Your ShelfYour Projects

Review and Herald, Vol. XXX, No. 10

THE CAUSE OF SPIRITUAL DARKNESS.
Earlier text: BOWER'S ESCAPE FROM THE INQUISITION.

REPORT FROM BRO. FULLER.

By N. Fuller

Although much time has elapsed since my last report, I would say that my interest in the cause of God is still the same. In April I visited the churches of Adams’ Center, Mannsville, and Roosevelt. They were meetings of more than ordinary interest, as has already been reported of some of them. After returning home, I soon left for Battle Creek to attend the General Conference; and I wish to say that that was a meeting of deep interest to me. I left that Conference more than ever before resolved to be a faithful, humble, obedient servant of Christ; and I could truly say that I would rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. God blessed his people at that meeting with a humble Spirit, and renewed zeal. Oh! may it not be lost, but increased throughout the wide harvest-field.
At the close of the Conference I parted with friends that were very dear to me. Some I had not seen for several years before. The parting was painful, but was made much easier by the blessed hope, which says, as expressed by the poet,
“Meet again when time is o’er, Meet again to part no more, How it cheers the drooping heart, When from friends we’re called to part.”
Since the Conference I have visited churches and scattered brethren in Allegany Co., N. Y., McKean and Potter Cos., Pa., and have tried to help them what I could. I find a desire to arise with the message among nearly all I have visited. The Health-Reform question is being discussed largely, and I think the final decision will be in its favor.
I am highly pleased to see the sisters coming out in the latest fashion; I do not mean a fashion from New York city or from Paris, but from one in accordance with light from a higher source; who will be afraid to follow it? It may be that some will; for some are so sensitive that if an angel from Heaven should visit them they would be afraid to have their neighbors know it; but Mary, the mother of Jesus, was not. I believe the Health Reform in all its branches is just what we as a people need. God grant that all may receive the truth on this important question.
Yours for the truth.                 N. FULLER.
Nile, N. Y., July 20, 1867.

“HIGHER LAW.”

By R. F. COTTERELL

Some years ago, when Mr. Seward in Congress intimated that there was a higher law than the constitution of the United States, his language was considered as blasphemy against that constitution he was sworn to support; and it certainly did elevate the law he alluded to above that of the country. The sentiment is true however; there is a higher than human law.
But when I hear it asserted by professed ministers of the gospel, and even such as profess the advent faith, that there is a higher law than that which was proclaimed in person by the great Jehovah and written by his own finger in tables of stone, I cannot believe the assertion true; and can only look upon it as speaking great words, even words of blasphemy, against the Most High. A higher law than the moral code uttered by the lips of the Most High and given in his own hand writing to men—the only moral code revealed in the word of God! And where is this higher law written? asked I of a young minister recently. Said he, “In men’s hearts.”
He certainly did not realize what he was doing. Had he viewed it in its true light, he would have shuddered with horror at words so bold and blasphemous. The Man of Sin himself could blaspheme God’s law no more than to say there was a higher law, and that in the minds of men. Spiritualism utters no greater blasphemy when it sets aside the word of God, on the claim of its new revelations, asserting that man is his own saviour and redeemer, his own judge—in his own scales weighed. If it is Adventism to claim that there is a higher law than the only moral code God ever gave to man—that law which he declared by the mouth of David was perfect—then I do not blame people for classing Adventism and Spiritualism together. Such a doctrine does not belong to Adventism, but to Spiritualism. There is nothing more subtle and Satanic than to pretend that the Holy Spirit writes a higher law in men’s hearts than the highest law which God ever did utter, or was capable of uttering. He spoke his royal law, and declared it perfect. No better edition can ever be given. He has not attempted to improve it; but by it the apostles teach us that he will judge the world. Rom. ii, 12–16, Jas. ii, 8–13.
R. F. COTTERELL.

REPORT FROM BRO. WHITE.

By James White

SIXTH-DAY, Aug. 2nd, in company with Bro. and sister Strong, I came to this place, and stopped with Bro. Sevy. Mrs. White was not able to come, which proves a great disappointment to the brethren as well as the people generally. We had never been here, and the desire to hear her was very great. The roads are good, and the country much older than I expected. Bro. Sevy has a large house and excellent accommodations.
Sabbath morning I spoke to sixty grown persons in a grove, upon baptism as connected with Bible conversion. The interest was good. In the afternoon I spoke three-fourths of an hour upon the same subject, followed by Bro. Strong and twenty-five others in social conference meeting. Bro. Strong has also spoken to this people two evenings since he came to this place. Some are ready for baptism. Quite a number will go forward soon, some of whom have recently embraced the Sabbath under Bro. Strong’s labors. My rest here has been sweet, having enjoyed eight hours’ sleep each night.
First-day morning I spoke to one hundred and fifty in the grove upon sanctification, dwelling principally upon temperance as necessary to patience. In the afternoon Bro. Strong addressed the people for an hour and a half upon the two laws. I followed for an hour. But the interest flagged and the congregation fell off in numbers on account of the absence of Mrs. W. Bro. Strong’s evening meetings were well attended and the general interest was good. We hope to meet them in a few weeks, and they have the privilege of hearing Mrs. W.
Second-day I returned home fifty-five miles in the intense heat and dust. Bro. and sister Strong are with us. We enjoy their society very much.
The present week so far has been very hot, dry and oppressive, and I have done but little except to visit the post office, dentist, write and rest. To-day we hope to see brethren from the region round about to our general gathering. I would here state that eight came from Gratiot Co. to the Greenbush meeting. By a few moments consultation it was thought best to have our meeting there sooner than the first of October. Due notice of the time and the place will be given in the Review.
JAMES WHITE.

REPORT FROM BRO. STRATTON.

By Chas. Stratton

According to appointment, in company with Bro. Howard, I visited the church in Woodstock; found them in a low, discouraged state; stayed with them over two Sabbaths. It being a very busy time of year and also very rainy, we did not do all that we desired. We held as many meetings as we thought proper, celebrated the ordinances with the church, and added two to their number. We left feeling more encouraged to fight the good fight of faith. We then returned home to do some haying.
July 19, started by railroad to attend the Monthly Meeting at Brunswick. Here I met Bro. Howard, but on account of one of the most severe storms we have had for the season we did not have a large gathering, but we trust our meeting was profitable. Had a very solemn, interesting season in celebrating the ordinances with the church. On Monday, the 22d, I bade Bro. Howard good-bye, as he went to join Bro. Andrews in the work in N. H.; felt sorry to part. I returned to Cornville to prepare for Monthly Meeting. The Monthly gathering here was one of good interest. The social meetings were interesting, and the preaching from Brn. Barnes and Putnam was meat in due season, instructive and convincing. We expect to see an ingathering of souls in this place. The Lord will have a company all purified and made white.
July 31, I started to fill appointments in Topsham and Falmouth, and to attend the Monthly Meeting in Portland. After driving all day Friday in a rainstorm, I arrived at our dear Bro. Howland’s in T., and was cordially received and very kindly cared for. On Sabbath, we held another meeting in a rainstorm. On first-day, cleared off pleasant. Met in the Temperance Hall in Brunswick. Preached twice with much freedom; baptized four. It was one of the pleasantest seasons I ever enjoyed. In the evening had an excellent meeting at Bro. Howland’s. Six were added to the church.
Tuesday evening, Aug. 4, attended prayer-meeting in Pleasant Point. The cause demands labor in this place that souls may be gathered into the church.
Brethren pray for the cause in this place.
CHAS. STRATTON.
Topsham, Me.

MONTHLY MEETING IN CLYDE, OHIO.

By John H. Waggoner

By request of the churches of Green Springs and West Townsend, they were united into one under the name of the church of Clyde, by the recent Conference. A Monthly Meeting was held in Clyde, August 10 and 11. The church of Clyde has now about twenty members; some of the members of the late Green Springs church have removed to Fremont. At a business meeting on the 11th, Bro. O. F. Guilford was elected Elder, Bro. W. D. Sharpe, Clerk, and Bro. Wm. Herald, Deacon and Treasurer. The ordinances were celebrated in the afternoon of the same day.
This was an excellent meeting. It is believed that the union above referred to will prove a benefit to the cause in Sandusky Co.; all seemed much encouraged, and they have taken hold of the work anew under their new name with hopeful prospects. May the love and zeal which animated them at this meeting ever be manifested toward God, his saints, and his cause. J. H. WAGGONER.

A HEALTHY DIET.

By Angelia J. Edmunds

WHEN man was created, God said, “Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” Gen. i, 29. This was a healthy diet for man; and eternal life would have been his to enjoy, had he not transgressed. The curse was pronounced. Man must die. His manner of living being healthful, he did not then die of disease, but of old age. Immediately after the flood, God said, “Every moving thing that liveth, shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.” Gen. ix, 3. And man’s life from that day to this has been growing shorter and shorter. We now seldom hear of a person one hundred and twenty years old. Has not our kind Father been exercising tender forbearance since that time? “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Pet. iii, 9. If we could expect this world would remain as it now is one hundred years, with what a poor dying race of beings should we find it peopled. Disease of both man and beast is fast increasing. Even now the average age of man does not exceed thirty years.
“As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” Eze. xxxiii, 11. Yes, our Father would have us overcome every evil imagination of our hearts. It is not his pleasure that we should live in a poor, dying state. All are being faithfully warned by the third angel. The honest-hearted will heed the cry, and adopt that manner of food given the holy pair in the garden of Eden.
He gave the children of Israel “the corn of Heaven.” “Man did eat angels’ food.” Ps. lxxviii. But they lusted after flesh, “and he gave them their request but sent leanness into their souls.” Ps. cvi, 15. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.” 1 Cor. x, 6. In Num. xi, we read that “the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic.” The principal evil they lusted after was flesh. The anger of the Lord was kindled greatly. Moses also was displeased. Did he murmur and lust after such things? No; he was willing to give up all if he could but enter the promised land. He said, “Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat.” Num. xi, 13. God caused quails to fall round about the camp. “And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord smote the people with a very great plague.” Num. xi, 33.
To lust after flesh is an evil. Flesh food is an evil; for Paul says that when they lusted after flesh, they lusted after evil. Man’s ways were continually evil. God, because of the hardness of man’s heart, has suffered much evil in the earth; “but from the beginning it was not so.” Hear Webster define evil: “Having bad qualities of a natural kind; mischievous; having qualities which tend to injure, or to produce mischief.” How much mischief evil produced in the camp, when so many died of the plague! And still man’s life is shortened by diseases of various kinds, because of this evil, flesh. While I write I am reminded of what physicians say about the bad qualities of swine’s flesh, which always had a tendency to injure, and more especially now, because it is so much diseased. It is expressly spoken against in the Bible; yet in our land it is more extensively used as an article of food than the flesh of any other animal.
Dear brother or sister, if you still lust after this evil, I would warn you before it is too late. Soon the wrath of God will be poured out without mixture of mercy. O hasten that you may escape the seven last plagues. We are living in the tarrying time. The one hundred and forty-four thousand will be translated without seeing death. They will heed the light that has been given. They will be willing to give up that which God saw fit to give man for food, only because his ways were evil before him.
I thank my heavenly Father for the light that has been given on the health question. Praise his holy name for the testimonies. God has again put his hand to the work. If we do not obey him he will send leanness into our souls. ANGELIA J. EDMUNDS.

WHAT IS DUTY?

By H. F. PHELPS

MATT. ix, 37, 38. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.
These words of our Saviour are full of meaning and are as applicable to this present time as to any other since the days of Christ, if not more so.
For some time I have been meditating upon them, and in the midst of my cogitations, No. 3 of Review came to hand with Bro. Waggoner’s piece entitled “A Neglected Duty.” Brethren please read it again. The reasons there presented are good, conclusive to my mind that the time has come; that it is an imperative duty for God’s people now at this time to inquire concerning this thing. “The fields are already white to the harvest.” Many are the calls, fields opening everywhere; but who shall go? Often have I thought of these words of Christ, as I have seen the urgent calls for help from California and other places; souls starving for the truth; perishing for lack of knowledge; and the church—where is she? Getting rich! not realizing her condition, nor her duty. Let us arouse, be zealous and repent. The Lord spare this people a little longer. It may be we shall awake. If not, dreadful indeed will be our condition. Grown lukewarm, gone to sleep, with the sound of the most solemn truths ever proclaimed to the world, greeting our ears! The faithful Witness calling upon us to awake, to buy gold, white raiment and eyesalve! When shall we awake! Will it be when it is too late? Will it be only to see that we have gone to ruin with others hanging to our skirts?
A few years ago and this message was stayed in its onward march, by a most desolating war, which threatened to send privation and mourning to the hearts of all, both North and South. The war was the whole theme of discourse. What then? A united cry was raised that the winds might be held till God’s servants were sealed. God heard the prayers of his people. The winds were stayed. We expected to see the work of God move forward; but how were we disappointed. The watchmen were smitten down by disease brought on by undue burdens, being overtaxed both physically and mentally. What then? Another cry that they might be healed. The great Helper of Israel heard again.
“Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.” Every time we have been brought to a stand point, where we could go no farther unless God interposed, according as we have humbled ourselves and asked, God has shown a willingness to hear and work as we were willing and ready that he might work. We have a duty to do here. We are walled in upon every side; before us the Red sea, behind, our enemies, who rejoice over us; upon either side we have impregnable mountains, the world, the flesh and the Devil, to war against. If we stop here we are lost. We must go on or perish. May God help us to do right.
As I read Bro. W.’s remarks, “If our brethren neglect this duty much longer, they will have to appropriate a season of prayer and fasting for the Lord to continue the labors of those in the field,” I thought, why not appropriate a season of prayer and fasting, that God would send out men, who feel the solemnity of this work, and are endowed with a good degree of his Spirit, to aid those already in the field, that their labors be not so heavy.
Again I say, please read the article again in No. 3, present volume, and then prayerfully consider the question, What shall we do?
H. F. PHELPS.
Pine Island, Minn.

LITTLE THINGS.

By M. J. COTTRELL

“Little deeds of kindness, little words of love, Make our earth an Eden, like the Heaven above.”
It was a smile, simply a smile on the face of a friend, that made my heart beat lighter and forget its load of care.
It was a little flower, a pale forget-me-not, at another time a tiny sweet rose-bud, that cousin gave me; little things they were, but they formed new links in the chain of love between us, for the simple reason that she knew I loved such things, and because she knew I loved them, she had saved them for me.
I dropped my spool of thread, and a perfect stranger, who was sitting near as busily engaged as myself, rose from her seat, picked it up and returned it to me. If every one were as kind there would be few cross words.
I was sick, and many were the little deeds of love kind friends showered upon me. Sister Etta brought me books and pictures; sister Delia hung my room with green bushes; darling Ray brought me a whole tumbler-full of bright dandelions, and being an offering of love from little hands I prized them accordingly. Brother came to my room often and asked, “How is sister,” with love in his voice. Father smoothed my tumbled hair and told me to be patient and trust in God. Mother never left me for the night without imprinting a kiss on my forehead. And these were only the little things, still they bound my heart with stronger cords of love to those dear ones.
I was almost discouraged in regard to an effort I had been making, and was on the point of giving up. A kind friend gave me words of encouragement, and oh! how the waves of gratitude surged around my heart. Words were inadequate to express my thanks for that encouragement.
Little things, all, and I might go on enumerating such, I know not how long, for I see them all along through the by-gone years. But you, my reader, doubtless have the same experience. These little things I have thought are like the tiny ripples on the surface of the broad ocean. The little efforts we make may seem to us overwhelmed and cast out of sight by the more successful efforts of others, and we may be tempted to cease our efforts. But we should not. If every little ripple were taken from the ocean, because it is so small and so easily lost from view, where would be the beauty we so much admire, and which is made by little sparkling ripples, in themselves almost nothing, but together with others they make this beauty. And thus it is with our little efforts for good; standing alone they may seem as nothing, but grouped with others they help to make earth an Eden. If we stop striving because we are less successful than others, the words “Well done” will never be spoken to us.
Rochester, N. Y.
M. J. COTTRELL.

THE JOURNEY HOME.

By VESTA N. CUDWORTH

AIR.—Dying Californian.

“Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.” Ps. lxvi, 16.
Jesus is my hope in suff’ring, And my anchor in the storm; Angry waves around are dashing, But my anchor holds me strong. Safely sailing ’mid the dangers, Shunning quicksands, reef, and shoal; For my compass never changes, Pointing to the steady pole.
Clouds of darkness ’round me linger, But my soul is glad and brave; For a light from Father’s window, Streams far o’er the foaming wave. Sweetest songs are softly stealing, Through the lengthened gloom of night; From the harps of angels’ pealing, From the land of fadeless light.
In my wake, the horrid monsters, Track me by the blood-stain’d way; But my Pilot never slumbers, Fighting for me day by day; Then my soul grows strong for suff’ring, With my Lord I’ll take the cup; Oh! ’tis mingled with such sweetness, I can joy to drink it up.
Step by step, life’s duties pass me, One by one, they disappear; Jesus smiles on every vict’ry, Every effort, every tear. Faith, the cloudy ladder climbing, Spies beyond, the coming dawn; I have found “the silver lining” And the rainbow in the storm.
Now he’s making up his jewels, Fitting up the spotless dress; Whiter than the snows of Salmon, ’Tis his glorious righteousness; In the vernal fields of Eden, Over on the starry shore, Will no robes of white be given, All must wear them here before.
Through the breakers now he’s steering, As they wildly round me roar; But the gallant vessel ’s nearing Home, where storms will all be o’er; Faith ’s the cable strong, that holds me, Love distils like honeyed dew, And his glorious arm is ’round me, While he bears me safely through.
VESTA N. CUDWORTH.
So. Lancaster, Mass.

CONTENTMENT.

By J. Q. Foy

HUMAN life, like the surface of the earth, is diversified, here a joy, and there a grief; now a calm, and then a storm. The bitter with the sweet is blended all through life's journey. Now we may be treading a flowery path; anon we meet with thorns and briers. To-day all is sunshine, and to our meager vision naught but happiness and prosperity appear; our cup of joy is running over. To-morrow, dark clouds of adversity may lower above us, and as full may be our cup of sorrow. To-day we are enjoying the society of dear friends; to-morrow they may be snatched from our embrace.
We might wish that it were otherwise. Yet in these the wisdom and goodness of God are manifest. Our life is but “a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away;” and were it all joy, satisfied with earth, we might cease to strive for Heaven; forgetful of our mortality, immortality might cease to be the object of our desires. Were it all trials and gloom, were there no rift in the cloud, we might faint beneath our burdens. Our all-wise and merciful Creator “knoweth our frame, he remembereth that we are dust,” and like a tender parent takes us by the hand. That dear Saviour who died for us, knows how to sympathize with us. He is still able and willing to bear our griefs. He will not forsake us while we make him our portion. We may still hear him say, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
And yet in a sense is it true that life is what we make it. Brooding over our misfortunes, we may magnify mole hills into mountains, and in imagination sink beneath burdens never to be borne; even the sweet may be made bitter. But having the love of God as the mainspring of every action, making it our first business to glorify him, we may confidently hope that his gentle hand will buoy us above the waves of adversity, and be at peace, contented, assured that all will be well.
A contented mind is one of the greatest of blessings—a blessing which few possess, and yet one which it is the privilege of every one to enjoy. We read that “godliness with contentment is great gain,” and we may add, the two are inseparably connected. Without godliness we could not be really contented, were the world at our command. Were we in possession of the wealth of the Indies, and all the lore of ages; could we inscribe our name on the loftiest pinnacle of fame, and be held in admiration by the great of earth, yet without godliness, we are like a ship without ballast. The ambitious and worldly are ever discontented, ever aspiring after something beyond their reach, while the truly godly are contented in whatever lot may, in the providence of God, be assigned them. Then let us learn with the great apostle, in whatever state we are, therewith to be content.
J. Q. FOY.
Madison Co., N. Y.

From Sister Brant.

By E. M. Brant

A LITTLE more than a year has passed away since I commenced keeping the seventh-day Sabbath. When my attention was first called to the subject by an absent sister, my mind revolted at the idea of keeping as the Sabbath, one of the working days of the week, and working while others worshiped; yet something seemed to whisper, “Don’t be afraid to read on the subject. If it is God’s truth, embrace it; if not, condemn it.” I did read, and tried hard to quiet conscience and sustain myself in Sunday-keeping, but all to no purpose. Light had dawned on my pathway, and I felt that I must walk in it. I had often spoken of bearing the cross, despising the shame; but oh! how little I knew the full import of the words till I came to the spot where I must tell my brethren and sisters and all around me, that henceforth I must keep the Bible Sabbath. I felt then that I knew something of the deep meaning of those words, “Going forth to him without the camp, bearing his reproach.”
But I have been sustained, and can now say with the apostle, Those things that were gain to me, I count but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus. Like many others I am too far from those of like precious faith to sustain social meetings on the Sabbath, though my companion and six more are trying to keep the Sabbath in this vicinity. The minds of many in the community have been called up to the subject, and it is astonishing to me with what flimsy excuses they will try to quiet their consciences, and pass on with the multitude to the Judgment.
Said one man to me not long since, “To-day is your Sabbath, is it not?” I replied “We feel that it is the Lord’s Sabbath and are trying to keep it as such.” “So do I,” said he; “I can find nothing in the word of God to sustain the change.” Yet he went right on to do business on that day and keep the first. He professed to love God and keep his commandments.
Another says, “I believe the seventh day is the right day to keep; but the cross is so great I cannot take it up.” Oh! how can such read with pleasure the words, “He that hath my commands and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and if ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.” I dare not trifle with these things, lest it be said, “In vain do ye worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men.”
And now I wish to say a word of encouragement to those who write, print, and send out the Review. If Christ will say in the great day of final reckoning, “Inasmuch as ye did it to one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it unto me,” what will be your reward who are weekly feeding so many with words of encouragement, of warning, of knowledge! Where could the scattered believers in Christ’s speedy coming look for such comforting words; such strengthening food; such light for their pathway, if it were not for the Review. Then let the printers be encouraged, and you who have written, write again. You who have sent out the silent messengers, send others. They won’t be lost.
And to you who are troubled, persecuted for your faith and hope, I would say, Bear it patiently a little longer. He who watches the falling sparrow, will know when your cup is full. He waits with interest to remove the cup of affliction, and give you the crown of glory that fades not away.
And here I want to acknowledge a debt of gratitude I owe to some unknown hand, and to whom shall I ascribe it? I refer to the receipt of the Review, paid for to Vol. 31. Shall I ascribe it to a kind Providence who has always so kindly watched over my interest? Yes I do, and thank his holy name; but that Providence moved some heart and hand to bestow the gift.
E. M. BRANT.
Clayton, Minn.

GOT THE BLUES.

By H. A. ST. JOHN

This is in popular parlance, an expression of very common occurrence. It signifies, we understand, a discouraged and fretful condition of the mind. Nor is this affliction (for affliction it certainly is), of less frequent occurrence. Most of us know what it is from experience; and how thankful we have been to get relief from its depressing influence. Go where you will and you will find men and women suffering from this health-destroying malady. Nor are the people of God entirely free from it. But we rejoice in the fact that Christian temperance, as exhibited in the Health Reform, is working for them a permanent cure. I hope we shall soon get where the above-named expression will become entirely obsolete with us as a people.
Brother, sister, let us walk out on the firm platform of the present truth, which, as a bright and shining light, is shining brighter and brighter as we near the glorious consummation. Get the “Christian graces,” and then you will never be troubled with the “blues,” for the two are incompatible.
H. A. ST. JOHN.
Ransom Center, 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 true Christian experience.
From Sister Holt.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: As the invitation is to all, to avail themselves of the privilege so kindly extended to us in the letter department, I would say that I am trying to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I am thankful that I ever saw the light of present truth. How cheering the hope which buoys the fainting heart above this cold dark world of selfishness and sin, and points to the hour of Jesus' coming, to take his waiting, toil-worn ones to himself. I am striving to overcome that I may be there. Though my heart often shrinks in view of my weakness and unfaithfulness, and though I am very sensible that I am a great sinner, yet I feel like striving more and more to overcome, through the help of Him who is faithful and true. The rich reward promised to the faithful is worth any sacrifice of earthly good. My heart is often pained by open opposition from opposers of the truth; but I thank the Lord that thus far his grace has been sufficient for even this. I feel to give all honor to the reform in all points, and am trying to practice it. Pray for me that I may so live as to have the protection of Him who has promised to be the widow's God, and the father of the fatherless. I need much grace, I have much to overcome; but I desire to be so humble, and walk so circumspectly before the Lord that I can claim his promises. I hope to overcome and behold the King in his beauty.
M. A. HOLT.
Vermont.

From Sister Dibble.

By M. F. Dibble

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: As I read your cheering testimonies in the Conference Department, I feel to cast in my mite as one striving for the kingdom by trying to keep all the commandments of God, and having the faith of Jesus. It is about two years and a half since I first saw the light of present truth; and I rejoice to say and feel that the more I search the Scriptures of truth, the brighter the light shines. Yes, precious Bible! what a treasure! how rich to the hungry soul are its precious truths, direct from the lips of the dear Redeemer! How consoling to the weary traveler are the precious promises therein contained! Had we, lonely ones, no other source of comfort than the divine word and the accompanying Holy Spirit, we should still have no cause to complain; but, on the contrary, bless God for the daily manna which still remains for those who murmur not in the way that God leads his chosen people. And then the many minor helps we have as aids to the heavenly Canaan: the Review, with its counsel and encouragement, the Health Reform, just in time to repair our broken and wasted constitutions, Spiritual Gifts, Thoughts on Revelation, and all the others on present truth. These, if appreciated and lived out, would be sufficient it would seem to fill up our moments so profitably that there would be no room for the adversary to whisper doubts, discouragements, and murmurings. Then let us gird on the armor of God and press on our way to the end of the Christian race. Pray for us scattered ones that we be gathered with you to Mount Zion.
M. F. DIBBLE.
Wyoming Co., N. Y.

THE OHIO CONFERENCE.

By I. N. VAN GORDER; JOS. CLARKE

Fifth Annual Session.

PURSUANT to the call of the Committee through the Review, this Conference assembled in session at Lovett's Grove, Wood Co., Ohio, on Thursday, August 1, 1867, at 6 P. M. Prayer by Eld. J. N. Loughborough.
The delegates to the Conference were then called for, and their credentials examined. Number of delegates present, nine, representing eight churches. Two churches were represented by letter.
As recommended by General Conference, the following resolution was adopted as Sec. 3, Art. vii, of our State Conference constitution.
This Conference may at its discretion invite all persons present who are members of our churches in good standing to take part in the discussion of business, but not to participate in voting.
On motion, all members present in good standing, were invited to take part in the deliberations of this Conference.
Minutes of previous meeting called for, read and accepted.
The following committees were appointed.
On Resolutions. Elders J. H. Waggoner, J. N. Loughborough, and I. D. Van Horn.
On Nominations. Eld. I. D. Van Horn, and Brn. Geo. Smith, and Levi Gregory.
To audit and settle accounts with ministers. Brn. M. Kittle, Jno. Clarke, R. Humphries, Geo. Smith, Wm. Crous, and Jos. Clarke.
Adjourned to Friday morning, at 9 A. M.
Second Session. Met according to adjournment. On motion, it was resolved to add the resolution on page 15 of General Conference minutes, that a committee of six be appointed to assist in settling accounts with ministers, to page 4 of the Ohio Conference minutes.
Also it was resolved to add to Art. iv, page 5, two resolutions respecting the expulsion of members, calling them Secs. 3 and 4. See report of Mich. Conference.
The Treasurer's report was then called for, read and approved as follows:
Amount of funds on hand at the time of last report, $ 666.43. Amount received during the year, 885.82. Total, $1552.25. Expenditures during the year, $1100.00. Balance in the Treasury Aug. 1, 1867, 452.25. Total, $1552.25.
JOHN MEARS, Treasurer.
By request, the name of Lovett's Grove church, was changed to Bowling Green, Wood Co., O., as the Lovett's Grove post office has been discontinued.
By request, the church in Jackson is hereafter to be called the church in Fremont, and the churches of Green Springs and West Townsend are by their desire, united and named the church in Clyde.
Credentials were granted to Bro. Waggoner for the ensuing year, the General Conference committee having decided that he be located in Ohio.
Report of the committee on resolutions called for, read, and separately considered, and unanimously adopted (see report of General Conference), viz., 1. Instructing church clerks, not to give letters of commendation without the voice of the church. 2. A resolution discouraging the removal of members of churches for trivial reasons, or without consent of the church. 3. A resolution stating to whom the ordinances belong. 4. A caution against the dealing in patent rights. 5. Protest against S. D. Adventists going about the country peddling, and at the same time presenting points of present truth; the church deeming such a mingling of sacred and common things irreverent and wholly improper. 6. A resolution expressing our confidence in Spiritual Gifts. 7. A resolution calling the attention of all to the work entitled Appeal to Mothers. 8. Health Reform an important feature of “present truth.” 9. A resolution recognizing the hand of God in the establishment of the Health Institute. 10. Dress, recommending Judson's Letter, and the pamphlet containing this and Conference resolutions on the same subject. 11. A resolution recommending the reform dress as worn at the Health Institute. 12. A resolution deprecating war as a violation of the teachings of Christ. 13. A resolution of humility, in view of general self-laudation at the time of the close of the war of the great rebellion.
Committee on nominations reported, naming the following persons for officers for the ensuing year:
For President, Eld. J. H. Waggoner, Bowling Green, Wood Co., O. Secretary, Jno. Clarke, Portage, Wood Co., O. Treasurer, John Mears, Bowling Green. Executive committee, J. H. Waggoner, O. Mears, Geo. Smith.
On motion, the report of the committee was accepted and the nominations acted upon as a whole, and they were thus unanimously elected.
Distribution of labor came next in order. Calls from various parts of Ohio were made and considered. Adjourned till 3 P. M.
Afternoon. Third session. Opened by prayer by Eld. Waggoner. The following resolutions were adopted:
1. That we recommend to the brethren and sisters in Ohio to unite in daily prayer to the Lord of the harvest, to send forth laborers; and to set apart the tenth day of September next, as a day of fasting and prayer for that object.
2. That the churches in Ohio be requested to pay into the State Treasury, all moneys received into their church funds.
3. That the church in Orwell be permitted to retain 10 per cent of their funds, for a charitable object.
4. That we appropriate $50.00 of our Conference funds to the Gen. Conf. Missionary Fund.
5. That we appropriate $50.00 of our Conference funds to the S. D. A. P. Association.
6. That we appropriate $50.00 of our Conference funds to the charitable fund of the Health Institute.
7. That we tender our thanks to the church of Bowling Green for entertaining this Conference.
8. That the minutes of this Conference be published in the Advent Review.
Adjourned to the call of the committee.
I. N. VAN GORDER, President.
JOS. CLARKE, Secretary.
Continue reading: OHIO CONFERENCE ADDRESS.