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Review and Herald, Vol. 32, No. 3.

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Earlier text: GROVE MEETING IN BUSHNELL, MICH

CHARLOTTE E. GAZIN

By Charlotte E. Gazin

From Sr. Gazin.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Feeling my weakness and unworthiness, yet wishing to throw in my mite of testimony on the Lord's side, and of the present truth, and being many times encouraged by reading the testimonies in the REVIEW, I write this, and I know we must improve all our talent, and not hide our Lord's money; and oh! it is a precious privilege to testify to the goodness and mercy of that blessed Saviour whose love has done so much for us. Even now I feel it burning within. Precious Saviour! how worthy to receive honor and glory; language is too weak to give him the praise that is meet, and yet how few, even of those that he has graciously blessed with the forgiveness of their sins, are willing to deny themselves of the frivolities and fashions of this world, not considering that the fashion of this world passeth away, and how much Jesus has done for them. How sorrowful it is to behold. Dear brethren and sisters, may we let our light shine! let us be faithful to that which is committed to our trust, remembering he is faithful who hath promised.
In all ages of the world God has employed his own ways and means to accomplish his work on the earth; so it is at the present time; and it is not for us to question the wisdom of God, but to move along in the way he has appointed. I am one of the lonely ones, but I can see such a beauty and harmony in all parts of the present truth, that it seems next to impossible to deny it as the work of God. How thankful I am that the precious sound ever reached my ears, and I am willing to be accounted as the filth and offscouring of the earth for the truth's sake, looking unto the recompense of the righteous.
Once more I would say to you, my fellow-pilgrims, let us raise high the standard of Christianity, and lift up our heads, knowing our redemption draweth nigh; having the patience of the saints, and keeping all the commandments of God. Our trials may be many, but God's grace is sufficient for us.
“Though we meet with troubles, And trials on the way, We'll cast our care on Jesus, And not forget to pray.”
What a feast it would be to my poor, unworthy soul to have the privilege of meeting with those of like faith; but still I will not murmur, but keep near to Jesus and the mercy-seat. What a crown of rejoicing will those have who are faithfully proclaiming these glorious truths. May you be upheld by the power of God, and do much good in the name of the holy One of Israel, is my daily prayer.
I earnestly ask an interest in your prayers, that I may live out the whole truth, and be a consistent follower of Jesus.

CHARLOTTE E. GAZIN

Lewis Co., N. Y.

IOWA CONFERENCE.

By George I. Butler; A. A. Fairfield

THE sixth annual session of the Iowa State Conference met at Pilot Grove, June 19.
Prayer by J. N. Andrews.
Credentials of church delegates called for, whereupon ten churches responded to call.
Brn. J. N. Andrews and M. E. Cornell were invited to take part in the deliberations of the Conference.
All brethren present were invited to take part in the discussion of business, but not to participate in voting.
Minutes of previous meeting called for, read and accepted.
On motion, the few remaining members at Fairfield were advised to join the Mt. Pleasant church.
Moved, That the church at Mt. Pleasant visit or correspond with those brethren at Fairfield in regard to their union and fellowship with that church, and that such as do unite, meet with or correspond as often as is convenient.
The following named persons were selected for Auditing Committee: J. Hare, Benn Asten, Wm. P. Andrews, N. Hoyt, D. T. Shireman, and R. M. Kilgore.
And on resolutions, J. N. Andrews, J. T. Mitchell, and Wm. V. Fields.
Report of ministers read.
Credentials of ministers and licentiates considered, calling forth some very appropriate remarks from Eld. J. N. Andrews on the need, qualification and supply of laborers.
The credentials of Geo. I. Butler were renewed.
J. T. Mitchell was granted license to improve his gift in laboring as the way may open during the present Conference year.
Resolved. That we have a Convocation Meeting this coming fall, and that the time and place be left with the Conference Committee and those laboring in the State.
Adjourned till 2½ P. M.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

Prayer by Eld. M. E. Cornell.
Report of committee on resolutions called for, and each one acted on and passed separately, as follows:
Resolved, 1st, That we express our deep interest in the success of those brethren who have gone as missionaries to California, and that we pledge to them the support of our prayers, and our freewill offerings.
2d, That we heartily approve the proposed change in the Health Institute, whereby the income of its stock shall be devoted solely to charitable purposes, and that we pledge ourselves to take hold to sustain the Institute upon this new basis.
3d, That we heartily approve the effort to raise a book and tract fund for the general distribution of our tracts, and especially that we may place the Spiritual Gifts in every family that will read them with candor.
4th, That we warmly approve the formation of the Benevolent Association, and that we pledge our hearty co-operation in the accomplishment of its work.
5th, That we heartily indorse the recommendations of the Gen. Conf. Address.
6th, That we express our gratitude to God for the past faithful labors of Bro. and Sr. White, and that we invite them to spend such time as they are able the present season in laboring with us, and particularly do we invite them to be present at our Convocation Meeting.
Whereas, We learn that the severity of the winters in Minnesota is such that Bro. Pierce, because of his age, is not able to continue his labors during that portion of the year, Therefore,
Resolved, That we invite him to remove to Southern Iowa, and to labor as much as his strength may admit, among the churches and scattered brethren.
Bro. Henry Nicola was appointed a delegate to General Conference.
Nomination and election of officers came up, and on motion, the present incumbents were re-elected.
Moved, That the churches pledge to the use of State Conference eighty per cent. of Systematic Benevolence fund paid into their treasuries.
Adjourned to call of committee.
First-day afternoon, met at the call of committee.
The Conference donated $125 of its funds to the Gen. Conf. Missionary fund; and $75 to the Publishing Association.
Resolved, That we, as a Conference, express our gratitude to the General Conference for its watchcare over us during the past few years while we have been nearly destitute of laborers, and also for the faithful labors of Bro. and Sr. White last fall at our Convocation Meeting, and to Bro. Andrews and Cornell at this Conference. And we earnestly request that this watchcare may be extended in the future.
Report of Auditing Committee read and accepted.
Resolved, That we deem it inconsistent with the principles of Christianity, and especially for those professing the solemn truths we are advocating before the world, to attend picnics and other gatherings of pleasure-seekers, gotten up by worldlings for purposes of gain. And we would earnestly call the attention of our people to the testimonies bearing upon this subject.
Resolved, That we return our sincere thanks to the church at Pilot Grove for their unwearied pains in entertaining this Conference.
Resolved, That a report of the proceedings of this Conference be sent to the REVIEW for publication.
On motion, adjourned sine die.
GEO. I. BUTLER, President, A. A. FAIRFIELD, Secretary.

“ARE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, OR ANY PART OF THEM, BINDING ON CHRISTIANS?”

By James White

A FRIEND sends us an article under the above head from the Advent Herald, as republished in a Campbellite paper, in Ohio, with a request that it be noticed in the REVIEW. There is not a point in it that has not been noticed at different times by different writers in our paper. But as many of our present readers may not have seen all the answers to these objections, and as it seems to contain a summary of the opposition to the Sabbath, we propose to notice the article as briefly as the subject and nature of the statements will allow.
We remember the advice of a certain practical man that, when any object was before us, or any work to be accomplished, the first and great essential was to “take a position.” This we would heartily recommend to the several papers published by the first-day Adventists of America. We open one of these papers and find a score or two of “unanswerable arguments” (!) proving that the Sabbath is abolished. Another number, likely the very next, has an equally unanswerable argument that the Sabbath has been changed. We turn a page and read a report from a minister, more combative than spiritual-minded, giving time, place, and circumstances, of his utterly demolishing all the thesis of Sabbatizers; and the next column contains another report from another minister, stating where he held forth his peculiar gospel on a certain “Sabbath.” Another number of the same paper will give an excellent selection on the sin of Sabbath-breaking, together with a stirring argument from the editor, or some regular correspondent, clearly showing that you will certainly fall from grace if you keep the Sabbath!
Job, when vexed with the groundless accusations of his professed friends, earnestly wished that his adversary had written a book, doubtless judging that it would be an easier task to meet their raillery if it were only made tangible, and given a permanent form. But, if his adversary had written a book as indefinite and contradictory in statement as the positions of the Sabbath opposers, he would have found therein no relief for his perplexity. Had they been as gifted in prophetic foresight as they were in talk, and looked down to these times and taken their cue from modern skeptics and fault-finders, they might at least have given his patience one more strain. No complaint will ever be lodged against these that they have not written; but their fault is that they have advanced and advocated so many contradictory statements, that we know not where to find them. Our petition is, Oh! that mine adversary had taken a position!
We open the Advent Herald and find therein the advertisement of a book for sale at that office, wherein a certain proposition is “clearly proved,” (these are the words) “by showing that the ten commandments have been changed, or made complete in the Christian dispensation.” We have not entirely read the very voluminous work referred to above, the peculiar characteristic of Job not having descended to us in sufficient measure to ensure success in the undertaking, but we have read enough to gather definitely the ideas, the scope, and object of the work. But a few queries arise with us. Are changing, or making complete, the ten commandments synonymous terms; do they mean the same thing? If so, how much changing did they need to make them complete? By what scripture may we learn that they were incomplete, from the time they were spoken by the voice of God till the ushering in of the Christian dispensation? And seeing they were binding before this dispensation, is it because they are now made complete that no part of them is binding on us? If this is the reason, it is a very strange one, indeed; if it is not, will some one tell us what the reason is?
As the article in question proceeds to negative the query placed at its head, and attempts to show that no part of the ten commandments is binding on the Christian, we will first briefly glance over that law, and in so doing will ascertain in what particular it must be changed to become complete. 1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Is this changed, and how? Is this “part” binding on Christians? Reader, need we weary your patience to quote in order the prohibitions of idolatry, profanity, murder, adultery, theft, false witness, &c., to show the tendency of such arguments? Are any of these changed? Did they need anything to render them complete? Oh, no. It was only the fourth commandment that needed changing to make it complete. Well, wherein was it incomplete? It contained a specified duty, plainly expressed; so far it was complete, and could not be improved. It says the seventh-day is the Sabbath, or rest of the Lord, which is truth. It says God made heaven and earth in six days, and rested and hallowed the seventh day. All this is true, and cannot be changed without being brought in conflict with truth. And it is all truth relating to works performed and facts existing, therefore resting on no contingencies or future events. Nothing could make it more complete. But to the argument on the above question, to show that no part of the ten commandments is binding on Christians. It opens as follows:
“We answer, No. (1.) They were a part of God’s national covenant with the Jews, and were binding on no other people, or persons, unless they were circumcised and adopted into the Jewish nation.”
The “No,” is the answer to the question. What follows is (1) of a series of reasons to sustain the answer. This reference to the position of people or persons in the past is irrelevant unless they sustained the same relation to the law that we do. Very well. But it asserted that “no part” of it is binding on us; or so, no part was binding on the nations. Was it wrong for nations or persons outside of Israel to worship idols, blaspheme, kill, commit adultery, &c.? Not at all—not at all, sir. If they should choose to become “circumcised and [be] adopted into the Jewish nation,” then these things would be wrong in them; not otherwise! Oh! blessed Gentile liberty! How much your privileges resembled those under this modern gospel! Is it for love of such “liberty” that our opponents advocate such a theory? Is Matt. xii, 33, applicable to this case?
But let us apply a few scriptures to this reason. It avers that the ten commandments—every part—are binding only on those who are circumcised and adopted into the family of Israel. Well, Paul shows that Christians occupy that very position. That they are circumcised, see Col. ii, 11; that they are the adopted Israel, see Eph. ii, 11; “ye,” converts to Christianity, were, in time past, Gentiles, “aliens from the commonwealth of Israel,” verse 12; but now “are no more strangers and foreigners,” verse 19, but “fellow-heirs and of the same body.” Chap. iii, 6. There are, no doubt, many “of the synagogue of Satan which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie,” Rev. iii, 9, to whom Paul’s comments on the true Israel of God will not apply. They still occupy heathen ground, and on this ground claim exemption from God’s commandments! See also Rom. ii, 28, 29.
But there is another testimony from the Apostle Paul which cuts off even this flimsy claim from those who are “uncircumcised in heart and ears,” and are still “Gentiles in the flesh.” He truly says to the Jew that circumcision is only profitable if they keep the law, “but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision;” that is, they heathenize themselves by breaking the law—bring themselves down on a level with the Gentiles, who wrought abominations in the sight of God. But, further, “if the uncircumcision,” that is the Gentile, “keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision;” that is to say, if he keeps the law, though uncircumcised, he shall be accepted in the sight of God, even as though he were circumcised. This places keeping the law above circumcision or any carnal ordinances, for “the law is spiritual;” Rom. vii, 14; therefore obedience to it is right worship. And this fully justifies the apostle in another expression; 1 Cor. vii, 19, “Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.” (is something.—Whiting’s translation.) But, examined in the light of these scriptures, what does the above professed “reason” amount to? It is based on a misapprehension of outward circumcision, and like that circumcision it “is nothing.” We will examine the rest of the list soon.
J. H. W.
(To be continued.)

IS SPIRITUALISM DECLINING?

We frequently hear the opinion expressed, that Spiritualism cannot be doing much now; we seldom hear anything said about its progress, and it appears to be on the decline. We live in a sensational age. The most wonderful things receive but a brief notice, and seem quickly to lose their interest. “Some new thing,” is the prevailing passion.
But Spiritualism is not waning. The Banner of Light, Boston, gives the address of over two hundred lecturers, which is far from embracing all who are laboring to advance that cause. But the following extract from a letter of Mr. W. F. Jamieson, from Belvidere, Ill., reveals why we do not hear of all of the advances of Spiritualism; and it is interesting also, as showing the favor it is fast finding where we have expected, from the words of the prophets, to see it make its greatest conquests—in the churches. This is a noteworthy sign of the times.
“Six months ago, a few friends of Spiritualism sent for me to debate with Rev. Dr. Eddy, Baptist clergyman. As he was not at that time prepared to deliver his lecture against Spiritualism, the friends engaged me to locate. I have been informed that the Doctor, upon further investigation of Spiritualism, concluded that there is not enough difference between the Spiritualists and himself to discuss! He certainly is very liberal in his views. Where is all this liberalism of the age to end? Can the churches retain it? Spiritualism with a Unitarian, Universalist, or even Baptist name, is not repulsive to church-goers. There is a great deal in a name. The history of Spiritualism proves it. There are people in Belvidere, moving in fashionable, Orthodox society, who have mediums for astounding physical manifestations in their own families. They enjoy the privilege of spirit-communion, without incurring the odium of ‘associating with Spiritualists.’ Orthodoxy in Belvidere, or anywhere else, without invitingly cushioned pews, soul-enrapturing music, gorgeous architecture, would not be as popular as Spiritualism.”

COME NOW, AND LET US REASON TOGETHER.

By N. Orcutt

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land; but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword.” Isa. i, 18–20.
It has ever been a marked characteristic of the dealings of the Lord with the creatures of his care, that he appeals to their reason instead of requiring blind obedience to his revealed will. After presenting motives for their consideration bearing upon their desires for happiness, their sense of gratitude, of justice and honor, he leaves them to choose, under the pressure of those motives, whether they will be willing and obedient, or, refuse and rebel, and abide the consequences of that choice.
While the Romish church has enforced her peculiar tenets with the dungeon, the rack, and the fagot, and would still so do if supported by the strong arm of civil power; while Mohammed and his successors have presented the alternative of assent to the doctrines of the Koran, or the sword; the Lord, through his prophets, his only begotten Son, his apostles and messengers, and the immutable and Heaven-born principles of truth, has been inviting us to believe his promises, and obey his perfect law. Instead of using, or permitting Him to use, physical force, to compel obedience, he has used, and is using instead, the voice of expostulation and entreaty. He has been long-suffering, bearing with our infirmities, calling after the weary and heavy-laden, with sweet promises of rest; admonishing the rebellious, and comforting the humble penitent with assurance of joys to come. He has given precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little; the hand of justice stayed by the pleadings of mercy.
He requires nothing of us but what is just and reasonable. He asks us to exercise faith in him, because he is the proper object of faith, because he has given us indubitable evidence that he is, in the manifestations of his power, as exhibited in the works of creation; and he has also given witness of his goodness in his forbearance, in his providential care, and in the constant workings of his sovereign will to do good to the creatures of his care.
He asks us to keep his holy and perfect law, because it is but a living expression of the holy and perfect attributes of his character. To heed its pure precepts is to become more and more like him, the great Law-giver. He would have us yield obedience to his requirements, because, in so doing, we not only honor and glorify him, but, at the same time, best subserve our own best interests, and secure to ourselves the greatest possible amount of good, and of happiness, both here and hereafter. Obedience, and the enjoyment of the richest, sweetest pleasures of which we are susceptible, are inseparably connected. Godliness [god-like-ness], has the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. Faithful obedience may bring crosses and persecution, but with persecution an hundredfold in this world, and in the world to come, life everlasting.
Are we called upon to lay down the weapons of our rebellion, to “cease to do evil, learn to do well,” to make the truth the paramount object of our lives, to buy it and sell it not, to seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, to offer our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God? It is but our reasonable service.
It is his will that we be sanctified through the truth. In order for this, we must have faith in its principles. This, too, is but reasonable, for the truth carries on its front the power to convince. By the exercise of the higher faculties of our natures, we take cognizance of the evidence upon which faith is predicated. We are not required to believe without evidence. Although we exercise faith in that which we do not fully understand, and must let the practical workings of that faith be manifest in our lives, woven into its intricate web, yet the Lord has revealed enough of his purposes, plans, and designs, enough of the attributes of his character, to justify him in claiming, not only our credence but our service. How reasonable that we believe “that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” How reasonable that we love him with all our hearts, in return for the great love he has manifested toward us. How reasonable that we keep his commandments, and thus manifest our love.
In his dealings with us, and revelations of his character to us in the past, he has laid the foundation for the faith he requires of us for time to come. He may, with reason, expect that, although we may not be able at all times to penetrate his wisely-concealed designs, we shall believe, love, reverence, and obey, and look for the future to vindicate his providence.
N. ORCUTT.
Franklin Co., Vt.

The Chinese Saying About Unlucky Words

THE CHINESE have a saying that an unlucky word dropped from the tongue cannot be brought back by a coach and six horses.

Purpose and Will

A MAN of no purpose no purpose fulfills; Weak men have wishes, but strong men have wills.

REPORT OF LABORS.

By P. C. RODMAN

AFTER the Monthly Meeting at Lancaster, Mass., June 6 and 7, I stayed over the following Sabbath and first-day, holding five meetings, all of which I trust were profitable. The meeting on Sabbath day was held at our aged and afflicted Bro. L. Priest's. The ordinances were celebrated in this meeting; and all were comforted and encouraged to press on in the work of overcoming. Bro. Priest suffers much pain at times, but enjoyed the meeting much. His affliction is cancer on the side of his head, and, in all human probability, he will soon sleep; but the blessed hope comforts his heart, and in patience he tries to endure all his sufferings. He told me that friends had often prayed that his last days might be his best days, and he thanked God it was so; for the Lord was good, and sometimes gave him such views of glory as made him forget his sufferings and almost think himself there. We parted with this aged pilgrim, not expecting to meet him again here, but decided to be an overcomer, and so meet him on the other shore when the saints pass through those pearly gates and walk those golden streets. Some of his family are pressing their way on to this blessed abode. I hope they will all obey the Lord in denying self, and taking up the cross and following the Good Shepherd, whose voice is now being heard in the third angel's message.
The Lord has of late added to this church of such as shall be saved, I trust; and will continue to do so if they continue humble, and draw nigh to him.
The 15th, I came on to R. I., and the 16th, spoke at Lafayette village in the Freewill-Baptist meeting-house; good attention. There is one Sabbath-keeper in this place; others are convicted, and I hope will obey and be blessed. Spent the time in reading and visiting; found some interested. Sabbath eve, commenced our Monthly Meeting. Bro. S. N. Haskell came to help, and the Lord blessed.
Sabbath day, a goodly number were present; the social meeting good; but one thing can be bettered: there can be more promptness generally. This will add interest to the meetings, and draw the blessing of God more abundantly upon us. The preaching by Bro. H. was timely and spirited. First-day, it rained, and hindered many from coming in, but our meetings were good; in attending to the ordinances, the Lord came near.
On the whole we think this is the best Monthly Meeting we have ever had in Rhode Island; more humility, more oneness, more thirsting after righteousness, and panting after the living God, than has been manifested before. If the Exeter church carry out the principles of truth in meekness and humble boldness, the Lord will add to their number some of the honest around them. May the gathering spirit attend them more and more as they draw nigh to God.
The 22d, parted with Bro. H. and this church, with other dear children of God who have become endeared to us in the truth, and returned home to find my family in usual health. I tarried forty-eight hours, doing what I could to help them spiritually and temporally. How good it is to be at home! Shall I reach the heavenly home and meet my family there? If we all follow Jesus, loving and obeying God, it may be so; but if we refuse to obey, and do not walk as he walked, the gates of the city will not be entered by us. But now, Jesus invites; now, the call of mercy is sounding. I hope—I pray that we may be saved.
The 24th, I came to this place; spoke in the evening, on the subject of Prayer, to a few that came in. Sabbath, the 27th, spoke once and baptized two. There is a disposition with some here to come up in the work, while others do not move as readily; but I hope to see a taking hold in the work, generally. Brethren, it is dangerous to linger, but safe to advance. Oh! do take the safe course!
Preached this evening on the subject of the Two Covenants, by request. May the truth be blessed and prosper, souls saved, God be honored, and good be done.                                                     P. C. RODMAN.
Green Hill, R. I., June 28.

The End Approaching—Ominous Signs.

THE following is from the Pittsburg Christian Advocate, and whether sign or not, it shows a very peculiar state of things.
“Human affairs seem to be approaching a crisis. Great events thicken around us. Decades of years now accomplish results that formerly required centuries. Sin moves with quickened steps; so, too, holiness. The hour is instinct with momentous deeds.
A night of crime is settling down upon the world. In our own nation it is dark and tempestuous, passional and tragic. Drunkenness runs riot. Speculation is unsettling the foundations of public confidence. Skepticism is robbing all classes of their faith and hopes. Fraud and dishonesty darken the halls of trade. Robberies and murders are frequent. Peculation and bribery dwell in high places. The land is full of wickedness. Great cities are seats of sin, pollution, wretchedness. Not over-drawn is this life-picture of to-day.
The counterpart and corrective of all this is seen in the steps of God's providence, admonishing men in the tempest and the earthquake. Turn seaward, and behold the tornado engulfing vast argosies of ships. Look northward, and witness the earthquake shocks that extend far inland from the ocean; or southward, and see them accompanied by mountainous tidal waves that submerged fleets and cities. It is Jehovah who speaks to man in tremblings of the rock-ribbed earth and destroying winds. And what shall we say of cholera, traveling like a destroying angel among the nations; of other epidemics, decimating shiploads of emigrants, or falling upon communities and depopulating them; or of fires, explosions, and railroad accidents, that destroy millions of property and thousands of lives, and send thrills of sadness through widely-scattered homes? Are not these God's messengers of wrath—his visible footsteps—dissuading from evil deeds, and sent as warnings to the incorrigible? They premonish the evil-doer that God is just, as well as good, and that the day of retribution will certainly come. They are daily-occuring revelations of God to show his eternal hatred of sinful deeds.”

GOD'S PROVIDENCE.

“With patient mind thy course of duty run; God nothing does, nor suffers to be done, But thou wouldst do thyself, couldst thou but see The end of all events as well as he.”

WORK

By Geo. W. Parker

WHAT are you now doing for the salvation of souls? Is there not now a soul unsaved for whose salvation you ought just now to make an effort? But, perhaps, sacrifices in time, labor, money, or feeling, may be required in order to reach that soul. Will you now make the effort? Or will you delay it till a more convenient season, and let that unsaved soul remain as lost? Unless you are wholly sure that you have already made every prayerful effort within your power to clear your skirt of this blood, haste to do it now, for Satan, the accuser, is rejoicing over your sins of “omission” as well as those of “commission.” Is your mind not free to perform this neglected duty? Seek God in prayer. Perhaps thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, “and do the first works;” lest the light be removed from you and you be left in darkness. If Christ made sacrifice to save souls, the Christian must, in this respect, be Christ-like. Have you become lukewarm? Seek to arouse those energies due the Master’s cause. Seek to “live holiness” in such a manner that there will be no difference between your life and the precepts of truth. Without this harmony of precept and example, your efforts for the salvation of others will be of little or no effect. Live so through the day, that when you lie down at night you can compose your mind as if you were not to awake “till the heavens be no more.” Get into that nearness to God that it is your privilege to be, and when you awake in the morning consider that new day as your last, and live accordingly. Let the mantle of earthly pleasure hang loosely about you. When the fruit is ripe it falls off the tree easily. So when a Christian is truly weaned from the world, he is prepared for death. A soul disengaged from the world is a heavenly one, and to such Christ’s coming will be none too soon, and from such the teachings of the Spirit will go forth pure, and with the power of God unto salvation.
Now, in the beginning of the new Conference year, let each resolve upon a searching work, with ourselves first, and thus be prepared to seek the salvation of others. “Now is the accepted time.”
GEO. W. PARKER.
Rochester, N. Y.

THE LOST SHEEP.

By C. G. Daniels

I HAVE just read the sermon in the REVIEW, “The Lost Sheep.” I always read the sermons with interest, but the present one more so than usual. I have watched, with great interest, Bro. White’s drawing out and searching after the lost sheep of the house of Israel. I fully believe the Lord is in the work, and may the Lord, through the prayers of the church, fully support Bro. and Sr. White in their arduous labors of love in restoring such to the fold. And may others co-operate in this great and good work, and may the church enter fully into the spirit of it, until the sheep that have gone astray may all be gathered into the fold.
Dear brethren and sisters, may we all look beyond the watchmen on the walls; yes, look to Jesus, in his humiliation, for lessons of wisdom, of patience, of forbearance, and a forgiving spirit. Oh! for a meek and quiet spirit! A humble and teachable spirit! May we confess and forsake all our sins, that they may all be blotted out of the book of remembrance, and our names be retained in the Lamb’s book of life. Oh! for a deeper work of grace in all our hearts! And may God have mercy, and send help in this our time of need.
C. G. DANIELS. Defiance Co., Ohio.

Sanctified Recollections

A SANCTIFIED recollection of temptations or comforts is a great blessing to God's people.

A German Emperor's Motto

A GERMAN emperor took for his motto: “Better please one good man than a crowd of bad ones.”

ALMOST HOME.

By N. J. Lucas

GLORY be to God, we are almost home! Earth's long night of weeping is most over. Soon, if faithful, we shall hear the welcome words from the lips of Jesus, “Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. A few more aches and pains of this mortal life; a few more death-bed scenes; a few more tears, and we shall enter the heavenly rest. Oh! how we sometimes long for the Eden-land, the earth made new. I am weary of the sin and wickedness of this world. I long for the world to come, where nothing can mar our perfect peace. It is true there is much that seems lovely here, but it is transitory. Here we see decay stamped upon almost everything. Here the hand of disease pales the cheek, the eye grows dim, and like the flowers, we wither, droop, and die. But thank God, when we are made immortal no disease can ever prey upon our frames; neither will there be any more death.
“Here disease invades our frames, We wither, droop, and die, But there eternal youth shall bloom, And bright will beam each eye.”
Oh! I long for the immortal life where no one will say, I am sick. I long to behold the dear ones that now sleep in death, and clasp them in immortal arms, nevermore to part. It is but a little while ere the voice of the Archangel and the trump of God will call the sleepers forth from their graves. “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, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation.” Oh! what a joyful day that will be to God's dear children; but a sad one to them that know not God. Lord, help us to endure to the end like good soldiers of the cross, that we may be saved, is my prayer.
“All hail the morn of glory nigh, The pilgrim longs to see; That dries the tears from every eye, Creation's jubilee.”
N. J. LUCAS.

Daniel’s Reward.

WHEN Belshazzar, the sacrilegious idolator, was alarmed at the mysterious writing upon the wall of his banqueting-room, he promised Daniel that if he would make known the interpretation of those words which the miraculous hand had inscribed, he should be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and be proclaimed the third ruler in the kingdom. Daniel performed the task and received the reward. But here the question arises, Why was the third rank promised to him? Why not the second, which he seemed to have enjoyed under Nebuchadnezzar, as Joseph had done under Pharaoh, and Mordecai under Ahasuerus? To this question there has for a long time no satisfactory answer. But in the year 1854, Sir Henry Rawlinson made the important discovery from documents obtained from the ancient site of “Ur of the Chaldees,” that Nabonadius, the son-in-law and successor of Nebuchadnezzar, associated with him in the government during the latter years of his reign, his son Belshazzar, and allowed him his royal title. There were, therefore, two kings at that time; Belshazzar himself occupied the second place of honor, and hence the highest portion to which any subject could be elevated was that of the third personage in the empire.

The Way to Have Your Secrets Kept

THE WAY to have your secrets kept is to keep them yourself.

Obituary Notices.

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
DIED in Battle Creek, Mich., June 25, 1868, Sr. ELECTA PRATT, aged 90 years, 6 months, and 14 days. The deceased, Electa Hubbard, was born in Sunderland, Mass., Dec. 11, 1777. Her husband, William Pratt, was a soldier in the war of 1812, living at that time near Buffalo, N. Y. They afterward removed to Huron Co., Ohio, and from there to Kalamazoo Co., Mich., where he died in 1848. Since that time to the time of her death she has lived with her son, Bro. Edward Pratt, now of this place. She embraced the truth of the Sabbath about five years ago; though in her “second childhood,” she seemed to lay hold of the truth with all the strength left her by age. Hearing the family talking about the wrong of tobacco-using, and its being inconsistent with the high and holy profession of the Christian, she immediately laid aside her pipe, and broke off the habit of smoking at the age of 85—thus giving an evidence of her conscientiousness, setting an example of self-denial, and leaving a standing reproof to the strong and vigorous who daily with depraved appetites, and plead the excuse of the strength of habit. Though very young at the time, she distinctly remembered “the dark day” of 1780, which shows how strong an impression was produced by that phenomenon, as it is well known that a very startling event is indelibly fixed on the mind of a mere child. About three years ago her eyesight returned, since which time she has been able to read without glasses. In her last sickness her senses failed one by one—her sight, speech, and hearing, each in turn being entirely lost. She appeared to be conscious very nearly to the time of her decease, and when shut out from this world, spent much of her time in prayer.
Funeral on Sabbath, 27th, at the house of worship. Discourse from Deut. v, 29. J. H. WAGGONER.
DIED, in Palmyra, Jefferson Co., Wisconsin, June 17, 1868, my brother-in-law, Seaman Christopher, in the nineteenth year of his age. He embraced the present truth last winter under the labors of Bro. R. F. Andrews and H. C. Blanchard, at Little Prairie, Wis. His sufferings were great, but he bore them all with Christian fortitude, feeling wholly resigned to the will of God. He exhorted all of his friends to meet him in the kingdom. We feel his loss, but sorrow not as those that have no hope. Remarks by Eld. J. Matteson, from Rev. xiv, 12, 13. J. W. BLAKE.
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