p. 95 | Review and Herald, Vol. 27, No. 12. (2/20/1866)

Earlier text: Clippings of Current Events

God is Good.

By John Matteson

"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called; but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are, that no flesh should glory in his presence."

The goodness of God is manifested in all his works. Every rising sun, each twinkling star, each rippling brook declares his goodness. Fertile valleys and useful rivers, fruitful trees and blooming flowers, skipping lambs and singing birds, declare with one accord, God is good. Out of darkness he called light, order out of disorder.

But to his poor, erring, fallen creatures he has manifested his goodness still more gloriously in giving his only begotten Son. For this reason his gracious call is extended to us. Through Christ hath God chosen the foolish, and the weak, and the base, and despised ones to become heirs of glory.

This thought is very precious to me at present. Also to me, God is good. If all around me could testify to the goodness of God, but I felt nothing of it for myself, it would only increase my misery. Such was my sad condition only a little more than seven years ago. I had been very wicked. I was well acquainted with the principles of religion as a theory, but Satan led me captive at his will. Then I read the word of God. The Spirit blessed. The law slew me. Christ spake pardon. I refused to serve Satan any longer, and determined to serve Christ. Then things looked brighter, and the star of hope smiled kindly to the poor pilgrim. I cried to God in my distress, and he heard me. How good is the Lord, and his mercy endureth forever.

The Lord is good, oh, let me tell of his loving kindness. But I—how unthankful I have been! How often murmured! I have sinned grievously against him again and again. With shame I confess it. Still I did not love sin. I yearned to be delivered from it, but the foes within would betray me. I wept, I prayed for years, Lord, deliver me from sin, prepare me for thy coming and kingdom; let me be poor, sick, despised, forsaken, but give me a place in thy kingdom. Lord! I cannot let thee go till thou blessest me. Thus I still pray. And Jesus looks more lovely now than ever. Faith views him with delight. Before the ark he pleads. There is my name with the rest upon the breastplate of his high-priestly garment, very near his heart. Through Jesus we are reconciled to the Father. Jesus loves us. Oh, how he loves. Soon Jesus comes. Then he will say, "Pilgrim, lay down thy staff. Child come home. Inherit the kingdom. From Satan's malice thou art free. Thou hast gained the victory. Put on the crown."

I have been poor, but when I had no cent in my pocket, and knew not where to get food or clothes, the Lord cared kindly for me. I was poor, endeavoring to prepare myself to promote his cause. But when I had shared my morsel with others, others shared with me. I was a wayward child, but the Lord has mercifully brought us through the school of affliction, and does so still, for which I praise him. His rod is not too severe, the cross he gives, not too heavy. It is just right. I have ruined my constitution by transgressing the laws of nature. I have worked with my hands and brain until I was as helpless as a child; I have suffered pain and sickness; but the Lord has led me through all in tenderest mercy. Through obedience I am recovering. Praise his holy name. God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.

About two years and a half ago I embraced the third angel's message. Since then I have seen brighter days. Not that I have received silver or gold. No, I still continue my life of trust in God. But Jesus has revealed himself more powerfully, more graciously through "present truth." And even this I consider as a kind answer to the first prayer I ever uttered. What if we should pray twenty years for one and the same thing? Heaven is cheap enough. I sometimes feel sad when I meet others who have been brought up with pious parents, while my lot was cast among the vile and wicked. It seems almost like converting angels instead of devils. When they know no temptation, I must struggle hard. But the goodness of God is enough for all, even the chief of sinners.

It has also done me good to become acquainted with a people who love God and one another. The first who spoke to me about the third angel's message, said meekly and kindly, "If we, as a people, have not more love, and truth, and union than other denominations, I do not want you to join us." This was a good argument, and I liked the man, although I did not believe his doctrine then. Now I know some dear souls whom I love, and who love me. This does my poor heart good, and strengthens me in the struggle. "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren."

May we as a people continue to love one another. May our hearts and hands be joined together. Lord, thou hast been good to us, though we deserve it not. Oh, help us now more than ever to trust in thy goodness. Help us to get "the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name." May we have part in the first resurrection, and dwell with the King in his kingdom, there to praise his goodness and loving kindness for ever. Amen.

JOHN MATTESON.

January, 1866.

A New Enterprise.

By H. L. Hastings

I propose, if the Lord will, to issue a sheet about the size of the Crisis, filled with new tracts, during this present month of February, 1866, and afterwards as often as once a month, if practicable. It will be a newspaper in form, but not in fact, as it will be printed with wide columns, and after it is printed and scattered, each tract will be also printed separately, in the usual form.

REASONS FOR IT.

1. I have on hand large quantities of matter, thousands of pages of reported sermons by H. L. Hastings, Edwin Burnham and others; multitudes of tracts and extracts, hymns, tunes, etc., etc., enough to fill a weekly paper, I presume, for a year, and too numerous, by far, to intrude on any existing periodical.

2. When these tracts are printed, I want to save them for future publication, and hence I wish them in broad columns, so I can preserve them stereotyped, in book form, for future use.

3. In ordinary papers, choice articles cannot be obtained and circulated separately, and sometimes matters of little general interest occupy large portions of a paper. In this, all such matters are intended to be omitted, and only articles of permanent value are to be issued.

4. Many persons will read a newspaper when they would not read a tract even if it contained the same matter; and I wish to reach them with the gospel message.

5. Many persons want to see all the new tracts that are issued, but it is too troublesome and expensive for them to write separately for each one, and this arrangement will give them a steady supply of samples, so they can see what is issued, and know what to order.

6. In tracts, about one-fourth of the paper is used for the white margins, and more than half the labor is expended in folding, stitching, and trimming them. This I save by the newspaper form, and can publish cheaper than in any other way, considering the amount of matter published.

7. I want to put this sheet outside of all sectarian boundaries and limits, among missions, Freedmen, Sunday schools and churches, thus spreading the glad tidings of the grace of God; and I propose to fill up this sheet with sermons, exhortations, hymns, music, expositions of Scripture, records of God's good providence over his people, notes of discourses, and reading matters for young and old, great and small.

8. Moving in this matter without the knowledge, counsel, or help of any one but the Lord, having only sought his guidance, remembering that if God be pleased the work will not be in vain, I shall strive to conduct this publication with a single eye to his glory; and though the responsibility is great, and the eye of reason does not see the way through future difficulties, yet faith declares "the Lord will provide."

The title of the periodical will be

THE CHRISTIAN.

I know of no better name than this, and pray that its character may correspond with the title chosen.

TERMS.

1. It will be sent for 60 cents per volume, of twelve numbers, to any address in the United States or British Provinces.

2. Ten copies will be sent for $5. To the Provinces, the price will be $6 for ten copies.

3. Persons ordering ten or more copies for free distribution in Missions, Hospitals, Sunday schools, among Freedmen, and in similar localities, can have ten copies for $4.

The Lord's poor shall have The Christian free, so long as we can send it.

WHEN ORDERED IN ADVANCE.

Copies of single numbers will be sent out at cost of paper and printing, no charge being made for the type-setting, editing, and similar expenses. They will be sent by mail, 100 copies for $3, post-paid, and by express, 100 copies for $2.50.

Who will order 1000 copies of the first number for $25? Who will order 400 copies for $10? Who will order 33 copies for $1? Who will order 10 copies for 30 cents? Who will order 5 copies, or more, for nothing? All shall be supplied who send. Those who choose to, may send stamps to prepay postage. But do not delay sending, as when once the printing is done, and the edition scattered, no more can be had at any price. This rate affords about FORTY PAGES OF TRACT MATTER FOR ONE CENT.

WHO WILL HELP?

I invite the friends of Christ, wherever they are, to co-operate in the circulation of this periodical. 1. Pray for it. 2. Work for it. 3. Subscribe for it. It will be issued as regularly as practicable, though from the nature of its contents, it will be in season at any time, and hence we shall not be forced to print without due preparation, as would be the case with a more frequent issue.

Any preacher, or any one else, can have packages of ten or twenty copies sent freely and gladly to use as specimens in securing subscribers.

WRITE IMMEDIATELY if you wish them, as otherwise you will be too late. Those who wish to receive it regularly can send their subscriptions at once, as by so doing I shall avoid prepaying the postage on it. And they can pay it at the office where the paper is received, quarterly, in advance.

CONTENTS OF THE FIRST NUMBER.

For the first number, among others, the following original articles are prepared, and will be published, so far as space will permit:

Fishers of men; a sermon by H. L. Hastings, phonographically reported.
De Gurchy and De Carterette, a Story of Grace. A deeply interesting account of the conversion of two hardened infidels.
Sold Cheap. A plain talk to young men, by H. L. H.
Wild Oats. A plain talk to young men.
The Good Master. A large print tract for Freedmen and mission circulation, by H. L. H.
Marks, Good and Bad. Another large print tract for Freedmen, by H. L. H.
Various other original or carefully selected articles.
Original poetry, by H. L. H.
Original music, by H. L. H.
Book notices, Prospectus, and sundry other matters which cannot now be specified.

This is the programme of the new enterprise. I submit it to the brethren and friends, praying for the blessing of God, and hoping for the prayers of the people.

Please direct all letters, orders, and remittances to H. L. HASTINGS, Scriptural Tract Repository, 19 Lindell St., Boston.

Rest in the Divine Will

By Wood

WHEN all sin is removed from the heart, then is man perfectly at rest, for he continually draws from the Divine fullness a fresh supply for all his wants. The heart that sinks into the Divine will, cannot be otherwise than at rest. All the ills of mortality, and all the assaults of the wicked one, are constantly neutralized by the love of God, and swallowed up in the complete and most glorious victories of an all-conquering faith. — Wood.

Monthly Meetings.

West Monroe, Oswego Co., N. Y., March 3, 4.

Mannsville, Jeff. Co., " 10, 11.

Will Brn. Edson and Treadwell be at Mannsville.

C. O. TAYLOR.

If the Lord will, I will meet with the churches as follows:

Middle Grove, Saratoga Co., N. Y., March 3, 4.

Verona, " 17, 18.

Kirkville, " 24, 25.

C. O. TAYLOR.

THERE will be, if God permit, a conference held by the Seventh-day Adventists of R. I. in South Kingston at Curtis Corner, commencing March 15th, evening, and continue day and evening over the following first-day. We cordially invite one or more delegates from Kensington, Abington, and churches in Massachusetts. Come brethren those who can, in the fear and Spirit of our divine Master, that the cause of present truth may receive an impetus among us, our hearts be enlarged and greatly strengthened in this our solemn and responsible work of giving the last note of merciful warning to our fellows, who with us will soon be rewarded as their works shall be. Shall we not do what we can? Shall Christ bleed and die and we make no sacrifice? Let us come up to the help of the Lord.

For the brethren. P. C. RODMAN.

N. B. Those coming by rail will stop at Kingston Station, either from Providence or New London, and take stage for Curtis' Corners. Inquire for Jabez C. Tucker. P. C. R.

Note from Bro. Sanborn.

By Isaac Sanborn

BRO. WHITE : According to previous arrangement I met Bro. Ingraham in Marion, Iowa, on the 11th of January, and remained over two Sabbaths. I heard Snook and Brinkerhoff four times try to tear down the three messages of Rev. xiv, which, however were perfect failures. I then came on to West Union and commenced meetings the 27th. Preached eight times here. The Lord greatly blessed us all. This little church is growing in grace and favor with God under the watch-care of Bro. G. I. Butler. From thence I went to Waukon. Here I spoke seven times on some of the great practical truths of the third angel's message, attended by the melting power of God's Spirit, which made us all glad in the Lord. We had also two prayer-meetings which were refreshing seasons. We shall long remember this tour in Iowa, to the praise of our dear Lord.

ISAAC SANBORN.

A Request.

By James Henry Waggoner

I WOULD earnestly request preaching brethren, traveling on the line of the Cleveland and Erie R. R., to call at Geneva, Ashtabula Co., Ohio. One mile west and one mile north from the station will be found Bro. T. L. Bane, Jr., who will gladly receive them, or meet them at the depot if notice be given him.

I held some meetings in that place last fall, and ten commenced then keeping God's commandments; others, I learn, have since yielded obedience to the truth, and still there is a desire to hear. I think if labor was bestowed there, more would embrace the message, and those who have embraced it might be much benefited by further instruction in the present truth.

Mail and accommodation trains only, stop at Geneva station. J. H. WAGGONER.

Note from Bro. Bates.

By Joseph Bates

BRO. WHITE: The Allegan Co., Monthly Meeting held in Monterey, Sabbath, Feb. 3d, was a good gathering, attended with the divine blessing. On account of the driving snow storm, many no doubt were prevented from meeting with us whom we had hoped to see.

The next county meeting is appointed to be held in Allegan on the first Sabbath in March.

JOSEPH BATES.

Monterey, Mich., Feb. 13, 1866.

To Correspondents.

By Editor

LETTERS SENT. J J Shepley, T L Bane, J H Waggoner, J Dorcas.

A. H. See explanation of the passages to which you refer, in the works which you order; namely, Hope of the Gospel, and Which, Mortal or Immortal.

ARTICLES DECLINED. The seals of Rev. vi. The writer indulges in the wildest spirit of conjecture, that we have lately met with.

ARTICLES ACCEPTED. Mission Work.—Prayer.—Music.—Suggested Thoughts, No. 3.—Exclusiveness.—Impartial Testimony.—What is Your Influence?—The Word of God.—Testimony on the Origin of the Sabbath.—Murmurings.—Time Lost; an Old Objection Answered.—God's Law Unbroken.—Meeting at Shelby Basin, N. Y.

Appointments.

By R. F. Cottrell

THE next Monthly Meeting in northwestern N. Y., is to be held with the church at Lancaster, Erie Co., on the second Sabbath and first-day in March. A team will be at Wende station to meet the morning train from Rochester, and another at Lancaster to meet the mail train from Buffalo. If any from the east choose to stop at Lancaster, they will wait till that time, unless they notify Bro. Eggleston to meet them there earlier.

R. F. COTTRELL.

Business Department.

By Editor

Business Notes.

Letters written: Eld. I. D. Van Horn, G. M. Dimmick, J. D. Hough, Eld. S. B. Whitney, H. Everts, O. D. Grosvenor, J. S. Griffith, A M Preston, Eld. M. E. Cornell, J. Rich, W. F. Crous, T. L. Bane.

RECEIPTS.

For Review and Herald.

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

M Marquart 28-10, G Emmans 28-1, W H Bradley 28-12, J C Ingraham 28-12, A Fenstemaker 28-13, S D Smith 28-6, G Thew 28-1, Eld S B Whitney 28-7, F C Castle 28-1, Edward Lee 29-1, M V Hartez 29-1, S Whitney for Rev T Landon 29-12, L Corey 29-9, W J Hardy 28-2, A T Andrews 27-11, A M Preston for R Barnes 29-12, J Fenee 29-1, each $1,00.

T J Hilliard 29-1, Mrs P D Perkins 29-12, L Child 29-9, E O Fish 29-1, G H Mathews 29-1, T F Hubbard 28-1, S Simonds 28-14, R Kingore 29-9, T Gardner 29-1, B F Curtis 29-10, S Hodges 28-1, E B Saunders 29-1, M Criderman 29-1, H E Bryant 28-1, G R Bates 28-14, A M Gravel 27-22, C R Ogden 29-1, F H Chapman 29-9, M J Daniels 29-10, T Morrow 29-1, G W Chillson 28-2, J H Green 29-1, N Rowland in full, J S Wager 29-1, C P Buckland 29-5, Mrs E Coy 29-14, W Tiers 29-1, each $2,00.

L A Woodruff 27-13, M E Flanders 28-12, W C Gage for Mrs H Clark 28-12, and W J Welch 28-12, each 50cts.

L McNitt $1,50, 29-5, J B Pimple 40cts in full, L Fogg $2,25, 28-12, A J Emans $2,50, 29-4, W F Min-sees $1,50, 28-13, D Chamberlain for one year $2,50, 29-1, J S Preston $1,25, 29-7, O F Allen $3,00, 29-12, W H Marvin $1,50, 29-12, A E Hall 75c 30-9, R F Andrews $2,50, 28-1.

Subscriptions at the Rate of $3,00 per year.

J D Hough $2,00, 29-1, A Gleason for Mrs E Chambers $3,00, 29-12, T Smith $3,00, 29-14, B F Rice $3,00, 29-10.

Books Sent By Mail.

G M Dimmick $6,72, J D Hough $1,50, J Sawyer 12c, F Greenman $2,04, S Hyde $1,12, L D Chaffee 75c, J P Chamberlin 75c, W Panton $1,00, Eld S B Whitney $1,00, Rev T Landon 75c, H Everts 50c, G Tenny $1,75, D W Eldredge $6,00, G W Mitchell $1,00, W F Crous $1,50, T L Bane 75c, B F Rice $1,75, G L Calkins 50c, E W Coy 50c.

Books sent by Express.

H J Kittle, Arcadia, Hancock Co., Ohio, (Cir. Lib.) $8,00. A Gleason, Hillsdale, Mich., (Cir. Lib.) $8,00. F H Chapman, West Union, Fayette Co., Iowa, (Two Cir. Lib.) $16,00. J King, Pella, Iowa, $15,00.

Cash Received on Account.

J Sawyer 88c, E O Meacham $7,80, Eld S B Whitney $5,75, C O Taylor $4,60, R F Cottrell $29,00.

Donations to Publishing Association.

F Greenman $3,09, C R Ogden $1,00, G W Mitchell $4,50, T Smith $1,00.

Gen. Conf. Missionary Fund.

Ch. at Washington, N. H. $30,00.

Michigan Conference Fund.

Ch. at Caledonia, $20,00. Ch. at Orange, $10,00. Ch. at Monterey, $30,00, Ch. at Watson, $36,00.

To Pay Expenses on Draft Publications.

C R Ogden $1,00.

Iowa Churches Resist Faction

By Editor

The prompt and firm stand taken by the churches in Iowa against the attempted work of faction and distraction in their midst, is encouraging. Truth is more than any man who has ever preached it. They, in taking their action, and we in publishing it, are only giving heed to the apostle's instruction, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them." Rom. xvi, 17.

A New Enterprise

By Editor

"A New Enterprise," we publish at the request of Eld. Hastings. From the table of contents presented, we should judge that the sheet he proposes to issue, would contain some things of interest and profit.

Perils of the Last Days

“Perils of the Last Days” will be read with intense interest by all who believe that the end of all things is drawing near. It is a complete panorama of the events which the Scriptures have forewarned us should characterize the closing hours of this dispensation. Such facts should at least awaken inquiry on the part of those who have not as yet been able to see any promise of His coming.

Our Late Experience

By Editor

The communication from Sister White, "Our Late experience," will be hailed with gratitude by thousands. It contains just the information they have been waiting to receive. Concluded next week.

Owe No Man Anything

“Owe no man anything.”

Who are the Delinquents?

By John Nevins Andrews

WHAT say the little pastors on your Review? Do they say that you are paid up, or in arrears? Please examine. Compare the figures on each little yellow reminder with the present number of your paper. If you find that you are paid in advance according to our terms, all well; but if in arrears, then let it be understood, that to you, each one of these little pastors is a presentation of account due, given in as respectful and courteous a manner as we know how to do it.

On looking over our list we find over a thousand dollars due on Review, exclusive of the current volume. Now this is not as it should be. Those who suffer their subscriptions to run so far behind, do great injustice to themselves and to the cause of God.

We are loth to part company with any of our subscribers, but unless those who are in arrears pay up, or give a satisfactory reason for not paying, we must strike their names from our list. We therefore now give notice that all names not credited to the commencement of Vol. 26 on or before the 15th of March will then be stricken from our list, unless by request an extension be granted. Shortly afterwards, those who are not credited to Vol. 27 will also be dropped.

Doubtless quite a large number of our delinquent subscribers, to whom we are sending the Review every week, take no interest in it, and receive no profit whatever from it. To such the Publishing Association cannot afford to send it gratuitously, nor is it honoring the cause to do so. Hence justice to the cause of God and a proper regard for the financial interests of the Association require us to adopt the course proposed. We wish, however, to have it distinctly understood, that we cheerfully make an exception in the case of those who are not able to pay for the Review, and yet prize its weekly visits. Let all such be perfectly free to inform us immediately of their inability, and we will just as readily continue their paper, as those of paying subscribers. We ask an immediate response from all who are not paid up to Vol. 27. If you cannot pay now, or cannot pay at any time, and still desire the paper, do not fail to inform us. Meantime, let it be understood by all those who have not paid for the present volume, that their account is also due, and an early response from them is expected.

J. M. A.