Earlier text: Systematic EffortOur Publications.
By James White
At the Kansas camp-meeting we were deeply impressed with the importance of making greater efforts to supply the people with our publications. The people are perishing for want of knowledge. Even many of our brethren in the West are almost destitute of our books. Some cannot purchase them for want of means, and those who have means to purchase a scanty supply, lend them till they are worn out, or send them to their friends, until some are completely destitute themselves. We gave, at the Kansas camp-meeting, not less than two hundred dollars' worth of our publications, and we have left in Kansas as many more, to be distributed at their next camp-meeting, should they not be called for before that time. Our preachers of the Missouri and Kansas Conferences, will, at present, receive as many books free to give away as they purchase to sell. This will enable them to circulate gratuitously as many as they sell. Besides this, we design at all of our camp-meetings in such new fields, to give hundreds of dollars' worth of our publications to those of our friends who are not able to purchase them, to lend and to give to those around them who wish to read. What is true of Missouri and Kansas, is also true of all the West, and in a degree, more or less, of the entire wide field now opening before us as never before. We have resolved to publish books, pamphlets, and tracts, on a scale very much larger than ever before. Ten months since, we published ten thousand copies of Bro. Littlejohn's tract on the “Seventh-Part-of-Time” theory of the Sabbath. When we left for Kansas we took all that were left, excepting two copies for the printers to set the type for another edition. We ordered fifteen thousand printed, but it should have been at least twenty thousand. After we had circulated sixty thousand each of the two tracts entitled, The Law and the Gospel, and God's Memorial, we have revised and put the two into a thirty-two page tract, and have just printed twenty-five thousand copies. But our pamphlets, as well as our tracts, must be printed in larger editions, and the people must have them. God would have us engage in this good work as we have not dreamed of. Much more can be done in selling books than has been done. Our agents, whether they be ministers, or the rank and file of the Lord's vigilant army, should press the sale of our books, with the feeling that they are worthy of the close study of the most intelligent, and worthy of the reasonable prices asked for them. But there are thousands of honest men and women who lack the ready means to purchase, or lack the present interest in present truth to purchase, who should receive them gratuitously. The time is hastening on when our people will fully arouse to the duty of calling the attention of relatives and friends to the present truth. They will do this by letter writing, by personal visits, and by sending to them, or personally putting our valuable publications into their hands. We look forward with great pleasure to the time when Bro. Andrews' History of the Sabbath shall be revised and enlarged, and an edition of ten thousand copies shall be printed, for our people to put into the hands of candid men and women everywhere. There are hundreds of our people who date their conversion to the Sabbath from reading that able work. There are thousands more, just as honest as they were, who can be brought to the Sabbath by the same means. May God help Bro. Andrews in the preparation of this important work. Our first work, when rested from the labors of the camp-meeting season, will be to complete a volume of between four and five hundred pages, entitled, Bible Adventism. It is designed to contain, quite fully, the reasons of our faith and hope. The pamphlet, entitled, Our Faith and Hope, No. 1, embraces part, and another not yet printed, to be entitled, Our Faith and Hope, No. 2, will embrace still another part, of the large work. We print ten thousand five hundred copies of these two pamphlets, and six thousand copies of the volume. May God help in the completion of them. And then we know of no means so efficient in the increase of faith in the perpetuity and the manifestation of the gift of prophecy among us, as the reading of Mrs. W.'s works. Her four volumes entitled, Spiritual Gifts, could no longer be furnished in full sets. Probably two hundred orders have been received, that could not be filled. And still she had subject matter which at one time she designed for volume five. But to reprint the four small volumes, and to add volume five the same size, would cost much more to furnish her writings in this form, than to put all in two large volumes of four or five hundred pages each, the size of the History of the Sabbath. One of these volumes, entitled, The Spirit of Prophecy, is printed and neatly bound. It contains new matter once designed for volume five of Spiritual Gifts, and a reprint of that portion of the Great Controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels, found in Spiritual Gifts, volumes one, three, and four, reaching down to the first advent of Christ. The other volume will contain much new matter upon the life, the sufferings, and the death, of Christ, that portion of the Great Controversy which reaches on down through the Christian age, much practical instruction relative to the closing work of the third message, and then resume the chain, reaching down to the close of the great controversy, at the end of the one thousand years of the twentieth chapter of Revelation. We have printed five thousand and two hundred copies of volume one, and hope to have the same of volume two completed before next new-year's. These volumes will be furnished at one dollar each, one-third discount, or $1.34 for both when given, chargeable to the book fund. Then we have other works of different sizes that we determine to push through the press in large editions, as fast as possible. And what we most want of that which can be furnished beneath the sun, is money to carry on the work. We need five thousand dollars to be invested in stock, before the first of January, 1871, and then we shall want five thousand dollars more within six months of that time, to pay for printing and binding. “But the fearful and unbelieving” will start back, and feel stingy over this matter, while faith says the money must and will come. There are one hundred persons among us, who would find a blessing in giving each one hundred dollars to make up the sums named above. And there are several, who, if they pay their vows to God, made under most solemn circumstances, would find that here is a good opportunity to invest hundreds, if not thousands, which a bountiful Providence has given them. We have put one hundred dollars into the book fund, and with pleasure will be one of a hundred to raise ten thousand dollars. We now raise the inquiries— - Who will be one of one hundred to raise this sum, and each give $100?
- Who will be one of two hundred, and each give $50?
- Who will be one of four hundred, and each give $25?
- Who will be one of one thousand, and each give $10?
And, lastly, who will be one of two thousand, to each give $5? Those not able to give five dollars each, had better save their smaller sums for other purposes, equally important. Said Paul to Timothy, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” Mark this: Timothy was to charge them to be ready to distribute. Some say they are willing, but they are not ready. They have just purchased a piece of land, or built a house, and are in debt, or, at least, out of ready means. Well, they should be ready, and in order for this, they should get ready. They should keep ready, and not pay out all their ready means, and run in debt for real estate, for which they have no real need. God is in earnest with his people, and the safest course is to deal honestly with him, his cause, and our own souls. Hamilton, Mo., Oct. 25, 1870. Western Tour.
By James White
We were not aware, at the time, of the deep impression our camp-meeting at Tipton, Ind., was making upon the people. Immediately after the meeting closed, we learned from various reliable sources, that the people were favorably and deeply impressed. We never had a better hearing than on first-day, and noticed that the people were very anxious to receive our small works, which we circulated gratuitously. But further than this, we could not form a decided opinion, till second-day, and third-day, when the frank, full, and uniform expressions of the people, of all denominations and classes, came in. There seemed to be but one voice among the people, and that was expressive of the greatest satisfaction. At the railroad station, where we took the cars for Kansas, several gentlemen met us with great cordiality, and we were invited to return and speak to the people again. Two ladies met Mrs. W. at the station, one of whom had been educated a Friend, the other an ardent Methodist. The sincerity of these good women could not be doubted. They stated to Mrs. W. that no religious influence had ever made so deep an impression on the people of Tipton, as the speaking upon the camp-ground on first-day. They also stated that there had been in that place decided opposition to public speaking by women. They both had advocated it, and felt, on first-day, c. m., while Mrs. W. was speaking, that much was at stake, and they prayed while she was speaking that the Lord would help her. These earnest, yet truly modest women, reported a great change in the public sentiment of that place, insomuch, that if they had thought that their wishes would have been gratified, a united request would have come from all the denominations in the place, for Mrs. W. to speak in some one of their houses of worship one evening, at least. We leave this people with feelings such as those only can understand whom God has called to proclaim salvation to sinners, in the name of Jesus. We leave them, hanging as it were upon our very souls, praying God to raise up men, qualify them, and put upon them the spirit of love of labor in the wide harvest. And while we are gratified and astonished at the open ear of the people everywhere to the reasons of our faith and hope, and to the earnest appeals in behalf of pure religion, we are distressed to know that so few have the armor on. God pity the people, and send them help. As the train was hastening on to Indianapolis, we fell into conversation with a fine-appearing young gentleman in the seat before us. We conversed a moment upon the crops and the country, then more particularly upon raising of small fruits. Here he talked well, and showed taste, in a sense more elevated than mere appetite. He spoke of the moral influence of cultivating small fruits, besides that which is the legitimate result of this most healthful food. Where is the man, unless he is as void of culture and sense as a horse, but knows that the influence upon the mind, and even the morals, of cultivating and securing the precious fruits in all their deliciousness and harmlessness, as God in nature produces them, is almost infinitely above that of feeding and butchering the filthy, squealing swine.157 And then we talked of the influence of these things upon the health and life. He was sound, or at least on the direct route to soundness of mind upon hygiene. We stated to this young man that we were no physicians, yet we have read some, thought more, and sometimes talked to the people relative to these things. “What,” said he, “do you edit the health journal published at Battle Creek, Mich.?” No, sir, was our reply, but we are President of that Publishing Association which issues it. Said he, “My mother has been a reader of your health journal some time, and I am pleased with it. Will you donate a copy to the Franklin, Ind., College Reading Room?” Certainly sir, was the reply. Just here we heard the scream of the engine’s whistle, the door of the coach flew open, and the brakeman cried out, INDIANAPOLIS! And now a hearty shake of the hand with this young man—did we say of “common sense”? No, sir, uncommon sense! The common—that which is most common—sense of the people in these parts, is that which seems to delight in swine, lager beer, and tobacco. Wonderful mixture! Terrible effluvia! The good young man—God bless him—stated that he was a student of the Franklin, Ind., College, had never used whisky or tobacco, and was fast growing out of meat-eating to the pure vegetarian system. His teeth, his breath, his eye, and general complexion, and his clear intellect, were a fair index, to say the least, of a decent man. We are pushing our way across the more southern part of Illinois. This is a great country, in some respects, to say the least. While we were taking our breakfast this morning on this train, in a very fine car, we began to taste tobacco smoke, and looking around, we saw two men smoking, one using a cigar, the other, an old pipe. After pleading with them awhile, they concluded to quit while we were eating. Again, after finishing our morning meal, we stepped into a store for water; this they refused, fearing it would injure the sale of their beer. But we wanted water, which was scarce, while beer was abundant. OUR last was finished as the train on the Indianapolis and St. Louis road was in sight of St. Louis. This road took us through one vast ocean of ripe fields of corn. The general appearance of the country is fine. When we reached East St. Louis they jammed us into long, huge omnibusses, drawn by four mules, and drove us on to a large, coarse-looking steam ferry-boat. Side by side, were four omnibusses, and the balance of the room on the boat was immediately filled up with immense loads of coal, each drawn by three mules. There is a roughness about the style in which these drivers and teamsters do business that is decidedly disagreeable. The train from St. Louis to Kansas City was a fine one, and at 4:40, P. M. of fourth-day we were in motion. Here we took the sleeping car, which gave us select companions. We soon fell into conversation with a Chicago infidel, who, though very much of a gentleman, was decided and bold in his infidelity. He enjoyed denouncing the orthodox hell; but when we set before him the Bible doctrine of the destruction of the wicked, instead of their suffering eternal life in hell fire, it took much of the wind out of his sail. Yet he was fluent, and even eloquent, in stating his perfect satisfaction of his unbelief. And nothing seemed to dampen his zeal until we gave him a brief view of the freedom, and exalted character and the duration, of the future life on the earth, when it shall be restored to its primeval glory, and the just, and the good, and the truly noble, of all ages, sharing in the resurrection of the Bible, shall receive it as their eternal inheritance, free from the many ills of this life. Here, sir, we appealed, is a terrible loss that the unbeliever cannot afford to sustain. If the infidel can be reached at all, it will not be done by holding before him the God-dishonoring dogma of an eternally burning hell for the wicked; but by attracting his attention to the harmonious Bible view of the restitution, and the glories and endlessness of the life to come. At 6 A. M., this (fifth-day) morning we reached Kansas City. The omnibus took us a mile to the Union depot, where we were to take the train to Pleasanton, the place of meeting, seventy-five miles from Kansas City. Breakfast time was drawing on, and the frost of the morning could be seen everywhere. We entered the ladies’ room, and found it almost crowded with women and children, emigrating to regions still further west, whose faces, hands, and clothing, to say least, could be improved by a faithful use of soap and water. The stench of the close, heated room was intolerable. And Mrs. W. and self took up our hand luggage, and walked twenty-five rods upon a level with the tops of the houses, where room was plenty, and the morning air delicious, and there, beneath a Missouri oak, we seated ourselves upon rocks from the hight above, and enjoyed our morning meal of bread, cakes, apples, and grapes. God be thanked that there is a better way than to stuff one’s self with chickens fried in swine’s lard, greasy knickknacks generally, and hot coffee, and get the headache and the blues. Pleasanton, Kan., Oct. 14, 1870. A RARE CASE OF FAITHFULNESS
By J. H. W.
A RARE CASE OF FAITHFULNESS.
“I WILL pay thee my vows, which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.” Ps. 66: 13, 14. Few, very few, indeed, of the most devoted servants of God, fully act up to this resolution of King David. It is not so much that they are dishonest, nor even forgetful of the obligation; but it is difficult for any of us to realize our dependence on God in times of prosperity and ease, as we do in time of affliction. While with most, it is the old story of Pharaoh again—penitent and prayerful in affliction, but proud and hard-hearted when the rod was removed. So it was with Israel: “When he slew them, then they sought him; and they returned and inquired early after God.” Ps. 78: 34. Many times have I seen professed Christians act as the little girl said who related to her mother her going through the woods to her aunt Ann’s. When she came to the edge of the woods, she said to the Lord, if he would take care of her, she would thank him. After passing safely through, she said, “Thank you, dear Lord, and now you need not mind me any more, for I am most to aunt Ann’s.” Do you smile, reader? Look at yourself. Have you not often looked to the Lord for protection when trouble was before you, and when you had “got through the woods,” acted as if you were fully able to take care of yourself? Do you feel your dependence on God in everything, and at all times? A certain minister related, with evident thankfulness, how the providence of God had saved his life in the case of an accident which occurred on his journey. “But I,” said another, “have a more wonderful providence than that, to record; I came all the way on my journey without any accident!” Who notices such providences as that? What selfish, thoughtless, unthankful creatures we are. I knew a mother who promised the Lord if he would raise her child from a severe, and to all appearance, fatal sickness, she would never again distrust his care, or doubt his truth. And her child was restored, in answer to prayer, in such a manner that it was a wonder to all. But soon came a cross which she had not sufficient self-denial or Christian principle to take up; then came distrust of God’s care, and soon her mind was so darkened, or her heart hardened, or both, that she openly denied the hand of God in the restoration of her child! And yet I doubt if she has ever broken through her subsequent years of sorrows and trials, rebellions and denials of God’s truth, and the reproach and shame that these have brought to her, back to the broken vows which her heart prompted, and her lips uttered, when she was in trouble. When promises are made in trouble, future crosses are rarely provided for. When these come, the promises are forgotten. But God never forgets. “He hath no pleasure in fools; pay that which thou hast vowed.” Eccl. 5: 4. Vows made in trouble, and forgotten when peace comes, indicate a selfish spirit, intent on present gain, regardless of the honor and authority of God. Who has confessions to make hereon, or neglected vows to take up? J. H. W. Going to the Father's House.
By F. A. Burrell
“ANOTHER one of our dear brethren has recently gone into one of the mansions in our Father's house.” — Watchman and Reflector. Sept. 1870. If this were so, it must have been a special manifestation of divine power. Was the brother alluded to more favored than the disciples? “Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me; and, as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go ye cannot come, so now I say to you.” John 13: 33. Why so? Because they (according to the great plan) must wait for Christ to come for them. “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14: 2, 3. How many times does Scripture teach that Christ shall come to this earth previous to the descent of the New Jerusalem? “And unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Heb 9: 28. Has any one heard the great shout—the voice of the Archangel, or the sound from the trump of God? “For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead [all or one?] in Christ shall rise first.” Surely in such a day as ours, the electric wire which so quickly brings to us tidings of all kinds of events, would flash such an account from nation to nation, and the world would tremble. Ah! no; when that brother shall go to “one of those mansions,” there will be an innumerable company to go with him—those beloved disciples will bear him company. “Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life,” &c. John 5: 28, 29. Yes, and “every eye shall see him.” Rev. 1: 7. It will not be a spiritual, mystical, coming; but as He was seen ascending, so shall he be seen descending. So says Scripture. “And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1: 10, 11. Did the angels tell the truth? I believe they did. Here are but a few of the many passages that plainly speak of Christ's coming; and as he is the one that takes home the sleeping and living saints, I think that unless there was a special manifestation in the case mentioned, the brother must be sleeping, (I Thess. 4: 13–15,) and must necessarily wait to be taken to the “mansions” when Christ comes. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.” 1 Cor. 15: 22, 23. I find no scripture teaching that Christ comes from Heaven (where he is officiating as our high priest, Heb. 8: 1, 2,) to earth, every time a saint dies, to carry his soul to mansions above. But I do find Scripture proof that when Christ's work is finished in the heavenly sanctuary, he will appear “in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory,” and will then “send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Matt. 24: 30, 31; Mark 13; Luke 21. Ah! this, then, is the time for the sleeping saints to be “gathered home,” to go to “one of those mansions.” No, Christ has not come yet. One sign more to be fulfilled—then, soon shall he be seen “coming in the clouds.” Then shall that brother, if he sleeps in Christ, be awakened out of his sleep; then shall he find a glorious home in one of those “bright mansions.” Then will his glorious King, with all the holy throng of angels, and the redeemed with their Redeemer, with triumphant songs, enter the “beautiful city,” the “mansions fair.” F. A. BURRELL. Report of Meetings.
By J. H. Waggoner
Sometimes I am asked why I do not report my meetings. This is a part of the work I never took much liking to, and in consequence of overworking, and too much writing, all the way from last fall to spring, the task of writing even a letter, has been burdensome for months past. I left Battle Creek early in May. The second Sabbath in May, I attended the monthly meeting in Newton. First Sabbath and first-day in June, by request of Hillsdale church, I spent with them. This was a meeting of hard labor. The next Sabbath, I was requested by the committee to spend in Convis; but as a call had been made in the REVIEW, from Holly, I thought best to go there, as Convis could be supplied from Battle Creek. At Holly I had another season of hard labor. In the good providence of God, difficulties of long standing were, I trust, permanently adjusted. Bro. Carpenter, of Genoa, and Potter, of Lapeer, rendered efficient assistance by their counsel. I have found this a good course, to unite in counsel with lay brethren when such are present, and not bear alone the whole responsibility of settling difficulties. The first Sabbath in July, I spent in South Genoa. Here I found the cause in a good state; five were baptized, and two requested prayers. At this time the weather changed suddenly cold with a heavy storm, and being already afflicted with rheumatism, a disease to which I have been much subject in my life, I became almost helpless. It was only with great pain that I could stand upon my feet, or get in and out of a wagon. The last Sabbath in July, I was in Newton. The other Sabbaths not here specified, were spent with the church in Burlington. These meetings, with writing weekly numbers of the review of Wellcome, were all the work I could possibly do in my feeble state, as my head has troubled me much for months because of writing too much. Aug. 1, I started on my way to the East. This trip was undertaken by me in very feeble health. I had only time to call one day at the camp-ground in Oneida, N. Y., and hurried on to join Bro. Cornell in Richmond, Maine, where I arrived sixth-day, Aug. 5, at 3 P. M. Here I found the tent pleasantly pitched in the village, but I was pained to find the state of the cause so different from what I had left it. I regretted that the tent was pitched in Richmond before stumbling-blocks were removed, and weights taken off from the cause there. I am satisfied that the result of the tent meeting there would have been far more favorable, had not the believers stood in a discouraged condition, whereby their efforts and prayers were hindered. But good was accomplished; some were thoroughly converted to the faith. By the action of the Conference they felt relieved, and we are rejoiced to hear that they are again having good meetings in Richmond. I spent several days in laying out and preparing the ground for the camp-meeting. I also attended the camp-meeting at South Lancaster, Mass., which has been reported fully. Though Bro. White had labored hard and incessantly, and Sr. White was much worn by her labors and the sickness of Willie, the Maine camp-meeting was a success. Twenty-one tents, beside the large tent, were on the ground, which was nearly twice as many as I expected. The interest was good. The testimonies of Sr. White were well received, and did much to relieve the cause from embarrassments. The brethren in Maine generally feel encouraged. At the close of the camp-meeting, Bro. Cornell and self returned to Richmond, procured a good hall, and advertised for Sr. White to speak there on Wednesday evening, Sept. 7. Our enemies had helped to raise the interest for this meeting. The hall was crowded. Sr. White was specially helped at that time; she delivered one of the most powerful, interesting, and instructive discourses I ever heard from her, which is saying much for it. The large number, who stood literally packed together, not able to get seats, kept perfect silence during the entire discourse. It left an excellent influence, and was of itself a sufficient expose of those who have neither manliness nor Christianity enough to rise above the level of slander and abuse. In company with Bro. and Sr. White, I went to Boston, Sept. 8; they pursuing their journey westward via South Lancaster, where they had left Willie, I remaining in Boston to fill their appointments which had been sent forward before, and to dedicate a hall for worship in South Boston. This change in the order of arrangements was a great disappointment to the friends in and around Boston, and to relieve their feelings as much as possible, I filled all of the appointments, thereby laboring beyond my strength. The cause seemed to be in very good condition there, all of good courage and taking hold with zeal. Bro. Stratton has nicely fitted up a small hall in South Boston, in a new block, which is a great help to the church and cause in that place. The next Sabbath, with Bro. Cornell, I was in Hartland, Me. Bro. Goodrich was at home, preparing to enter the field of labor, and I think with renewed strength and confidence. Bro. G. is growing into the work, and is appreciated by his brethren. Here I was obliged to rest for a short time, and so ended for the present my labor in Northern New England. My health has been, most of the time, better than when I left home, and I have had good freedom in speaking the word. I have much reason to give thanks to the Lord. J. H. Waggoner. Kingston, R. I., Oct. 17. Report from Bro. St. John.
By H. A. St. John
LEFT home Sept. 22, for the Ohio camp-meeting. I feel that I shared, with many others, the blessings of that meeting. With stronger confidence, and better courage to persevere, I left the camp-ground. Tuesday, 27th, went to Bro. I. H. Moser’s, near Yellow Springs, Clark Co., and commenced meetings in Allen Town, Thursday evening, and continued ten days, holding twelve meetings. Believers were strengthened. But little interest on the part of outsiders to hear. But few would come to meeting. Very much prejudice exists in this community against S. D. Adventists, which I could do but little to remove. We think that a humble, consistent walk, on the part of the few Sabbath-keepers there, will do more to recommend the truth than anything else at present. May they seek for a continual growth in grace and Bible knowledge. Sunday, 9th, went to Bowersville; 10th, to Port William; 11th, Bro. Oxley and self visited Bro. Eli Glascock’s folks, three miles south of Hillsboro, Highland Co. These lonely ones were rejoiced to see us. We trust our visit was a mutual benefit. The lonely ones will soon be gathered. How cheering the thought! Thursday, 13th, returned to Port William. Spoke three times to the church in Bowersville, Sabbath evening, forenoon, and evening after Sabbath. Sunday forenoon heard Eld. Smith, Methodist, at Fawcett school-house, five miles from B., on Sabbath question. Reviewed him in afternoon. Monday night, the brethren and sisters came together at the residence of Bro. Haughey; the subject of health reform considered. Some good resolutions were made. May all faithfully adhere to them. We love this people. God is in the present truth, health reform and all. Brethren and sisters, would we go forward? then let us cherish and walk in the rays of light already given. Tuesday, 18th, returned to Yellow Springs. Friday, 21st, came to Whartonsburg, Wyandot Co. Father Moser attended the camp-meeting, and came home a Sabbath-keeper. We are now at his house, and design to commence meetings at the Inman school-house this evening. Pray, brethren, that good may result. Whartonsburg, Wyandot Co., O., Oct 22, 1870. To the Young.
By M. F. Maxson
[By special request, we reprint the following, from the pen of one who now sleeps in Jesus. It breathes a fervent spirit of piety and true devotion, that the young will do well to cultivate.] We are living “in a grand and awful time.” Satan is working with mighty power, knowing that his time is short; and we who are young, are especially exposed to his fierce temptations. He will try in every possible manner to draw us away from God, to divert our minds from heavenly things, and fill them with earthly thoughts. And are we trying with all our powers to resist him? Oh, are we, in the strength of God, pressing forward? or are we gradually yielding to Satan, and being overcome by him? We firmly believe we have reached the time when the people of God are going to arise and clothe themselves with the beauteous garments of righteousness and salvation; and if we would be prepared to rise with them, we must strive earnestly to get our hearts right in the sight of God. We must put from us all pride, vanity, love of ease and worldly pleasures, and seek to be conformed wholly to the will of God. Now is the time to work. Do not let us fold our hands in idleness, and fondly dream that at some future time we will “make our peace, calling and election sure.” Time is short. We have not one moment to spare. Already we can almost hear, in the distance, the rolling of the chariot which brings to earth our absent Lord; and occasionally we almost seem to catch a glimpse of the light and glory that encircle the heavenly cortege. And oh, let us, as in the presence of God, ask ourselves the solemn question, Shall I be prepared to meet with joy the coming King? We know that none but the pure and holy, those who have humbly walked with God, will be accounted worthy to stand before the Son of Man when he shall appear. Shall we be found among that holy, happy band? Thank God, we may be. Mercy still lingers. Jesus invites us, and all Heaven says, Come. Oh, let us hasten to the fountain that is opened “for sin and uncleanness,” and bathe there, until every stain is washed from our sinful souls. Let us from this moment resolve that in the strength of God, we will overcome. We must be in earnest, determined and persevering, or Satan will overcome us. His efforts are unwearied and constant; and if we try to draw nearer to the Lord, and consecrate ourselves entirely to him, he will press his darkness around us to discourage us, and we shall be tempted to give up the struggle. But when these fierce storms of temptation arise, let us seek shelter in the bower of prayer. His fiery darts can never penetrate through that inclosure. There, at Jesus’ feet, we shall be safe. He will surely listen to our earnest cries for help. If we seek him with all the heart, he will be found of us. He will not leave us to the buffets of Satan, but will strengthen us to resist the powers of darkness, and to press on in the narrow way, until the last battle is fought, and a complete and final victory gained.159 Dear young friends, you “who are at ease in Zion,” will you not awake and give yourselves wholly to God? Will you not listen to the dear voice that pleads, “Awake, awake thou that sleepest; arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light”? Oh, heed that solemn admonition ere it be everlastingly too late. Oh, think of the joys of Heaven. Think of the rapture that will fill your soul, if at last you may be permitted to enter through the golden gates into the city of God, there to receive from the Saviour’s own hand—that precious hand that was once nailed to the cross for you—a crown of bright glory, and to hear from his dear lips the sweet words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Oh, is not Heaven worth striving for? Is it not worth giving up all for? And will you, through carelessness and indifference, fail of everlasting life? Oh, think of the dreadful anguish that will be yours if at last you have to exclaim, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and I am not saved.” Eternal life was offered to me, but I would not make the necessary efforts to secure it. Heaven with all its blessedness might have been mine, but now it is too late, and I am lost. May this sad lamentation never be yours or mine. In the strength of Israel’s God, let us go forward. Be faithful in secret prayer. Have stated seasons for holding communion with God; and as you value eternal life, let nothing tempt you to neglect the solemn exercise. And as you try to draw near to God, believe that he draws near to you. And though at times the blessing may be withheld, and you can get no sensible answer to your prayers, yet wait at his footstool, cling to his promise; and when you most need it, showers of grace will descend upon your waiting soul, “like dew upon the mown grass.” Pray much. By prayer you will conquer. Meditate constantly upon the glories of Heaven, and the goodness of God. Often ask yourselves the question, Am I now pleasing God? and do I aim to please him in all that I do and say? Make religion your chief business, and it will be your delight. The blessing of the Lord will be with you, and you will know no greater joy than to please him. Be in earnest. Be faithful, patient, persevering; and “Soon the joyful news will come,
Child, your Father calls, Come home.”
Report from Bro. Matteson.
By John Matteson
I REMAINED about two weeks with the Danish brethren in Montcalm. The neighbors manifested more interest to hear this time than they have before, yet none could be prevailed upon to take a stand for the truth at present. Still I believe that some will turn to the Lord if the brethren will continue to set a good example before them. The brethren and sisters are all firm, and deeply interested in the cause. Their present number is thirteen. Their s. b. pledges for the year, $85.12. May the Lord reward them for their willingness to help the cause, and give strength to endure in all their trials, that we may rejoice together when the Lord shall appear. Last Sabbath I was called to the funeral of our deceased sister Patten, near Olivet. She had lived for others, to bless and take care of them, until her own strength was gone. Her desire before death was to obtain rest. She was weary from the toils of life, and the Lord gave her rest. She rests in hope till the Life-giver shall appear. Sister A. P. Van Horn is a daughter of the deceased, and was present, with Bro. Van Horn. Much grief was manifested in the bereaved family. But before I parted from them in the evening, faith and prayer prevailed, and all felt the sweet Spirit of God comforting each mourning heart. The blessed hope looked so good to us. I am now at work in the Office, and shall remain here two or three weeks. JOHN MATTESON. Battle Creek, Oct. 28, 1870. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Died, in Lexington, Ohio, Sept. 10, 1870, of hemorrhage of the lungs, Sr. Elizabeth Bolden, aged 55 years. She united with the S. D. Adventists in Bellville, Ohio, in 1867. She leaves five orphan children to mourn her loss. Also, in the same place, Sr. Ella Boules, Sept. 25, 1870, of consumption. She was baptized by Bro. Van Horn in 1867, and united with the church in Bellville. She has lived an exemplary Christian life, ever striving to do the will of the Lord. MARY L. EDWARDS. Died, in St. Charles, of bloody dysentery, Rebecca J., daughter of Peter and Amanda Rusher, aged one year, three months, and sixteen days. We laid her in the silent grave, hoping to meet her in the morning of the first resurrection. P. AND A. RUSHER.