Oct. 25th, I returned to Battle Creek, after spending a month in resting and visiting among my friends and relatives in the State of N. Y. This little season of recreation has been of great benefit to me, after laboring almost constantly for nearly five months. At Battle Creek I spent nearly a week, and was much pleased to witness the prosperity of the cause in the erection of their large meeting-house, which was nearly enclosed, and also in the rapid progress that was being made at the Health Institute for the comfort and convenience of patients and others coming there to receive treatment, or to learn how to live to retain their health. From what I saw, I can recommend it to be a good home for invalids, where they may rapidly regain that best of all blessings, good health.
Oct. 31st, I started for Ohio. The first Sabbath and first-day in Nov., I spent in Bellville. I found things here in a far better condition than I expected. All who had accepted the truth still remained firm, and they manifested a zealous interest in the things they had learned. I held eight interesting meetings with them, during which I gave five discourses, and by which they were strengthened and encouraged to continue in their efforts to gain a home with the people of God on Mt. Zion. Two followed their Lord in baptism at this meeting.
Monday and Tuesday evenings, the 5th and 6th, I held meetings at Fredericktown, which were well attended. Here, also, I found the state of things more favorable than I had anticipated. A little company of fifteen are trying to keep all the commandments, and they expressed a determination to do their duty in keeping up meetings. My visit to these places has given me encouragement to labor on for the good of my fellow-men, until I reach my eternal reward.
Sabbath and first-day, the 8th and 9th, I was with8the church at Lovett's Grove. We were happily surprised on Sabbath morning, as we gathered at the meeting-house, to meet with Bro. Lawrence, who had unexpectedly come to help in the cause of truth in this State during the winter. We were here nearly a week and held seven good, and we trust profitable, meetings. The brethren and sisters from Portage, and Brn. Olds and Fleming from Gilboa, were with us. The cheering exhortations from these tried friends of the cause were a source of comfort to us all. The enemy has assaulted this little company many times, but they have succeeded, in the strength of their Redeemer, thus far to resist his power. May God bless them and give them strength to persevere in their good work till the victory is won.
Thursday, the 15th, I came to Gilboa. Here I have held six meetings, all of them well attended. The roads were quite muddy, so that some were hindered from getting out to meeting. The little flock in this place are truly scattered and torn. The most of those who were once in the truth here, have moved away, and some have died, leaving a few scattered ones who had become much discouraged. Two years have passed since they gave up holding meetings; but they are now, some encouraged by our visit, and are going to make the effort to sustain regular Sabbath meetings from this time on. May the Lord help them that a gathering influence may be exerted among them, so that they may prosper in the truth.
A spirit of restlessness, of shifting about from place to place, prevails in the minds of the people at the present time, and which, I am sorry to say, believers in present truth are not entirely free from. Now I doubt very much the propriety of brethren moving about here and there; for to my mind, where all circumstances are considered, it is as easy to get a living in one part of the land as in another. “But we move,” say they, “to let our light shine among our fellow-men.” Experience has shown that generally such lights are flickering and deceitful, and do more injury than good. The message of the third angel is a gathering message. Those taking hold of it should remain in the place where they received it, and, by a faithful, godly life, vindicate its truth. “In union there is strength.”
I. D. VAN HORN.
Gilboa, Ohio, Nov. 21, 1866.
“THE TIME WILL COME.”
By Roswell Fenner Cottrell
WHAT time will come? A glorious time—a good time—we hear it said. A time when the pure doctrines of the gospel will prevail universally; when not only church-members will come up to the high and holy standard of the religion of Christ, but the unbelieving world will be converted to God. A golden age is coming, when the whole world will submit to the mild sway of Prince Immanuel, and a spiritual reign—a reign of peace and holiness—will prevail throughout all the earth.
That would be glorious indeed; but the question is, will it certainly be realized? Is there a promise that such a state of things will ensue, before the coming of Him who is the resurrection and the life, and before He that sits upon the throne shall make all things new?
The apostle was speaking of the last days of the present age; and he gives us a description widely differing from the view so prevalent at the present time. Instead of affirming that the world would be converted, he says, “The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine.” Who will not endure sound doctrine? Those who wholly deny the doctrines of religion—the non-professors? No; they are those that are extremely religious, as would seem by the abundance of their teachers. Says the apostle, “They shall heap to themselves teachers.” Their ears itch to hear teaching. What kind of teaching? Fables. Such as that all men are to be converted, peace and safety are in the future, and a good time is coming—the golden age of the world. The words of the apostle are certainly being fulfilled. There are a multitude of teachers, and they are teachers of fables. And this doctrine of the world’s conversion is not the least. While Paul says, “In the last days perilous times shall come,” They say that in the last days glorious times shall come. But they agree with the apostle in one point, at least. He foretells the preaching of fables; they are preaching them. The apostle tells us they will “say peace and safety;” they are saying it. The apostle assures us that swift destruction will follow. This of course they deny. They still cry peace. To admit the approach of swift destruction would spoil their song of peace.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Earnestness in Work
No man can ever become eminent in any thing, unless he work at it with an earnestness bordering on enthusiasm.—Robert Hall.
Keeping All the Commandments
To be a commandment-keeper you must keep all the commandments; to be a commandment breaker you need break only one.
THE MOTIVE WAS GOOD.
By Wm. C. Gage
How often do we hear this excuse given in palliation for some wrong act or injudicious step, and how frequently are glaring faults passed by unnoticed, or covered up by the plea that “he meant well.” The number of souls that are deceived into ruin by this fallacious excuse can be known only at the great day of accounts. It is to be feared that many who expect to reach the kingdom on the strength of good motives will hear the dread words, “I never knew you, depart from me, ye workers of iniquity!” It will then be manifest that works and not motives will be weighed in the balances of eternal truth.
Probably no class of people are more ready to urge this excuse, than the formal professors of the present day, especially in defense of their grab-bags, raffles, and other devices for money-catching, so painfully prominent at their so-called religious festivals and fairs. If rebuked for carrying on a lottery, they plead good motives: “The minister must be paid,” or, “we want a new organ,” &c., &c., thus answering the question of the apostle in the affirmative, and “do evil that good may come.”
But let us look at the matter, and see if even the motives exercised are good. Are the patrons of raffles and lotteries those who have the cause of God most at heart, and who are most willing to sacrifice and give their means freely for the advancement of Christianity? By no means. Indeed, it would be safe to say that not one in a hundred is actuated by noble impulses; so that however good may be the motives of those who originate such schemes, their real object and result is to encourage a desire on the part of their patrons to obtain more than a just equivalent for their money invested, or in other words, to foster a spirit of gambling.
But before we leave the subject let us bring it a little nearer home. Are not Sabbath-keepers in danger of yielding to this spirit so inherent in human nature, by trusting too much to good motives, and more especially to good intentions in regard to their duty. As we see how high the standard of truth and holiness is elevated, and how much is required of God’s people to attain to it, are we not inclined to be satisfied with merely intending to reach it, and come short of the necessary effort? Unquestionably this is true to some extent of the health-reform movement now being introduced among us as a people. Many are convinced of its importance, and yet are doing nothing toward improvement but intending.
Now if a reform in our habits of eating and drinking is necessary, it is so because our old practices are absolutely sinful, else there is no occasion for reform; and if this is the case, every day of continuance in those habits is simply persisting in sin, and more especially if enlightened upon the subject.
Perhaps some may object to the use of such strong terms, but it is certain that if we cannot indulge in stimulants and partake of unwholesome food “to the glory of God,” it is sin to do it at all. So brethren and sisters please don’t endorse the reform by your good intentions, but by your actions.
WM. C. GAGE.
News and Miscellany.
Can ye not discern the signs of the times? Matt. xvi, 3.
Last Days of the Temporal Power.
ACCORDING to the convention concluded two years ago between the Emperor of France and the King of Italy, the French troops must evacuate the States of the Church on the 11th of December. The Italian Government re-iterates its design, immediately after the withdrawal of the French troops, to occupy the Papal frontier and rigidly prevent any of its subjects from crossing into the States of the Church for the purpose of aiding in insurrectionary movements. It will leave the solution of the Roman question altogether in the hands of the Roman people. What this solution will be is no longer doubtful. The unprecedented unanimity and enthusiasm with which the people of Venetia have just voted in favor of their annexation to Italy, foreshadows the fate of Rome and of the remainder of the Papal territory. The national aspirations in Italy are a torrent, which, with irresistible force, sweep away all obstacles. As in Venetia republicans and ultramontanes sacrificed their party predilections by voting, the one for a constitutional king, and the other for an excommunicated prince, thus it will be in Rome, notwithstanding the threat of excommunication against all who may take a direct or indirect part in the overthrow of the Papal power. The legion of foreign mercenaries which the Papal Government has enlisted will avail no more against the people of Rome, than they did a few years ago against the Italian troops.
Public opinion everywhere is almost unanimous in regarding the downfall of the temporal power as immediately imminent. The battle which the Papacy has so long waged against the steady advance of modern civilization is fully decided. It is characteristic of the blindness and obstinacy of the Popes, that Pius IX. even now persists in his hostility to his native country. Instead of conciliating public opinion in Italy, which, in spite of all threats of excommunication, insists upon the abolition of the temporal power, while it is still far from denying the authority of the Church of Rome in matters purely religious, the Pope finds only words of severe censure and unconditional condemnation for this great unity movement to which all Italians are so firmly attached. He has issued another allocution on the relation of the Italian Government to the Papacy, which is a match for the notorious bull against modern civilization. We again meet in it with the old complaint that the State passes laws on education and on marriage, affairs over which the Church of Rome claims absolute control to the exclusion of all State legislation. The allocution studiously avoids a recognition of the Kingdom of Italy, and gives to the Government of Italy the name of “Subalpine Government.” It is especially severe on “those frenzied voices” which declare that, “the city of Rome must share in the unhappy Italian perturbation and rebellion—nay, become its capital.” The Church, it says, will never be overpowered, but one particular nation, like Italy, may lose the true faith. In conclusion it adjures the sovereigns to prevent, with all their strength, “the torch of faith from being extinguished from among them.”
The comment of the Italian press on the Papal allocution again shows that its only effect has been to exhibit the utter want of influence of Papal manifestos over the Italian mind. The longer the course now pursued by the Pope shall be persisted in, the wider the breach between the Italian people and the Church of Rome must necessarily become. The mass of the people naturally cling to the hereditary religion of the country; and a patriotic attitude of the clergy, like that observed at the plebiscite in Venetia, might at any time lead to a revival of the Roman Catholic sentiments of the people; but the Papal anathemas hurled against what is so dear to every Italian, shakes the entire Papal authority.
It appears probable that, in the case of the annexation of Rome to Italy, Pius IX. will leave the city, and take up his abode elsewhere, perhaps in Malta. This change of residence cannot fail, however, to be most injurious to the interest of the Roman Church, and cannot, therefore, last long. Though the Roman Catholic Governments of Europe may combine to obtain for the Pope as great an independence of the Italian Government as possible in the administration of church affairs, virtually the Pope will soon be a subject of the King of Italy. This change in the external relations of the Papacy will do more than anything that has occurred for many centuries to break the influence of the Church upon modern society. Roman Catholicism will soon become what it is in the United States—a merely religious association, without political prerogatives, and it will have to dispute the progress of Protestantism in the Roman Catholic countries by merely ecclesiastical weapons. These weapons, we dare say, will not do as good service in Spain, Italy, and other countries, as the Inquisition and the Secular Arm.—The Methodist.
Roman Catholics.
We clip the following statistics from a secular paper. Such figures are very suggestive.
There are four million Roman Catholics in the United States. In 1808 there were only 1 province, 1 diocese, 2 bishops, 68 priests, 89 churches, and 2 ecclesiastical institutions. In 1830 there were 1 province, 11 dioceses, 10 bishops, 332 priests, 230 churches and 9 institutions. In 1840 there were 1 province, 16 dioceses, 19 bishops, 482 priests, 554 churches, 358 stations and chapels, and 13 institutions. In 1850 there were 3 provinces, 27 dioceses, 27 bishops, 1,081 priests, 1,073 churches, 505 stations and chapels, and 29 institutions. In 1861 there were 7 provinces, 48 dioceses, 3 vicariates, 45 bishops, 1,317 priests, 3,517 churches, 1,278 stations and chapels, and 49 institutions. Besides these the Catholics have 102 asylums, where they educate some 7,000 orphans, and have over 100 benevolent societies, and 28 hospitals.—They have also 97 literary institutions for young men, 212 female academies, and 303 free schools for 27,940 males, and 327 schools for 26,671 females.
How strikingly do these facts show that the rapid increase of a church in numbers and wealth is no real evidence of its purity. This country is making rapid progress in wealth, pride, extravagance, and wickedness. No church of the day is so well adapted to meet the tastes of a corrupt people as the Roman Catholic. It allows its votaries the fullest indulgence in fashionable pleasures, and, at the same time, gives them the strongest assurance of final salvation. Romanism in this country has been greatly strengthened9by being imitated by other denominations. It is impossible for Protestants to check its progress by endeavoring to build churches as fine, and furnishing them with music equally artistic, and by permitting their members as wide a latitude in worldly pleasures. Jerusalem never vied with Rome in works of art. It was not by the polished elegance of oratory and rhetoric that the fishermen of Galilee overcame the countrymen of Cicero. The apostle to the Gentiles did not win to the cross, members of the house of Caesar “by enticing words of man's wisdom.” If the churches of this land make headway against the Roman Catholics it will be by returning to primitive purity and zeal and simplicity, and not by Romanizing tendencies.
The “man of sin” will be destroyed only by the spirit of Christ's mouth and the brightness of his coming.—Earnest Christian.
Items.
The Republican Majorities.—Gov. Fenton’s majority in New York is in the immediate neighborhood of 15,000. In the six Western States the Republican gain at the late election was 60,000 over 1864. The States were Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Kansas.
Europe—an Alliance.—In spite of the many denials, rumors of a Prusso-Russian alliance continue to prevail. It is even said that the treaty provides for the admission of the United States into the alliance, with a sovereign establishment in the Mediterranean Sea, and guarantees that nation highly favorable commercial advantages.
The new railroad depot at Cleveland, the largest in the world, was opened on the 10th. It is 603 feet in length and 180 in breadth, covering an area of more than two and a half acres. It is built of sandstone. Over the main entrance is a massive tower 96 feet in hight. Six elegant chandeliers will light the apartment at night.
A pew in one of the Boston churches was recently sold for $5,400.
One hoop-skirt factory in New York employs seventeen hundred persons, and uses three tons of steel daily in the production of hoop skirts.
The Tennessee House of Representatives has killed a bill to establish free schools. We are sorry for the 78,000 white adults in that State who cannot read or write. A little learning is a dangerous thing to legislators, and these seem to have just enough education to want to keep the people in ignorance.
The bill, making habitual drunkenness a sufficient cause for divorce, has passed the Vermont Legislature, 13 to 11, with an amendment requiring that the drunkenness must be of two years’ duration, previous to the finding of the libel.
One large operator in pork, and two small pork houses in New York have failed, and many others are expected to go under before the present panic in the market has abated.
There were 547 deaths from cholera in Chicago during the month of October.
The Catholics, it is said, are taking the lead in educational matters in the District of Columbia.
President Johnson has placed his youngest son at the Jesuit’s College, Georgetown, D. C., to be educated.
NEARLY 2000 Germans leave Europe every week for the United States, in the Bremen and Hamburg mail steamers. A company is established at Copenhagen, to encourage the emigration of Danes, Norwegians, and Swedes to the United States.
“THE annual consumption of tobacco is two million tons.”10
Truths.
HEAVEN is worth living for; else were life’s burden
Too hard to be borne, with no hope from the sky;
Tears lose their bitterness; earth’s weary-laden
Aloft from the dust build their eyes on high.
Heaven is worth working for—working like freemen—
Not toiling like slaves ’neath a tropical sun—
With head, heart, and hands, like the homeward-bound
seamen,
Whose toils are made light by the goal to be won.
Heaven is worth fighting for—fighting like brave men;
There are foes all around us, beneath and within;
But Christ, our great Captain, who knows how to save
men,
Will make us the victors o’er Satan and sin.
Heaven is worth praying for—praying like Stephen,
Who caught a sweet glimpse of its glories while here.
In telegraph message to us it is given
To speak to our Saviour until he appear.
Heaven is worth waiting for; patient endurance,
The mark of God’s children, the test of his own;
’Tis this quiet angel that whispers assurance
That God is our Father, through Jesus his Son.
France.
The End of Maximilian's Empire.—La France editorially admits the departure of Maximilian from Mexico is likely to take place at any moment, if it has not already been accomplished.
Le Temps says the French will quit Mexico speedily, and all together.
The Moniteur maintains silence on the Mexican question.
It is said that M. Moustier, the French minister, is preparing a note on the Mexican question. It is understood that it will be conciliatory towards the United States, and will not object to the recognition of the Juarez government.
The President's Message
The President's Message, is summed up in a brief article in the N. Y. Tribune of Dec. 4. The following paragraph presents its chief characteristics.
“It is not so much what the President says as what he declines to say. The first impression of the Message is that his Excellency is chastened. There is much that Mr. Johnson might have done. He has missed many golden opportunities—but none so glorious as this. Congress came from the people magnanimous and kind. There was no disposition to remember anything that had been done—not even the shameless antagonism to the people in the recent elections. All good men trusted that one word might be said which would show a disposition on the part of the President to reach a solution of the many difficulties surrounding the country. All that his Excellency has done was no longer remembered when we saw the peace he might bring to a harassed nation, loving kindness and rest. We believe that there was no feeling of resentment to the President, not even in the hearts of the most Radical members of Congress, that would not have given way before the slightest tendency of the President to harmonize the country. In his Message he shows no such tendency. He clings to his dogmas with as much tenacity as when he hoped to carry the country in the late elections. There is not one word for the negro—not one word for the loyal in the South—not one sentence which might not as well have been written a hundred years ago as to-day, for all the comfort and truth it brings.”
War Reports. According to the annual report of the Secretary of war, 222,058 volunteers, including 75,024 colored troops, have been mustered out, leaving 11,043 still in service, about 10,009 of whom are colored. 207,000 horses, 4,400 barracks, and $902,770.45 worth of clothing have been sold. The immense fleet of ocean transports have been almost wholly discharged, and the military railroads and telegraphs, sold, transferred or discontinued. The regular army is fixed at 54,302 men. Expenses for past year $259,374,317. Appropriation for coming year $17,728,560. About 150,000 freedmen and their children are attending school in the Southern States.
The Mexican Question Further Involved. Our relations with Mexico and France have suddenly assumed a critical attitude. Napoleon some time ago agreed to withdraw his troops from Mexico this fall, but, just as our government supposed they were about to leave, and had dispatched Gen. Sherman and Minister Campbell to witness the revival of the Juarez government, and assist in it if necessary, Napoleon has given notice that it is inconvenient to transfer his troops from Mexico this fall, and that he cannot undertake it till spring. This is in violation of express engagements, and has a very tricky look. It was this matter which occupied the attention of the cabinet at several prolonged sessions last week, at which Gen. Grant was present by invitation of the president. This fact naturally gives the matter a belligerent aspect, and Gen. Grant, who has for some time been extremely desirous to enforce the Monroe doctrine, is reported to express much indignation and disgust at the duplicity and bad faith of Napoleon.
Affairs in Utah. The alarm spread among the anti-Mormon citizens of Salt Lake City by the shocking assassination of Dr. Robinson is deep and wide spread. Their most courageous leaders are for the time awed; they feel that the hand of assassination is raised against them also; and though they will not desert their posts, they are obliged, in the absence of any government protection, to waive some of their rights as free citizens, and to keep close in their homes after dark. The federal judges, the district attorney and the U. S. marshal, with Gen. Connor, now a private but conspicuous citizen, one or all are felt to be marked for the next blow from the secret assassins in the interest of the Mormon hierarchy. The crisis in the war of social and religious elements in Utah is likely to come at any time, and to find the government powerless to protect either class of its citizens from the effects of a limited but terribly bloody civil war.
From Europe, we have information by the cable that the Fenian agitation in Ireland still continues; and that, owing to excitement among the Irish at Liverpool, guards have been posted about the depots of arms in that city. The Orangemen are stated to be strong supporters of the Government. The French officers have taken their leave of the Pope, and French vessels of war have blockaded Corea. Moustier, the French Minister of State, it is rumored, will soon resign. A note from France to the Greek Government has been sent, to put an end to the intrigues of the latter in the East, and particularly in Candia. A large fleet of French war vessels is reported ready to sail for Mexico.
The Terrible Condition of the South.
We are permitted to make the following extract of a letter from a gentleman in Georgia to a friend in New York. The writer is known to us as a worthy man and a true friend of freedom. We conceal his name and place of residence for reasons which will be apparent to every reader:
“The Northern elections have made the rebels tremble, as they did after the surrender of Lee. But it does seem to me that the Northern people do not yet fully understand the terrible condition of this country. Freedmen are murdered almost every day in some parts of this State, and in no instance have the murderers been punished by the civil authorities.
“I wish you could understand our true condition, as we understand it. It is not possible, unless you come here and spend a few weeks.
“Two attempts have been made to take my life since my return. This makes four attempts that I know have been made to assassinate me. I cannot say how many more have been made that I did not discover.
“I shall not give way an inch, but shall continue to do what I think is right; and if I am killed, I shall try and die doing my duty.
“I hope Congress will do something for us. What makes life so unsafe here is the certainty of escape should a rebel kill a ‘Yankee’ or a freedman.
“We have a few true men here.”—Independent.
What the “Bird in the Air” Said.
By N. Y. Independent
THE Pope sent word to the late Council of Bishops at Baltimore, that they must look after the emancipated negroes. This letter of instructions was made public, contrary to the intention of the council. The action of the council is kept secret until it is approved by the Pope. But “the Bird” says that a plan was concocted, to which President Johnson is a party, to this general effect:
The object is to bring the body of freedmen under the influence of the Church of Rome. As a means for this end, the President is to take the Freedmen’s Bureau out of the hands of Gen. Howard and the evangelicals, and give it to Gen. Rosecrans, who is a Romanist, and brother of one of the bishops, and who would be willing at least to be President of the United States. The three or four millions of dollars a year passing through the hands of the Bureau and its agents would supply handy change for all purposes bearing on the objects of all the parties—President, General, Bishops, Jesuits, and Pope.—N. Y. Independent.
Spain.
The Atlantic Cable brings us news of another revolutionary outbreak in Spain, which country seems to be at present in quite a volcanic state. Evidently things cannot remain as they are under Queen Isabella's rule.
H. C. WINSLOW
By H. C. WINSLOW
From Bro. Winslow.
THINKING that it might be interesting, and a source of encouragement to the people of God to learn how the cause of present truth is progressing in this State, I am induced, for the first time, to pen a few lines for the Review. I have just returned from our Monthly Meeting at Cornville, which has been the most soul-refreshing season that it has ever been my privilege to enjoy; a few particulars of which I propose to give as an indication of our present condition. The weather was favorable, and the lovers of truth seem to have made a general rally. On Sabbath and first-day, Nov. 10 and 11, it was estimated that no less than two hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers were present, which is no doubt the largest number of the friends of present truth that have ever assembled in New England. This, of itself, was a source of strength and encouragement, though not the great essential. But I firmly believe that the angels of God met with us, and the sweet, sanctifying spirit of our Lord and Master rested down upon us, which seemed to loose every band and let the oppressed go free.
As we came together evening after the Sabbath for a prayer and social meeting, the Spirit of the Lord came upon us in power, causing sinners to tremble, and the saints to greatly rejoice. It was not that wild, fanatical spirit, which has sometimes characterized meetings in New England; but a sweet, melting, heavenly spirit, which softens the heart, and draws the children of God together, in union, sympathy, and love. Cold-hearted, backslidden professors confessed their unfaithfulness to God, and started anew for the kingdom. Sinners, also, for the first time, rose to their feet, openly renouncing their past course of sin and disobedience, declaring their determinations no longer to live in rebellion against God; promising henceforth to be loyal to the government of Heaven, and expressing their desires to go through to Mount Zion with the people of God. Such a union of feeling and sentiment prevailed that we seemed to get a foretaste of what we shall have when the church of Christ all come together into the unity of the faith, when we shall all be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment. In this one meeting I think more than one hundred testimonies were borne, all flowing together in one harmonious strain.
The preached word, also, seemed to be meat in due season. I can hardly express my feelings as Bro. Canright was preaching, Sabbath forenoon, from these words: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in the body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Cor. v. 10. As he was exemplifying the true character of a self-denying servant of Christ, by referring to the life and sufferings of the apostle Paul, I felt condemned. It seemed to me, if I were weighed in the balance, I should be found wanting. When I compared myself with many others who have worn out their lives in their Master's service, the contrast seemed very great. And yet we are living in the most solemn time of our world's history. The door of mercy soon to be closed forever, and the unmixed wrath of God about to descend upon the unshielded heads of a wicked world, thousands of whom are drifting carelessly on toward that impending doom, lulled to sleep by the cry of peace and safety, but have never heard a single admonition, or the sound of alarm. Well might the Chief Shepherd say to me, “O thou wicked and slothful servant.” When I thought upon these things, a heavy burden seemed to roll upon me, which caused me to mourn and weep. Neither could I find any rest until I felt willing to consecrate myself anew to God; but when I got where I could say with full purpose of heart, Lord, thy will be done, I felt relieved; though I still feel sad in view of the great responsibility resting upon us as a people.
At the close of this meeting we all seemed to be animated with new courage and zeal to press forward in the narrow way. Like Caleb, we felt that by the assistance of the Eternal One, we were abundantly able to go up and possess that goodly land. Though the dragon be wroth, and the two-horned beast strive hard to enforce his mark upon us, we will not yield to his unholy demands, nor be moved by his fearful threats; but in the strength of Israel's God, we will firmly stand upon his eternal truth until the last conflict is over. We will “fight the good fight of faith,” and sing the victor's song. I felt as though our captivity was turned, and that a new era had dawned upon the State of Maine. Old prejudices are fast giving way before the rising light of the third angel's message, and many of the honest-hearted are beginning to realize their past inconsistencies, and see that in order to be identified with the remnant people of God, we must have the testimony of Jesus Christ, which is the spirit of prophecy, together with the commandments of God. Truly a great work has been done since Brn. Andrews, Cornell, and Canright, came to our State; and still the good work seems to have but fairly commenced.
In conclusion, I would say to those dear brethren who have so nobly contributed of their means, and sent their most efficient laborers to sustain the Eastern Mission, God has accepted your offerings, and his blessing is resting upon the earnest efforts put forth by his faithful servants in spreading the last saving message to a perishing world, and you will in no wise lose your reward.
H. C. WINSLOW
Topsham, Me., Nov. 20, 1866.
C. BYINGTON
By C. BYINGTON
From Sister Byington.
Bro. Smith: With others I would add the word of my testimony on the side of God's people. Our Savior gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify us unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. To live out the present truth will certainly make us very peculiar. Keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, while all the world beside are keeping the Sabbath of man, to live out the Health Reform, and to obey all the truth, will make us peculiar; but if we are not zealous in all these good works, we shall not be purified with those who are being fitted up for the coming of the Lord.
I long for the time to come when, as a people, we shall be more zealous, more watchful and prayerful, more humble, more self-denying and cross-bearing, live out the Health Reform more fully, and press together more unitedly. When we are zealous in all the truth, then we shall be like a city set on a hill, then we shall be a terror to the wicked, then the work will go with power, then we shall experience a refreshing from the presence of the Lord, then the latter rain will be poured upon us, and we shall hear the loud cry of the third angel.
I believe, as Bro. Cottrell has remarked, that the purifying work is going steadily on. The Lord has not afflicted his people for nought; they have not fainted in the day of adversity. We may have to be afflicted more, but our prayer is, that the dealings of God with his people may tend to make us more zealous of good works.
C. BYINGTON
Ceresco, Mich.
Conference Department.
Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.Heb. x, 25.
This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the conference or social meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and a free Christian experience.
Encouragement from Believers’ Testimonies
By Wm. Penniman
From Bro. Penniman.
BRO. SMITH: I have often been cheered and encouraged by reading in the Review the testimonies of the scattered ones. We all have a work to accomplish, and an enemy who would triumph over us. We must gain the victory, or lose the crown of glory which is the reward of the faithful. We are told to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Often has my burden been made lighter, my determinations stronger, and hope of eternal life more firm, when I have listened to the testimonies and exhortations of the people of God.
I am thankful for the Review, and am glad it is to be enlarged. It is just what the remnant need in these last days. I like it because it enables me to understand more clearly the great truths of the Bible. It is over two years and a half since I first listened to the proclamation of present truth. From the very fact that the church to which I belonged professed to take the Bible for her guide, and yet closed her doors against its plain teachings (prohibiting Bro. Waggoner from finishing his course of lectures), my eyes were opened to see the corruption of “fallen Babylon,” and I resolved to come out of her that I be not partakers of her sins, and receive not of her plagues. I have never regretted that I took a stand for the truth, but only regret that I do not better live it out.
Beloved fellow-pilgrims, remember me in your prayers, that I may have that faith that works by love, that purifies the heart, and overcomes the world, and that I may watch for the coming of the Lord, and with you rejoice in his salvation.
Yours striving for the kingdom.
WM. PENNIMAN.
*N. Bloomfield, O. Nov. 1866.
Publish the Youth’s Instructor Weekly
By John McMillan
From Bro. McMillan.
Bro. Smith: I am happy to think that the Review is to be enlarged. I hope to be able to get some new subscribers by the first of the new volume. My offer of five dollars a year is still good if a sermon in each number is forth-coming.
The Youth's Instructor should be published weekly, cost what it may. Should we, the parents, eat four meals, while our children have but one? The reverse is often the case. The rule will hold good in spiritual and intellectual food. Don't let our children reproach us with selfishness for a few cents a year.
JOHN McMILLAN.
Prescott, Wis.
CORNELIA RICE
By Cornelia Rice
From Sister Rice.
BRO. SMITH: Being one of the lonely ones I wish to say through the Review that my desire is to so live that I may be gathered with the saints when Jesus comes, for not many times do I expect to meet with them on earth, as I am afflicted with the asthma. But how was my heart cheered with a visit from Bro. Fuller and Bro. and sister Brooks; and my prayer is, that Bro. F. or some of the messengers may come this way. It seems to me that good might be done. I rejoice to hear of the good work in other places, and wait in hope to see a work done here. I am trying to humble myself and follow the teachings of the Spirit; but I have much unbelief to contend with. I have trials without, and temptations within, but yet I know the strong arm of the Lord is able to bear me up, and I feel that I can trust in him. His hand is in the work, and he will lead his people on to certain victory. My anxious care is to be one among his people. When I think that our God is the same God that led Israel out of Egypt, and with what precision he marked their way, how he punished them for disobedience, I often tremble, and sincerely desire to be led by the pillar and cloud.