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Review and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 6

PRAYER.

Earlier text: **CONVERSATIONS ON IMPORTANT SUBJECTS. NO. 1.**

THE TWO-EDGED SWORD:

TWENTY-FOUR QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED BY THE CLERGY.

1. Is the soul a part of God or a part of man?

2. If it is a part of God, can it sin?

3. If it is a part of man, is it not mortal, and subject to death?

4. Is there an intimation in the Bible that God put a soul (mortal or immortal) into Adam at his creation; but, as he was made of dust, is it not said that this man of dust became a living soul?

5. If men can exist without bodies, why were Enoch and Elijah taken out of the world bodily?

6. If the body is a prison-house for the soul, are not these good old prophets still in prison?

7. If the body is a prison-house, why was Adam's soul put into it before it sinned?

8. When the soul (the prisoner) becomes guilty, why is the prison (the body) destroyed to let it out?

9. Did not Christ suffer the penalty due to Adam's transgression in making the atonement?

10. Then, if that penalty was moral or spiritual death, did not Christ suffer it?

11. If in Adam all die a spiritual death, will not all be made spiritually alive in Christ?

12. If the soul is an immortal or spiritual thing, must it not die a spiritual death?

13. As nothing can die except what is mortal, if the soul dies a spiritual death, must it not be spiritually mortal?

14. If the soul is a spiritual thing, and immortal, it must have spiritual immortality: how then can it die a spiritual death?

15. If literal death destroys a literal thing, must not spiritual death destroy a spiritual thing?

16. How could David say, “God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave,” If the grave has no dominion over the soul?

17. How is it written that Christ's soul should be made an offering for sin; and, again, that he poured out his soul unto death, if his soul did not die?

18. If the soul is the conscious and responsible part, how is it that, by repentance, it escapes to paradise at death, and leaves the innocent body to suffer the penalty?

19. If the righteous go to glory at death, did not the serpent speak the truth?

20. If God spake the truth, does not that which he calls the soul return to dust?

21. But if that which man calls the soul does not surely die, did not the serpent speak the truth?

22. Are not the spiritual manifestations the ripe fruit of the popular doctrine of the immortality of the soul,—that is, “Ye shall not surely die?”

23. Is there any difference between this popular doctrine and rapping Spiritualism, only this: that the rapping Spiritualist is a little a head of the popular church; she having taught the doctrine of the innate immortality of man, (not surely die,) and the rapping Spiritualist is (by satanic agency) pretending to prove it?

24. How can the clergy say that rapping Spiritualism is of the devil?—do they intend to say that he is proving the immortality of the soul, which they have long tried to do, but always failed?

An Apt Sermon.

A LONG while ago, Rev. Lemuel Haynes, a colored preacher, was settled over the Congregational Society in Rutland, Vt. He was an able preacher, and remained the pastor of that church, if we recollect rightly, some twenty-five years. It is doubtful, by the way, whether said church even at the present day can measure up to its ancient antecedents on the score of brotherhood.

During the pastorate of Mr. Haynes, Rev. Hosea Ballou, one of the earliest apostles of Universalism in this country, came into this town and announced that on a certain Sabbath and at a certain place he would preach. Mr. Haynes' friends persuaded him to forego his third service on that day, and go over and hear Mr. Ballou. He did so. Mr. B. invited him into the pulpit. He went. After the sermon, the preacher turned and asked Mr. Haynes if he had anything to say. He arose immediately and delivered a fifteen-minute sermon—the most memorable one, probably, he ever delivered in his life. His text was: Gen. iii, 4—“And the serpent said unto the woman, ‘Ye shall not surely die.’” Topic, CHARACTER OF THIS PREACHER. He was:

An old preacher.
A cunning preacher.
A laborious preacher.
A heterogeneous preacher.
A presumptuous preacher.
A successful preacher.
A universal preacher.

This, as may well be imagined, fell like a bomb into the enemy's camp, stirred up an intense excitement, and gave rise to a long, voluminous, and more or less bitter controversy.—The Messenger.

DEEP DELUSIONS.

Some years ago the writer was called as a minister of the glorious gospel, to visit a criminal confined in prison, and condemned to die for a capital offense. He visited him a number of times, held frequent conversations with him, and found him invariably under the infatuation that he would not be executed. He did not dispute the fact that he had committed the act for which he was condemned, but he was under the impression (for which he had no warrant, and of which there were no indications) that he would be reprieved and pardoned. No remonstrances, no facts, no testimony however reliable, could shake this delusion. It appeared to be the strongest conviction he had, and kept him calm and firm until the end. Various measures were resorted to to convince him if possible, of his infatuation, and that the law in his case would certainly take its course.

A short time before he was executed the keeper of the prison resorted to an expedient to break up, if possible, this wonderful infatuation. His coffin and shroud were brought into his room, and placed before him, as the certain evidence that he must die, and that the time had come. He was again, with varied importunity and deep earnestness besought to “prepare to meet his God.” He looked for a moment upon the coffin and shroud, then round upon the company assembled in his cell. When his eye rested upon the writer it glared with infuriate passion. His whole frame was convulsed with demoniac fury. His precise language was, “I see through the whole of it. You are all engaged in a conspiracy against me; you think to frighten me, but you cannot do it. All the devils in hell cannot frighten me.” In one hour he was in eternity.

This solemn fact is not stated under the idea that any of your readers manifest such dreadful wickedness and delusion as this. To go to such an extent requires a long continued course of crime, and, as a just chastisement, Divine abandonment. But in one respect, every one of your readers who is untaught of God, and a stranger to Christ in his overtures of mercy in the gospel, may see his own perfect likeness. Young or old, moral or profane, hardened or comparatively tender, all are alike in this—a dreadful delusion enthralls and perverts their active energies. They are under a more fearful condemnation than this—yet do not seem to care for it. Either they do not believe it, or hope for a reprieve and pardon, when they have reason to know that they have not fallen in with God’s method of mercy through the glorious gospel of his Son. They are condemned, and yet do not fear and tremble. No anxious days, no sleepless nights are passed, until they have the assurance that their pardon is granted, sealed and secured in the new and living way of the gospel of peace. No earnest importunities are made for Christian counsel, sympathy and aid; no application to God is made for pardoning mercy through Christ as a merciful and faithful High Priest, and prevalent advocate before the throne.

Here, then, in this infatuated and wretched criminal, every unconverted man or woman, in all the variety of wickedness, or unbelief, may see his, or her own perfect likeness. Reader, how is it with you? If all the solemn warnings of the word and messengers of God, if all the divine judgments, and all the devils in hell, of whom you read in God’s authenticated word, do not make you fear and tremble, so as to humble you before God and seek forgiveness, are not you in this respect precisely like this infatuated criminal?—Journal and Messenger.

Look Up.—We double all the cares of life by pondering over them. We increase our troubles by grieving over them. A scratch becomes a wound, a slight an injury, a jest an insult, a small peril a great danger, and a slight sickness often ends in death by the brooding fears of the invalid.

INIQUITY ABOUNDING.

By J. H. Waggoner

It was a misstatement in the Review of Jan. 7, saying that Mr. Hamilton, Member of Congress from Ohio, was killed by a railroad accident. He was killed by his son, a young man of twenty years, who is now a maniac.

While the papers are filled almost with the reports of Fenian outrages, especially the blowing up of “Clerkenwell prison,” an outrage far more fiendish in its nature, was lately attempted in Kentucky. A colored man kept a school for colored children, in Hardinsburg, and at its close held an “exhibition,” as is common in other schools. The house was filled with children and their fond parents, and it is said the exhibition was highly pleasing to them, as well it might be, to see their little ones gathered together for acquiring education; a privilege so long denied by law to the poor slaves and their children. Fortunately the exercises closed early, and soon after its close an explosion was heard, and the house was in ruins. On examination it was found that a keg of powder had been concealed in a hole under the desk, to which a slow match must have been attached with the intention of destroying both children and parents at the exhibition, which was only prevented by the early closing.

This is but a single manifestation of the feeling existing toward the unfortunate race, by those who cannot longer enslave them; while a certain class of politicians are complaining constantly that the negroes are about to inaugurate “a war of races;” and as an interesting sign of the times, the present position of the country looks strongly to the restoration of that class to political power.

Thank the Lord there is a better foundation to rest our hope upon than political victories. The time is drawing near when the oppressor will be overthrown, and a King shall reign in righteousness; when truth and right, so often crushed beneath the heels of majorities, shall gain an everlasting triumph.

J. H. WAGGONER.

Lake Co., O., Jan., 1868.

LABORS OF BRO. AND SR. WHITE AND BRO. ANDREWS IN VERMONT.

By A. C. BOURDEAU

It is with a good degree of satisfaction that we look back to the interesting and profitable meetings which were held by Bro. and Sr. White and Bro. Andrews in West Enosburgh, Vt., commencing on Friday evening, Dec. 26, 1867, and continuing till the next Monday, at 2 o’clock P. M. Owing to the bad roads which made it hard traveling with sleighs or wagons, some did not meet with us who otherwise would; yet it was thought that the brethren in this State spared no pains to attend these meetings.

During the entire series of meetings our hearts were made glad, by the assurance we had that God has wrought for Bro. White healthwise; and that he is using him and Sr. W. as an effectual means to accomplish a great work in the furtherance of the cause of present truth, and is giving them the needed testimony to awaken the church to a new engagedness in the service of God, correct the erring, cheer the desponding, help backsliders to get out of the snares of the enemy, and lead the unconverted children and youth of Sabbath-keepers to give their hearts to the Lord.

With heartfelt gratitude to our Heavenly Father I am happy to say that just this kind of work was accomplished among us by these servants of the Lord, aided by Bro. Andrews.

Sabbath morning at 9 o’clock we had a sweet prayer and social meeting. The remarks made by Sr. W. on worldly mindedness, and doing more for the salvation of perishing souls around us, were timely, and well calculated to make a lasting impression upon the minds of all present relative to the importance of this subject. Following this meeting Bro. W. spoke one hour and a half on the subject of baptism. In the course of his remarks he clearly showed that it is right and proper for Sabbath-keepers to be baptized in the third message, whether they were baptized by immersion before they embraced all the commandments or not; that those who have left the Lord, and backslidden from the truth since they were baptized, if they repent and get converted, and start anew in the service of God, should have the privilege of being re-baptized; and that children, aged even from five to eleven years, who have given their hearts to the Lord and desire to be baptized, should have their wishes gratified.

In the afternoon Sr. W. spoke nearly two hours on an interesting subject indicated by the words of the apostle in Rom. xii, 1, 2. The importance of our not being conformed to the world; but of being transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God, was clearly demonstrated in a manner to greatly interest the candid hearers from without.

In the evening after the Sabbath, about one hundred and fifty participated in the ordinances of the Lord’s house, after which Bro. White spent one hour in relating to the congregation circumstances and incidents of interest which came under his observation, and with which he was connected during the past year. This truly was a refreshing season unto us all.

Sunday morning we had another good prayer and social-meeting, in which Bro. Andrews’ timely and weighty remarks were appreciated, as they were also on other occasions. Then Bro. W. preached one hour, taking as his text “Jesus;” Matt. i, 21: “And thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he shall save his people from their sins.” It was plainly shown that if we preach Jesus in a Bible sense we necessarily preach the law. “He shall save us from our sins.” “Sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 Jno. iii, 4. Again we are required to have, first, repentance toward God, because we have transgressed his law, and then faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Hence Paul says, “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law.” Rom. iii, 31. And of the last church it is said, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. xiv, 12.

At 1 P. M. Sr. W. occupied one hour and a half, dwelling considerably on the health reform from a Bible stand-point. In the evening meeting, plain testimonies were given and earnest appeals made to professed Sabbath-keepers who were not connected with our churches, backsliders, unconverted friends, and children and youth; and quite a number of them expressed their determination to serve the Lord. We had thought of having this as our closing meeting; but the interest came up to such a pitch that it was decided to have another meeting the next morning at 9 o’clock.

Monday morning the meeting commenced with a good interest. The good work progressed till 2 o’clock P. M., when by request of Bro. White, six long seats near the pulpit were vacated, and then filled with those who during these meetings had decided to make a new start for the kingdom. Then those who felt it their duty to be baptized were requested to arise upon their feet, and forty-two arose, twenty-seven of whom were not church members, but mostly individuals who at these meetings had become deeply convicted that they should make a full surrender of themselves to the Lord. These were examined one by one, and received into the church by vote as candidates for baptism; and just before the setting of the sun, when the thermometer stood at 20 degrees below zero, we went down to the branch nearly one mile from the meeting-house, where I stepped down from the ice into a clear stream of water, and baptized eleven, among whom were my aged and respected father and mother. This was a solemn yet a blessed scene to nearly all the beholders. It is expected that quite a number of the candidates will be baptized in this place next Sabbath.

After these meetings my brother and myself accompanied Bro. and Sr. White and Bro. Andrews to St. Albans on their way to their next appointment; and as we parted with them, I looked back to our experience as a people during the past two or three years, and saw that our soul had almost fainted in us on account of the deep afflictions that these servants of God endured. But we cried unto the Lord in our trouble, and he delivered us of our distresses. Oh! let us praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men.

Last Sabbath forty of the brethren and sisters from Enosburgh accompanied us to Berkshire, the distance of ten miles, where we had a good meeting in a school-house near Bro. Austin’s. Elder Stone and my brother were present and we all had good liberty in speaking to the church. We were glad to see the good work still going on, especially for those whose privilege it is to become more fully identified with God’s people.

A. C. BOURDEAU.

West Enosburgh, Vt., Jan. 8, 1868.

THE DAYS OF THE WEEK.

BRO. SMITH: Will you please give in Review, at your earliest convenience, a history of when the days of the week were named, Sunday, Monday, &c., and by whom, and their signification? I have many inquiries by those reading the History of the Sabbath; and some are inclined to attribute the naming of them to the apostles. C. L. PALMER. St. Jo. Co., Mich.

The following from the Encyclopedia Americana, gives the information for which Bro. P. inquires.

“The week approaches pretty nearly to a quarter of a lunation; but this division of time has no obvious foundation in nature. It appears, notwithstanding, to have prevailed very extensively over the world from the earliest times, and, what is remarkable, the days of the week are generally named after the sun and planets, only six planets having been known to the ancients. This manner of distinguishing a series of seven days is found to be the same among the ancient Egyptians, Indians and Chinese. Still the order is not that of the distances, magnitude or brightness of the planets. The following ingenious conjecture has been adopted to account for the origin of the names and arrangement of the days of the week:—The planetary arrangement of Ptolemy was thus: 1. Saturn; 2. Jupiter; 3. Mars; 4. the Sun; 5. Venus; 6. Mercury; 7. the Moon. Each of these planets was supposed to preside successively over each hour of the twenty-four of each day, in the order above given.

In this way, Saturn would preside over the first hour of the first day, Jupiter over the second hour, Mars over the third, the Sun over the fourth, and so on. Thus the sun, presiding over the fourth, eleventh and eighteenth hours of the first day, would preside over the first hour of the second day; and, carrying on the series, the moon would preside over the first hour of the third day, Mars over the first hour of the fourth day, Mercury over the first hour of the fifth day, Jupiter over the first hour of the sixth day, and Venus over the first hour of the seventh day. Hence the names of the days yet used in the learned professions:

1. Dies Saturni, day of Saturn (Saturday). 2. Dies Solis, day of the Sun (Sunday). 3. Dies Lunæ, day of the Moon (Monday). 4. Dies Martis, day of Mars (Tuesday). 5. Dies Mercurii, day of Mercury (Wednesday). 6. Dies Jovis, day of Jupiter (Thursday). 7. Dies Veneris, day of Venus (Friday).”

The modern names of the days of the week, as shown in the parentheses, above, are simply the translations of the Latin appellations, given to the days by the ancient heathens.

No Cross, no Crown.—Endure hardness. Never dream of a delicacy. Think not to find God in the gardens of Egypt, whom Moses found not but in the burning bush. Many love Canaan but for the wilderness; commend the country, but look upon the conquest as impossible; would sit in the seat of honor with Zebedee's children, but not drink the cup of affliction. No wearing the crown but by bearing the cross first. Christ himself was not glorified till first crucified.—Trapp.

INVITE Jesus, for he always says: “I will come.” He may wait three days, as He did with Martha and Mary, but “I will come” is His intention. Expect Him till He comes.

THOUGHTS

By D. T. BOURDEAU

Suggested by the Recent Labors of Bro. and Sr. White and Bro. Andrews among Us.

The meeting of Bro. and Sr. White and Bro. Andrews, which we have anxiously looked forward to and prepared to enjoy, is in the past. And it was indeed a good meeting. Our expectations (considering the brief period it occupied) were fully realized. More than a score of souls made a start for the kingdom, while upward of forty offered themselves for baptism. And if we are to judge from the nature of the testimonies given by the brethren and sisters, we may safely say that a large majority of the believers present received a fresh supply of strength and courage, to help them in their journey heavenward.

But the question arises in my mind, Who will be permanently benefited by this meeting? This question deserves our serious attention; and in order to answer it properly we should bear in mind the object of this recent gathering, which was to deeply and solemnly impress our minds with the times in which we live, and our duties with reference to them, and to encourage and help us to live accordingly. Those alone who earnestly labor to carry out this object will be really and permanently benefited. And let it be remembered that this object cannot be fully accomplished until our probationary work is done, and the people of God have developed perfect characters.

Many act as though the object of such a gathering could be gained before the meeting closes. They are, perhaps, shut up to the solemn convictions produced by the truth spoken in the demonstration of the Spirit and with power, and are satisfied with enjoying a good time, characterized with flights of feeling, while the meeting lasts. Such have, at best, but a contracted view of the subject, and are, generally, selfish in their devotions. We should not stop with conviction, without bringing forth fruit meet for repentance. The Spirit at times mightily enforces the truth, not that we may selfishly enjoy a blessing, but that we may carry out our convictions of duty by laboring, not only for our salvation and happiness, but also for the salvation of others and the glory of God.

Additional light and blessings bring with them additional duties and responsibilities; and it is not in vain that we have been favored with our recent general gathering. Heaven requires that we be more consecrated and devoted to the cause of truth than we were before the meeting. Unless we are, we cannot have the favor of God, and the light that is in us will become darkness. And how great will be that darkness? It will be proportionate to our light, blessings and privileges. This accounts for the great fall of so many who once stood high in the favor of God; and God is no respecter of persons. We know not what course we may be led to pursue if we do not come up to our duty and privileges. God save us from indifference on this point, is my prayer.

The time has now come to live out our confessions and resolutions. We should not be elated over past blessings; but should let the goodness of God lead us to repentance, and reduce his blessings to practice; for every blessing of God involves and enforces some sacred obligations, and increases our responsibilities.

We should remember that Satan will now be on the alert and work with unwonted wisdom, power and perseverance, to hinder us from carrying out our resolutions. When the Lord works in a special manner, to arouse his people, Satan may be expected to work also; for there is something at stake. He is in danger of losing his hold on the church. How many blessings have been lost in this manner. Therefore we should re-double our earnestness in the work. We should watch unto prayer and gird on the whole armor, and fight the good fight of faith.

Satan will come in a manner that we least expect. He will try to intimidate, shame and discourage some who are inexperienced, while he will come to others in a more careful, gradual and subtle manner. He has snares prepared for such, adapted to temperaments and organizations; and if he reaches us, it will be at our weak points. How important, then, is it to examine ourselves, to know our weak points, and guard against them. Let us remember that worldly-mindedness is one of the principal avenues through which Satan comes to the church; and that the way to overcome it is to sacrifice for God and his cause, be much in prayer, read the word of God daily, and dwell much on the glories and riches of the world to come.

We need not backslide and be overcome by Satan. It is our privilege to improve upon God's blessings, and to be changed from glory to glory in the image of Christ, that when we reach another general meeting, we may have it to say that we have made progress, and are prepared to take another step in advance.

D. T. BOURDEAU.

West Enosburgh, Vt., Jan. 8, 1868.

REPORT FROM BRO. STONE.

By Albert Stone

My last report ended with the meeting at Wolcott, Nov. 1. The next Sabbath and first-day I also met with the church at Wolcott, and in the evening attended an appointment at North Wolcott, about six miles distant, where I spoke with much freedom on the nature of the kingdom of God and the saints’ inheritance, to a congregation of Methodists, Baptists, and a few others, who heard with good attention and apparent appreciation.

Sabbath, Nov. 21, met a few brethren and sisters at the house of Bro. Loveland in Johnson, where we found sister Loveland and her only son sick with fever. They were, however, doing well in the use of nature’s simple remedies.

Sabbath, Nov. 28, together with Brn. A. C. and D. T. Bourdeau, was called to visit Stowe on account of the sickness of sister Churchill, who had been suffering with sickness for over three months. She was very low and given up by her physicians to die. On the Sabbath the church came together, and Bro. D. T. Bourdeau gave two interesting discourses on the nature of true conversion, much to the edification, and we trust profit, of all present. On first-day we were requested to visit sister Churchill, and by her request prayer was offered in her behalf. The Lord heard and answered. Our sister was blessed and strengthened and has continued to gain ever since, and is now, Jan. 5, able to sit up over three hours at a time.

Sabbath, Dec. 12, met with the Charleston and Irasburgh church at the house of Bro. Colby, where I gave two discourses, and heard good testimonies from the brethren and sisters. On fourth-day rode to Wolcott and met with the church in that place on the following Sabbath.

Dec. 26, left home to attend the meeting at Enosburgh, as appointed in Review, where the following Sabbath we had the privilege of meeting with Bro. and Sr. White, Bro. J. N. Andrews, and a large representation of brethren and sisters from Vermont and Canada. It is not my province to report this meeting, and I will only say, in our mind it was in advance of any meeting that has been held in Vermont.

We were happy to meet again our much-loved Bro. and Sr. White, and to hear from their lips the plain, close testimonies of God’s word, spoken in love, and reaching the heart. May God bless those dear servants with health and strength still to labor on in his cause. They have our sympathies and prayers.

Sabbath, Jan. 4, the Quarterly Meeting for the Berkshire church was held in a school-house near Bro. N. Austin’s. Present at this meeting were the Brn. Bourdeau and a good collection of Brn. and sisters from Enosburgh and other towns. The interest at this meeting was good, and appeared not to have abated since Bro. White left.

During the labors here reported, as much time has been spent in visiting the Brn. at their homes, as other duties, such as traveling, writing and study would permit. I would say that I feel encouraged still to labor on in this cause. Fifty-five years of my life have been spent, professedly in the service of God. His promise is sure. I have never known his word to fail, but have often seen it verified. Had I a thousand lives to live I would give them all to him.

ALBERT STONE.

Sutton, Vt., Jan. 7, 1868.

THE YOUTH OF NORRIDGEWOCK, MAINE.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

QUITE a large number of young persons have embraced the truth here, and are trying to serve God. Knowing the many snares and temptations before them, we have felt very anxious for them. Few young persons get the work deep enough into their hearts to hold them long. Hence we were glad of the coming of Bro. and sister White, hoping that their labors would help them. It seemed rather discouraging while they were here; but we can now begin to see some fruits of it. Several have lately made a start for the kingdom. All met at our house one evening, and I freely talked to them about their dangers, such as lightness, jesting, and joking, going to parties, &c. Some said, “What shall we do for amusements? Shall we not have any?” After discussing this point fully, they all concluded that there was amusement enough in that which was useful; that it is not necessary to seek amusement in fun, lightness, novel-reading, and such like.

We found that but very few had ever read the Bible through, nor had they read much of other useful matter. So it was unanimously resolved by them to give up entirely their parties, begin with the year and read enough in the Bible each day to read it through during the year; also to read Sister White's Testimonies, Spiritual Gifts, How to Live, and other books like them. This I thought was a good move. If carried out, it will bring the blessing of God upon them. I recommend the same amusement to all young Sabbath-keepers.

I am thoroughly satisfied that all, both old and young, might be, and ought to be, better informed on the different points of our faith than they are. We have excellent reading matter which is not read. This should not be so. Standard histories should also be read by young men and women. I would mention such as History of the United States, of England, of the Reformation, &c. It seems to me to be entirely wrong for the young to idle away their time in simple chit-chat and amusements which do nothing toward feeding the mind or enlarging the intellect. Let all improve these precious moments which never return. D. M. CANRIGHT.

MEETINGS IN IOWA.

By J. T. MITCHELL

BRO. BUTLER met with us at Lisbon, Jan. 4 and 5. Brethren were present from Anamosa, Fairview, and Tipton. We had not heard preaching for a long time, and began to feel our leanness; but as Bro. B. spoke to us in his solemn, forcible manner, of those practical duties so necessary to be heeded in these last days of peril, we felt that we were receiving meat in season. And from the testimonies in our conference meeting, it was evident that the labors of Bro. B. were appreciated. We all felt that we had truly had a good meeting.

Bro. B.'s appointment was changed from Anamosa to Marion, it being the time for the Monthly Meeting at that place. The good meeting at Lisbon had raised the interest to such a height that there was a general turn-out at Marion on the 11th and 12th. Most all of the Sabbath-keepers in this part of the State were present. It seemed that much of the good Spirit of the Lisbon meeting was brought to this. Sabbath evening, as Bro. B. spoke of the 144,000, who they were, and of their final triumph, we felt in our hearts as though we wanted to be of that number. Sabbath morning, while Bro. B. was speaking on the subject of faith, we felt that we lacked much on this very important point; but from the testimonies in our conference meeting, it was evident there was a determination to come up on all points of present truth. Sunday morning, while Bro. B. was speaking of the blessings which it is the Christian's privilege to enjoy, and the conditions to be complied with on our part in order to their enjoyment, it was evident from the many tears shed that the good Spirit of the Lord was accompanying the word to the hearts of many.

The afternoon meeting was the best of all. While washing one another's feet, and partaking of the emblems of the broken body and spilt blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, the good Spirit of the Lord rested down upon us in a powerful manner, and we had a time long to be remembered. I think this was the most interesting meeting we ever enjoyed at Marion.

At the close of this meeting we all felt that we had received strength, and were more determined to press forward and make advance steps in the great cause of present truth. To God be all the praise.

J. T. MITCHELL.

PERSONAL.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

At an interview with several brethren and sisters, Bro. Andrews and Bro. and Sr. White being present, the substance of this article was talked over and it was thought best that it should be mentioned through the Review. Hence I write.

It is often the case that some one family of Sabbath-keepers, living near the place of meetings, has to bear the main burden of all meetings in lodging and feeding those who come, and in furnishing hay, &c., for their teams. It is near the meeting-house, so those who have no teams go there. Women who come with small children can get to meeting from there with them the easiest, so they go there. The feeble and old are not able to go far, so they go there. Those who come from a distance with teams, wish to stop at the nearest place, so they go there. Those who are strangers in the place all stop there, and so on, till this family catches a good share of those who come to meeting, or till every corner of the house is full. Now, such families are generally lovers of hospitality, and enjoy having their friends stop with them. They give a general invitation for all to come there as long as they can find any room. They do not feel like turning any away. Other families living out a mile or two further have little or no company at all. This is not equality. However freely it may be given, hay and oats, bed and board, cost something. It can not be otherwise than that this should be felt, especially by those who have but limited means, and have to work for what they get. If they were to receive pay for all this, it would more than liberally pay their s. b. for the year. Yet they are expected to give just as liberally on s. b. as those who live further away and have no such burdens to bear.

The case that suggested this was that of Bro. Geo. Barker, who lives near the meeting-house at Norridgewock. He has a large house and barn, and it has been very handy for all to put up there, and he has been very free to invite them. But he has a large family of his own and only ordinary means of living. From a two-year's trial, it became apparent that he must do one of three things: either, 1. Stop receiving so much company constantly; or 2. Pay little or no s. b.; or 3. Move away and deprive his family of the benefit of the Sabbath-school. We advised him to do the first. The same is true of Eld. Putnam. So it is with Bro. Fellows at Athens, and of others at other places.

Now, what shall be done? Shall we tell our friends from abroad to stay at home, or go to the hotel when they do come? Oh no; we are always anxious to have them all come to meeting. I suggest two things: 1. That those who do come to meeting be a little more willing to go out around among those who live a little further off. I have often noticed a great lack on this point. 2. That those who are situated near meeting-houses and hence are overburdened with company, use a little more prudence themselves about inviting so many. I have seen as great a fault here as on the other hand. It is no one's duty to invite brethren to his house already full, when they are able to go a little further where there are those who would esteem it a privilege to entertain them.

We offer these facts and suggestions for the consideration of our brethren and sisters. I see no reason why any reasonable person should be offended by these remarks.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

A FEW WORDS TO THE YOUNG.

By A. M. PATTIN

DEAR YOUNG FRIENDS: Let us who are hurrying on through life so swiftly, stop a moment and see to what end we are hasting. Let us ask ourselves whether we prize as we should the privileges we enjoy of associating with those who are trying to keep the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus. Are we trying to seek the Lord with all our hearts, and, by overcoming daily, getting an experience in the things of God? We believe he will hold us accountable for the way we spend our time, and do we always stop at evening to think how we have spent the day, to see if in every place we have done right? And if we can see any place where we might have done better, do we ask God to forgive and give us more wisdom in future?

A Christian friend once said to me, that “with great privileges many backslide.” This must not be so with us that profess to be followers of Jesus in these last days, but rather with the opportunities that are ours to enjoy, we must be growing stronger in the Lord, and getting ready for the coming of Jesus, which is near. My earnest prayer is that the Lord will pity us, and pardon all our past sins, and help us to be faithful from this time onward till Jesus comes, that we may then be gathered home to dwell with him in glory.

There we hope to meet our dear friends whose society we have enjoyed so much here, but have bade good bye for a little time,—those loved ones whom we so often bring in faith to the arms of our Savior, to have them with us kept by the power of God from all the snares of Satan.

I praise God for the light of present truth, and for what he has done for me. I sometimes feel, Oh! that I could do something to repay him for his love and care for me; but this I cannot do, for when I have done all I know that I am an unprofitable servant, only have done my duty. But Jesus pities; he has died for us, and is now pleading our cases before the Father, and for his sake we can, if faithful, be admitted into the society of the pure and heavenly host. My soul longs to be there! I will be wholly the Lord’s. I praise his holy name for the health reform, and for the blessings we enjoy. May the Lord help me to spend my whole life in his service.

I wish to say a few words about the dress reform. Perhaps my experience may have been like that of some others. When I heard the testimony that was given us on this subject, and was convinced that it was our duty as a people to adopt this style of dress, then the question came to my mind, Can I, will I do it? Oh! thought I, how odd it will make me look! I fear my friends that know or care but little about the present truth will not think half so much of me! But then came the precious words of Jesus, “If the world hate you, ye know it hated me before it hated you;” and again, “He that loveth me not, keepeth not my sayings,” &c., I was satisfied the testimony came from Heaven, and decided to take up the cross and leave the result with the Lord. I can say I found the way of the cross a good way, it brought me nearer to my God. And now my young friends, please allow me to say to you, don’t wait to be tempted by the enemy. Of course we expect he will oppose every step that God’s people would take in advance, but let us who are young come out and take a stand on the side of truth, try to bear every cross, and see if we cannot at least be a little help to those dear servants of the Lord who have labored so long and faithfully in his service. If we cannot help, we do not wish to, no, we must not, add anything to their burdens.

May the Lord help us all to cheerfully take up the cross, and get near to God, that our hearts may be so filled with his Spirit and love, that wherever we are we may by all we say or do confess Jesus to all around us.

Truly yours, hoping to meet you in the kingdom of God. A. M. PATTIN.

Battle Creek, Mich.

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