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Review and Herald, Vol. 30, No. 3.

The Sermon
Earlier text: GOD'S WORK IS TIMELY

“WHO SHALL BE ABLE TO STAND?” REV. VI, 17.

By E. S. LANE.

Oh! who shall stand in that awful day? When the heavens and earth shall pass away; When the voice of Jehovah in mighty power Shall herald the close of probation’s hour; And God shall his might and wrath display, In the great and terrible burning day; When the kingdom of those shall be terribly dark, Who worship the beast or receive his mark; And the worshippers then shall be covered o’er, With a burning and noisome, and grievous sore; When the seas shall roll in a purple flood, And the fountains and rivers be turned to blood; When the sun looks down in his fiery wrath, And scorches the flesh in his burning path; When the pitchy streams and the brimstone mix, And the land shall be turned into burning pitch; While the horrid oaths and blasphemies then Shall be uttered and heard from the lips of men Still unrepenting their awful sin, While drinking the waves of destruction in: And shall call for the mountains and rocks to hide From the terrible wrath of the Crucified; When the hail and the brimstone tinged with blood, Shall seethe and hiss in the angry flood; For the earth shall be deluged with burning sleet, When the elements melt with fervent heat. Then a voice shall be heard from the great white [throne, And echo repeat, It is done, is done; When the islands and mountains are fleeing away, Who, who shall stand in that awful day?
It is he in whose mouth there is found no guile, Who is cheered by the Saviour’s approving smile, Whose hands are clean, and whose heart is pure, It is he alone who will stand secure; Who has calmly endured the world’s cold frown, Yet refusing to lay his armor down; Whose eye has been fixed on the Coming One, And will soon hear the plaudit pronounced, “Well done!”
’Tis the sanctified throng all cleansed from sin; Through the gates of the city they’ll enter in; Yea its portals blest will be opened wide, To all of the tested and purified, And when that great wrath-storm shall burst on the [world, And his banner of vengeance on earth be unfurled, And sinners shall fall in Jehovah’s hand, Such, such in that day, will be able to stand; For the blessed hope with its unseen power, Will sustain and soothe in that trying hour.
But beyond these dark scenes of conflict and sin, Shall the new earth’s glory be ushered in, Where the river of Eden will softly glide, With the Life-giving tree on its either side, And will flow once more among Eden bowers, And the earth yield her paradise fruits and flowers: And the city of God which the righteous awaits— With its twelve foundations and pearly gates— With its beautiful pathways all paved with gold, Will be filled with glory, and bliss untold, For the nations their glory and honor will bring, And rejoice in the presence of Christ their king; Yea the earth be touched by his powerful hand, And the righteous behold it a purified land: Where the trees shall be clothed with a living green, And nothing of sickness and death be seen; And nothing shall ever know blight or decay, For the former dark earth-scenes have passed away; Where the millions of ransomed ones ever will dwell, And their songs of redemption unceasingly swell, And the choirs of God in the beautiful lands, Long shall enjoy the work of their hands.
E. S. LANE.
East Genoa, N. Y.

THE GIFT OF PROPHECY. A TEST OF FELLOWSHIP.

By A. P. Lawton

This question seems to require line upon line. We hear it said often, Christ and his teachings are sufficient for me; as though to receive the visions would be to reject the teachings of Christ. Were it not that some honest ones may be stumbled through such a misrepresentation it would require no notice. But time is short, and the church should be doing what she can to remove objections from the minds of all that can be reached by these saving truths.
In the first place all who present themselves for membership in this church, are understood to believe the Bible. We believe according to the Scriptures that the spirit of prophecy is to be revived in the last days, and we hold, that no one can consistently believe that we are in the last days, and reject this scripture as applicable to us. The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus are inseparable.
In rejecting the visions we reject all those portions of scripture relating to prophecy which are of vital importance to us who claim to be living in the closing scenes of earth's history. The visions give no new rule of faith or practice; but our all-wise Creator has, in view of the perils and solemnities of the last days, been pleased in mercy to inform his remnant people, what of the night: that it cometh, and also the morning; by the spirit of prophecy, which he promised many hundred years since should be manifested in the last days. Do we well to reject this gift so appropriate to us as a people, and yet claim to be commandment keepers? If we had not the faith of Jesus, we should not be the remnant people of Rev. xii, 17: “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev. xiv, 12: Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Rev. xix, 10. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
It was formerly considered a calamity by the people of God to be without open vision; it is no less so now. It was a mark or token of God's displeasure; it is so now. Prov. xxix, 8. Where there is no vision the people perish. All who wish to be corrected and have their errors exposed will be glad and rejoice that God has been pleased to place a gift in the church that will do this.
God's people are to be of one mind and one judgment and all speak the same thing; and how can this be when some endorse some portions of the Bible, others, other portions; while they reject the rest? Our faith embraces the whole of God's word. This brings unity, harmony, and a perfect chain. This will bring the people of God together, and they will be fitted up, clothed with the whole armor, and ready for the latter rain. This is why the dragon will make war with the remnant. He knows that the spirit of prophecy will unite them, and this will give strength and power to the message.
Some object to the visions on the ground of their adding to the word of God, and quote Rev. xxii, 18. “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.” This objection is groundless; for the visions do not add to, or diminish from, this book; on the contrary they perfectly harmonize with, fulfill, and answer to it. John's visions take nothing from Isaiah's. Neither do sister W.'s take from, nor add to, John's.
A. P. LAWTON.
W. Winfield, N. Y.

Conference Department.

By B. M. Osgood

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 Sister Osgood.

Bro. Smith: I feel to thank the Lord that the third angel’s message ever saluted my ears, and that my heart has been drawn out to examine the truths that concern the present generation.
I believe that the Lord is leading his people, and that he will continue to lead all that trust in him, to perfect victory through Jesus. I feel that we are living in perilous times, and that unless we are clothed upon with the whole gospel armor, we shall not be able to withstand all the “fiery darts of the enemy,” and be permitted to share with the overcomers the glories that are in reserve for God’s people.
The principles of Health Reform which are now in a great measure engrossing the attention of our people, are of great interest to me, and I trust I have been benefited thereby. May I ever be found following the leadings of God’s word, and his Spirit, till faith is lost in sight, and prayer in praise.
B. M. Osgood. Lairds ville, N. Y.

Faithfulness in Present Truth

By John M. Brigham

From Bro. Brigham.

BRO. SMITH: Permit me for the first time to speak a few words to my brethren and sisters through the Review. I am much pleased with the enlargement of the paper and have been greatly blessed in reading what it contained the past year. I think if my life should be spared to read it, I shall receive a greater blessing the coming year. I am a firm believer in present truth and Health Reform, and am determined to keep all of God's commandments, let come what will. I know a crown of life is promised at last to all the finally faithful. JOHN M. BRIGHAM. Jeff. Co., N. Y.

Pressing On in the Truth

By FANNY FREEMAN

From Sister Freeman.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I still feel a determination to press onward and be an overcomer. I rejoice in the light which our kind heavenly Father has bestowed upon his people, and am trying to walk therein. I feel to praise his great name for his manifold mercies to me. It is thirteen years since these precious truths dawned upon my mind. Although I have been a lonely one most of the time, I have never felt to relinquish them for aught earth can afford. The language of my heart to-day is, “Sanctify me through the truth.”
My lot is now cast with the dear church at Roosevelt. I have been permitted for the last two Sabbaths, together with my children, to hear the sweet voice of praise and prayer in their house of worship, and have felt to exclaim,
“How pleasant, how divinely fair, O Lord of hosts, thy dwellings are. With long desire my spirit faints To meet the assemblies of thy saints. “My flesh would rest in thine abode, My panting heart cries out for God. My God, my King, why should I be, So far from all my joys and thee?”
Pray for me and mine, that we may fight the good fight of faith and at last be permitted with you to enter into eternal life. FANNY FREEMAN. Oswego Co., N. Y., June 17, 1867.

A New Sabbath-Keeper’s Testimony

By Sister E. J. Connet

SISTER E. J. CONNET writes from Richland Co. Ill.: I have recently commenced to keep the Sabbath, and meet with many reproaches and great opposition; but I have been convinced of its truth for some time, and feel guilty that I have not sooner obeyed. My prayer is that the Lord will forgive, and help me to keep all his commandments and the faith of Jesus. Myself and one other sister are the only Sabbath-keepers here. We are looked upon as very foolish, and often called crazy. How I wish some one would come and preach the truth, I want to hear a sermon from the living preacher. I love my books and Review; they are as light shining on my dark path in this world of trouble and disappointment, but I long to see some of those dear people of whom I have read. When I read of their sweet meetings, I feel like taking the wings of the morning that I may fly away and be with them. There are many things that I do not understand as I wish to. It is my daily prayer that I may understand the truth more and more, and be enabled to practice it acceptably.
I ask to be remembered as one of the lonely ones, seeking for an inheritance in the earth made new.

ANNA RASMUSSEN

By Anna Rasmussen

From Sister Rasmussen.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I would like to say a few words of the goodness and love of our heavenly Father. He has conferred upon us blessings both temporal and spiritual of which I am most unworthy. About four years ago I was awakened from my carnal security through the preaching of the Baptists. When I looked on my past sinful course, I trembled before the Lord, and sought and obtained mercy through the atoning blood of Jesus. Oh, how sweet was the union with the dear Saviour, and the consolation that he brought to my poor wounded heart.
Two years later I heard the third angel's message and the truths connected therewith. When I understood the Bible truth, that the seventh-day is the Sabbath of the Lord, I had a hard struggle. For three months I prayed earnestly that the Lord would lead me right, while the devil at the same time tried to destroy my confidence in God and his word. At last I gained a victory. The blessing of God rested upon me. Jesus seemed to point to the fourth commandment, and the Sabbath became as dear to me as the rest of the commandments of God. My soul was filled with love, my eyes with tears of joy.
It was a trial to leave my former friends, whom I loved and esteemed highly; but God gave strength, and bestowed upon me heavenly blessings for every sacrifice I made. How kindly he has led me since, though I have often come short. And still I find Jesus to be a compassionate High-Priest, ever ready to help and bless me when I come to him.
I feel thankful for the many good exhortations and instructions I received during my stay at Battle Creek. I found the Health Institute to be truly what it professes to be—a home for the invalid. The care and kindness that was shown me there I shall ever remember with thankfulness.
May the Lord bless his remnant people, and help us to prepare for Jesus' coming, that we soon may meet him with joy.

ANNA RASMUSSEN

Jeff Co., Wis., June 14, 1867.

Encouragement for Lonely Believers

By P. BARROWS.

From Sister Barrows.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am often encouraged and strengthened to persevere by reading your cheering epistles. How consoling to know that we are almost home. A few more battles with the enemy and we shall gain the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have the promise that if we are faithful to the end we shall have a crown of life in the kingdom. Oh! what precious promises there are in the blessed Bible! I prize the faithful admonitions and solemn warnings, and excellent sermons in the Review. It is all meat in due season for me. We have not the privilege of meeting with any of like precious faith on the Sabbath; and when you meet for worship pray for the lonely ones that we may have grace and strength to overcome and meet all the dear saints in the kingdom.
Your sister, striving to overcome. P. BARROWS.
Bridgewater, June 10, 1867.

New Sabbathkeepers in Iowa

Bro. E. Kincade writes from Butler Co., Iowa. Five in this place have acknowledged that the seventh-day is the Sabbath, within the past three weeks. They also acknowledge the truth on the immortality question, and kindred truths. Some have given in their testimony, and told their determinations. One of our neighbors who has been a Methodist, but was in a backslidden state, has embraced the truth. May the Lord help them to carry out their good resolutions, is my prayer. I have been here for seven years without seeing one of like precious faith. All the preachers that we have had are the Review and Instructor. I feel encouraged to press on. I prize the Health Reform much. Have been a slave to tobacco for twenty-five years, and thought I could not live without it, but I can now thank God that I can do without it, and I desire to leave off all bad and unhealthy habits, and live so as to be prepared to meet my brethren and sisters in the kingdom of God. Pray for us and send help if you can spare a preacher.

Testimony for Present Truth

By R. F. Robinson

Bro. R. F. Robinson writes from Trempeleau Co., Wis.: I wish to bear my testimony in favor of present truth through the Review. I thank God for his loving kindness to me in calling me from nature's darkness unto his marvelous light; and by the help of my heavenly Father I am trying to walk in the light, by keeping his commandments that I may at last have a right to the tree of life.

The Review as Preacher

BRO. M. CHURCH writes from St. Clair Co., Mich.: I feel unworthy to write a word for the paper; but if a few lines from me may be the means of cheering some lonely heart, as others have cheered mine, I shall be satisfied. I have never heard an Adventist preach. The Review is all the preacher I have. I have been a believer in the Advent doctrine, and have been looking for the coming of Christ for over twenty years. It will be four years next August since I commenced keeping the Sabbath. I am not sorry I began so soon. Troubles and trials have thickened around me for the last year and a half past, and seemed to almost overwhelm me; but I feel to thank my heavenly Father that he has not forsaken me. I am determined by his assisting grace to love him more and serve him better.

Sabbath Believers Seek a Minister

Bro. Z. C. WARREN writes: It is now about one year and a half since myself and companion started out to keep the Sabbath of the Lord with the rest of his commandments, and we can truly say that it is good so to do. There are a few families of us here trying to make our way to the kingdom. We have many trials and persecutions to meet, still we do not feel disheartened, for those who will live godly must suffer these things. We have meetings on the Sabbath and feel that God blesses us. Oh! that some minister of present truth might come this way. We believe that much good might be done, and many be brought to a saving knowledge of God’s word. Also, quite a number wish to put on Christ openly, and be buried with him in baptism. May God help us to be faithful that no one may take the crown from us.

Striving After Righteousness

SISTER M. A. PACKARD of Vt. writes: I am striving to enter in at the straight gate, and feel like pressing my way to the kingdom. I feel a hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and the promise is, such shall be filled. I expect to be filled. I have at times found that peace that Jesus left with his disciples, but alas! I have also made crooked paths, and not obtained the perfect victory over self that I should. I have had many trials to pass through, but our heavenly Father knows what we need. How safe to be under the watch care of the great Shepherd.

A Testimony to Health Reform

By Eld. James Dickson

ELD. JAMES DICKSON writes from Northumberland Co., Pa.: I have had the great pleasure of reading several copies of your excellent paper called “Advent Review and Sabbath Herald;” which were kindly lent me by a lady who was on a visit to this place, and became so deeply interested in the articles on health that I at once gave up the use of tobacco, tea, coffee and butter. I will not say meat, too, though for ten days I did; but so little do I now eat, that I am most temperate in its use. My wife is also coming gradually to abstain from these hurtful articles.
I feel greatly indebted to you, and very thankful to God, for every article I have read in which you have endeavored to influence your readers against the use of these common poisons which are taken into the system so freely by almost all. And I shall ever consider the time I accidentally saw the paper lying on Mrs. B’s. table and obtained them to read, as one of the most eventful epochs of my life.

Choosing Life Through Faithfulness

BRO. J. W. HALE writes: I can truly say that I have never been sorry that I turned my feet into the testimonies of the Lord and chose life rather than death. I believe the Lord is on the giving hand, and that he will save even me, if I am only faithful, and keep his commandments. I want to meet you, dear brethren, in the kingdom of God, where there will be no sighing, no sorrow, nor shedding of tears; but we shall reign with Christ who once died the death of the cross for us. Oh to think of his suffering! Ours are not to be compared with his, when he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, Father if it be possible let this cup pass from me. Oh if we should be among that happy number that shall be permitted to sing the song of Moses and the Lamb, we shall be ready to say that Heaven is cheap enough.

Longing for Sabbath-Keeping Neighbors

By Sister S. E. Van Syde

SISTER S. E. VAN SYDE writes from Bourbon Co., Kansas: There are a few Sabbath-keepers here who love and are striving to obey present truth, including the Health Reform, and glad would we be to meet with others of like faith, and speak of our struggles and sorrows, also our sweet meditations and communion with Jesus. We long for Sabbath-keeping neighbors. How their faces would cheer us as we travel this dark vale of tears!
But we look forward to the soon coming day, when, if faithful, we shall meet with the good of all ages, never to part. Oh! the blissful thought of meeting our dear ones that sleep in the tomb. Dear sisters let us all be faithful.

WITTY.

By J. M. A.

Some of our opponents on the Sabbath question doubtless flatter themselves that they making a final disposition of that question, when they confront us with the old thread-bare argument, that a day will be either gained or lost by circumnavigating the globe, and consequently that the commandment to keep holy the seventh-day, cannot be observed by all people alike, and therefore is not binding.
While the late purchase of Russian territory by our government, has been prolific of many newspaper witticisms, and sarcastic shots among politicians, the “Voice of the West” also puts in for a share, in a theological point of view, and endeavors to make capital out of the same by making a thrust at the Sabbath with this flimsy, yet favorite objection. The “Voice” speaks thus:

TWO SABBATHS.

“Our new Russian purchase is poor in this world's goods, but is peculiarly rich in Sabbaths. Senator Sumner proves in his recent speech that the land now has two Sabbaths each week. He says:
“‘As the settlement of this coast came eastward from Russia, bringing with the Russian flag Western time, the day is earlier by twenty-four hours with them than with us, so that their Sunday is our Saturday, and the other days in the week are in corresponding discord. This must be rectified according to the national meridian, so that there shall be the same Sunday for all and the other days of the week shall be in corresponding harmony.’
“This shows that the seventh-day cannot be kept by all people alike. God will not require impossibilities. The seventh-day Sabbath as given to the Jews in Palestine could be kept by them, as there was no variation of time. But the seventh-day Sabbath was peculiar to them.
“The Christian Sabbath, or a seventh day, is kept by the Christian world; and in the above case it seems the Russians started from Russia with the first-day for the Sabbath, but when they arrived in Russian America, they were keeping Saturday, the seventh-day.”
Truly, “God will not require impossibilities,” but he does require that we should keep holy the seventh-day.
It yet remains to be shown that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment was given exclusively to the Jews in Palestine, or was peculiar to that locality. But what about the “Christian Sabbath,” or “first-day for the Sabbath” that the Voice and most of our opponents insist upon? If the commandment was given only to the Jews in Palestine, and peculiar only to that definite locality, as is claimed, it is nonsense to talk about a “Christian Sabbath,” or “first-day Sabbath.” The Voice well knows there is no other Sabbath known or recognized in the Bible but the Sabbath of the fourth commandment.
But it seems that the first-day Sabbath sometimes gets out of place as well as the seventh-day Sabbath; for it is said that “the Russians started from Russia with the first-day for the Sabbath, but when they arrived in Russian America they were keeping Saturday, the seventh-day.” In view of such fact, why set up any claim for a first-day Sabbath? Why not brand it “impossible,” and so do away with all Sabbaths. Surely the Lord does not require impossibilities, and we need not concern ourselves about what he does not require.
But we prefer to accept the Lord’s arrangement, and let the earth revolve. And if we should ever have occasion to circumnavigate the globe, (an event not very probable,) the earth would not need to cease her revolution to suit our view of the Sabbath; and if we should finally fetch up in our circuit among our Russian neighbors, we should try at least to bring our reckoning, and views of the Sabbath, into harmony with the fourth commandment. J. M. A.

IS IT OF GOD?

By Jos. Clarke

Sometimes, remarkable manifestations appear among those professing to be the people of God; sometimes in one way, sometimes in another; and it is not always that brethren are agreed, as to the origin and cause of these manifestations.
There are however scriptural tests, to which we may bring these things, and there should be in every church the gift of discernment to determine as to such manifestations as purport to be miraculous.
It is certain that much trouble and perplexity might have been spared the church, had the gift of discernment been more fully developed in the past; and from what we have witnessed of the dealings of God, we are satisfied that he is desirous that his people should possess this precious gift.
When any remarkable development takes place in an individual we naturally inquire, Is the individual a person of undoubted piety? Have the church confidence in such an one? What is the tendency of the alleged gift? Does it have the effect to produce reform in the church and produce union and harmony? Does the person exercised and the adherents of the same, manifest a heavenly spirit? Are they patient toward those who disbelieve in the manifestation? Do they become more holy and lovely? Are they willing to leave the matter with the Lord? Or on the contrary do they fret and rage because it is not received? Of late some new gifts purport to have arisen. What are the fruits as seen in those exercised thereby?
JOS. CLARKE.

MEETINGS IN TUSCOLA CO., MICH.

By I. D. Van Horn

My last report reached to June 12. Friday the 14th I was happy to meet Bro. Waggoner at Watrousville, and was glad that his health and strength was such that he would be able to take an active part in our meetings. We spent a week together in Watrousville, laboring to build up the cause of truth and bring the church into union, and restore peace in their midst once more.
Sabbath and first-day, June 15, 16, we engaged in devotional exercises with over a hundred Sabbath-keepers from different parts of the county. During this time six meetings were held. Five discourses were given on the stirring themes of present truth by which the brethren and sisters were much strengthened and encouraged. They were also led to see that deep humility and a meek submission to the will of God, to the sacrifice of everything else, was the only true ground of union.
The Health Reform occupied a prominent place in our instructions to them. We are happy to say that the most of the friends of truth in the county are cheerfully adopting it. The dress reform seems to be the greatest cross at present, but we were glad to see some of the sisters at this meeting who had taken it up and were neatly attired in the reform dress.
Our social meeting was free and interesting. No time ran to waste, but the brethren and sisters, with a depth of feeling, expressed their determinations to be more earnest in their efforts to serve the Lord than ever before. May God help them to verify their resolutions by bringing their lives into harmony with the truth, so that others may see their good works and be led to glorify God in the day of visitation.
The church in Watrousville has, for some time been in deep trial. It was the principal object we had in view in visiting the county at this time, to inquire into, and if possible settle, the difficulties that were causing distraction and ruin in their midst. Accordingly business meetings were held through the week for this purpose. We were successful beyond our expectations. We found that, in addition to the original cause of difficulty, that unruly member the tongue had done its work of poisoning the minds of many and had been the means of much alienation of feeling among them. They were brought to see this, and many confessions were made by which harmony was again restored in their midst. I trust by the experience they have now had, they will be careful in the future and not allow the great Enemy of the truth to get the advantage of them again.
Dear brethren and sisters in Watrousville, try to profit by the experience you have had in the past, and never give place to the promptings of Satan again, but shun every appearance of evil. May God help you all to live to his glory so that when Jesus shall come, you may share the reward of the righteous.
Friday June 21 we went to Vassar where we held meetings over Sabbath and first-day. The church here had secured the use of a large room in the Union School house for a place to hold our meetings. For this we were very grateful to the citizens of the place, and returned to them our hearty thanks. Quite a number in the place had expressed a desire to hear on points of our faith, and we were glad to see some of them in attendance at our meetings.
On the Sabbath, brethren and sisters from Tuscola, Watrousville, and Centerville were present. This was a good day for us all. The plain truths of the word of God were declared before the people, and we trust with good effect. Such was the case at least with the friends of truth; for in our social meeting there was good freedom, and all expressed their love for the truth of God. The little company of believers in this place are dwelling together in harmony and their influence is telling for the good of the cause around them.
On Sunday we had good congregations and we improved the time by giving three discourses. The truth looked more precious than ever, as we reviewed our position in the three messages, and in the work and power of Satan in the last days, also the glorious triumph of the saints as they are brought from their graves and arise, with the living, to dwell with their Redeemer in the mansions above. It was manifest during the meetings this day that the truths of God's word when brought to bear upon the people, will move the heart. We were much encouraged to go forward in proclaiming to our fellowmen the last warning message, that some might hear and be saved.
The church at Vassar are in a prosperous condition. I don't know as I ever saw any more perfect love and union for each other, than there is manifested by the brethren and sisters here.
Sabbath afternoon a special invitation was sent us to visit and pray for sister Laura Smith, who had been sick for some time and was continually growing worse. She had been trying to live out the Health Reform for some time as best she could. Quite a number of us gathered at the house and we enjoyed a free time in calling on the Lord in the behalf of this afflicted sister. We felt that he heard us pray, and that he gave us the evidence that it would be unto her according to her faith. She was greatly blessed and strengthened. We all rejoiced that she was able to attend meeting with us that evening; something she had not done for a long time. Oh! how good the Lord is to give us now and then a token of his favor. We will bless and praise his holy name forever. May God grant that the little church in this place may ever remain in meekness and humility before him, that they may continue to receive special tokens of his favor.
On Monday evening we had another special meeting with the church at Watrousville. It was appointed for a season of confession and for the church to humble themselves before the Lord. The end for which it was appointed was fully met. There was a breaking down before the Lord and humble confessions made. Hearts that had been once alienated by hatred and strife, now flowed together in sweet union. We closed the meeting by celebrating the ordinances. It was a blessed season to us all. I trust we shall never forget the parting scene as the meeting broke up, and we were about to separate and go to our several homes. I will not attempt to describe it, but will thank God that the truth still lives in the hearts of its professed friends in Watrousville.
We feel to say that our visit to this county was timely, and we trust that much good has been done. May the Lord add his blessing and continue the work, that the truth may sanctify a people there to have a part with the redeemed in the kingdom of God.
I. D. VAN HORN.
Battle Creek, June 28, 1867,

TWO MEALS A DAY.

By James White

The case of Elijah’s being fed by the brook Cherith, furnishes good proof for two meals a day.
1 Kings xvii, 6. “And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.”
We are not told what kind of flesh was brought to the prophet of God, but doubtless that which was more healthful than any that can be found at this day. And whatever the ravens may be that waited upon him, it is evident that this is among the miracles of the Old Testament. Hence to take food twice a day seems to be sanctioned by the highest authority in the universe, namely, a miracle by the great God.
JAMES WHITE.

“AS MANY AS I LOVE.”

By Roswell Fenner Cottrell

All the dealings of our kind Father are in love. ALL our chastisements from his hand are for our profit. Love is the ruling principle in all he does. He does not willingly afflict us, but for our good. It becomes us then, instead of repining, to kiss the rod. He knows what is best for us. We do not know. But this we know, if we believe his word, that all is for our benefit and salvation. Seeing then we are confident that he knows what is best, we yield our judgment and sweetly confide in his. Though we cannot see the reason why he does this or that, yet we can say, Our Father knows, he loves us, and his will be done! All that he does is done right, and blessed be the name of the Lord. R. F. COTTRELL.

MINNESOTA CONFERENCE.

By Henry F. Phelps

It seems to fall to my lot to say a few words in regard to our Conference.
It was truly an interesting meeting. I heard some remark that it was the best they had ever attended in the State. The attendance was good; and when we take into consideration the difficulties that many had to pass through to get to the place of meeting, we might say that it was more than good. Owing to the great amount of rain that has fallen this season, the roads have been almost impassable, and were truly so at the time of the meeting, as many can testify, who waded the mud and streams. The streams here rise very suddenly, little ones of two or three feet depth will rise so as to be almost impassable, and sometimes the larger streams will carry off bridges, and wash away the dams, doing a great amount of damage. I write this so that all may understand, when we say that many were detained from these meetings by high water, and others came late, some actually wading streams waist deep, where they usually pass with no trouble. But the blessing, was, as many said, in proportion to the pains taken. The word spoken was as food to the hungry.
The social meetings were truly a feast. I believe I speak the sentiments of all when I say, we were all encouraged, and believe better times are before us in Minnesota. The business sessions were all harmonious. One spirit seemed to pervade all, and we felt, as the resolutions were being discussed and explained, that we were taking great responsibilities upon ourselves in adopting them, and we believe that they were adopted with a determination to carry them out; and oh! that the fire that seemed to be kindled in the hearts of those present may continue burning long after we return to our homes, and run from heart to heart, till a little leaven may leaven the whole lump; and may the good result that shall follow this meeting be very great. HENRY F. PHELPS. Pine Island, Minn.

The Law and the Sabbath Which It Ordains

By Editor

We commence in this number an article on “The Law and the Sabbath which it Ordains,” by Bro. W. H. Littlejohn, of Allegan, Mich. It will be continued through a series of papers. As so long a time has elapsed since an argument of any considerable length devoted to a special defense of the Sabbath has appeared in the paper, it will seem fresh even to those most familiar with the question. The argument which for fairness and candor cannot fail to commend itself to all, has the additional advantage of a pleasing style. Let none fail to read it.

Love and Faith in Christian Character

The reader will be interested in the sermon in this number. All that is said about love, in itself considered, is true. It cannot be exalted too highly. But we have supposed, and we understand it to be the opinion generally received among S. D. Adventists, that the gold of Rev. iii, 18, embraces more than love. We think the points of analogy can be made to appear more striking by letting faith stand as its leading representative. And even the achievements of God's people in past ages, which Bro. T. refers to as instances in which love has been tried in the fire, Paul says, Heb. xi, were accomplished “through faith.” But we have no disposition to contend on this point, till we see more of the heavenly grace of love manifested among us. Granted that we all have too little of it, and that we cannot possess it in too large measure, nor seek it too earnestly; and then we have something to occupy our attention more important than theory. Far rather would we see a person make love the all in all of the gold, and then possess this heavenly grace in its fullness, letting its warming influence flow out upon all surrounding hearts, than to see him barren of this lovely quality, though he might seem to us to be more scriptural in theory. What we do not like to see is, a person extolling love and holding that love is the gold we are counseled to buy, and then, if his brethren do not at once adopt his view, manifesting such feelings toward them, as to show that he is himself utterly destitute of it. We long for, we pray for, and we extend a hearty hand to any one who with us will labor to reach, a state in which love in the plenitude of its uniting power shall flow from heart to heart, and in which the Saviour’s prayer may be fulfilled in us: “That they all may be one; as thou Father art in me, and I in thee; that they also may be one in us.”
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