Earlier text: FaithRead and Think.
By B. F. Merritt
When such opportunities as we have are afforded us to become intelligent, how inexcusable we shall be to remain ignorant. I find many persons in this part of our State who cannot read. Men and women of seeming good natural abilities, who in three months, if they would only employ their leisure time, could begin to read, remain a lifetime in ignorance. How inexcusable! How unbecoming a man! There are others who have learned to read, but their minds seem to be so sluggish they have no taste for it, and do not comprehend what they do read. They fall asleep before they read very far. Their thoughts are weak because their mind is not aroused. There seems to be a glimmering between the eye and the page which keeps the ideas from entering the mind. Now what such persons need is to wake up. It is a terribly bad habit they have fallen into, but it can be broken up. A lively exercise of the mind calls blood to the brain and strengthens it. Long reaches of thought develop the mind. Without this culture the mind can never be capable of profound thought. There is no excellence without labor. It is said that Sir Isaac Newton would, at times, arise from his bed in the morning and stand in a thinking posture for hours. Such profound thought developed his giant mind. Adam Clarke was a dull boy, till he was awakened, and his latent energies aroused by emulation. Have you no taste for mental culture? then cultivate a taste for it. Read and think, and think and read, and you will soon hunger for more information, as you hunger for food. Who can bear the thought of passing through the world like the swine that seldom look higher than their heads when such noble powers are given us? God has bestowed powers and susceptibilities upon us which are capable of endless improvement, of which we can form no adequate idea. He makes it our duty to improve what he has given. Then in the fear of God, Read and think. How awful it looks to see a man or woman sitting, with languid eyes, in a lazy posture, the whole features indicating that trashy, groveling, dreamy thoughts are floating through the mind, while books and papers all are laid aside, no taste for them, while the mind is withering. Let me say, Don't sit so. For humanity's sake, don't look so! Get up and go to playing with the children, and get aroused. Or, “go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.” See all the insects, birds, beasts, and fishes. Are they not all awake and full of animation? and should you their lord be a “dead head”? Haste to the shady grove and there behold the works of God, and approach so near the Infinite Mind by secret prayer that your mind will be illuminated by it. Read the Bible. The themes God has proposed for our minds to dwell upon are best calculated to elevate and refine us. Read the REVIEW. It is a great means of grace to us who are trying to live out the present truth. I think we should not consider our duty done till we have read each article with care, if we have opportunity to do so. We may all become intelligent in reference to present truth, and it is our duty to become so. Then read and think, and as the wise man instructs, “If thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding,” the mind will be awakened, and enlarged. H. A. ST. JOHN
By H. A. St. John
“For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Cor. 2:2. Paul was a man of determination. He was not afraid to make resolutions, and fearlessly did he stand by them when made. He felt his own weakness, however, but, Christ strengthening him, he could do all things. The above scripture may be regarded as a clear enunciation of Paul's business in life. It should be observed that the word “know” is here used in the sense of “make known.” Then we have the statement that the apostle was determined to make known nothing save Jesus Christ and him crucified. This, to him, was an all-absorbing theme. The apostle Paul had very much of the wisdom of this world. He could have easily entertained the multitude by discoursing upon subjects that pertained exclusively to the sciences of this world, but he chose not to do so. He might have been applauded for his erudition, but he cared not for that. His learning was of avail only as it assisted him to better make known Christ and him crucified. Paul was a wise and diligent teacher. In all places and under all circumstances he ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus Christ and him crucified. He shunned not to declare the whole counsel of God. Jesus Christ, his crucifixion, and resurrection, were the present truth in Paul's day; and how his whole soul was filled with it. It filled his heart, and from this abundance his mouth spake. What a lesson is here for all those who profess to be looking for their Lord's speedy return! If we really love the Lord Jesus, if we really believe the present truth, if it really fills our hearts, then it will inspire our thoughts and words, and we will be engaged in all holy conversation and godliness. And our determination will be like that of the apostle, to make known, by every possible means, Jesus and his soon coming. Lord, inspire in my heart such a desire for the faith once delivered to the saints, that I may earnestly contend for it. Rev. Dr. Patton once said in a public discourse, “I heard Elder Alfred Bennett say, alluding to excluded church members, ‘When a sheep is excluded from the fold it will bleat around until it is re-admitted; but when a hog is put out of the pen, it will root around and try to upset it.’” Unfortunately there are sheep who, by reason of grievous wandering, demand at least temporary exclusion from the fold. Their first impulse, in view of the course taken by their brethren, may wear the resemblance of hoggishness, but their resentment is neither serious nor abiding. They enter upon no crusade against the church, for in their hearts they love God, and they love his people; and they soon settle down into grief, humility, contrition, and then, as the good man pithily expresses it, they are “bleating for re-admission.” By all means let them be re-admitted at once, let them be welcomed back frankly and heartily—as the blessed Master ever welcomed a returning prodigal—as the father welcomed his prodigal son. Many of our churches are at fault in their treatment of excluded members. The points in their indictment are (to carry out Eld. Bennett’s figure) that they regard every excluded member as necessarily a hog rather than a sheep, and rigidly apply to each the scriptural injunction: “Cast not your pearls before swine,” &c. The Father’s method of treating his prodigal son is an excellent pattern for us to follow: “And when he was a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” The father’s method is, as it always is, thoroughly good and wise; and we think that we enter somewhat into the tender, forgiving spirit of the father when we feel—as we do feel—that a single backslider, reclaimed affords greater cause for joy than two new converts; and hardly know how to restrain ourselves for joy when an excluded church member has actually been restored, and sits down with us to commemorate again the dying love of Christ. Many, we have noticed, justify themselves with reference to the line of conduct which they pursue toward an excluded member by the Pauline injunction, “Let him be to thee as an heathen man and a publican.” That precept seems to them to demand that he be given over to utter damnation. To exclude a man from church fellowship is, in their opinion, to put him in the same category with those who have committed the unpardonable sin. All prayer and effort for him are to cease—generally do cease—from that moment. Now our theory in this matter is: prompt, yet judicious, exclusion, where exclusion is demanded; ready and cordial restoration where restoration is deserved, and, in the interval, unremitting effort and earnest prayer that the wanderer may be reclaimed. Report from New England.
By P. C. Rodman
SINCE my last report, have been doing something in the field most of the time. Spent two Sabbaths (June 29 and July 6) in Stafford, Ct. Held five meetings, and attended three others held by Methodists. In one of these they requested me to speak to them. I did so with freedom, and at the close of the meeting was requested to come again; for they would love to hear more on the prophecies. Baptized sister L. M. Bartlett, and obtained one subscriber for Reformer, and two for Instructor. Called on several families who received me cordially. Talked and prayed with them; the most of them appear anxious to hear lectures on the truth this fall. July 13, at home. Wife and two children sick. Thought it not best to leave them. July 20, met with the church at Curtis’ Corners. Only a few are left here. Some have moved to other parts, others died, and what is most to be lamented is, some have returned again to the world. We wish the few left here loved the truth more and obeyed it better. I think they feel the importance of doing so, but Satan will hinder such a step if they do not decidedly seek, and draw near to, God. My prayer is, Spare thy people, O Lord! July 27 and 28, with the church at Lafayette. There are some eighteen Sabbath-keepers, enough to make interesting meetings, but there is a lack of interest and becoming zeal on the part of some. We hope there will be a coming up here to the help of the Lord, who is so ready to help them. Held meeting the 28th at the school house where I gave my first lectures after I embraced the third message. House nearly full. Good attention given. Several here who embraced the truth at that time. Hope others here will yield to their convictions of truth and duty, and be free in the Lord. See John 8:31, 32. My Grace is Sufficient for Thee.
By S. H. Vedder
OH! how much strength this blessed promise has given me while making quite a protracted visit at Austin, Minn. Here I am surrounded with everything that is unlike the blessed Saviour or his requirements. His name is profaned in my ears every hour of the day, and with some, in every sentence they speak, until I have to exclaim, O! Lord, how long shall these things be? There are seven different denominations in the place. Each has a splendid house to worship in, but it seems to me that the blessed Saviour and what he has suffered to open up the way of life and salvation is never in their thoughts. I am trying to let my light shine whenever I can get any to listen. I open the blessed Bible and read a few passages to let them see why I believe as I do. If I cannot preach, I can pray that the Lord may convert some poor soul before I leave the place; and oh! what blessings I receive, what comfort, when I “take it all to the Lord in prayer.” I ever find a welcome there. Brethren and sisters, time is short, and what we do must be done quickly. Let us gird on the whole armor and stand at our post, that we may be found among the waiting ones when Jesus comes, is my prayer. The Golden Rule.
By Albert Weeks
“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Luke 6:31. AS RELATES TO our duty to our fellow-man this precept is every way worthy of the title of superiority given to it. How sufficient would this rule be if we would regulate all our conduct toward others by it. How admirably adapted to meet a want, and yet how loth is man to have that want supplied. How can self take the background? In all our deal with man the golden rule should have a hearing; but especially is it valuable where there is not a ready comprehension of duty. What would be my mind if circumstances were reversed? is a question that should be at hand for ready use in this age of selfishness, when it seems to be a settled principle to get all you can, let it disadvantage your neighbor never so much. This rule not only relates to that wherein there is a loss or gain of property involved, but it is to have an application to all circumstances wherein two or more are interested. There is no transgression of the last six commandments of the decalogue that is not comprehended in the principle here given. The least injustice toward those with whom we have to do is a violation of the golden rule. How necessary, then, that we should have it as a “frontlet between our eyes,” having it continually before our vision as a reminder of that much-neglected duty, doing to others as we would have them do to us. TO WRITE an ugly hand may be called a misfortune, if you will; but to write an illegible hand is a crime against society. Every one who chooses can form each letter distinctly, can make a difference between an n and a u, between e and c; can dot i's and cross t's. Therefore, no educated person who wishes for employment as an amanuensis or copyist can be excused for writing badly. He ought to be able to write letters and copy manuscripts clearly and legibly; if he cannot, he has only himself to blame. To those who feel their deficiency and wish to improve, here are a few hints. Write two or three copies every day in a large hand. Look at your copy upside down, when the turns of the letters should appear as well shaped as they did when you looked at them the right way. Thus, let the letters nu, when turned upside down, make a good mi, only wanting the addition of the dot to the i. Never leave an i to be dotted or a t to be crossed till you have finished the line or sentence. Dot your i's and cross your t's when you finish the word, at latest. Remember that the lines of legibility in writing, as of beauty in nature, are all curved. Angular writing is never pretty, seldom legible. Never indulge in making over-long tails to g's, q's, y's or over-long heads to l's, t's, and similar letters, running them into the upper and under line. Indulge not in turns, curls, or flourishes of any kind. Study to make your writing compact without being cramped; free without straggling. To write rather upright than otherwise contributes to the union of compactness and freedom. Never imitate another person's writing under the idea that it is prettier than your own. Many a person has spoiled a good handwriting in this way. Let your handwriting form itself from free, bold copy-writing, and let it be thoroughly your own. Cultivate the power of writing quickly, because it will probably be necessary to you—certainly an advantage. Legibility must never be sacrificed for speed.—Victoria Magazine. Which will you do, smile and make others happy, or be crabbed, and make every body around you miserable? You can live among beautiful flowers and singing birds, or in the mire, surrounded by fogs and frogs. The amount of happiness which you can produce is incalculable, if you will show a smiling face, a kind heart, and speak pleasant words. On the other hand, by sour looks, cross words, and a fretful disposition, you can make hundreds unhappy almost beyond endurance. Which will you do? Wear a pleasant countenance, let joy beam in your eye, and love glow on your forehead. There is no joy so great as that which springs from a kind act or a pleasant deed, and you may feel it at night when you rest, and at morning when you rise, and through the day when about your daily business. Union With Christ, Not the Church, Saves
It is not union with the church that saves us, but union with Christ. HERE are a few facts worth the attention of careless people; particularly those who have occasion to correspond with newspapers, inclosing money and expecting answers: “During the last year there were sent to the Dead Letter Office nearly three millions of letters. Sixty-eight thousand of these letters could not be forwarded owing to the carelessness of the writer in omitting to give the county or State; 400,000 failed to be sent because the writers forgot to put on stamps, and over 3,000 letters were put into the Post Office without any address whatever. In the letters above named were found over $92,000 cash, and drafts, checks, etc., to the value of $3,000,000.” No doubt nearly the whole of that vast amount of money was made up by inconsiderable sums in separate letters; indeed, the proportionate average is only a little over one dollar per letter. Publishers could add many curious items to these absurdities such as money-letters properly addressed but bearing no date, others without signature, and some even with neither date nor name; and these, too, are usually the most peremptory in their orders for immediate forwarding of papers, etc. People are apt to think nothing of their own little omissions or carelessnesses but once in a while such an aggregate statement as the above will startle them into a consideration of their ways.—Christian Union. “Can ye not discern the signs of the times?” STRIKES are now occurring in France, and are put down by military force and the shedding of blood. The amelioration of the condition of the laborer is the great problem of the times—a problem, however, whose solution cannot be reached by leagued refusals to labor and combinations to compel idleness.—Battle Creek Journal. DISTURBANCE IN THE SUN.—Familiar as we all are with the great luminary of the solar system, astronomers at this particular epoch were never so vividly excited in regard to its physical character. Since the invention of the spectroscope, they have found we have been profoundly ignorant in a branch of science considered quite firmly established. Within the past few months, observers have witnessed gigantic displays of force in the metallic luster of the sun’s atmosphere, far more wonderful than any phenomena heretofore seen or suspected in far off celestial regions. There are frequent burstings or explosions on the surface of the sun, apparently, which rend a path through its shining envelope at the rate of seventy thousand miles in a single minute. Electricity is a slow coach in comparison. A remarkable waterspout occurred last week, on the Central City stage road, near Denver. The torrent of water struck a carriage containing G. Vierden, his wife, her sister, and a girl, who reside five or six miles up the canon and were returning home. The two latter were drowned. The body of Miss Vierden was found some three miles below the scene of the disaster covered with sand and debris. The road was badly washed out and rendered impassable.—N. Y. Observer. It is now proposed to convert the Egyptian pyramids into weather signal stations. We have only to wait, now, for the rushing of the locomotive through the Euphrates, and for a way station where the garden of Eden arose, and there will be nothing left for wonder itself to be astonished at. NEARLY all the Manchester (England) Dissenting ministers, orthodox and heterodox, lately met at a soiree, at which Dr. McKerrow, an influential United Presbyterian pastor, made a speech, urging that their denominations, including Unitarians, should act in concert in Sunday-school matters, and once a year hold a communion service in common. HENRY WARD BEECHER says he is inclined to leave the Baptists, Episcopalians, Unitarians, Catholics, and Jews, to get to Heaven in their own way, and without his guidance, and to spend the year 1872 in promoting the fruits of the Spirit, “love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance,” against which there is in none of these denominations any law. AN editorial article has appeared in the New York Observer on the subject of ministerial support, in which the ground is squarely taken that the supply exceeds the demand among the Presbyterians, an opinion indorsed by many of the readers of that paper. They have 4,347 ministers, 2,740 of whom are not engaged in any ministerial work, either as pastors or temporary supplies. In the recent debate on the “Permissive Prohibitory Liquor Law,” in the British Parliament, an English Bishop declared he would “rather have England free than sober.” The preference for a liberty which means license to do wrong, over a law which restrains appetite, is of long standing, even from a time “whereto the memory of man runneth not to the contrary.” Long ago it cost us paradise, and has been the cause of all earth’s trouble ever since. The signs of the times are discouraging to the friends of this sort of liberty.—Christian Statesman. As to the manner in which the Metropolitan Methodist church in Washington was made at once national and sacred, a writer in the Christian Advocate gives full particulars: “To give it a national character, seats were set apart for the President and his Cabinet officers of the army and navy, and pews in the name of each State for their representatives in Congress. And, to add to its sacredness as the house of God, cedar was brought from Lebanon and olive from Mount Olivet for the altar, pulpit, and other wood-work of the church. Also marble from the debris of Solomon’s Temple, for the pavement of the vestibule or outer court.” I HAVE seen a woman, professing to love Christ more than the world, clad in a silk dress costing $75; making up and trimming of same, $40; bonnet (or apology for one), $35; velvet mantle, $150; diamond ring, $500; watch, chain, pin and other trappings, $300; total, $1100—all hung upon one frail, dying worm. I have seen her at a meeting in behalf of homeless wanderers in New York wipe her eyes upon an expensive embroidered handkerchief at the story of their sufferings, and, when the contribution-box came round, take from a well-filled portmonnaie of costly workmanship twenty-five cents to aid the society formed to promote their welfare. “Ah,” thought I, “dollars for ribbons, and pennies for Christ.” I have seen a man who had long been a member of the visible church rush to his business after a hastily swallowed breakfast, without a prayer in his family for God’s blessing through the day, spend hours in the eager pursuit of that which perishes with the using, speaking not a word save of stocks, of bonds and mortgages, and when business hours were over, return to his home exhausted and petulant, to turn away from a sad story of want and suffering with, “I am tired, and cannot bear it!” I have seen him sleep away his evening without a pleasant word for wife or children, and retire to rest with no more apparent thought of God, his Maker, than if his meeting him at the last great day were an idle tale. “Ah,” thought I, “days and years for mammon, but not a moment for Christ.” Michigan and Indiana State Conference
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Michigan and Indiana State Conference.
This Conference will hold its twelfth annual session in connection with the camp-meeting at Battle Creek, Thursday, Sept. 5, at 9 A. M., for the election of officers, and to transact any other business that may come before the meeting. U. Smith, J. F. Carman, D. H. Lamson, Mich. Conf. Com. The Health Reform Institute.
The stockholders of the Health Reform Institute will hold their sixth annual meeting at Battle Creek, Michigan, in connection with the camp-meeting, Friday, Sept. 6, at 9 A. M., for the election of Directors, and for the transaction of any other business that may come before the meeting. S. H. King, B. Salisbury, S. A. McPherson, E. H. Root, D. R. Palmer, J. F. Carman, James White, Directors. The Lord willing, we will meet with the brethren in their respective districts in Iowa for quarterly meeting, and to organize Tract Societies, as follows: Dist. No. 5, Knoxville, Aug. 31, Sept. 1.
“ “ 7, Adel, “ 7, 8.
“ “ 6, Osceola, “ 14, 15.
“ “ 3, Sigourney, “ 21, 22.
“ “ 4, Brighton, “ 28, 29. Meetings to commence Friday evening at each place. Hope there will be a general rally at each one. Come, dear brethren and sisters, and bring the Spirit of the Lord with you. H. Nicola, J. G. Mitchell. Walton near Olivet August 24. J. Byington. New England Camp-Meeting.
The providence of God permitting, the New England Camp-meeting will be held near South Lancaster on the Worcester and Nashua R. R., from August 28 until September 2. Have your baggage marked Camp-ground, as the cars will stop at the Camp-ground. Those coming from the west, on the Albany R. R., will connect with the Nashua train at Worcester Junction 10½ A. M. and 3½ P. M. Straw and provision will be furnished on the ground. Come so as to pitch your tents the day previous to the meeting. Let all the friends of the cause attend this meeting and bring those whom you wish to get converted. We expect Eld. Geo. I. Butler and others from the West. In behalf of the committee, H. B. Stratton. The New England Conference will hold its next annual session in connection with the New England Camp-meeting, which is to be held in a grove near South Lancaster, Mass., commencing Aug. 28, and continuing until Sept. 2. Let all the churches and companies of brethren, where Systematic Benevolence is organized, send their delegates to the Conference according to the following ratio: “Each church to the number of twenty members or under shall be entitled to one delegate, and one delegate for every additional fifteen members.” Art. 7, Sec. 1, Constitution of New Eng. Conf. Let all the friends of the cause make an especial effort to attend this meeting. Come up to this feast of the Lord the day previous, prepared to spend the entire time in seeking God. Come, bringing your families and friends that you wish converted. Come, bringing your thank-offerings according to directions given in Deut. 16:16, Num. 18:28-32, and God will meet with us. S. N. Haskell, H. B. Stratton, A. W. Smith, New Eng. Conf. Com. The Ohio Tract and Missionary Society will hold its first annual meeting at the time of camp-meeting, Sept. 12–17, 1872. All the directors and as many members as can, should be present, as officers for the ensuing year are to be elected and other important matters pertaining to the interest of the Society to be considered. O. Mears, Pres. Ohio T. & M. Society. Ohio Tract and Missionary Society Meetings.
District No. 5 will hold their first meeting at Bowling Green, Aug. 17, 18, 1872.
Dist. No. 1, at Bowersville, “ 24, 25.
“ “ 2, “ Belleville, “ 24, 25.
“ “ 4, “ Clyde, “ 24, 25.
“ “ 3, “ North Bloomfield, Aug. 31, Sept. 1. The societies of the different districts are earnestly requested to report at the meetings of their respective districts that the director may be able to report at the annual meeting to be held at the time of the camp-meeting, Sept. 12–17. The Michigan T. and M. Society.
The Mich. and Ind. Tract and Missionary Society will hold its first annual meeting in connection with the Mich. Camp-meeting, Sept. 4–10. We hope for a full report in this Conference. Let all the members report to their respective librarians or agents in time so they can give a summary to their director; and it is expected that he will give the number of names and amount of labor done in his district to the President in time for the meeting. E. H. Root, Pres. Mich. and Ind. T. & M. Society. This meeting will be held at Mansfield, Richland Co., Ohio, on the same ground occupied last year, commencing Sept. 12 and continuing to the 17th. We hope all our brethren will make an effort to come to this meeting, to work for the Lord. Be on the ground at the commencement of the meeting and stay until the close. Ample provisions will be made for man and beast. O. F. Guilford, Geo. Bisel, Wm. Crouse, Camp-meeting Com. The Ohio State Conference will hold its next annual session at Mansfield, Ohio, in connection with the Ohio Camp-meeting, Sept. 12–17. We earnestly request all the churches in this Conference to send delegates, also the companies that are not organized. We wish all to be represented either by delegate or by letter. Wm. Chinnock, Sanford Rogers, J. Q. A. Haughey, Ohio Conf. Com. Meeting of S. D. Adventists, September 7 and 8, in the School-house at Pleasant Valley, Potter Co., Pa. All the brethren and sisters are invited to attend. By request, D. C. Phillips. Editor's Note on Answering Correspondence by Mail
By Editor
We are in constant receipt of letters which require an answer by mail. To this work we have not much time that we can devote; and as some of the questions involve no little study and research, we are obliged to defer an answer sometimes for days and even weeks. Our friends will therefore please have patience. We will do the best we can. WHAT? Politics. The presidential campaign is now fully opened, and it bids fair to be the most exciting one that has ever occurred. Partisan spirit will run the highest, the meanest and most unscrupulous tricks will be resorted to, and the most reckless assertions be made on every hand. The great mass of charges, recrimination, and blackguardism, on both sides is simply disgusting. To drink in of this spirit, and engage in the contest, is sure death to spirituality. S. D. Adventists can spend their time to better advantage. Let the dead bury their dead. Keep out of it. From the Echo and Christian we learn that another first-day Adventist has renounced the Advent doctrine. In its issue of Aug. 1, 1872, it gives the following item: “Dr. Bywater—well known through many parts of the State of Illinois as an Advent preacher and lecturer, on last Lord’s Day evening, at Clayton, Ill., renounced the Advent doctrine and united with the church of Christ at that place on the Bible—under the preaching of Bro. Grissom.” To Whom it May Concern.
By D. T. Bourdeau
I regret that the name Campbellites should appear in the Review. Why not call that people Christians, or Disciples? We prefer not to be called Millerites. Let the writers of the Review do as they would like to be done by. I know from experience that it is very offensive to Disciples to be called Campbellites. Our correspondents will please bear this in mind, and save us the necessity of expunging such expressions from their articles.—Eds. THE STATE COMMITTEE wish all the delegates from the churches, and as many others as possible, to be on the ground by Monday or Tuesday of the week appointed for our camp-meeting, for the purpose of fitting up the ground, and also to organize Conference, and get as much of the business done before the meeting as possible. We would like to organize on the morning of the 12th, if possible. To Brethren in New England.
By P. C. Rodman
TO THOSE who may attend camp-meeting in New England, and we hope all who can will be there, we want this meeting, which commences Aug. 28, to be the most profitable one we have ever held in New England; and that it may be, each one should do something. Will we do that something? 1. Let each make a personal effort to draw near to God by confessing and forsaking every sin of omission and of commission, as far as possible before he comes; and begin at once, for there is no time to lose. 2. Let parents be reconciled to children, and children to parents; brethren and sisters to each other, and as far as possible to their neighbors. Remove every stumbling-block, and so seek ye the Lord that he may come in and take full possession of your hearts and control your entire being; then he will go with you to the feast by the attending angel. Then what a power will attend. Why, we may be as terrible as an army with banners and as fair as the moon. Then pray without ceasing for the hand of the Lord to control our meeting. Pray for the committee. Pray for the officers of the Conference. Pray for the preachers that preach the word to us. Pray one for another, that ye may be healed of your backslidings, and be renewed in body and in mind. Persuade every one to go who you think may be profited by being there. Soon it will be too late to help our friends or ourselves. The last generation is fast passing away; is almost past. But little time remains to work. Let us go about it at once with all our might, that when Jesus comes he may say, “Well done.” This will more than pay for all we may endure here. Remember, “In such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Matt. 24: 44. If paid in advance, $2.00 a year. If not paid in three months, $2.50 a year. When ordered by others for the poor, $1.50 a year. When ordered by friends, for their friends on trial, $1.50 a year. Address REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich. New England, Aug 28 to Sept. 2.