbath might, through the blessing of God, result in good. I deeply feel the need of closer communion with God, that I may be enabled to so act and speak as to cast a good influence on the side of the cause which I prize more highly than all this earth can afford. How careful we should be that we so live as to cast no reproach on the cause of Christ. It seems to me that this is especially true of us who are among those who are unacquainted with the truths which we profess. We cannot say, however humble our lot, that we have no influence, for we have an influence either for, or against the truth. While spending the Sabbath alone in my room, I go in imagination to those who are met to worship God. Gladly would I meet with them; yet I feel that I am not alone, but have some of the presence of Him who has promised to never leave nor forsake us. With happy anticipation I am looking forward to the time when we shall be gathered home. The message of Jesus' soon coming sounds precious to my ears. I solicit an interest in your prayers, that I may ever be found at my post, and come off conqueror at last. In hope of life.
CHARLES L. BOYD.
Newbury, Vt. Sister N. Gibbs writes: I am thinking of the time when all the saints will go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts from Sabbath to Sabbath, and from one new moon to another, to eat of the fruit of the tree of life, that beautiful tree; and not only to eat its fruit, but to sit under its shadows, and gaze on the beauties of the new earth, and view that city of God, which Abraham looked for, and to go in and out through its gates, and walk its golden streets, and see that river of water of life, which makes glad the city of our God. There they will build houses and inhabit them, plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build and another inhabit, and plant and another eat; for God's people shall long enjoy the work of their hands. Praise God, all his saints, even now. I do not wonder that David said, "Let everything that hath breath, praise God." There we shall see Jesus who loved us and washed us in his own blood, that lovely Jesus who healeth all our diseases, who forgiveth all our sins; and who died that we might live. There we shall see him in all his glory and majesty, King of kings, and Lord of lords. There we shall cast our crowns at his feet crying, Worthy, worthy, is the Lamb that was slain to receive glory, and honor, and power, and blessings forever. "Oh what are all our sufferings here,
If Lord thou count us meet,
With that enraptured host to appear,
And worship at thy feet." Sister M. A. Eaton writes from Sharon, Mich.: I think sometimes that my work here on earth is nearly done, but when I think that we are nearing the time when the last message of mercy is to go forth with a loud cry, to gather the remnant, the honest ones from the various churches and the world into the true fold of Christ, I have a longing desire to see that great and glorious time; the time when the remnant shall be gathered into the unity of the faith, the Gifts to be more fully restored, and each true child of God prepared for redemption. Then, oh how glorious to await the coming of our Saviour. The thought then arises, Shall I be able to stand when trials thicken? I shall not in my own strength, but if spared, I truly desire, and am determined, God's grace assisting me, to strive, looking daily to my Saviour for strength, that I may be enabled to withstand every temptation, bear every trial with patience, and overcome every besetting sin, that I may be counted worthy through Christ, of an inheritance in the earth made new. I praise the Lord that I was ever made to see, and had strength to strive to keep, the true Sabbath of the Lord, and also to believe its kindred truths. How plain to the student of prophecy, that signs portend Christ's coming near. My prayer is, Lord prepare the way for the last message of mercy to be sounded here. I feel that there must be some of the Lord's chosen ones here. I long to have the privilege of meeting from Sabbath to Sabbath with those that understand and love these precious truths. It was truly a refreshing season to me, the first Sabbath in April, to meet with a few that loved present truth, at Bro. Palmer's in Jackson, also to hear two discourses, and to commemorate the sufferings and death of our dear Redeemer. I have in the year that is past, been sorely afflicted. The last day of last May, my eldest daughter, aged 22 years, was laid in the silent tomb, after four months' sickness of consumption. My own health has failed since. But blessed be God that I have hope in her case, that she will have part in the first resurrection. I wish to be remembered at the throne of grace, that my afflictions may be sanctified, that I may have grace to live out these truths in my every-day life, and be prepared for whatever is before me. Bro. I. D. Cramer writes from Kingsboro, Fulton Co., N. Y.: We have heard no Advent preaching since 1859; still we are refreshed by the word of God, and the weekly return of the faithful Review which is refreshing to us. Myself and wife are entirely alone in this region, trying to live out the third angel's message. We have felt very sad because of the afflictions of the preaching brethren; but we are thankful for the blessings the Lord has granted in answer to prayer and fasting, in which we have tried to unite with the body. We are glad to hear that the brethren are able to return to their respective fields of labor. Our prayer is that the Lord will bless abundantly, and speed the message. Oh how glad we should be to see one of the dear messengers in this place. We think it would result in good; but the will of the Lord be done. Sister M. E. Morse writes from Tuscola Co., Mich.: It has been but about eight months, since, through the mercy of God I received the last warning message from Brn. Van Horn and Canright. They taught us by example as well as precept that the word of God must be our guide, and Christ our pattern. We are now studying the Bible, and find many precious promises to those that separate themselves from the world, and live that same self-denying life that our Saviour did while here. I am greatly encouraged also while reading Spiritual Gifts. Although I find everything to do to become a true child of God, yet I am trying to live out the truth. I mean to make one for the kingdom of glory. I know we must have faith to do the will of God in these last days, when Satan is going about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. We must be faithful, watching and praying that we enter into temptation; for we know that He that shall come, will come and will not tarry.