DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel like addressing a few words to you on this important subject. I write, not to inform you that public speaking and prayer, are duties we owe to our God and to ourselves, for this we know. What I wish to speak about, is the manner in which these duties are often performed. I have seen a great many Christians arise and talk of the goodness of God, with their eyes fixed upon the floor so that they saw no one, nor could any one catch their eye. This seems to me to be wrong. Were a stranger telling us what great riches some friend had bestowed upon him, keeping his eye from coming in contact with ours, how much, think you, would we regard the story? So when the wicked hear us witness for Jesus, telling of what he has done for us, with our eyes upon the floor, how much confidence can they have in what we say? When honest people talk, their eyes meet; and should it not be the same when Christians speak, if they speak the truth?
Again, is it right for Christians when they pray in public to speak so low that none can hear what they say? Is it not safe for the bystander to conclude that they are cold professors and their religion not worth having? Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, writes against the practice of speaking in unknown tongues; and if we speak so low as not to be heard, do we not virtually do the same thing? When this is the case, how shall he that occupieth the same room say, Amen? 1 Cor. xii, 16.
Then again, some speak too loud when they pray. This is wrong. God's ear is not heavy that he cannot hear; and it is truly painful to the hearer. We ought to be in earnest in prayer, and if we are, and do not smother our voices with our hands, there will be no trouble in our being heard, and that is all that is necessary.
Much more might be said upon this subject, but I leave it for more able minds, fearing that I, in my awkwardness, may give offense and discourage some one from doing duty. It is better to speak low than not to speak at all; and I say if circumstances were such that we could not speak above a whisper, let us in this way lisp forth the praise of God. We believe in reform; and while we are reforming in our mode of living, so as to increase our health and strength, let us reform in our manner of using this strength in praising God; remembering that much depends upon the words we speak, for our Saviour says, Matt. xii, 37, “By thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
E. G. DOUD.
Vassar, Mich.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
Rev. xiv, 13.
DIED, in Owasso, of consumption, March 7, 1867, sister Catharine, wife of Alfred F. Wilkinson, aged 25 years. She embraced the truths of the third angel's message six years ago under the teachings of Bro. Bates, and her faith remained firm till her death. She left a good evidence for her friends that she will receive immortality when the Life-giver comes. Sermon, at the request of the deceased, by Bro. B. F. Robbins of this place, from 1 Thess. iv, 13–18.
M. BENEDICT.
Owasso, Mich.
DIED, in Vassar, Sabbath morn, Feb. 9, of convulsions, sister Mary J., wife of Wm. Howard, aged nineteen years, eleven months, and seven days. On Sunday we followed her to the grave, sorrowing, though not without hope. While the brethren were in Vassar with the tent, she chose Mary's good part, and when our church was organized, gave us her hand to go through with us to the kingdom. We believe she rests in hope of life when the Life-giver comes.
E. G. DOUD.
DIED, of consumption, at her father's residence, in Marion Co., Ind., Jan. 14, 1867, sister Martha Hornaday of Knoxville, Iowa, aged 48 years. She embraced the present truth in 1861, under the labors of Bro. Waggoner. She rests in hope.
P. M. LAMSON.
DIED, in Fair Plains, Montcalm Co., Mich., March 6, 1867, Bro. John L. Wilson, aged 40 years 6 days.
Bro. W. leaves a companion who loves the truth, with four children. It was his desire to live, that he might bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Still he was willing to go. And as friends gathered around his dying bed, he exhorted them to be steadfast, as it would be but a few days before they would all be called home. Said he, “I expect to sleep a few days, and then come forth to my reward.”
Remarks by the writer, from Rev. xiii, 13.
Our weeping days will soon be o'er,
Our nights of sorrow past,
We all shall reach the heavenly shore,
Beyond death's power at last.
P. STRONG.
The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association was incorporated in Battle Creek, Mich., May 3, 1861. Its object is to issue “periodicals, books, tracts, documents, and other publications, calculated to impart instruction on Bible truth, especially the fulfillment of prophecy, the commandments of God, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.” Its capital stock is raised by shares at $10 each; and every shareholder is entitled to one vote in all the deliberations of the Association, for every share that he or she may hold. All lovers of truth, who “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” are still invited to take shares in the Association, and have a voice in all its deliberations.
The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
Is a twelve-page religious family paper, issued weekly by the S. D. A. Publishing Association, and devoted to an earnest investigation of all Bible questions. It is designed to be an exponent of momentous and solemn truths pertaining to the present time, some of which are set forth by no other periodical in the land. The fulfillment of prophecy, the second personal advent of the Saviour as an event now near at hand, immortality through Christ alone, a change of heart through the operation of the Holy Spirit, the observance of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, the divinity and mediatorial work of Christ, and the development of a holy character by obedience to the perfect and holy law of God, as embodied in the decalogue, are among its special themes. And while it will endeavor to present impartially both sides of all important questions, it has a definite theory to teach, and hence will not devote its space to an indiscriminate and aimless mass of conflicting sentiments and views.
Regular price, $2.50 per year, or $1.25 for a volume of 26 numbers. On trial for six months $1.00. No subscriptions taken for less than six months. To the worthy poor, free, by their reporting themselves and requesting its continuance, once in six months. The friends of the Review are invited to earnest and unceasing efforts to extend its circulation.
The Youth's Instructor
Is a monthly sheet, published as above, and designed to be to the youth and children what the Review and Herald is to those of riper years. You who wish to see your children instructed in the great truths which so interest you, will here find a sheet in which these things are set forth in a plain and interesting manner, free from the popular fables and errors of the age. It should not only visit regularly every youth and child who professes to be a follower of Jesus, but should be taken and read in every Sabbath-keeping family. Don’t forget the children. See that they have the Instructor. Terms, 25 cts. per year in advance.
The Health Reformer.
This is the title of a monthly health journal, “devoted to an exposition of the laws of our being, and the application of those laws in the preservation of health and the treatment of disease.” It is an earnest advocate of the true philosophy of life, the only rational method of treating disease, and the best means of preserving health. Practical instructions will be given from month to month relative to water, air, light, food, sleep, rest, recreation, &c. Health, its recovery and preservation, is a subject of world-wide interest, whatever may be a person’s tenets in other respects; and to this the Reformer will be exclusively devoted. Edited by H. S. Lay, M. D., Managing Physician of the Western Health-Reform Institute. Terms $1.00 in advance for a volume of twelve numbers. Address Dr. H. S. Lay, Battle Creek, Mich.
The Sabbath Question
Is becoming a theme of wide-spread and absorbing interest. To those who wish to give the subject a thorough investigation, we recommend the History of the Sabbath. As a work setting forth a connected Bible view of the Sabbath question, its history since the Christian era, and the different steps by which the human institution of the first day of the week has usurped the place of the Bible institution of the seventh day, it is unsurpassed by any publication extant. Between two and three hundred quotations from history are given, to each of which is appended a full reference to the authority from which it is taken. It is replete with facts and arguments which challenge denial or refutation. Other works on this subject, from the penny tract to the largest size pamphlet, will be found noticed in our book list. There is no other Bible subject upon which a more extensive misunderstanding exists, than upon the Sabbath question. Circulate the books, and spread abroad the light on this subject.
The Second Advent.
The works upon this important subject to which we would call especial attention, are, The Prophecy of Daniel, The Sanctuary and 2300 Days, and The Three Messages of Rev. xiv. The first gives an exposition of the plain and thrilling prophecies of Daniel ii, vii, and viii, showing from the course of empire that the God of Heaven is about to set up his kingdom. The Sanctuary question is the great central subject of the plan of salvation, and yet there are but few, comparatively, who have any acquaintance with it. It gives a new interest to a great part of the Bible, leads to an intelligent view of the position and work of Christ as our great High Priest in Heaven, completely explains the past Advent movement, and shows clearly our position in prophecy and the world’s history. The three messages bring to view present duty, and future peril. All should read these books, and ponder well their teaching.
Our Book List.
1. THE HISTORY OF THE SABBATH, and First Day of the Week, showing the Bible Record of the Sabbath, and the manner in which it has been supplanted by the Heathen Festival of the Sun. pp. 342. Cloth, 80c., weight, 12 oz.
2. FUTURE PUNISHMENT, by H. H. Dobney, a Baptist Minister of England. An elaborate argument on the destiny of the wicked; with an Appendix containing “The State of the Dead,” by John Milton. Cloth, 75c., 16 oz.
3. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. I: or, the Great Controversy between the forces of Christ and Satan, as shown in Vision. pp. 219. Cloth, 50c., 8 oz.
4. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. II; or the Experience and Views of E. G. White, with Incidents that have occurred in connection with the Third Angel’s Message. pp. 300. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz. Volumes I & II bound in one book, $1.00, 12 oz.
5. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. III; or, Facts of Faith in connection with the history of holy Men of Old, as shown in Vision. pp. 304. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz.
6. SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. IV; or Facts of Faith continued, and Testimonies for the Church. pp. 220. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz.
7. SABBATH READINGS; or, Moral and Religious Stories for the Young, from which the popular errors of the age are carefully excluded. pp. 400. In one volume, cloth, 60c., 8 oz. In five pamphlets, 50c., 8 oz. In twenty-five tracts, 40c., 8 oz.
8. HOW TO LIVE, treating on Disease and its Causes, and all subjects connected with healthful living. An important work. pp. 400. Cloth $1.00, 12 oz. In pamphlet form, 75c., 10 oz.
9. APPEAL TO THE YOUTH: The Sickness and Death of H. N. White; with his Mother’s Letters. Excellent instructions for both youth and parents. Cloth, 40c., 8 oz. Paper, 20c., 2 oz. Without likeness, 10c., 2 oz.
10. THE BIBLE FROM HEAVEN; or, a Dissertation on the Evidence of Christianity. 30c., 5 oz.
11. BOTH SIDES: A series of articles from T. M. Preble, on the Sabbath and Law, Reviewed. 20c., 4 oz.
12. SANCTIFICATION, or Living Holiness. Many common mistakes on this important subject, corrected. One of the best works ever published on this subject. 15c., 4 oz.
13. THE THREE MESSAGES of Rev. xiv, especially the Third Angel’s Message, and Two-horned Beast. 15c., 4 oz.
14. THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL; or, Immortality the Gift of God, and the State of Man in Death. 15c., 4 oz.
15. WHICH? MORTAL, OR IMMORTAL? or, An Inquiry into the Present Constitution and Future Condition of Man. Third Edition 15c., 4 oz.
16. MODERN SPIRITUALISM: Its Nature and Tendency. The heresy condemned from the mouths of its own advocates. Third edition, revised and enlarged. 20c., 5 oz.
17. THE KINGDOM OF GOD: The Time and Manner of its Establishment. A Refutation of the doctrine called, Age to Come. 15c., 4 oz.
18. MIRACULOUS POWERS. The Scripture testimony on the Perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts, illustrated by Narratives of Incidents that have transpired all through the Gospel Dispensation. 15c., 4 oz.
19. APPEAL TO MOTHERS, on the Great Cause of the physical, mental, and moral, ruin of many of the Children of our time. 10c., 2 oz.
20. REVIEW OF SEYMOUR. His fifty “Unanswerable Questions” on the Sabbath Question, Answered. 10c., 3 oz.
21. THE PROPHECY OF DANIEL. An Exposition of the Prophecy of the Four Kingdoms, the Sanctuary and the 2300 Days, Dan. ii, vii, & viii. 10c., 3 oz.
22. THE SAINTS’ INHERITANCE, shown to be the kingdom under the whole heaven, in the Earth made New. 10c., 3 oz.
23. SIGNS OF THE TIMES, in the Moral, Physical, and Political Worlds, showing that the Coming of Christ is at the Door. 10c., 3 oz.
24. THE LAW OF GOD, its Observance from Creation, its Immutability and Perpetuity, proved from the testimony of the Old and New Testaments. 10c., 3 oz.
25. VINDICATION OF THE TRUE SABBATH, by J. W. Morton, late Missionary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church to Hayti; with a Narrative of the Author’s Personal Experience, of thrilling interest. 10c., 3 oz.
26. REVIEW OF SPRINGER, on the Sabbath and Law. 10c., 3 oz.
27. BAPTISM, Its Nature, Subjects, & Design. 10c., 2 oz.
28. THE COMMANDMENT to Restore and Build Jerusalem. A conclusive argument that it is to be dated from the 7th year of Artaxerxes, B. C. 457. Just the book for these days of wild conjecture on the prophetic periods. 10c., 2 oz.
29. THE SEVEN TRUMPETS: An Exposition of Revelation viii and ix. A New Edition, thoroughly revised and enlarged. 10c., 2 oz.
30. KEY TO THE CHART. An Explanation of all the symbols illustrated upon the Prophetic Chart. 10c., 2 oz.
31. THE SANCTUARY, and 2300 Days of Daniel viii, 14; its Cleansing and the time of its accomplishment. 10c., 2 oz.
32. THE CELESTIAL RAILROAD, a most happy exposure of the inconsistencies of popular religion. A new edition revised, and adapted to the present time. 4c., 1 oz.
33. THE SABBATH OF THE LORD: A Discourse by J. M. Aldrich. 5c., 2 oz.
34. THE END OF THE WICKED. 5c., 1 oz.
35. MATTHEW XXIV: A Brief Exposition of the Chapter, showing that Christ is at the Door. 5c., 2 oz.
36. MARK OF THE BEAST, and Seal of the Living God; showing how we may avoid the one, and secure the other. 5c., 1 oz.
37. THE SABBATIC INSTITUTION, and Two Laws; showing when the Sabbath was Instituted, and the plain distinction between the Moral and Ceremonial Laws. 5c., 1 oz.
38. BIBLE STUDENT’S ASSISTANT: A compend of Scripture References on Important Subjects. 5c., 1 oz.
39. AN APPEAL for the Restoration of the Sabbath: An Address from the Seventh-day to the First-day Baptists. 5c., 1 oz.
40. REVIEW OF FILLIO, on the Sabbath Question. 5c., 1 oz.
41. MILTON on the State of the Dead. 5c., 1 oz.
42. EXPERIENCE of F. G. Brown on Second Advent. 5c., 1 oz.
43. SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE, An Address, &c. 5c., 1 oz.
44. THE SECOND ADVENT: Sixteen Short Answers to Sixteen Common Objections, &c. 5c., 1 oz.
Tracts in Other Languages.
45. THE SABBATH, Its Nature and Obligation, in German. 10c., 2 oz. The Sabbath, in Holland. 5c., 1 oz. In French. 5c., 1 oz.
46. AN EXPOSITION of Dan. ii and vii, in French. 5c., 1 oz.
48. THE TWO LAWS. The Distinction shown between them.
49. PERSONALITY OF GOD. A popular error disproved.
50. THE LAW of God, the Ten Commandments by John Wesley.
51. APPEAL to Men of Reason on Immortality.
52. THOUGHTS for the Candid on the Nature of Man.
53. STATE OF THE DEAD, Brief Thoughts. Author unknown.
54. TIME LOST; or Old and New Style Explained.
Two-Cent Tracts.
55. SUNDAY-KEEPING. The reasons for it examined and refuted.
56. THE SABBATH: The time of its Institution.
57. THE SABBATH: A stirring Argument by Elihu.
58. INFIDELITY and Spiritualism, shown to be of like character.
59. WAR and the Sealing, an Exposition of Rev. vii.
60. WHO CHANGED the Sabbath? Roman Catholic Testimony.
61. PREACH THE WORD: An Argument for the Sabbath.
62. DEATH AND BURIAL; or, Scriptural Baptism.
63. MUCH IN LITTLE: A Collection of Choice Extracts.
64. TRUTH.
65. POSITIVE INSTITUTIONS; their Nature and Claims.
Three-Cent Tracts.
66. THE LAW OF GOD, By H. H. DOBNEY, England.
67. JUDSON’S LETTER ON DRESS: An appeal to the female members of the Christian churches of the United States.
68. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES. Same as B. S. Assistant without cover.
69. MARK of the Beast, and Seal of the Living God.
70. SPIRITUAL GIFTS: An Argument to show that the Gifts set in the Church, 1 Cor. xii, were to continue to the end of time.
71. THE WICKED DEAD: A thorough and Scriptural Exposition of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.
Charts.
72. THE LAW OF GOD on a Chart of a size to be used by Preachers, varnished and mounted, $2.00.
73. THE PROPHECIES of Daniel and John, illustrated upon a Chart, to be used by Preachers, varnished and mounted, $2.00. The two printed on cloth, with Key, $3.00. The two on cloth without rollers, by mail, postpaid, $2.75.
74. SMALL CHART. A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John, on paper 20 by 25 inches. Price 15c. by mail, postpaid.
Postage.
The law requires the prepayment of postage on books as follows: Bound Books, four cents for each four ounces or fractional part thereof; Pamphlets and Tracts, two cents for each four ounces or fractional part thereof. In the foregoing list, the weight of each book is given in connection with the price; and all who order books can estimate the amount of postage required, which should invariably be sent with the order, in addition to the price of the books. Thus, two 2 oz. books can be sent for the same postage as one; or four 1 oz. books for the same postage as one, two or three of the same kind; and so on.
Address.
All communications in reference to the Publishing Association, the Review, Instructor, and any of the foregoing books, should be addressed to Eld. James White, Battle Creek, Mich. All business pertaining to the Western Health Reform Institute, or Health Reformer, should be addressed to Dr. H. S. Lay, Battle Creek, Mich.
Appointments.
By James White; John Nevins Andrews; A. C. Bourdeau; John Walton; Thos. McDowell; R. F. Andrews
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
PROVIDENCE permitting, we will meet with the brethren at the house of Bro. William Smith in Convis, Sabbath, March 30.
Also at West Windsor, Apr. 6 and 7. A general gathering is expected from Oneida and Charlotte.
JAMES WHITE,
I HOPED on leaving Maine to visit nearly all the churches in New England, before the session of the General Conference. I hoped to have Bro. Howard accompany me in the work. But it now appears to be duty for me to leave immediately for the West. At my request, Bro. Howard will fill the following appointments:
South Lancaster, Mass., March 23, 24.
New Ipswich, N. H., „ 30, 31.
Boston, Mass., April 6, 7.
Dartmouth, Mass., „ 13, 14.
Haverhill, Mass., „ 20, 21.
Washington, N. H., „ 27, 28.
I commend Bro. H. to the confidence of the brethren upon whom he may call.
J. N. ANDREWS.
Change of Appointment.
I AM informed that nearly or quite all the brethren and sisters who lived in Vernon, Vt., have recently moved to Jamaica and vicinity; therefore I shall not hold meetings in Vernon as I had appointed; but have arranged to hold meetings in Braintree, April 6 and 7.
The Lord willing, we shall also attend the next Quarterly Meeting in Wolcott, commencing Sabbath, April 13; and the Quarterly Meeting for the Sabbath-keepers in Franklin Co., which will be held at West Enosburg, Vt., April 20, 21.
Bro. Hutchins is invited to be with us at the meeting in Enosburg.
A. C. BOURDEAU.
THE next Quarterly Meeting of the churches in Tuscola Co. will be held at Watrousville, Sabbath and first-day, April 6, and 7. It is expected that Elder Canright will attend this meeting.
JOHN WALTON, Clerk.
THE next Quarterly Meeting of the churches of Marquette, Mackford and Fish Lake, Wis., will be held at Marquette, Apr. 6 and 7.
By order of the churches.
THOS. MCDOWELL.
THE Lord willing, the meeting at Marquette, Wis., will commence Wednesday evening, April 3, and continue over Sabbath and first-day. Will Bro. Chapman please meet me at Cambria on Monday, April 1. I will come in on the train from the West.
R. F. ANDREWS.
Spirit of Traffic.
By James White
A SPIRIT of traffic has been among our ministers, which some of them have confessed. And since the light has come out that it is wrong for them to sell even our own publications, when it can be done by others, my own wrong in this matter has appeared very great, as others have been led into a spirit of trade by me.
While publishing the Review I erred in not taking more than half a sufficient sum, most of the time, of office funds to support my family. This lack I made up in the sale of English Bibles and other good books. This was wrong as it was a tax upon my strength, and led others to go into the sale of useful things not so sacred.
I should have been supported in my calling, and had nothing to do with selling books, charts, bread-pans, stationery, syringes and Medical works, at the office.
In justice, however, I would say that the Review, Instructor, and our publications, have not been a source of profit. Even now, with its numerous supporters and subscribers, the office is hardly self-sustaining. What I this day possess I am indebted to a few personal friends, and rise of property on three places we have owned in this city, which is equal to what we possess.
JAMES WHITE.
An Acknowledgment.
By Ellen G. White
In the vision given me in Rochester, Dec. 25, 1865, I was shown that picture-taking had been carried to too great lengths by Sabbath-keeping Adventists; and that much means had been spent in multiplying copies which was worse than lost. This means should have been invested in the cause of God. I was shown that we had done wrong in expending means in picture-taking.
We acknowledge our error. We deeply regret that we ever consented to sit for our pictures. For years I would not consent to have our pictures taken, though solicited so to do. How many times I have wished we had remained steadfast. But all we can do now is to confess our wrong and ask God to forgive us, and entreat the forgiveness of our brethren and sisters.
ELLEN G. WHITE.
Likenesses.
By James White
I NEVER believed that having one's likeness taken was a violation of the second commandment, yet regarded it as an idolatrous expense, and refused my friends firmly until Eld. Snook and another induced me to yield and have my picture taken at Knoxville, Iowa, in the year 1860. Since that time, I have had numerous copies of my picture and that of my family. And when it becomes a matter of traffic, the whole thing becomes a great wrong. In this I have sinned, and ask my brethren to forgive me, and pray that God will also pardon the wrong. It was setting a bad example before others. Since I have been sick I have mourned over the matter much. And now, as I visit the homes of my brethren, my eye can hardly meet a more painful object than one of these photographs.
JAMES WHITE.
God is True.
By James White
It is well known that my wife saw in vision, Dec. 1865, that it was my privilege to recover my health. And the reason I have not fully recovered, is not because the Lord has failed. He is true. I have erred, and in some cases made work for bitter repentance. My recovery was placed by the vision on conditions; but I have failed in not coming up to the conditions, and walking out by faith. I have never doubted the visions for a moment, or felt a rebellious feeling against them. I mean to live them to the letter. But confusion filled my then shattered brain, and all the mysterious circumstances in the case irritated my weakened nerves, until I seemed like one lost, and despaired for some time of recovery. May I not hope for a brighter future? Brethren, pray for me. From my heart I can say, God is good. JAMES WHITE.
Photographs.
By John Norton Loughborough
WHILE others are making their acknowledgments of their error in the sale of photographs as a matter of merchandise, I would say, that I deeply regret that in this matter, I too, have been at fault. Brethren, forgive me, I will try to walk more circumspectly in the future.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
To the Brethren in Michigan.
By John Norton Loughborough
I WOULD say to the brethren in Michigan, that the interests of the cause in Battle Creek, preparation for the Conference, and other duties here, will probably prevent my leaving Battle Creek before the Conference. I shall probably resume labors with churches in Michigan according to your urgent requests, as soon as consistent with other duties.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
To the Brethren in Tuscola Co., Mich.
By I. D. Van Horn
I HAVE heard your many calls for me to visit you; but being much in need of rest, and having about a month's work to do at the Office before Conference, I shall have to defer coming to you till after that time.