p. 313 | Review and Herald, Vol. 31, No. 20. (4/28/1868)

REPORT

By Merritt E. Cornell

THURSDAY, April 16, went to Greenville. While on the cars, a circumstance occurred, which shows the necessity of Bro. White's article on Clerical Slander.

A Presbyterian minister from Gratiot county was making special efforts to attract attention to himself by his endeavors to amuse the passengers. Among other things, he stated that Mrs. White had a vision at St. Louis, Gratiot Co., that she was to leave her husband, and take another man; that a man might have as many wives as he chose. He then made some, not very refined, remarks and witticisms, which excited laughter in some, but disgust in the pure minded. In the cars were several clergymen, and many intelligent ladies and gentlemen from several different States. Of course we could not let such a base slander pass, and a wrong impression go to so many different places; we therefore watched for a chance to correct the misstatement.

An intelligent Jew soon entered into conversation with him, and turned the tables on him by relating an old slander against Martin Luther, that he had a child by his own daughter, &c. The minister was aroused. Said he, “It is a base slander, invented by his enemies. There is not a particle of proof of any such thing.” He then came down upon the Jew with the most cutting reproof for making such a statement from hearsay evidence.

Now our time had come. The measure he had meted to others had been immediately measured to him again. We then stated to the passengers that we had known Eld. White and his wife for sixteen years, and that the statement made by the clergyman was an unmitigated slander. First, Mrs. White never had a vision in Gratiot county; and second, she never had a vision any where, of any such nature as had been stated. We then challenged him to stop at Oswasse with any of his friends as witnesses, and we would secure for him one thousand dollars, on the condition that he should make good his statement. We urged him to the task with such earnestness, that all in the car appeared to be convinced that he had uttered a slander. He was embarrassed, and said faintly, “I heard so”!

An intelligent Infidel, from Dearborn, Mich., then rose up, and made some very pointed remarks on hearsay evidence and condemning a whole body of people, because of a story about some one of their number. “Shall I,” said he, “call the Methodists a set of cut-throats, because several of their preachers are now in our penitentiary? Shall I condemn all ministers, because one in our town ran away with Bro. M.'s wife, last week?” By this time, the tide was turned completely. Several of the passengers expressed themselves very freely to me, and were anxious to know more about it. I would have given $5.00 for 100 of Bro. White's tract, “Clerical Slander,” to distribute in that car. As I was about to leave the Office, Bro. Amadon suggested that I might need a few tracts to distribute on the cars, and I took about 40 “State of Churches,” “Features of our Times,” &c. These were taken eagerly, and ere this, some have gone to half a dozen different States. We shall hear from them again not far in the future.

April 17 to 20, spent at Bro. White's, at Greenville. The meetings over Sabbath and first-day were of interest. The testimony of Bro. and Sr. White was with power. This was the first opportunity I had had of seeing and hearing them since Bro. White's recovery. The half had not been told me. Nothing, for years, has done me so much good as this short visit at Bro. White's hospitable home.

Here I witnessed zeal, humility, consecration to the cause, self-sacrifice, and earnestness, which has inspired me with new courage. I heard Sister White read some of the manuscript for Testimony, No 15, and I believe it to be of great importance to the cause at this time. Our brethren abroad knew but little of the amount of labor in writing and speaking, besides other cares, performed by these care-worn servants of God. I can report that God is with them of a truth; and I believe he will guide them continually.

At Bro. White's, I met Bro. M. G. Kellogg, whom I had not seen for nine years. I was very glad to see him, and find that his interest in the truth had not abated by his long sojourn in California. We shall long remember this visit, and the many dear friends of the cause we saw at this meeting.

Bro. Howe, of Orange, kindly brought us on our way to Ionia, where we took the cars for St. Charles. At Ionia, we had a short interview with our dear friend, Sewell Pierce, formerly of Maine. No brother could have greeted us more warmly. When no other could be induced to take the job of building the meeting house at Norridgewock, Maine, the Lord put it into the heart of friend Sewell to step in and supply the lack. Though he has not made any profession, yet he loves the truth dearly, and is ready to sacrifice for it. We expect ere long to see him rejoice in hope. He is entitled to the kind regards of all our people. May Heaven's blessings follow him.

At St. Charles, the brethren came together on short notice, and we had a profitable time. Some remarked that it was the most profitable meeting they had enjoyed there for many months. Some have taken a new start. May the St. Charles church soon see better days.

On board steamboat for Saginaw.

M. E. CORNELL.

April 21.

MEETINGS IN WISCONSIN.

By I. Sanborn

My last report was written February 23. Since then I have labored both in Cassville and Waterloo, Grant Co. When the brethren commenced building their meeting-house they chose me to superintend the work. I did so, and went to work with them at scoring, and hewing timber, and laying stone, and framing timber, and planing timber, and putting on siding, and I painted most of the outside of the house. I also painted the blinds. I worked 34 days in all, which gave me a good chance to demonstrate the proper mode of eating and drinking so that a man can endure hard labor cheerfully. We worked ten hours a day. I, of course, ate no meat, and but two meals a day, and worked as hard as any man that worked on the house. Thus I had the privilege of setting an example to the brethren who wished to live healthfully.

I preached every Sabbath, and attended the weekly evening prayer-meetings. I organized a church of 42 members, and there are 50 or 60 more that we expect will come in when they can get sufficiently rid of some more of their wrong habits of life. We also organized S. B. to the amount of one hundred dollars a year. These brethren are poor in the things of this world. The country is new, the land has to be cleared before it can be broke, which makes their improvements increase much slower than in some other parts of the county or State; and yet they are building their meeting-house, which will cost them about $1,800, or $2,000, cheerfully. They expect to have the house ready to dedicate between the middle of May and the first of June. They send an urgent request to Bro. and Sr. White to visit them at the time of the dedication of their meeting-house, if they attend the Western Conference, which we all hope they will see it their duty to do. If they do not, Bro. R. F. Andrews will be expected to attend the dedication meeting with me without fail, and brethren and sisters from other churches are also invited to come. It is 30 miles from Prairie du Chien to Cassville, and about the same distance from Dunleith or Dubuque by steamboat. All that can come, are invited to come from every place, especially the lonely ones that are within reach of the place by a two days' drive. Due notice of the time will be given in the Review. I have never seen a better opening for an extended work than here in the western part of Grant Co. There must be several months' labor yet in the vicinity of Cassville and Waterloo, and new openings in other towns. I expect to spend the summer in those parts, if the Lord will.

At our last meeting, last Sabbath, 12 were received into the church, and six of them were baptised, one a little blind girl who wished to be ready to enjoy the fulfillment of the promise of God by Isaiah xxxv, 5, 'Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf be unstopped.' As we stopped at the edge of the water to talk to the congregation about that glorious event, persons of hard hearts wept freely.

I arrived home the 13th, where I shall be busy for a few weeks, after which I shall return again to Cassville, the Lord willing. Pray for me, brethren, that the Lord may help me to be humble, and make full proof of this ministry.

I. SANBORN.

Johnstown Center, April 14, 1868.

MEETINGS AT CANAAN, ME.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

In company with Bro. Howard, Goodrich, Stratton, and Barnes, I attended this meeting, April 16–19. We found things in a sad condition. Division had come into the church, and the cause was in reproach. However, we thought that one brother was the principal cause of it. We called on him, but could not effect any thing. So we had a church meeting, which continued two days. It was clearly shown that this brother had lacked a proper sympathy for the cause, and faith in the work; that he had indulged in faultfinding, both against the members of his own church, and those of others, and against God's servants. This has thrown doubt and distrust into the midst of the brethren and sisters, who are young in the cause. Hence they were backward in taking hold of the work as they should, and otherwise would have done. They looked upon the visions, the health reform, &c., with distrust. This church has been very unholy indeed. It has come largely under the influence of those men who had little, or no faith in the Testimonies, and other vital points of the message. Their doubts, and fears, and quibbles, they have infused into all who have come under their influence. In this respect this church has been very unfortunate. May God in mercy grant it a better influence in the future.

At the close of the meeting, the brother referred to above, seemed to partially see his wrongs. He confessed this, asked forgiveness, and promised to do better. The church voted to forgive him on certain conditions, which he agreed to. We hope and pray that it will be a lesson to him, and to others, which will not have to be repeated.

Two others were found guilty of violating the Sabbath, in a measure. This was confessed to be wrong, with a promise to do better. God is jealous of his law, and requires strict obedience to it.

Thus closed our business meetings. All said that they were the most profitable meetings that the church has ever had. We think that they will result in much good to the cause here.

The roads are the very worst just now, so that very few came from abroad; yet there was a good company out from the place. The Lord gave good freedom in speaking the word of truth, so that it was manifested that it took good effect. I obtained two subscribers for the Review, three for the Reformer, and sold a good number of Spiritual Gifts and other books. A good work was begun which we hope will go on till Jesus comes. D. M. CANRIGHT.

Let Your Light Shine

“A LIGHTED lamp,” writes M’Cheyne, “is a very small thing; it burns calmly and without noise, yet it giveth light unto all who are in the house.” And so there is a quiet influence which, like the flame of a scented lamp, fills many a home with light and fragrance.

“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in Heaven.”

WHAT IS TRUTH?

By Charles P. Whitford

As Jesus came into the world to “bear witness unto the truth,” we will hear his testimony on the point. In his prayer to his Father, in behalf of his disciples, he says, “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” John xvii, 17.

The word of God is truth; and nothing he has ever uttered through the agency of prophets or apostles can have a higher claim to be called his word, than the ten commandments which he spake, with his own voice, upon the top of Mount Sinai. Accordingly the Holy Spirit testifies by David, “Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.” Ps. cxix, 142. “Thou art near, O Lord, and all thy commandments are truth.” Verse 151. David declares the ten commandments to be “the truth.” To abolish the law of God, would be to abolish the truth. To change any one of its precepts, would be to change the truth of God into a lie. But they have not been changed, if David told the truth, and he is said to have been a man who spake as he was moved upon by the Holy Ghost. Hear him, “Thy word is true from the beginning; and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth forever.”

All these commandments are truth and righteousness; and God has declared that his righteousness shall not be abolished. How many of the commandments are righteous? “All thy commandments are righteousness.” Verse 172. Who are the righteous? “The people in whose heart is my law.” Isa. li, 6, 7. But what is righteousness? Why, we all know what unrighteousness is; for “all unrighteousness is sin.” 1 John v, 17. And what is sin? “Sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John iii, 4. If unrighteousness, then, is transgression of the law, righteousness is obedience to the law, or right doing. The law of God is the truth; and Jesus says, “For this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.” He testifies as follows: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” This is the law by which our actions are to be regulated, and characters formed. It is a moral law; for it is the standard of our righteousness. A rule of righteousness can only be fulfilled by obeying it; and obeying such rule does not abolish it.

The righteousness of a person consists in right doing, that is, in his obeying what is commonly called moral law. “He that doeth righteousness, is righteous.” 1 John iii, 7. And we have not forgotten what David said, “All thy commandments are righteousness.” Ps. cxix, 172. He does not say nine of the commandments are righteousness, but all of them; and it is clearly evident that Jesus ratified them all. Who are they, then, that fear God and work righteousness? “The people in whose heart is my law.” Then, they who obey unrighteousness transgress the law, while they that obey the truth do not transgress it; and the wrath of God will come upon every soul, Jew or Gentile, who does not obey the truth. And what is truth? “All thy commandments are truth.”

Dear reader, do you worship God in spirit and in truth? All admit that we must worship God in spirit, in order to our acceptance; but it is no less required of us that we should worship him in truth. If we have conclusively shown that the ten commandments are the truth, then it follows that such as are not obeying them, are not walking in the truth. Some avoid the truth as a yoke of bondage; but let him that would be free indeed, seek and obey the truth.

The law of God is the truth, and how beautifully does it harmonize with the last benediction of the coming One: “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Rev. xxii, 14. “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John ii, 3, 4.

How valuable is the truth! I thank God that I have ever been led to behold the truth, and had a heart given me to obey it. Such, if they continue therein, will soon hear their Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

A time of trouble and persecution is before us; but the saints of God will be delivered out of it. “Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.” Eph. vi, 14. The girdle, then, is the truth, and the truth is the law of God; therefore it follows that the breastplate of righteousness consists in living in obedience to the law of God, which is the truth. Dear reader, will you obey the truth? CHARLES P. WHITFORD.

Battle Creek, Mich., April 15, 1868.

STRAINING OUT GNATS, AND SWALLOWING CAMELS.

By P. C. Truman

TEACHING school during the past winter, at some distance from home, I boarded in the family of a Mormon elder. This man made considerable profession as to right living, and was very fond of conversing on religious subjects. He also had a large family of children with whom he was very strict on some points. At one time he lectured them severely for engaging in plays in which kissing was a part of the game. This looked well, and I thought that one who was so conscientious in such little matters, needed only to be shown the truth in regard to the weightier matters of the law, to immediately obey it. I placed in his hands a number of works on present truth, especially the Sabbath, and also conversed with him often on those subjects. He read the works on the Sabbath, attentively, and when done, plainly acknowledged that we had the truth, that the seventh day is the true and only Sabbath, and that Sunday-keeping has no warrant, either in reason or revelation. He even went so far as to introduce the subject into the Mormon church, and advocate the true Sabbath. But when urged to obey that which he knew and acknowledged to be the law of God, he excused himself, saying he should be turned out of the church, he would keep the Sabbath if his brethren did. Here, thought I, is a man who, though he strains out some small gnats, can swallow a very large camel. And he is not alone. Many have said to me, after reading our books and hearing our arguments, You are right; I believe Saturday is the right day. But when urged to keep it, they are like this man, afraid of being turned out of their church, or of the opposition of friends. Jesus says: “He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.”

P. C. TRUMAN.

From Bro. and Sr. Kimball.

By E. M.; Mary Kimball

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN CHRIST: My wife and self are deaf and dumb. We got our education at Hartford, Conn., deaf and dumb Institute. We left school thirty-three and thirty-four years ago, after learning, four years, how to write and read. We were taught that man possessed an immortal soul, and my mind was very much on the future of the wicked. We were members of the Baptist church for twenty-five years. We left N. H. sixteen years ago, and live in the West. We visited a deaf and dumb family in Indiana, and they talked with us that man did not have an immortal soul. I had a book of him, Mortal or Immortal, and I searched the Scriptures with interest, and compared the book with Bible truth. We had no books on Sabbath question for seven years. Bro. Cornell lectured in Anamosa, Iowa, and we did not know any thing of it until he had most closed his lectures; but our two children heard and talked to us. So we had books of Bro. Cornell, and searched the Scriptures, and could not find a first-day Sabbath in the Bible. We understand that Christ said that there would be many false teachers; so we were all taught by false teachers that knew nothing, that held the tradition of the Catholic church.

I was much interested on the Bible prophecy, and wanted preachers at my house to show me what I did not understand of the Scriptures. There were many things in the Bible that I could not understand. We have kept the Sabbath eight years, and we do not get tired nor discouraged, but we feel thankful to God that we were led to see the truth of God. We are not able to hear a loud noise, reading and writing are all our preaching. We came to St. Joseph, Mo., last Nov., to visit our two children. We live with each, part of the time; our son lives in Leavenworth City, Kan. We keep Sabbath with our daughter alone in this city; she is married to a young man; he has read

some of our books, but he does not keep the Sabbath. We would be glad if any preacher could come here. We don't know that any one has heard Advent preaching in this city. We would be glad to keep preachers with us if they could come this way, and if the Lord would open the way for the people to receive the truth. We would like to see any brethren and sisters who may live somewhere about here, or near Leavenworth City, but we don't hear of any one near these cities. We are at Leavenworth City sometimes, and keep Sabbath alone in our room, and we think that it is right in the sight of God to keep his commandments. As Noah was a righteous preacher among a great many people that would not hear the law of God, and were destroyed; so this generation will be destroyed, and few will be saved, and they will keep the commandments of God and faith of Christ until he comes. We shall try to live out the truth, and when the Lord comes, our deaf ears shall be unstopped, and we shall hear and sing with the people of God on Mount Zion, and be with the Lord forever, if we are faithful, and get rid of sin and do the will of God. We are among the people that are in more darkness than light, but there may be a few honest hearts, we hope they may hear our preaching if the Lord will open the way.

Your brother and sister in Christ. E. M., & MARY KIMBALL. Buchanan Co., Mo., April 16, 1868.

ORGANIZATION AT MANTORVILLE, MINN.

By S. W. Hickok

We met within the humble dwelling of one that to each heart was near, To join ourselves in hallowed union, that blessed union bought so dear. Though few our names, we thought ’twas pleasing to God that we a band unite. Two of his faithful ones were present, to aid us in this solemn rite.

We sang of earth’s forlorn condition, of hearts that trembled, filled with woe, Calling for aid, on men of wisdom, seeking in vain the cause to know, Of famine, war, and persecution, that ’mid them all our cry should be, Jesus, hasten thine appearing, O come, and set thy people free.

Then rose the man of God with feeling, in duty’s path to point aright, We should each other fondly cherish, and strive to make each burden light. He spoke of future bliss preparing, and tried to point us on the way, God bless, and help you to be faithful, then kneeling, said, Come, let us pray.

O God, thou mighty God, assist us, while we this little band unite, Let now thy heavenly Spirit aid us, to do all pleasing in thy sight; This little flock, O Father, spare them, from wicked spirits keep them pure, And gather only to their number such as shall to the end endure.

Angels seemed present, Heaven seemed near us, our names were in the book inscribed, Praying meanwhile to have them written in Christ, the Lamb’s own book of life. We counted o’er our earthly treasures, that we, a portion might lay by, To hasten on the glorious message, and save poor sinners ere they die.

While we to one another plighted our love, our help, and watchful care, We felt in Jesus Christ united, stronger the ills of life to bear. In bonds of love and holy union, we mean to tread the narrow way, Till, an unbroken band in Heaven, we chant the victor’s joyful lay.

S. W. HICKOK.

THE COMING REST.

By W. E. Bliss

“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” Heb. iv, 9.

What a blessed promise is contained in these few words for the people of God. Often have I heard the words, “I wish I were in Heaven,” by those who were wearied by the cares and toils of this life. And well may we wish it, for “there is sweet rest above;” and if our desire be only strong enough, we certainly shall gain that rest.

Oh! that I might say something to cheer the hearts of those who are pressed down under heavy trials. Here are sweet words of promise to you. There remains a rest for the weary child of God. But a few short years at the longest, and your trials will be o’er. “For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Although your trials may be very great, and seem to be almost insurmountable, do not despond, do not permit them to have such weight upon your minds as to entirely disqualify you for usefulness. But strive to rise above them; lift up your heads and rejoice in the hope of salvation; cast all your cares upon God, for he careth for you. And his grace sustaining, you will finally outride the storms we have to pass through here. And in the end, receive a crown of life. May this be ours to enjoy.

W. E. BLISS.

Woodford Co., Ill.

Blessings from Brother Butler’s Ministry

By Mary A. Kilgore

From Sister Kilgore.

Dear Brethren and Sisters: Another Sabbath is past, and God in his loving-kindness is still bestowing blessings upon us without number; so much so that I cannot refrain from acknowledging them through the Review. On last Sabbath we were blest with the labors of our very highly-esteemed Bro. Butler, who came to us in an acceptable time. He spoke on Heb. xi, 1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Truly it was refreshing, and meat in due season. Then on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the trying of our faith, and many other subjects calculated to encourage us on our way. Again through the week, and to-day, we have been favored, and I trust, blessed, with the reading of his very appropriate sermon on humility. May God grant him the continuance of that best of all graces until he becomes perfect in Christ; and may we all share more liberally in the abundance of that grace until we get where the Lord wants us to be, esteeming ourselves, as did our Saviour, of no reputation, but esteeming others better than ourselves, and seeing ourselves as God sees us, poor and needy. Why should we be exalted, or think we are something, when we are nothing? Oh! for a realizing sense of the great condescension of God, and the value of that precious sacrifice which he has made for such a rebel as I.

Now may I, by his grace assisting me, be enabled to so live, that I may be the means, in his hands, of bringing others into the fold of Christ, and to see the bright and glorious light that shines from his holy word.

We prize the Review above all other reading, except the Bible and Spiritual Gifts. Although we are blessed with many other privileges which many others are deprived of, we are thankful for a good sermon every week, and for the many other most needful instructions which we could not do without while walking in this narrow path. The testimonies from the dear brethren and sisters, especially the lonely ones, also do us good. May God comfort and encourage them to press on through trials, though the way may be rough or smooth, until they get beyond the reach of the enemy.

When I visited the Review Office last summer I was filled with wonder, and thankfulness, to see the abundance of publications, and the means collected according to God's order, and fitted up for the express purpose of warning an undeserving world of its impending danger. My heart's desire and prayer to God for those at the head of the work is, that they may be men and women fearing God, and hating covetousness, and may he lead them in ways that they know not, and help them to watch the fort, and keep the fountain pure, that the streams that flow from it may be pure also.

We are thankful for the health, and dress reforms, believing it is just in the right time and place. We hope it may have the desired effect on our bodies and in our hearts, help to cleanse us from sin, humble us, and take away every thing that may hinder Jesus from coming in to sup with us and we with him. True, we are as speckled birds, and a wonder to the world around; but I for one esteem it a privilege to endure the cross, and despise the shame, that I may win Christ, and be found of him in peace, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing.

I realize my unworthiness and weakness; but in the strength of Israel's God, I feel determined to obtain that gold which is tried in the fire, for certainly there is nothing short of it that will stand the test in that trying hour, while there is no mediator between ourselves and that holy God who knows and searches all hearts. May the Lord help us all to realize it, and take hold of it in earnest, and lean upon his strong arm for strength, that we may be able to go through and inherit the promised possession.

Another great blessing which I would not forget to attribute to the goodness of our Heavenly Father, is in giving willing hearts to ten of our family, including a son-in-law and daughter-in-law, to turn from the world, and try to walk in the narrow way that leads to life eternal. We desire your prayers that we may live and act in a manner becoming the gospel of Christ, so that we may have an influence over the other members of our family, and also upon the world around, that may tell to the conversion of some to the truths we so much love.

MARY A. KILGORE.

Washington, Iowa.

Washington Ter

By Augusta Morehouse

From Sr. Morehouse.

Dear Brethren and Sisters: Your cheering testimonies encourage me to press forward with renewed zeal toward the kingdom of God. I desire to give my testimony in behalf of the truth of the third angel's message and for the Review. I am trying to keep the commandments of God with all my heart. If I can say at last, I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith, there is laid up a crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing, it will be enough. Oh! what a glorious hope and most precious promise, that our blessed Saviour is soon coming, and will clothe us with immortality. We shall together wing our happy, joyous flight from this dreary world.

“Then let us be faithful, Soon Jesus will come, For whom we have waited so long, Soon, soon, we shall enter our glorious home, And join in the conqueror's song.”

I am praying earnestly that God in his mercy will help us to arouse and put on the whole armor, and so then that we may be able to stand firm in the great day.

And I would say to the children, Turn to the Lord, give your hearts to God, and come to Jesus while you may find him. He makes and gives peace, seek for pardon through Jesus, there is a Heaven of glory for all who come to him.

Washington Ter

AUGUSTA MOREHOUSE.

MARTHA I. HERRICK

By Martha I. Herrick

From Sister Herrick.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am very grateful to God for the truth, and glad that he ever stooped so low as to remind me of my sins, and give me a willing heart to try to live out these precious truths. I have been striving about seven years in the good way, and never once had the thought enter my mind of giving up. Although my path has been beset with trials and temptations, still I feel to trust in the Lord, and praise his name in all the ways he has led me. My dear companion sleeps, soon to awake to share a part with all the righteous ones in the earth made new. I am left with five little ones which causes me a great deal of care and anxiety, but I pray often that I may be kept from murmuring. I believe God knows what is for my good. I believe we are not alone. He has promised to be a Father to the fatherless, and a widow's God. Yes, he has proved such to me, unworthy as I am, and I feel thankful that I am placed where I can have the privilege of meeting with God's dear people from Sabbath to Sabbath, to worship the Lord. Oh! may I prize these privileges as I ought.

I wish to say here that the brethren here have manifested love and care for me and mine. They have been prompt to look after my wants, for which I am very grateful. I believe they have done it all in the love and fear of God, not to be seen of men. My prayer is that they may be blessed in basket and in store, and gain an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom. I want to so live and train up my little ones in the narrow way, that we may share a part in the earth made new, where there will be no more death, nor enemy to tempt. I will try not to dwell on little trials and afflictions, which Paul says are but for a moment, but rather think of the sufferings of the blessed Saviour who died for me. I realize I have a great work to do to be ready for the coming of the dear Saviour. I want to walk humbly before God, and show myself worthy of his kind care.

“Lord my times are in thy hand, Changes come at thy command; Times of sickness, times of health, Times of poverty or wealth, Times of trial, times of joy, Times when cares my thoughts employ, Times when I must bear thy rod, Thou art with me, O my God.”

MARTHA I. HERRICK

Fairfield, Vt.

E. A. RICHER

By E. A. Richer

From Sr. Richer.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I wish to tell you through the Review that I am trying, through the grace of God, to live a Christian, and be an overcomer, and have a home in the earth made new. Although sometimes I feel unworthy of God's love, he has been very good to me in times past, in teaching me how I ought to do to live a Christian. I realize my weakness, but I go to him in secret prayer, and ask him for strength and grace to overcome. I want to be one of that number when Jesus comes that will have their robes made white in the blood of the Lamb, and be prepared if I am called away to sleep in the grave a little while, that I may have a part in the first resurrection. Pray for me, that I may meet all the faithful on Mount Zion.

E. A. RICHER

Montcalm Co., Mich.

Increase Our Faith

By I. G. Camp

SISTER I. G. CAMP writes from E. Bethel, Vt.: Without faith it is impossible to please God. Then how appropriate the prayer, Lord increase our faith. The moment our confidence is strong in God, as the creator and upholder of all things, and as the giver of every good and perfect gift, it is then that our hearts will be drawn out in love for so great and good a being; and then what a hungering and thirsting after righteousness, to have all our words and acts such as shall correspond with his blessed will and word. What a love for all whose hearts beat in unison with his, and for all those self-denying, sanctifying truths so inseparably connected with his cause and people. Lord increase our faith. Bless the laborers. Speedily raise up, qualify, and send forth, more laborers into the wide harvest field.

The following appropriate lines on Faith, I copy from memory. I know not who is their author:

“The faith that unites with the Lamb; And brings such salvation as this, Is more than mere notion or name, The work of the Spirit it is. A principle, active and young, That lives under pressure and load, That makes out of weakness more strong, And draws the soul upward to God. It treads on the world and on hell, It vanquishes death and despair, And oh! let us wonder to tell, It overcomes Heaven by prayer. Permits a vile worm of the dust, With God to commune as his friend, To hope his forgiveness as just, And look for his love to the end.”

Bring Your Burdens to Jesus

Do heavy burdens press thee down? Fear not; carry them all to Jesus. None are too heavy for him to bear—none so small as to be beneath his notice. In him all fulness dwells.

Striving for Holiness in the Last Days

By Sister P. L. Cornell

SISTER P. L. CORNELL writes from Kent Co., Mich.: We have lived for the past year in a place where we are daily reminded that we are living in the last days. Never before have I realized so much the need of drawing nigh to God, and living faithfully. It seems that the world, with those who are in the churches around, are looking for us to live better than others; and why should they not? What people have ever taken so high a position? We have taken a code of laws for our guide in which not the least imperfection can be found; and we are looking for the coming of One, who is to be King of kings and Lord of lords, accompanied by a retinue of angels who have never sinned, to conduct his people to the Paradise of God. Then why shall we not cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh, and perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord? Oh! when I realize the great work before me, I am led to ask myself, Can I ever expect to walk those golden streets, or to be fitted for the society of the pure and blest in the kingdom of God? But, when I get a view of the holy attributes of God, I feel that I can but love him with all my heart, even though he cast me off at last. I will struggle on, and strive harder to overcome, and hope that I may yet have a home where the cruel tempter will never be permitted to enter.

MONTHLY MEETING AT BURLINGTON.

By John Byington

By request I accompanied Bro. Waggoner to this meeting which was held the 14th and 15th inst. Bro. W. preached on the subject of humility, and especially of the younger being subject to the elder, and all being subject one to the other. 1 Pet. v, 5. The discourse was deeply interesting, and cannot fail to do good. In the afternoon we had social meeting. In the evening I talked a short time on the perils of the last days; and that these perils mostly came from the church, and are found among ourselves. 2 Tim, iii, 5, &c. Bro. W. spoke on first-day from Titus ii, 11–13. Some from without were there to hear. The discourse will long be remembered. In the afternoon there was an examination of the wrong course of some of the youth in this church, which has brought deep trial on the minds of some, which, I fear, can never be fully removed. When will the youth among us learn subjection, especially children to parents? I hope the erring ones will speedily give evidence of deep repentance.

Our next Monthly Meeting, which would be at Newton the 9th of May, will be held in union with Bro. White’s meeting at Battle Creek at that time.

J. BYINGTON.

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