As THOSE texts which speak of the death and burial of our race, give no intimation that any part of man is exempt from death or escapes going into the grave, so texts which speak of the resurrection, represent men as coming forth from the grave and not from any other place; and also teach that but for the resurrection they are utterly lost.
Says Jesus, 'And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.' And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.' Jno. vi, 39, 40.
The last day is the day of the coming of Christ and the resurrection of the just. The idea conveyed by the text is, that if Christ should fail to raise up his people in that day, they would be lost. If the popular teachings were true—if the soul can exist independent of the body—the salvation of the saints is not dependent on the resurrection; and it would not be a loss worth mentioning should the mortal dust never be gathered up again. But the Bible knows nothing of a human soul existing without the body, but makes the salvation of the dead, and their everlasting life, wholly dependent on the resurrection. Every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life, and 'I will raise him up at the last day.'
'For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.' Col. iii, 3, 4.
When we hear the apostle say to living men 'Ye are dead,' we understand him as using a figure of speech. What then is the meaning of this figure? He does not mean to say that his Colossian brethren were dead in trespasses and sins; for they had had a resurrection from that death. He says to them in the preceding chapter, 'And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.' Verse 13.
He does not mean to say that they were 'dead to sin,' for when they became dead to sin, they became 'alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.' Rom. vi, 11. There should be no resurrection from that death—they should forever remain dead indeed to sin. There is no life to sin 'hid with Christ in God.' The Colossians had found that they were dead in sins; that in consequence of this they were exposed to literal death; for 'the wages of sin is death'—'sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.' They had died to sin by repentance, and had been literally buried in water to signify this, and had been raised from the watery grave as a sign that they were risen again, and not to their former life of sin, but to a new life of obedience in Christ. They had been planted in the likeness of his death and raised in the likeness of his resurrection, that they might 'walk in newness of life.' Rom. vi. Hence the apostle says 'If ye then be risen with Christ.' &c.
All this is to signify something real. And what is it? It is this: Our natural life, derived from Adam is forfeited by sin. It is irrecoverably lost and consequently if we enjoy a future and everlasting life, it must be derived from Christ the second Adam, who is a life-giving spirit. We are now prepared to understand the meaning of the figure: 'Ye are dead,' &c. Their literal life had been forfeited,—it was unconditionally and irrecoverably lost; for sin had entered into the world, and death by sin. We say of the culprit condemned to die, he is a dead man. When God sent his plagues upon the Egyptians and the first-born in every house was slain, the living cried out in despair, 'We be all dead men.' Ex. xii, 33. So Paul could say to those who were risen with Christ by faith, Ye are dead—your life was forfeited when Adam sinned, and death has passed upon all. But still you have life in prospect. Though it is not received, yet it is secure; it is hid with Christ in God. When will this new life be given? When Christ who is our life shall appear. Then ye will be living men—ye will appear with him in glory.
The Colossian brethren to whom Paul wrote, yielded up the life, which they derived from Adam, eighteen117hundred years ago. But they have not received the life which Christ is to give them, and will not till Christ appears in his glory. It is not till then that the promise becomes due. If they are living souls now, whence do they derive their life? Not from Adam; for that being forfeited, is lost forever. Not from Christ; for the time has not come when that hidden life is to be given. The only conclusion is, they are destitute of life, and will be, till the Life-giver comes.
R. F. COTTRELL.
The Cause.
By Editor
We are receiving most cheering news from the Eastern Mission, and are glad to learn that Eld. Loughborough feels that the East is his field of labor at present. His recent tour with Bro. Pierce has been most successful and cheering. May God speed on the work of bringing up the friends of the cause in the East into working order. Bro. Cornell has preached to crowds at Peacedale and Block Island, R. I., and a goodly number are keeping God's Sabbath.
But another favorable symptom of progress is the spirit of opposition that is awakening in the East. Several seem aroused to do what they can to stop the work, and these valiant(!) men generally make their first attack on the views of Mrs. W. The people will certainly receive the impression that these views are of importance to be thus called into notice, and they will read them, and will hear the writer of them speak, if they can have an opportunity. This is all working finely. The Herald of Life and Millennial Harbinger are doing a capital advertising business for us. May God deliver the cause from that dead calm which has so long held it in the East. Let the winds blow, it makes but little difference from what point, and the ship will move onward.
We never cherished the idea that the cause would revive in the East without stirring the elements of opposition. We feared most a spirit of anti-organization, and fanaticism among a class of professed friends of the Sabbath cause. But we are happy to learn that this is dying out, and that there is a reviving among that class of scattered and almost bewildered Sabbath-keepers. May God bless them and give them confidence in the work which is moving along prosperously in the providence of God. Let Sabbath-keepers stand in union, and act in the cause of truth as God has given judgment and ability, and all the opposition from without will serve to advance the cause. We repeat it again, organization is the hope of the cause in the East.
Cheering news comes in also from the West. We are happily disappointed at the present state of unity and activity in the cause, East and West. Under God, brethren, we may accomplish great good if we work unitedly and vigorously. Now is the time to work, and may God help us.
Report from Bro. Snook.
By Benjamin Franklin Snook
I LEFT home on a tour of quarterly meetings, Jan. 14. Arrived at, and began meetings in, Pilot Grove on the 15th. We were pleased and greatly encouraged on meeting a much more general turn out than we had expected. The meetings continued to the close of the following Tuesday evening, and the interest was on the increase to the close. We preached eight sermons to large and deeply interested congregations, had several prayer and social meetings, and one most excellent communion season. Great union of hearts and mingling of tears characterized the solemn occasion.
This was one of the best meetings ever enjoyed by us in this State. The book sales speak loudly of the interest. I started with a supply of books for the whole tour and so great was the demand that I sold almost out in this meeting. On Sunday we sold to the amount of $36.10 and before we closed the meetings the whole amount taken was $44.35. Two came out and embraced the truth and a number of others are deeply interested and investigating. One was baptized. God is blessing this church. They have been faithful in times of trial. They show their zeal by doing. They have built a good, respectable-appearing, house of worship without using or diminishing their S. B. fund. And now the fruits of their labor appear,—the Lord is adding to their numbers and they are onward to victory. May he ever bless and lead these dear brethren and make them a light to reflect his glory in the community in which they live.
From here we went to Washington and preached once to the little flock of that place. We were happy to learn that they are still striving for a home in the better land and rejoice in believing the truth.
The 22d, we met with the brethren of Liberty church and with a general turn out from some other points. This was a meeting of interest and encouragement but not so much as it might have been, as there was a general uneasiness on the part of Brn. who had come a distance, which was occasioned by a sudden departure of the snow, leaving them mostly mud to go home in. This church is growing and exerts a good influence, and there is a gathering to the Lord among them. They have done well since they were organized and by being humble faithful and teachable, as we believe they will, we trust that God will bless them much.
From this point we started in care of Bro. Ben. Auten for points west. The going grew worse and worse but finally after nearly five days hard travel over ice, snow and mud, weary and worn, we arrived at Knoxville and began meetings on the evening of the 29th. Here we met with several brethren from other points but not so many as on former occasions as the going was so bad that nothing but go through determinations, would travel so far to meeting. This was a profitable and good meeting. The Lord was with us in speaking and blessed the testimony to visible and apparent good. A goodly number of outsiders were favorably impressed and we are certain if the truth was lived out here, that there would be additions to the Lord's cause. The brethren here are generally taking hold in greater earnestness and I hope will gain the victory. They have been held back by weights that are now we trust being shaken off. May God bless these dear brethren and help them to live worthy of a home in the kingdom.
We next visited our Reauseau brethren and preached twice and were pleased to find that though there has been a great lack of stability yet there is some living faith among them. We hope to hear good news when we hear from them again. They have had their trials but have been delivered from them and now can received rejoice that they have made some progress toward the kingdom.
On the evening of Feb. 3, we began meetings in Sandyville, and lectured up to the 9th. We began under unfavorable circumstances, but had a large congregation which increased in numbers and interest to the close. This church is now in a growing condition and exerts a good and gathering influence. Many that formerly would not hear, now hear with interest. We are certain that if these brethren will just be faithful, humble and prayerful, the Lord will increase their numbers and they will be instruments in saving others.
I next visited the brethren near Eddyville. There we had an interesting and profitable meeting. All the Brn. thanked God and took courage to resume their journey to the kingdom. They have had some severe trials but the Lord has been their deliverer so far and if they will be faithful, he will be, unto the end. On my way home I called and visited the brethren of Liberty again and enjoyed a warm and refreshing time. On Sunday 14th inst. I started for home, and on the evening of the 23d I arrived safely among my family, thankful to meet them once more after an absence of nearly six weeks in which time I traveled over four hundred miles mostly very bad going, preached 38 times, baptized one, sold $60.00 worth of books and got several new subscribers for the Review and Instructor.
In conclusion I will say that the cause is onward and upward in Southern Iowa, and so far as I know all over the State. The calls for labor are many, and the openings increasing. Never was there a better prospect for success to the truth. Oh may the Lord help us all to be faithful, zealous and whole hearted; to give ourselves altogether to the work that when He appears we may be prepared to meet him with great joy and share in the joys of a home in his everlasting kingdom.
B. F. SNOOK.
Labors in Ohio.
By J. H. Waggoner
AFTER visiting Gilboa, Leipsic, Lovett's Grove, and Portage, I came to the north eastern part of the State. I held several meetings in various places, mostly for the benefit of those who had received the truth, either in whole or in part. January 17th I preached a funeral sermon in the Disciple house in Bloomfield, Trumbull Co., and commenced lecturing in the same house that evening. These continued till the 27th when the mud became so deep that those most interested could not get out, the roads were almost impassable. I was sorry to be obliged to close thus, for the interest had been good, and I wished to present the reasons of the faith fully. For some time the state of the roads continued such that evening meetings were out of the question. Some of the time I spent in visiting those who were interested, and had the opportunity of partially presenting the truth to some who had never heard. Under the circumstances this was very laborious, so I spent part of the time writing.
Feb. 12th I commenced meetings in Huntsbury, Geauga Co. Strong influences were brought against the meeting so the attendance was small; a very severe storm commencing the 15th prevented meetings most of that week, and after I could resume, it was very muddy in three days time. I gave eight lectures there, with the result, I trust, of some accession to the faith.
First-day, 28th, I attended meeting at Bloomfield, heard the Disciple Elder preach, and on inquiry found he was to be absent for some time, and I made application for the house to preach in on a time specified. They said they would consult and give me an answer in the afternoon. On taking a vote of the church only three voted to let me have the house, and two of them are keeping the Sabbath. Were the power of feeble men equal to their intentions this would appear militating, but I have never yet known the prejudice, bigotry, or intolerance of self-styled reformers to permanently injure the truth. Eleven are now keeping the Sabbath as the result of the meetings there, and the influence is spreading.
Most of the Sabbaths I have met with the church at Orwell Center, as this is central, and nearly all can meet here on the Sabbath. These meetings have regularly increased in interest and numbers since I came here this winter. Some work that I intended to do this winter I could not possibly do on account of the weather and roads. The people say they never saw such a winter, but this seems to me rather like a customary expression, for I have never seen much different in Ohio. Notwithstanding, the truth is regularly progressing and the general interest increasing.
J. H. WAGGONER.
Orwell, Ohio, Feb. 29.
Be Careful.
By Isaac Sanborn
THERE is one failure which I find among our brethren and sisters in Wis., and which may exist in other places; and I would hereby recommend a speedy reform. Some profess to believe the testimonies which the Lord has so kindly given to correct the erring and turn them from their faults, which he has so clearly pointed out, especially a light trifling spirit among the young and some of the middle aged.
There are some who like to visit with the world and who are naturally great talkers, and talk about almost everything but the truth, and not unfrequently speak evil of their brethren and sisters, and by so doing, James says, become judges of the law, and not doers. James iv, 11.
Paul speaks of many unruly vain talkers in his day, and I am sorry to say that there are some in these last days among the remnant. Again Paul says, Rom. xvi, 17, Now I beseech you brethren mark them which118cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned and avoid them.
Have you not been taught brethren both by the Bible and the testimonies to press together and be united and love each other and all speak the same thing? James iii, 16, says, Where contention and strife is there is confusion and every evil work. I do hope that all such persons among the remnant will soon become converted or leave our ranks. I recommend therefore a careful and prayerful reading of the testimonies and Bible and a thorough study and application of those truths to ourselves and not some one else, praying that God may sanctify us through them. Amen.
ISAAC SANBORN.
Report from Bro. Lawrence.
By R. J. Lawrence
BRO. WHITE: Sabbath, February 20, I met with the church in Shelby. But a few out, on account of sickness. The church there are struggling on for victory.
Last Thursday I came to Memphis. Visited some on Friday. The church met in the evening, at the meeting house, for a conference meeting. A large number were out. Some forty testimonies were given. Bro. E. S. Griggs is here, and assisted in the meetings by his prayers and exhortations. I am happy to report that harmony prevails in the church here, while the enemy is raging without. The ministers have been and are doing all they can to sour the minds of the people against us, by holding up our books to ridicule, especially "Which, Mortal or Immortal," and the visions. But the Lord causes the wrath of man to praise him; for while some of the same cast are delighted with the foaming out of their own shame, others are disgusted with them; and it has a tendency to keep up investigation among the brethren, and also to cause them to press together.
I preached Sabbath. This was followed by an interesting Bible-class, numbering about forty, and a Sabbath-school numbering about thirty scholars.
I preached again in the evening to a large congregation, notwithstanding the darkness and the mud. At this, a unanimous vote was taken, to petition the Conference Committee to appoint and hold the next approaching State Conference with the church in Memphis, and also to dedicate their meeting-house, which is in process of completion. The job of finishing is let to two brethren, and they expect to have it done the first week in May. The work progresses nobly, although the report is currently circulated that Bro. Saulsbury will have to sell his farm to pay for the house, and all that join us will have to deed their property to Mrs. White. Strange that the enemy will beat out his own brains so foolishly.
First-day P. M., the church met to pay in their systematic subscriptions, at which the way was opened for the reception of members, when five gave in their names and were received into membership. We then adjourned to Bro. Phillips', where the church for the first time enjoyed the celebration of the ordinances of the Lord's house. We had a solemn, melting time.
I expect to return home to-morrow, then to Lapeer to spend next Sabbath.
Yours in hope,
R. J. LAWRENCE.
Memphis, Mich., Feb. 29.
The Slave Martyr.
[Bro. White: The following I copied and offer for the Review from the Tract Journal. S. Ross.]
Recently a colored preacher in the city of Boston, discoursing on the resurrection, and those who were waiting for its morning glory, related the following touching fact. A pious female slave, who would go to the place of prayer and live for Christ always, came under the lash of her brutal master, who declared that he would whip her Jesus out of her. The scourging was repeated till the young martyr lay gasping in death. The master inquired if she was cured of her love of Christ. Oh, massa, she replied, you haven't touched him yet, you haven't come near him at all; and then she died. The earnest preacher then exclaimed, And she, too, is waiting for the resurrection.
Has not he who was scourged that he might sympathize with his scarred people arisen even now to vindicate them and avenge their blood, demanding stripe for stripe, and wasting the treasures of oppression. Let the church discern God's hand and say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach while they do work meet for repentance.
Wonderful Growth and Resources of the United States.
THE following summary of the leading facts in the report of the American Delegate to the International Statistical Congress, at Berlin—Hon. S. B. Ruggles—is worthy of the widest circulation, and will at once greatly and interest the reader:
During the last 60 years, while the population of France has increased but 37 per cent., and that of England 121 per cent. (Prussia increasing 79 per cent. in 45 years), the increase of the United States has been 593 per cent.
The food-producing Western States, embracing an area of 282,134,688 acres, form, says the report, "an immense natural garden, in a salubrious and desirable portion of the temperate zone, into which the swelling stream of population from the older Atlantic States and from Europe has steadily flowed during the last decade, increasing its previous population from 5,403,595, to 8,957,690, an accession of 3,554,095 inhabitants, gained by the peaceful conquest of nature—fully equal to the population of Silesia, which cost Frederick the Great the seven years' war, and exceeding that of Scotland, the subject of struggle for centuries.
"The rapid influx of population into this group of States increased the quantity of the 'improved' land, thereby meaning farms more or less cultivated, within their limits, from 26,680,261 acres in 1850 to 51,826,395 in 1860, but leaving a residue yet to be improved of 230,308,293 acres. The area of 25,146,054 acres thus taken in ten years from the prairie and the forest is equal to seven-eighths of the arable area of England, stated by its political economists to be 28,000,000 of acres.
"The area embraced in the residue will permit a similar operation to be repeated eight times successively, plainly demonstrating the capacity of this group of States to expand their present population of 8,957,690 to at least 30,000,000, if not 40,000,000, of inhabitants without inconvenience.
"The effects of this influx of population in increasing the pecuniary wealth, as well as the agricultural products, of the States in question, are signally manifest in the census. The assessed value of their real and personal property ascended from $1,116,000,000 in 1850, to $3,926,000,000 in 1860, showing a clear increase of $2,810,000,000. We can best measure this rapid and enormous accession of wealth by comparing it with an object which all nations value, the commercial marine. The commercial tunnage of the United States in 1840 was 2,180,764 tuns; in 1850 was 3,535,404 tuns; in 1860 was 5,358,808 tuns.
"At $50 per ton, which is a full estimate, the whole pecuniary value of the 5,358,808 tuns, embracing all our commercial fleets on the oceans, and the lakes, and the rivers, and numbering nearly 30,000 vessels, would be but $267,940,000; whereas the increase in the pecuniary value of the States under consideration, in each year of the last decade, was $681,000,000. Five years' increase would purchase every commercial vessel in the Christian world."
The capacity of these States for the production of vegetable and animal food is dwelt upon by Mr. Ruggles with much force. He says: "In the last decade their cereal products increased from 309,950,295 bushels, to 558,000,000 bushels, considerably exceeding the whole cereal product of England, and nearly if not quite equal to that of France. In the same period the swine, who play a very important part in consuming the large surplus of Indian corn, increased in number from 8,536,182, to 11,039,352, and the cattle from 4,373,712, to 7,204,810. Thanks to steam and the railway, the herds of cattle which feed on the meadows of the Upper Mississippi, are now carried in four days through 18 degrees of longitude, to the slaughter-houses of the Atlantic."
He adds:
"It is difficult to furnish any visible or adequate measure for a mass of cereals so enormous as 558,000,000 of bushels. About one-fifth of the whole descends the chain of lakes, on which 1,300 vessels are constantly employed in the season of navigation. About one-seventh of the whole finds its way to the ocean through the Erie Canal, which has been once enlarged for the purpose of passing vessels of 200 tons, and is now under survey by the State of New York for a second enlargement, to pass vessels of 500 tons. The vessels called canal-boats, now navigating the canal, exceed 5,000 in number, and if placed in a line would be more than 80 miles in length.
". . . . "A general famine is now impossible, for America, if necessary, can feed Europe for centuries to come. Let the statesman and philanthropist ponder well the magnitude of the fact, and all its far-reaching consequences—political, social and moral—in the increased industry, the increased happiness, and the assured peace of the world."
In regard to the metalliferous deposits of the country, Mr. Ruggles presents some interesting statistics, and concludes with the following paragraph:
"From the documents and other evidences now before the International Statistical Congress, it must be apparent that the metalliferous regions of the United States of America are destined, sooner or later, to add materially to the supply of the precious metals, and thereby to affect the currency of the world, especially if taken in connection with the capacity of the auriferous regions of Russia, Australia, and British America, and the possibility of increased activity in the mines of Mexico."
The concluding reference, in this passage, to the possibility of increased activity in the mines of Mexico, created a sensation among the French delegates to the Congress, who subsequently took occasion to disclaim for France any intention of occupying Mexico permanently.
Letters.
“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”
This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Then they, says the prophet, that feared the Lord spake often one to another. We believe emphatically that we are living in that time. Therefore seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith. Let this department be well filled with lively testimonies of the goodness of God, and the value of his truth.
From Bro. Merry.
BRO. WHITE: I deem it a pleasure to let the brethren and sisters know how we prospered at our last quarterly meeting at Pleasant Grove, Minn. We were happy to see Bro. and sister Morse, of Deerfield, once more, to join our voices in praises to God. We had a goodly number of Sabbath-keepers present. And while we listened to Bro. Morse's discourse on the sanctuary and 2300 days, and his timely admonition for us to awake and gird on the whole armor, and be prepared for that day which is coming upon the world to try them, &c., we felt like pressing forward, and pray that we may be found in that day without spot or wrinkle. We had freedom in praying for the sick at the house of Bro. Crandall. We hope the Lord will bless them, and they be encouraged to press on to the kingdom.
First-day we met at the house of Bro. Lull, and after a short discourse on Heb. x, 25, by Bro. Morse, we had our business meeting. I am happy to say that I never have seen more union among brethren. Every one came up to pay on their s. b., to cancel all debts, and begin anew. The whole amount received for the quarter ending Feb. 1, 1864, was $26,84. Twenty were sent to the State treasury for the missionary fund. We hope that all our churches and brethren will see it119duty to raise a goodly fund, to support the messenger that may be sent us by the General Conference. Take courage, brethren and sisters. Minnesota will not be neglected. Wait patiently on the Lord, and he will send whom he will.
According to Review No. 10, I was happy to learn that I could do something for those whom I dearly love in the Lord, and for the advancement of his cause. I took the agency for our church, which resulted in getting six subscribers for the charts.
In the evening we partook of the ordinances of the Lord's house. Second-day we parted to meet again, if not here, where parting will be no more.
Bro. Morse extended his labors in Winona Co. until to-day. He has now left our home to attend the Oronoco meeting. May God bless and reward him for his timely visit.
Brethren, be faithful and work for the prize which is but a little way ahead. May the Lord help us to gain that prize of great value, is the prayer of
Your brother,
WM. MERRY.
St. Charles, Minn.
Doings of the Committee for January and February.
By Uriah Smith
We have received 340 subscribers in the months of January and February, the most of which were obtained by effort and sent in by the following named members of the Committee:
One each—Emily Lawton, E. K. W. Cornell, James Strong, J. S. Wicks, Eveline Cole, M. B. Ferree, J. L. Edgar, Bro. Cartwright, W. F. Crous, P. Strong, A. Thompson, A. M. Gravel, Amanda M. Clater, L. Smith, H. C. S. Carus, E. Calkins, H. W. Decker, John Frank, W. McPheter, A. S. Hutchins, Sarah Robinson, D. Weaver, V. Weed, R. C. Hunnewell, S. Babcock, G. G. Green, Ellen M. Warren, J. Long, H. C. Whitney, E. McAllister, H. Harlow, G. F. Richmond, Joanna Collins, W. Peabody, D. F. Moore, Annette Austin, Lucinda M. Smith, C. Gregory, Mrs. Mary Sawyer, Mary M. Burt, H. C. Blanchard, W. E. Caviness, E. D. Cook, M. Edson, E. M. L. Cory, Polly Keyes, C. Hall, J. Barrows, C. O. Taylor, D. W. Milk, D. A. Smith, M. Salisbury, L. Martin, D. W. Randall, D. A. Waggoner, George Leighton, J. H. Lonsdale, A. M. Preston, H. S. Gurney, L. Lathrop, M. Maynard, C. H. Barrows, W. S. Higley, Jr., N. A. Hitchcock, E. H. Root, Mrs. M. G. Lindsay, J. L. Baker, W. W. Lockwood, F. Kittle, M. B. Smith, Eliza Buckland, R. Sawyer, H. F. States, A. C. Bordeau, W. Romine, J. W. Raymond, J. G. Whipple, Dr. H. S. Lay, B. F. Wilkinson, M. Kunselman, Joseph Clarke, S. Tomlinson, L. Tomlinson, L. B. Lockwood, W. D. Sharpe, I. Ward, J. Matteson, Elbridge G. Rust, C. G. Campbell, M. E. Haskell, J. T. Mitchell.
Two each—J. A. Loughhead, W. Vancil, J. N. Loughborough, S. H. King, Eliza A. Ferrin, Harriet Hicks, Seth Newton, E. A. Dike, A. J. Stover, M. G. Kellogg, E. G. White, N. Blood, E. F. Deboard, Nancy A. Logan, C. R. Austin, Mary Helligass, W. D. Dickinson, E. Goodwin, Ben. Auten, G. S. West, J. Millard.
Three each—A. J. Richmond, R. P. Stewart, E. C. Boaz, L. Marsh, J. Wilson.
Four each—R. F. Cottrell.
Five each—A. H. Clymer, T. M. Steward, Frisbie & Van Horn, Charles Smith.
Six each—B. F. Snook, Isaac Sanborn, N. Fuller.
Seven each—J. H. Waggoner, J. Whitenack.
Fifty each—M. E. Cornell.
There was also quite a number sent in by members of the Committee previous to the 1st of January, before we commenced keeping a list. To such we would return our thanks, as well as to those now reported, and trust that you will not weary in well doing, but continue your well begun efforts until our quota is entirely full. We hope to have the pleasure of again recording your names with many others of our Committee who have not yet reported, in our next monthly report.
E. S. W.
Obituary Notices.
DIED in Sandisfield Mass., of diphtheria, Sabrina, aged, three years, one month and fourteen days. Also of the same disease Jan. 28th, 1864, Julia E., aged one year three months and twenty-six days, children of Samuel J. and Julia S. Twing.
Bro. Daniels gave us words of comfort on the occasions, from first Corinthians xv, 51, and Rev. xiv, 13.
S. J. & J. S. TWING.
DIED of typhoid fever at Lynxville, Crawford Co. Wis., Feb. 19, 1864, sister Minerva Rathbun wife of Bro. James Rathbun, aged twenty-seven years and nine months. Sr. R., embraced the truth about five years ago and from that time was faithful in keeping the commandments and living out the faith of Jesus.
L. G. BOSTWICK.
DIED in Vesper, N. Y. Feb. 23d and 24th 1864, our two little boys Eugene Deming, and Elmer King Smith, one aged two years and seven months and the other seven months, after a most painful illness of five days of scarlet fever. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and that God will bring with him our little ones who sleep in Jesus. Come quickly Lord Jesus.
D. E. & F. S. SMITH.
DIED of chronic abscess and dropsy, Jan. 29, 1864, in West Winsted Ct., after a long and painful illness, our dear sister, Lucy A. Beckley, aged 34 years.
Sr. Beckley embraced the Sabbath twelve years ago last Autumn She clung to the truth to the last and at the time of her death was enabled to exclaim with the patriarch, "I know that my Redeemer liveth."
Farewell dear sister, sweetly rest,
Low in thy narrow peaceful bed
No more shall grief invade thy breast
Nor pain distract thy weary head.
Our glorious King will soon appear
And call thee from the cheerless tomb,
The blissful morn is drawing near
When he who is our life shall come.
Then may we meet in heaven above,
Where all these partings will be o'er,
There to rejoice in Jesus' love
And dwell with him for ever more.
WM. H. GRAHAM.
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. L. H. Roberts writes from Deerfield, Mich.: I am a carpenter and joiner by trade. I found it necessary last summer to work away from home and went to the village of Croton. I worked five days in a week, and in the midst of scornful professors and indifferent sinners, I rested the seventh day according to the commandment. Luke xxiii, 56.
One man let me work on Sundays when I could without making too much noise. Many threats were made, but I found some that would defend me, so I was not arrested. May the Lord give me courage at all times to face the world.
Since last Spring I have stood alone, my wife observing one day and I another; but thank the Lord, through his goodness she has been convinced and we now keep the Sabbath together. I have often tried to quit smoking but did not succeed. I have indulged in the habit to great excess for nine years. My wife often told me that when I would quit smoking, she would quit drinking tea. So with the beginning of the new year we both made a firm resolve to use no more tea coffee or tobacco. Thank the Lord, we will come off victorious, triumphing over sin and temptation, and finally over death.
Sister M. W. Steere writes from E. McDonough, N. Y.: My way for many months has been dark and clouded, but of late the clouds have been dispersing and the sun of righteousness illuminates and warms up my heart with love to God. I feel that he leads me on and I want to cast all my care on him, and be sanctified through the truth. The Review is all the Christian communion I have, and it is very dear to me.
My only daughter Maryette, died last June but she died with the seal of God's law upon her, and I trust she is waiting to hear the voice of the Son of God. I am very lonely, but want to know no will but his. Pray for me that I may have a good title to the promised land.
Sister M. Debord writes from Arlington, Wis.: I feel to rejoice in the blessed hope. When I look back on my past life and see how I have lived, my heart is pained within me, but I feel like starting anew to serve my Lord and master. I want to live so that I may meet with joy the Saviour when he comes to make up his jewels.
Cannot some preacher come this way to open the eyes of the people. I think good might be done here. There are several anxious to hear the Adventists preach. This is a good neighborhood. Would be glad to have some one come and give a course of lectures. There are two Sabbath keepers here besides myself. We will help to bear the expenses if some one will come. My heart goes up to God in prayer. Oh may this be a place of true worship. The churches have fallen to a low state in this place. They are engaged in dancing festivals and every thing else that the world delights in.
Sister B. J. Carpenter writes from Des Moines, Iowa: I am still living in Des Moines. Though all alone in the faith, I can praise the Lord that his grace has been sufficient for me. I have tried to live close to the Lord, tell him all my troubles, and ask him for strength to stand that Satan might not get any advantage of my weakness, and I be lost at last. I do want to be a child of God, to endure unto the end, and be gathered with God's dear children at last.
Sister S. M. Greenman writes from Lockport, N. Y.: It is about six months since I began to keep the seventh day as a rest-day, believing it to be the day which God commands to be kept. I first heard the present truth presented by Bro. Cottrell, and thank God that my ears have been greeted with the sound of this message. I feel willing to suffer with Christ if I may but reign with him. When I look back upon the past and realize what great things the Lord has done for me, the language of my heart is, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name." Oh, the unspeakable love that fills the soul when we do the will of the Lord, and follow his footsteps! Oh, why do we cling to this sinful world so much! I feel to say, Lord wean my affections from it. And may we all get just right in his sight, be clothed with humility and have on the whole armor, for soon our Deliverer will appear.
Sister A. M. Preston writes from Fitz Henry, Ills.: I esteem it a great privilege to be numbered among the children of God, though unworthy. I rejoice in God because he has kept me in the love of the truth. It is my meditation by night and by day; and it is my greatest desire to know the will of God. Brethren and sisters let us beware and not fall into any snare that the enemy will set for us; but let us keep close to Jesus' bleeding side, and remember how he suffered for us, and how many precious promises he has made us. I will by the grace of God, live a Christian life.
Christian Patience in Adversity
WHEN a man becomes a Christian he will not be exempt from tears, from losses, from sickness, cares and death; but he will bear these things with a patience that the world has not; and he will see, overruling these things, a hand that the world does not see; and he will learn that great problem which Christianity alone solves, that out of evil God is still educing good.
D. HILDRETH
By D. Hildreth
From Bro. Hildreth.
BRO. WHITE: We are in this city alone to-day trying to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. The majority of the business, and other leading men of the place, are Catholics, with secession proclivities. A large portion of the population is foreign; and, taken altogether, it is not a pleasant place for a person of our belief. The Catholics have two or three places of worship, one of which is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, a handsome brick edifice, with the Corinthian style of architecture beautifully displayed inside. One can hardly attend their services without imagining that he is in an idol temple.
After being with Sabbath-keepers so long, it seems hard to be deprived of their society, but what is worse it is difficult to get an opportunity to pray in secret and at the family altar. But we are yet consoled with the thought that God has not forsaken us. Good angels have watched over us. How sweet are the consolations of His Spirit. And how ungrateful am I at times when I do not make him first in all my thoughts and purposes. I remember the brethren at Round Grove. May the Lord bless and prosper them abundantly in spiritual things. Brethren pray for us. I am not as much consecrated to the service of God as I ought to be, but I mean to press on.