p. 155 | Review and Herald, Vol. 32, No. 10. (8/25/1868)

Earlier text: REPORT FROM BRN. LOUGHBOROUGH AND BOURDEAU

FORGETTING GOD.

By Joseph Clarke

The influence which a remembrance of God and our relation to him has upon the development of character, is greater than is generally supposed. In fact it is the only true basis of moral character which is recognized as such in the word of God.

A person who does right merely because it is policy to do so, or merely because it is for his interest, or because he has been trained to do right, cannot be said to remember God. He performs his daily round of duties because poverty would come of neglect. He restrains his passions because of the disastrous effects of dissipation. He is honorable for the sake of a good name. His outward deportment is fair, and he keeps his heart from the contamination of vice by an industrious and moral habit of thought, and action, and study, upon the calling of his choice, and such subjects as fit him to converse with the refined and intelligent; but he seldom thinks of God. When he does, it is not with the feeling of a son to a father, but rather that of an alien to his rightful Lord; and, perhaps, rather a hatred to the character of God. If not, it may be a feeling of distrust, or a wish that he could, in some way, evade the strict survey of Jehovah, and that he might control his own destiny; or rather, to say the least, free himself from the obligations that the word of God imposes, or enjoins upon all free moral agents. Perhaps he hardly says this, or hardly would dare to think it in clear and well-defined trains of thought. But his opinions and views, deliberately expressed, show the drift of his mind, just as the straws indicate the direction of the wind.

We do not condemn the excellence of this character (and there are many such). No; all admire morality and stability of character, but we would show that true morality must have its basis in an affectionate remembrance of God, and his revealed will. We must be moral because of our relations to God; and, as his loving children, delight to do his will. If this regard to God exists in the heart, then his love is mingled in thoughts, words, and deeds, as the affectionate, obedient child acts and speaks in deference to his parents, while that morality which has not the love of God as its basis, acts, thinks, and speaks, in deference to public opinion, or education, or policy, or interest. Such a morality has its value. It is not to be lightly esteemed; only let its possessor realize that it is unsafe as a dependence in the day which is to try the hearts of men.

Another most important ingredient must be thoroughly inwrought into the character, else he will find it an insufficient support; for, although it may stand well the careless survey of the world, it will prove, in the end, a covering too short and too narrow by far.

Far be it from me to cry down an outward morality, and a correct life, according to the low standard of the world. No, I would say, Elevate the standard, and add the righteousness of faith. Then, when faith has cleared the way, it will be seen that all is vain unless it is brought to the standard of unerring truth. All that is founded in selfishness will fall in the day of trial.

No doubt Pilate was a man of noble principles, and of strict morality, for one of his class. He would have repudiated the thought of condemning an innocent man; but his morality was not based in love to God; and, high-toned as it no doubt was, it failed when a nation clamored for the blood of the Son of God, a man whom he well knew was innocent. The motives of his morality and sense of justice were a little too low; just low enough to fail.

Poor Pilate! we pity thy weakness; but we know thou didst act as most mere moralists would have done, nay, as well as the best of them; and we despair of doing any better, unless we base our morality on an affectionate remembrance of God, and a strict regard for his law.

At first the mere moralist may be too refined to join with the vulgar crowd in crying, Crucify him, but in the end he will at least sign the death-warrant of virtue, though unwillingly, and with a vain show of washing his hands.

Along with the noble Festus, and the refined Agrippa, are not a few of the highly-educated and polished of our contemporaries, both of the world and the professing churches; men and women, often possessing high and noble impulses, much beloved, and esteemed in the society in which they move. But, alas! their morality is too often a morality which stands irrespective of God in particular, careless of his law and his word, not cultivating any really sincere regard for him, and having no intimate communion with him, by his Spirit, his Son, or his word; having, perhaps, a form in which there is little, if any, love, or affection, or heartfelt esteem; but, instead of these, cold, icy forms, creeds, opinions, and doctrines, and these often manifestly erroneous. We say there are multitudes of just such moralists as we here describe.

Such moralists as these will, in the end, fail of everlasting life; not because of their morality, but because of their mistaking its nature; and because of its unsafe foundation. It lacks the main ingredients, faith, hope, and love.

How deadly would our atmosphere become if it were despoiled of one of its ingredients. We do not reject the loveliness of the moralist, but we would mingle in the light of the Sun of Righteousness with its healing rays.

How heavy and damp would our atmosphere become if deprived of the light of the sun to disperse the mists and vapors of night! So with moral character without the love of God. It is, in reality, a delusion, if depended upon to save the soul. Such a dependence will deceive to ruin.

If we would have a morality which will stand the test, we must gird to ourselves the whole armor of God, on the right hand and on the left. Nothing short of this will stand the scrutiny of Jehovah in the fearful and trying day. This calls for no laying aside of any virtue, moral principle of action, or honorable course of life. It calls for no diminutions of the amenities of life, but, well understood, it preserves and polishes them all. But it does call for a deep heart-work, a faithful study of self, and a comparing of the same with the word of God, which, in these last, eventful, perilous times, needs to be studied carefully and laboriously. Reader, let us seek for this excellent morality, this passport to Heaven, gained by drawing near to God.

JOSEPH CLARKE.

SLANDER.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

“But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets.” Acts xxiv, 14.

* Wherever the apostles went to preach the gospel they were continually opposed, misrepresented, and slandered by the Jews, who professed to be the people of God. * Teachings and doctrines were attributed to them which they never held. Says Paul, “We be slanderously reported, and some affirm that we say, Let us do evil that good may come.” Rom. iii, 8. David exclaims, “Every day they wrest my words.” Ps. lvi, 5. By these means many honest persons were led to believe the Christians to be an exceedingly wicked class of people. Thus they were prevented from hearing and investigating the truth.

This game of Satan was not played out in the apostle’s time. It has always succeeded so well that the Devil still employs it to prejudice men against the present truth. Many good persons to-day have an exceedingly bad opinion of Seventh-day Adventists. This they have formed from hearsay, from the misrepresentations and slanderous reports of our enemies. These we invite to hear and read for themselves. We are confident that they would think better of us if they did. We are neither Infidels, Deists, Atheists, Spiritualists, nor Mormons. We are trying to be humble Christians. D. M. CANRIGHT.

MEETINGS IN N. Y.

By C. O. Taylor.

July 4 and 5, I met in Monthly Meeting with the church at Buck's Bridge. This was a large gathering, a goodly number being present from Norfolk and Bangor churches. The brethren had a mind to work; they were prompt in the social meetings, making them interesting and good. They gladly received the word spoken. Two were received into fellowship. Three were baptized. Bro. Hall was set apart as elder. This church is orderly in all its business transactions, seeking also to be sanctified through obeying the truth; yet none should rest easy with their present attainments, but should press to a higher stand, “Nearer my God to thee.”

July 11 and 12, I was with the Norfolk church. Their numbers are few. Here are some of the old, tried friends of the Advent cause. They love the past, they hold it in sweet remembrance. They are seeking the Lord still, and are not weary in well-doing, as some others seem to be, that have not been in the vineyard near as long. The heat was very oppressive during this meeting, crippling the interest some.

July 18 and 19, was with the church in Bangor. The extreme heat, sickness, and death, prevented as large a gathering at this place as we had hoped. This church has suffered much by the enemy since I was last here, in the work of death, sickness, removals, and divisions among its members. As we endeavored to point out the narrow way to the few present, they received the word with joy, and resolved anew to walk therein.

By request, on first-day, at 2 o'clock, P. M., I filled an appointment in the Union meeting-house, speaking of the way of life, i. e., by repentance, faith, and baptism, dwelling mostly on the latter. The congregation was large, for the place, all giving the best of attention. This community are more favorable to our views of truth than they were a year ago. After service three were buried in the likeness of Christ's death, by myself, and one by the Christian minister. Two were received into fellowship.

My appointment at Perry's Mills was broken up on account of removals. I expect this church will lose its identity. Death and removals have drawn too heavy upon it; with a persevering, devoted leader they might have lived. I am thankful that none have apostatized.

On coming to Rouse's Point I am once more permitted to stand by the sick bed of my aged mother. When I parted with her, eleven months past, I bade her farewell till the Lord should come. She has lingered along, confined to her room, and the most of the time to her bed. She is in her 86th year, and has observed the Bible Sabbath some 12 years, rejoicing in the blessed hope of everlasting life. She is willing to depart this life, and sleep in Jesus till the first resurrection.

C. O. TAYLOR.

*'Rouse's Point, Aug., 1868.

REPORT FROM BRN. STEWARD AND BLANCHARD.

By H. C. Blanchard; T. M. Steward

BRO. SMITH: After attending the Quarterly Meeting at Avon, in company with Bro. H. C. Blanchard, I came to Dell Prairie. We found the little church here sadly disappointed to have the Convocation withdrawn, but determined to bear it patiently and still hope on. We spent the Sabbath with them, praying earnestly for the Lord to open the way before us, and give us wisdom to walk in the path of duty. On first-day, however, a team-load came to the Convocation. After learning that it was taken up, they were about to return disappointed. We made some inquiries, learning that there were some in a neighborhood about seven miles from the Prairie who wanted to hear. I sent an appointment. But after they had left we concluded that as the tent was already here, and that was a new field, we would pitch the tent if the way opened. After making it a subject of prayer, we went to see the people. Everything worked favorably. So we pitched the tent in a central place, in a beautiful grove near a fine spring of water. We had but little time to circulate our appointment, and we had but few out on first-day. We have held meetings every evening through the week, with the interest steadily increasing as the notice was extended, until yesterday (first-day), we had about 450 hearers, while we presented to their consideration the subjects of the Sabbath of the Bible, the Worship of the Beast, noticed the Sunday arguments, and then the Seal of God. They gave good attention, and deep solemnity seemed to pervade the entire congregation; and our meeting closed at 9 P. M., with a solemn impression on the minds of the people. Some have already decided to keep the Sabbath, while others are almost persuaded to obey. May the Lord help them.

We would express our gratitude to God for his help thus far, and we humbly beg the continuation of his favor, that our meeting may result in much good. We have faith to believe the Lord sent us here, and that there is something he wants us here for. The people in this vicinity are Christian, Methodists, Freewill Baptists, &c. We continue our meetings as long as the interest may demand. If any of our brethren wish to come and spend Sabbath and first-day with us, they will find us eleven miles from Portage City, and one and a half miles from Briggsville, nine miles from Kilbourn City, and two miles from Big Springs. Pray for us. H. C. BLANCHARD. T. M. STEWARD.

VISIT TO NEW MILFORD, CONN.

By J. S. Miller

On Monday morning, Aug. 3, I left West Cornwall, a village near Lakeville, where two families of the Lakeville company reside, and came to New Milford, a village of some fifteen hundred inhabitants, on the Housatonic Railroad, some thirty miles south of Lakeville. My visit to New Milford was in response to an invitation from a brother residing there, and with whom I became acquainted recently.

The remainder of the week was spent in attending to business, and in calling on the inhabitants of the village and surrounding country, among whom I distributed a quantity of tracts. I spent the Sabbath, Aug. 8, in Bro. Gauson's sitting room, reading my Bible, and works on present truth. This was the first Sabbath that I have been denied the privilege of social worship in four months, and with the exception of a stormy Sabbath, the only one since I embraced the third message. I have never been prepared to appreciate the trials of the lone Sabbath-keepers. May the Lord help me to be charitable when I feel like censuring what may seem like backwardness in reform on their part.

On first-day I met with the little company of Adventists, the most of whom I found were well informed on most points common to the Advent faith. But the time when they will all come in the unity of the faith is evidently not looked for by them this side of the resurrection, each having a view of his own, regardless of the body.

There are now two Sabbath-keepers at New Milford, both of whom have recently embraced it, chiefly as the result of reading Bro. Andrews' little work on the sanctuary. Oh! that our brethren could realize the advantage of circulating these little silent preachers. Others are reading with some interest. These two brethren are tried veterans of '43, and their hearts were already in the work, and all that was needed was to have their heads set straight on the 2300 days, and the sanctuary, and they at once became Sabbath-keepers. They now stand alone, a target for scoffers of all classes. May the Lord help them to manifest that love that always characterizes the true child of God, in trying to live out, and teach to others, this new-found truth.

J. S. MILLER.

A Word of Encouragement.

By Elnora Smouse

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: It has long been my desire to bear my testimony with God's people. It has been five years since I commenced keeping all the commandments of God. I thank the Lord that he has ever inclined my heart to obey the truth. My greatest desire is to be an overcomer. I want to see myself as the Lord sees me. I feel to praise his holy name for the blessings he is daily bestowing upon me. I want to live so that I may draw nourishment from the true and the living Vine.

I thank the Lord for what he is doing for his people. When I think of the saved I want to be among those that will be counted worthy.

I fear that we are not half awake. Let us throw off the lethargy that binds us to earth. We must make a mighty effort or we shall lose our crown. The work is great, and how many moments we suffer to run to waste. Oh! that we could realize more the importance of this time!

My determinations are strong to go through with this people to Mount Zion. I thank the Lord for the health reform, and for what it has done for me and my family. We are trying to live it out, as a part of the truth.

As a church we are striving to overcome, hoping by the help of the Lord, that we shall be able to go up and possess the goodly land.

Your sister in hope of eternal life.

ELNORA SMOUSE.

Washington, Iowa, Aug. 3, 1868.

Love and Prayer

HE who loves little, prays little; he who loves much, prays much.

R. J. LAFFERTY

By R. J. LAFFERTY

From Sr. Lafferty.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have often felt it my duty, while reading the testimonies of the sisters in the REVIEW, to acknowledge the goodness and mercies of God to me; yet a feeling of unworthiness has caused me to forbear. It has been a little more than two years since I heard Brn. Lawrence and Van Horn on present truth, and as I believed it to be the truth I immediately obeyed the message, and I believe I shall ever thank the Lord for sending his messengers this way. Although I had been trying to serve God for some time, the way seemed dark, and it seemed to me I had just begun when I resolved to keep all of God's commandments and the faith of his dear Son; yet I have an evil heart to contend with, which I hope, by the assisting grace of God, to finally overcome. I have often felt like comparing my heart to a garden; but it is easier to keep the evil weeds from growing in the garden than to keep evil thoughts from rising in the heart. Yet if we are diligent in trying to root out the evil, and nourish the good, we may finally overcome. While, on the other hand, if we sit idly by, it may be like seed sown among thorns.

I hope the Lord will ever direct me in the path of duty, that not only words but actions may tell that I am

trying to live in accordance with his divine word. I delight to read his word, and shall ever thank him for the light I have received therefrom, and hope it will shine brighter and brighter, that others may see it and be willing to walk therein.

We, as a little band of Sabbath-keepers, have the privilege of meeting every Sabbath, yet we are weak and need the help of an earthly shepherd. I hope Bro. and Sr. White will be able to give us a call while in the State. We hope you will remember us as children prone to wander.

I often think of the lonely ones, who do not have the privilege of meeting with those of like faith, but would say to them, Prove faithful. You are as near the haven of rest as any of us; and if we but put our trust in God he will bring us off more than conquerors.

Remember me as one trying to overcome.

R. J. LAFFERTY

Richland Co., Ohio.

THE FULLNESS OF JESUS.

I lay my sins on Jesus, The spotless Lamb of God; He bears them all, and frees us From the accursed load; I bring my guilt to Jesus, To wash my crimson stains White in his blood most precious, 'Till not a spot remains.

I lay my wants on Jesus; All fullness dwells in him; He healeth my diseases, He doth my soul redeem. I lay my griefs on Jesus, My burdens and my cares; He from them all releases, He all my sorrows shares.

I rest my soul on Jesus, This weary soul of mine; His right hand me embraces, I on his breast recline. I love the name of Jesus, Immanuel, Christ my God; Like fragrance on the breezes, His name is spread abroad.

I long to be like Jesus— Meek, loving, lowly, mild; I long to be like Jesus— The Father's holy child. I long to be with Jesus, Amid the heavenly throng, To sing with saints his praises, To learn the angels' song.

Pressing Forward.

By Robert Cochran

BRO. SMITH: I love to read the letters in the REVIEW. It cheers my heart while we have no one to meet with. I trust the brethren often think of us, and raise a prayer to the throne that we may be kept from the snare of the enemy. How it rejoiced my heart while reading Bro. Ball’s letter of confession. Let us still battle for the right,—our loins girt about, our lamps burning. The Lord help us to take hold of the work, and encourage each other by our short epistles; exhorting one another daily, and so much the more as we see the day approaching.

We are trying to let our light shine. We have a meeting appointed at our house each Sabbath. Some come in. One man, hearing of our peculiar views, came five miles to learn what we believed. I hung up the chart; he looked it over, and said he believed it to be correct. He was educated for the ministry. He saw the light on present truth, and is now walking in the way of the commandments, and rejoicing in the love of God. Others are investigating and inquiring. I am satisfied the Lord has a people in this place that will develop themselves ere long. My prayer is, Lord, raise up laborers, and send them forth into the harvest field. Brethren, come over and help us. May the Lord guide us, and we eventually be gathered into the garner of the Lord.

ROBERT COCHRAN.

South Vineland, N. J.

A Good Word from Ohio.

By Wm. Cottrell.

Bro. Smith: I would say that the little company here at Bowersville are, I believe, making some progress. Peace, love, and Christian fellowship prevail among us as a church. Our Sabbath meetings are growing in interest. As we reflect that we are nearing the final consummation, we do most earnestly pray that we may see ourselves as God sees, and be sanctified through the truth, and consecrate ourselves, with all that we have, to the Lord. The wrath of the dragon seems to be increasing here in this community. It is manifested through professors of Christianity in circulating slanders and falsehoods of various kinds. A certain minister in our town has been taking some pains to procure and circulate some of the Snook-and-Brinkerhoff documents here, that are written against the visions of Sr. White. It did, for a time, seem to affect the mind of one Sabbath-keeper; but, praise the Lord, this same person has since united with the church.

We have had four additions since our organization, and we believe that others will yet come into the church. There are great efforts being made to draw some of our number away from the truth. The opposition to the visions grew to such an extent that some of the brethren thought it would be well for me to give a discourse on the perpetuity of spiritual gifts, which I accordingly did a few Sundays ago. I had a good hearing and good liberty while bringing the Scripture evidence of the perpetuity of gifts. I believe that the Lord blessed the truth to the good of some of the hearers. One leading Methodist, a class-leader, said in the conclusion of our meeting, that he only took issue with us on one point, and that was the gift of apostles. Eph. iv, 11, 12. He thought the apostolic office ceased with the twelve. Some of our members said they felt stronger than ever before. Praise the Lord for present truth! for outside of it there is no salvation for us.

After Snook and Brinkerhoff had gone off in rebellion, Sr. White had an interview with said Snook in Iowa. He then professed himself satisfied, and wrote his confession for the REVIEW; and it was published. I should feel thankful to you or any one else that would send me that number of the REVIEW containing his confession, as I wish for our brethren to see it; for none of them have ever seen it, and my paper containing it is lost. Send without fail, and after they have seen it, I will re-mail it, if desired, to the owner. Yours in love, Wm. Cottrell. Greene Co., Ohio.

THE CALIFORNIA MISSION.

By J. S. Miller

While reading the notices of the California mission that have appeared in the Review for a few weeks past, my mind has often been directed to Rev. x. 11. “And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again, before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.”

There is perhaps no other spot on this earth where all people, and nations, and tongues, are so completely represented as in California. As it was at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, so it may be said of the State of California. They are there gathered together from every nation under heaven. When God's people shall be ripe for the pouring out of his Spirit, and the sounding of the loud cry, how natural it will be for those who have received the message in California to return to their respective nations, and there proclaim the solemn warning of the third angel. What importance then surrounds the California mission. Let us not forget to pray for the success of our California mission. J. S. MILLER.

Conference Department.

By Thomas H. Craig

Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x, 25.

This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.

From Bro. Craig.

BRO. SMITH: I feel most unworthy of the privilege I now take; but I feel so grateful, that I am constrained to express unreservedly my deep feelings of gratitude. I humbly thank the Lord that he has led me out into the light, that I might see and embrace the precious truth; and I am thankful that he gave Sr. Nelson and Bro. Bradbury such an interest in my behalf. Bro. B. brought me several tracts, and Sr. N. subscribed for the Health Reformer, the instruction of which, I am trying to follow. I believe it was my Saviour’s will that by his people I should be led to obey him in truth; for as I read the many startling truths, so plainly set forth by Seventh-day Adventists, I saw that I was breaking the Sabbath of the Lord, and keeping the Sabbath of man; and furthermore, I saw that sin was the transgression of the law, and that transgression of the law was to break one of these commandments. But above all, I saw that the penalty was death. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. vi, 23. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John v, 3.

I am trying to keep all the commandments. It is not quite five months since I commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. I am very sorry to say it has been no longer. I am very thankful for the REVIEW and Testimonies, which I peruse with care. I need the reproof, as well as the instruction, which they contain, and will try to live so as to be profited thereby. It is a comfort to have the sermons in the paper, and testimonies from the lonely pilgrims. These furnish good Sabbath reading, and lead our thoughts from worldly things to religious meditations. They edify and aid us to keep every hour, every moment, of the Sabbath day, holy, and they help us to consecrate ourselves wholly to our blessed Saviour. This brings us nearer and nearer to him.

My health is quite poor. I have not been able to labor for over sixteen months. I put no confidence in myself nor in human aid, but in God, who raiseth the dead, 2 Cor. i, 9. And I mean so to number my days, that I can say,

“And when my Saviour shall appear, If in the grave I lie, The last, loud trumpet, I shall hear, And live, no more to die.”

THOMAS H. CRAIG.

Green Lake Co., Wis.

Sister Hale’s Testimony

By Anna H. Hale

From Sister Hale.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I love to see the names of those I love in the Letter Department of our dear REVIEW, and wish this one, and that one, would write for the paper; perhaps some one has thought the same about me; to them I would say, I will try to do my duty now, then please let us hear from you.

I think much of what Bro. Jos. Clarke has said about writing for the REVIEW, but do not feel worthy or competent to write for it. I have been longing to reach that point, where, having a daily experience in the things of God, I could write that which would be profitable and encouraging. I am not satisfied with what I can write now, but know that my “one talent” will not increase while lying hid in a napkin, so I will try to use it, lest the Master should say when he cometh, “Thou foolish and unprofitable servant.”

It is three years ago this month that I heard the third angel’s message in the tent at Norridgewock, Maine, and since that time I have not ceased to thank the Lord for sending me there to hear it, and giving me a heart to receive and obey it.

I loved the truths upon which we build our “precious faith,” and our “glorious hope,” as they were unfolded to my mind then. I love them now with all my heart; they were food upon which my soul feasted and was refreshed; they seem like precious treasures, and I count them over and over, as a miser counts his gold, and nothing that the world can give would I exchange for these.

Satan has tried to harass and perplex me, that I might lose my hold upon them, but, thank God, he has not succeeded.

I have been trying to live out my faith alone, these years, only occasionally meeting with those of like precious faith. These seasons are bright spots in my life, around which memory loves to linger, filling my lonely hours with thoughts of those who love and pray for me. I have felt of late a very strong desire to be with the people of God, where I could see and hear more of the work of God; where I could grow more rapidly in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; but if God wills that I should hold up my little rush light here still longer, I will try to be patient. It is a good place to learn patience, a lesson I need very much to learn. Perhaps when I have learned it well, he will give me a more pleasing task. I feel that there is need of making haste, and being more diligent in the work of overcoming.

There are souls all around me, who have never heard the last message of mercy to this perishing world. Who is going to warn them of the coming storm? Pray that I may be able to live so as not to be a stumbling-block in the way of the truth when it comes to them.

I would say to the lonely ones, Be strong, for the Lord is with you. Let us make sure work for the kingdom, and we will meet with all the dear ones on that great thanksgiving day, when all sorrow and sighing shall forever flee away.

Affectionately your sister,

ANNA H. HALE.

Worcester Co., Mass., Aug. 8, 1868.

Pressing Forward Toward the Prize

By L. Schellhous

From Bro. Schellhous.

BRO. SMITH: It has been impressed upon my mind for some time, to try once more to say a few words through our paper, to our dear friends of like precious faith. I want to say that we (myself, and companion, who is blind,) are yet striving to obey God in keeping his holy law. His commandments are our delight, because it is our reasonable service. We love his holy law, love the word of God and all its teachings. We love Spiritual Gifts; and when I consider what God has done in these last days, giving us line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little, I can say that the way grows brighter and brighter, as we near the close of our probation in this life of sin and sorrow. But we, with an eye of faith, can view the better land, that rest which is promised to the faithful overcomer. We have been striving to get ready, over eleven years, since we first heard the good news of the soon-coming of the blessed Saviour. We have to confess our short comings. We feel to mourn over our backwardness, but we feel to take new courage, double our diligence, and, by the grace of God, press forward towards the prize laid up in store for the overcomer.

My dear brethren, I feel that it is time that we should double our diligence; for the time hasteneth greatly. Soon Jesus will come, to take his ransomed people home. Yes; to that glorious rest that remains for the people of God. I can say, Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. The Lord has been very kind to us in sparing our lives, unprofitable as they have been, to the age of almost seventy-six years, and our prayer is that our last days may be our best, all devoted to God. Pray for us, that our faith fail not in these perilous times.

Yours striving for that rest which remains for the people of God. L. SCHELLHOUS. St. Joseph Co., Mich.

L. B. KENDALL

By L. B. KENDALL

From Sr. Kendall.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I will say a few words through the REVIEW, to let you know that you are still dear to my heart. Though separated far from some of you, yet the tie that binds our hearts together is not severed. How many times I think of those that I so often met with in the East on the Sabbath. How glad I would be to again meet with you in the worship of God. Let us not be discouraged nor faint by the way. The Lord will take care of us. The road may be rough, but it cannot be long.

I have been passing through the furnace of affliction for some years; but my trust in the care of my kind Heavenly Father has not diminished. I think I can say to-day that I never felt such an abiding trust in him as at the present time. The Lord has been very good to me. When I have come down to the very gates of death where no earthly arm could deliver or save in any degree, the Lord has reached down his strong arm and rebuked disease, and I have rejoiced in a comfortable degree of health. He has many times sent his servants that could lay hold of his precious promises, and I have come up by the prayer of faith, for which I feel thankful this morning. And he will save his poor afflicted people that walk humbly before him; he will make a way for them where there is no way. Oh! how good he has been to such a poor, unworthy creature as I am, in sparing my unprofitable life till the present time. I am thankful for the sympathy and prayers of the dear saints. Even their dwellings look good and light here amid the darkness of this world. They are bright spots in the desert of life where the angels of God descend to minister to their wants. I never shall forget how dear they seemed to me while journeying to the West, weary with toil, and a stranger in a strange land. Oh! how the hearty welcome cheered and refreshed both body and mind. Thanks to the dear ones we met on our way. They are remembered with kindness. May you find as hearty a welcome to the promised land. The Lord does not forget even a cup of cold water to one of his little ones.

I would say I am very thankful for the health and dress reform. It looks like the work of a kind Heavenly Father; and oh! that we may be able to live up to the light as it shines on our pathway.

L. B. KENDALL

Minnesota.

MARTHA A. SCRIPTER

By Martha A. Scripter

From Sister Scripter.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I want to embrace another opportunity of saying a few words through the REVIEW, in honor of His name who is doing so much for me. When I think of the lonely ones, like myself, scattered here and there, I long to communicate the feelings of my own heart, though it be but the widow's mite, toward dispelling the shades of gloom which I know so often enshroud their pathway. I praise the Lord for his goodness unto me in sparing my life to hear the last message of mercy. It is nearly two years since I embraced the truth, and I have never yet felt like turning back. No, I feel to rejoice and to praise the Lord for the truth and light. I believe the Lord is ever ready to lend a listening ear to all that put their trust in him. And daily in my closet I feel to claim his promise. I am waiting for baptism, longing to be united with God's children. Oh! may we all be prepared to stand in that day, which I believe is near, yea nearer than many of us realize.

MARTHA A. SCRIPTER

Erie Co., N. Y.

Trials for Keeping the Sabbath

By Bro. Lewis; Sr. Lewis

Bro. and Sr. Lewis write from West Windsor, Mich.: For the first time we try to write a few lines to the brethren and sisters in Christ. We are hoping for the soon coming of Jesus, and are trying to live out the truth. Trials and persecutions crowd upon us from those that are near to us by earthly ties, on account of our faith and the keeping of the Sabbath. But with the assisting grace of the Lord, we will try to meet you on Mount Zion.

Employment for a Sabbath-Keeping Youth

BRO. S. E. EDWARDS being about to sell and change his location, writes from Napoleon, Ohio: I have a young man, a widow's son, in my employ. He is about 17 years of age, well read in modern and ancient history, of good education, can talk German and English. He has embraced the Sabbath and immortality doctrine, and, I think, might be of use in the cause, if he were thoroughly converted, and had the privilege of the help of the brethren. He is seeking after truth. He is a good, steady boy to work, and very rugged. Cannot some of the brethren give him steady employment, and help him to be useful to the best cause in the world?

Faith Believes No Ill of God

FAITH is exceedingly charitable, and believing no ill of God.

Loneliness and the Light of Truth

By C. Boaz

Bro. C. Boaz writes from Iowa: I feel thankful to our heavenly Father that we have the privilege of speaking to each other through the REVIEW, more especially for the sake of the lonely ones, who have not the privilege of meeting with others of like precious faith. I and my father's family are very lonely. I have no associates here. My Bible, the REVIEW, Instructor, and the few publications we can obtain from the Office, are of priceless value to me. Had it not been for them, and the faithful watchcare of my dear parents, accompanied by the blessing and mercy of my heavenly Father, where and what might I have been? But praise the Lord for the light of truth. It shines brighter every day. I want to feel daily the danger of the times in which we are living. Signs of the coming of Christ are fast fulfilling. Evil men and seducers are waxing worse and worse. We have a short time, in which to do an important work.

Dear brethren and sisters, let us improve the golden moments as they glide swiftly by, fast hastening us on to the day of the Lord, whether we are preparing or not. Do not forget the Conference Department. I love to read your letters. I feel my unworthiness. When I look at myself, so prone to do evil and wander from the path of right, in contrast with the merits of Christ, and what he has done for me, I often cry out, like one of old, God be merciful to me a sinner.

“Nearer, my God, to thee; Nearer to thee.”

Loss of our Meeting House.

By Stephen E. Sutherland

THINKING the brethren might wish to learn more of the particulars of the burning of our house of worship I send the following statement:

On the morning of July 21, between the hours of 1 and 3 o'clock, A. M., the Seventh-Day Advent meeting-house in Ithaca was burned to the ground. Had there been conveniences at hand when the fire was discovered, the house might have been saved; but before a ladder could be got, and a sufficient number of persons to combat it, the fire had made such progress that it could not be extinguished. This house was built in 1865, soon after the organization of the church, being the first meeting-house of any kind in the county. It cost about $2000, and was insured in the Hartford Insurance Co., for $1300. The situation of the house, and location of the fire when discovered, leaves no doubt in the mind of the public, that it was the work of an incendiary.

The church had scarcely recovered from their burden of building, when they were deprived of the house of worship. But the citizens of the place kindly opened the school-house for us, for which we feel grateful to them, and thankful to God that we have a place in which to worship. We should be glad if we could have a visit from some of the messengers in this time of affliction.

STEPHEN E. SUTHERLAND. Ithaca, Gratiot Co., Mich.

Continue reading: REPORT FROM BRO. STERLING