Sister L. F. Louise's Testimony from Grant County, Wisconsin
By L. F. Louise
SISTER L. F. LOUISE writes from Grant Co., Wis.: I read the REVIEW with great interest, because it teaches the truths of the Bible so plainly. The tracts are also so delightful. The doctrine agrees exactly with the word of God. I am 68 years of age, was raised in Hampden Co., Mass., among the Presbyterians. I heard a great deal of erroneous doctrine preached, such as foreordination, election, infant reprobation, &c., yet I joined that church because there was no other. Soon after, my parents moved to Penn., on the Susquehanna River. In process of time the Methodists came there and preached. My husband embraced religion, we united with the church, and remained there till 1843, when two Adventist ministers came there and lectured on the prophecies. They met with great opposition and persecution, yet there were some who believed the truth, my husband and myself and family among the number. Some two years after, another came and preached. They soon had good revivals, established churches, and held camp-meetings. I saw elders Himes, Litch, Boyer, Gates, Farrer, Lanning, Butler, Chapman, Osler, and Stanton. I thank God that I ever heard an Adventist preach. I have always esteemed those preachers very highly for their works’ sake.
From that place we moved west. I have not heard one preach for fourteen years, but have often prayed that I might live to hear some one preach the Advent doctrine again. Bless God for the hope that I shall. The first-day Adventists said nothing about the Sabbath; but I have read your papers and tracts, and I am perfectly satisfied you have the right Sabbath. There are seven of us here keeping the Sabbath. May God help us to hold fast to the truth. We are trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, though we meet with great opposition. Some of our friends have almost forsaken us, yet I feel to praise God in the midst of all trouble and trials; for I do know that these light afflictions will work out for me a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory in the end. My husband died a firm believer in the Advent faith, having the full assurance of a glorious immortality at the resurrection of the just. It is more than twenty years since we became Adventists. I have never been in the least sorry. I love the truth. My prospects grow brighter. I can see more true light in the Bible than I ever could before. I have read the REVIEW and tracts with much interest. I am led to cry out, Truly knowledge has increased. Our preachers have been trying to misrepresent Seventh-day Adventists, by telling falsehoods even in the pulpit. This is done on purpose to raise prejudice among the people. We received a letter from Elder Sanborn, stating that he would come here and preach, as soon as convenient. May God speed the time; for we are anxious to see him.
Are Ministers Hirelings?
“ARE you the man we’ve hired to preach for us?”
“No, sir; I am not.”
“I beg pardon; are you not the minister?”
“Yes, sir; I am pastor of the church here; but do you really think I have been hired to preach for you?”
“Why, yes, sir; I was at the meeting when the vote was taken to raise the money. Did you not come here expecting to receive a salary?”
“Certainly; and so does the governor of this State enter upon his duties expecting to receive a salary; but would you say that he is hired to govern the State?”
“Not exactly.”
“And the reason is exactly this: the governor is elected to fill a certain office; and when you speak of him, you think more of his office than you do of his salary. You do not hire him to do whatever you may wish to set him at; but you elect him to an office, fixed beforehand and expressly defined in the Constitution, and then you fix a salary that he may attend to his duties without embarrassment. The same is true of a pastor. You do not hire him to do a job of preaching for you. You elect him to an office, ordained by Christ and defined in the constitution of the church, and then you affix a salary, that he may give himself wholly to the duties of his office.”
“Your theory appears very well; but what practical difference does it make?”
“Just this: When you hire a man, you expect him to do as you say. When you elect a man to an office, you expect him to do what the Constitution says.”
Talleyrand's Death-Bed.
For nearly half a century the veteran diplomatist acted a prominent part in the affairs of Europe. As the prime minister, or ambassador of the directory, the consulate, the empire, and the monarchy of Louis Philippe, he negotiated the important treaties which determined the boundaries of empires and the fate of kingdoms, and formed plans which made Napoleon an Emperor, and the Emperor an exile. Such a man's view of an eventful life of fourscore years, furnishes instructive lessons to men who are wasting the energies of being on political ambition or worldly aggrandizement. Just before his death, a paper was found on his table on which he had written, by the light of the lamp, such lines as these:
“Behold, eighty-three years passed away! What cares! What agitation! What anxieties! What ill-will! What sad complications! And all without results; except great fatigue of mind and body, and a profound sentiment of discouragement with regard to the future, and disgust with regard to the past!”
Contrast with this the exclamation of “Paul the aged” as he was about closing his earthly career: “I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day.”
Thou Hast Contended With Satan
THOU HAST CONTENDED WITH SATAN.—Thou hast contended with Satan, and hast been successful. Thou hast fought with him, and he has fled from thee. But, oh! remember his artifices. Do not indulge the belief that his nature is changed. True, indeed, he is now very complacent, and is, perhaps, singing thee some syren song; but he was never more a devil than he is now. He now assaults thee by not assaulting thee; and he knows that he shall conquer, when THOU FALLEST ASLEEP.
Sister R. Aldrich on Preparing for the Saviour's Coming
By Sister R. Aldrich
SISTER R. ALDRICH writes from St. Joseph Co., Mich.: I am not at all discouraged in the good way; and as I read the cheering reports from our camp-meetings, it makes my heart glad. I believe that the time hastens when the loud cry of the third angel shall go forth, and that our dear Saviour will soon come. I realize that a great preparation is necessary; that without clean hands and a pure heart we cannot see him in peace. I often ask myself, Shall I be among that pure and holy company when our Lord shall come? With the help of my heavenly Father I can and must be there.
A Garden as God's Book of Letters
By Douglas Jerrold
A GARDEN is a beautiful book, written by the finger of God: every flower and every leaf is a letter. You have only to learn them, and join them, and then to go on reading and reading. And you will find yourself carried away from the earth by the beautiful story you are going through. You do not know what beautiful thoughts grow out of the ground, and seem to talk to a man. And then there are some flowers that seem to me like over-dutiful children: tend them but ever so little, and they come up and flourish, and show, as I may say, their bright and happy faces to you.—Douglas Jerrold.
Sister H. Phillips Testifies to God's Goodness in Ohio
SISTER H. PHILLIPS writes from Clermont Co., Ohio: The Lord has been so good to me that I feel that I must tell every one of his goodness and love.
I have been trying to keep the Sabbath of the Lord for over two years, and for this have been persecuted and threatened by those who ought to love and protect me.
I have had but little light, yet feel thankful for what I have. I know that it is more than I deserve; for when God sent me the present glorious truth, through my dear brother, I only hated him, and said all I could against him. I was then a member of the M. E. church, but not a Christian. My name still remains on their book, but my heart is with God’s people. I have not attended their meeting for over a year.
I find no food there since the scales fell from my eyes. I have never seen any of the Advent people except my brother. I wish that some messenger would come this way and hold meetings. I would like to have my neighbors hear the truth, even though I should not have the privilege of attending myself. I have never been buried with Christ in baptism, but desire to be, as soon as I have the privilege. I would like to have all who read this, pray for me.
Brother N. Osborn on Repentance and Perseverance
BRO. N. OSBORN writes from Mecosta Co., Mich.: When I look back over my past life I can plainly see that the Lord is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Pet. 3: 9. I have been trying to keep the commandments a little over a year, and “do works meet for repentance;” but how little I have done; how little I have advanced in the Christian course. I must arouse and put on the whole armor and march on—“on to victory” overcome the power of the enemy, and be able to enter that celestial city that contains those bright mansions, where I trust there is one for me if I remain faithful. Oh! then, can we not say with Peter, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises?” 2 Pet 1: 4. I mean to be more diligent, more watchful and prayerful, looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Titus 2: 13.
Note from Bro. Lawrence.
By R. J. Lawrence
I ARRIVED at Lee Summit, Mo., June 23. The 26th I went to Lone Jack. Some of the people, judging from appearance, and the course taken by them, were sorry to see me; others were glad. The ministers, especially the Baptists, had quieted the convictions of the members of their churches, by the arguments against the Sabbath, based on the resurrection of Christ, his meetings on the first day of the week, &c., and it seemed impossible to arouse them again, as but few of them would attend meetings. I spent two weeks there. Two weeks ago to-day, Bro. Baily with his team started with me for this place, where we arrived on Friday.
Discouragement sometimes comes over me on account of so little fruit resulting from my labor. Then I think of the Saviour, who could not do man's mighty works in a certain place because of unbelief. I think that if there is nothing more done by the preaching of the truth, the people are being tested, and the seed of truth is being scattered, and it may germinate when the latter rain falls. R. J. LAWRENCE.
Charlotte, Mo., Aug. 10, 1870.
To Correspondents.
I. OSENBAUGH: Our Lord in Matt. 11:7-11, is setting forth the importance and dignity of the mission of John the Baptist. Among those born of women, there had not, up to that time, risen a greater than John the Baptist. In what respect greater? Many of the prophets doubtless possessed as noble powers, and led as blameless and holy lives; but they had not the privilege of preaching what he preached. It must be, therefore, that he was greater simply in reference to the truth committed to him. They could only prophecy of a Messiah to come. He could point to a Messiah then among men. But a time was coming when greater truth even than this could be preached to the people. When Christ should have completed his mission here upon earth, and the full light and glory of the gospel, which is sometimes called the kingdom, should be brought in, those who should have the privilege of preaching then, though they might be less than, as the original word signifies, or inferior to, John the Baptist, would, in this respect, be greater than he. He could point to a Messiah present, and performing his mission among men; but he did not see the conclusion of that work. But these could bear testimony to the triumphant conclusion of his mission, the successful accomplishment of his work. The humblest preacher of this gospel would, therefore, be greater than John the Baptist in the same sense in which John was greater than the prophets who had gone before him.—For general information, we consider Clarke's commentary the best. We do not know whether you can obtain the New Testament alone, or not.
M. D. CLARK: The letter from Nebraska, was received, and the GEN. CONF. COMMITTEE have it in charge. If a camp-meeting is held in Kansas, they will probably visit your section.
I. SANBORN: We send the Greek Testament to your address, Kickapoo Center, Wis.
MISSION ASPIRATION.
By B. F. DeCosta
“Thy kingdom come.”
Kingdom of God! who would not be
In that grand principality
A subject, whose far shining days,
Exhaustless, lapse in songs of praise?
There love is law, and rules alone,
Eternal as a crystal throne,
Whose beams of clear, supernal light
With endless day shut out the night;
While joy pervades each tranquil breast,
Brief toil exchanged for endless rest;
Where peaceful banners float unfurled,
In mem’ry of a conquered world.
Kingdom of God! who would not be
Crowned in that principality?
—B. F. DeCosta.
Pope Seeks Bismarck's Protection After Napoleon Abandons Him
The Pope, being abandoned by Napoleon, it seems has been applying to Bismarck, Napoleon’s great rival, for protection. This is an instance of shrewd looking after the main chance by the Papal authorities. It shows that, like other and wholly worldly diplomats, they make haste to pay their homage to the winning side. But thrift does not appear to follow fawning in this instance, as Bismarck is reported to have declined to guarantee the inviolability of the Pontifical states. At the same time, the text of the Austrian Prime Minister’s speech on the revocation of the Concordat is furnished. Von Beust declared that it is impossible to maintain relations with a Power whose pretensions are suddenly found to be illimitable. This is a plain statement that Austria dissolves the Concordat because the Pope has proclaimed his infallibility. Thus abandoned by France, plainly informed that Austria will no longer hold any political relations with him at all, refused protection by Prussia, and so exposed defenseless to the designs of Italy, the poor old Pope and his advisers are certainly in a bad fix. If Italy is merciful, Pius may yet die peacefully in Rome, still in possession of his temporal powers; but a very threatening cloud certainly lowers over his old age.—Detroit Post.
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” In what does this image of God consist? It seems to me that a very short and conclusive answer is found in the next chapter, seventh verse.
In chapter 1: 26, God simply announces his design to make man in his image. What is to be made in the image of God? It is man. Very well; in the next chapter, we have this design carried out, and there we are told how man is made, and of what he is made. “And the Lord God formed (or made) man of the dust of the ground.” Here we have the very thing made that God before mentioned, viz., man.
Of what was he made? Of the dust of the ground. He did not make a body and put man into it, but he made man of the dust of the ground. This we know was the physical man. Hence that which was made in the image of God, is the physical man.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Quarterly Meeting in Kansas.
By J. H. Morrison
THE Quarterly Meeting of Mound City and Centerville churches was held according to appointment in REVIEW. The brethren from Mound City came ready and willing to work for the Lord. Bro Cook preached the word on Sabbath and first-day with freedom and solemnity to an interested congregation. Three moved forward in baptism, and all seemed to be encouraged to press on in the great work of overcoming and trying to prepare for the soon coming of the Lord.
J. H. MORRISON.
New Edition of The Ministration of Angels
A new edition of “The Ministration of Angels, and the Origin, History and Destiny of Satan,” by Bro. Canright, revised and improved, is now ready. The title of the book sufficiently shows what it is. It deals with questions of great importance and interest. 128 pp. Price 15 cts. postage 2 cts.
Dr. H. S. Lay's Post Office Address
The P. O. address of Dr. H. S. Lay, is Allegan, Mich.
Regard for Sinners.
By H. S. Z.
It is sometimes said of us that we are Pharisaical; that we think ourselves better than our neighbors; that we do not care for sinners, but, regarding ourselves the elect, have nothing to do for the unconverted.
Oh! brethren, let this not be verified in our lives. Let us prove by our daily walk and conversation, that we love our neighbors as ourselves; that we have charity for the erring. Let us remember that after all our professions, we may come short of eternal life. Let us strive earnestly to attain to that state in which we shall know our own characters, and let no opportunity for doing good, pass unimproved. H. S. Z.
Appointments and Quarterly Meeting Notices
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
Camp-Meetings.
Michigan, Sept. 15-20.
Ohio, 22-27.
Kansas, if possible, Sept. 29 to Oct. 4.
GEN. CONF. COM.
THE first quarterly meeting of the church at Ulysses, Pa., will be held at the Raymond school-house, on West Creek, the third Sabbath and first-day (17 and 18) in Sept. The brethren from Allegany, Roulette, and Farmington, are invited to attend. We especially invite Bro. John Baker of Alba, N. Y., to come and help us on this occasion. According to action of Conference, all our members are requested to report as often as once in three months; if not, it is deemed good cause for labor. We hope to hear a personal report from all at this meeting.
By order of the church,
WILLARD W. STEBBINS, Clerk.
THE next monthly meeting for Western New York, will be held with the church at Olcott, the second Sabbath and first-day in Sept., the 10th and 11th.
HARMON LINDSAY, Clerk.
§ The next quarterly meeting at Princeville, Ill., will be held the 3d and 4th of Sept. B. F. MERRITT.
Aug. 23.
THERE will be a monthly meeting of the S. D. A. churches of Allegan Co., Mich., in Douglass, on Sabbath and first-day, Sept. 3 and 4. We hope there will be a general attendance.
By order of the church.
CHARLES JONES.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD TO which the money receipted pays, which should correspond with the Numbers on the Papers. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
$1.00 each. Rachel Miller 37-23, Mrs A Calkins 38-10, D J Burroughs 38-1, A Zeller 38-1, R F Phippeny 37-7, H Shaffer 37-1, Laura M Davis 37-1, Geo Hart 38-10, Wm Sturman 38-10.
$2.00 each. J Buttolph 37-7, Sumner Gaily 38-10, J Taber 38-1, H C Ferguson 38-11, D Baker 38-1, Wm H Arnot 38-1, Charlotte Quebeck 38-11, S B McLaughlin 37-1, J E Churchill 37-2, E E Sanford 36-1.
Miscellaneous. Jane A Hoyt 50c 38-1, D S Plumb $1.50 38-9, A Jones 2.25 36-6, H H French 50c 37-11.
Books Sent by Mail.
N M Adams 15c, John Buttolph 50c, S W Hickok 16c, L H Hunting 80c, Rhoda Bacon $3.60, E L Williams 1.00, E E Sanford 35c, Lucinda Johnson 26c, J N Longborough 3.92, A D Jones 75c, I D Van Horn 3.24, Hannah Sawyer 20c, M B Park 50c, Joseph Flory 10c, G W Evans 20c, J B Benington 3.87, Wm H Wild 50c, H B Hayward 17c, Mrs R C Straw 25c, L A Bramhall 20c, J S Harris 25c, C H Bliss 60c, Richard Ashbury 54c, W E Stillman 30c.
Books Sent by Express.
Geo I Butler DesMoines, Iowa, $78.83.
Michigan Conference Fund.
Church in North Liberty, Ind., $50.00, Church in Wright 30.00.