Earlier text: THE EPOCH OF TROUBLES.The duty of watchfulness has ever been incumbent upon the people of God. Always necessary for safety to insure success in the warfare, it was never more so than at the present time. In view of the position now occupied by the church of God, has not its importance increased; and while perils thicken as they pass through the trouble to come, will not increased vigilance and watchfulness be necessary on their part, to enable them to overcome? Were we traveling on a road, requiring, even in the day time, watchfulness to insure safety, to keep our carriage off the stones, or out of the ruts, and to enable us to shun the various intersecting paths, which would lead us away from our place of destination, should we deem it wise as day drew to a close, and the shades of evening began to gather around, to relax our watchfulness, and as darkness increased, to neglect entirely to “watch the way?” The church of God, in their journey, typified by that of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage to the land of promise, have found darkness to increase, iniquity to abound, and the love of many to wax cold. Not only so, but while perilous times have come, dangers multiply while darkness increases. We have only to call to mind the zeal, the love and consecration, manifested by the little company who embraced the first angel’s message, and gave heed to the light which accompanied its promulgation, and follow down as disappointment after disappointment has tried their faith, and look to see where they are now,—divided,—very many of them fighting against God and the present truth; and to behold the increase of iniquity and skepticism in the world; to satisfy ourselves that such is the condition of the world at large, and such the prospect before the people of God. Surely it were dangerous,89while we occupy this position, to relax our vigilance. The word of God has plainly brought before us two ways, the one called the way of understanding, of peace, of truth, of righteousness, of holiness, of salvation, of life, straight, narrow, occupied by the few; the other broad, destruction its end, thronged by a multitude. In the former the people of God are traveling. As the traveler watches the highway for obstructions and dangers, that he may avoid them, or for the “guide board” that directs him on his way, or tells him of his nearness to the place of his destination; so we must “watch the way.” It is thickly strewn with dangers and obstructions. We have foes who are watching us with jealous eyes, ready to take advantage of any carelessness or stupor on our part, that they may destroy us. As we pursue this way, we have the same foes to encounter that have troubled the faithful of all ages; the world, the flesh and the Devil. The world has lost none of its charms to the carnal mind. The flesh has not been sanctified by the rapid increase of worldly knowledge and advance of civilization, and the Devil is none the less cunning, and labors none the less zealously to overthrow the faith of God’s people. “Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation,” was the admonition of Jesus to his disciples; and has he not said, “What I say unto you, I say unto all, watch?” He has promised in the hour of temptation to provide a way of escape, but shall we not need to watch for that way? We must “watch the way,” that we be not overcome with the cares of this life, that the love of the world does not occupy the place in our hearts that belongs to God, that we love not its riches, pleasures, honors and applause, instead of durable riches in righteousness, the pleasure of knowing that our ways please God, the honor that cometh from him, and the applause which will be the portion of the faithful, “Well done good and faithful servant.” Watch for the snares of the adversary, putting on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand against his wiles. New dangers, of which we have been warned by the word of God, are just before us. New manifestations of Satan’s power, to “deceive if possible the very elect.” An instance of this, we have in that great delusion which has gone to the kings of the earth, and the whole world, which has overthrown some who were once strong in the faith and in the present truth, and which numbers its votaries by millions, and among them very many of the world’s great men. Again we must “watch the way,” for the first manifestations of unbelief. If Satan cannot push forward into fanaticism, he strives to hold us in infidelity. He would fain lead us to doubt God’s word. Failing in this, he would have us reject the manifestations of his power and goodness in the continuation of the gifts in the church, as many have, and are fallen, manifesting more of the spirit of the adversary, than the Spirit of Christ. The enemy, with all his cunning, if unable to overthrow at once, attempts to undermine the foundation, introducing distracting influences, jealousies and bickerings, where love should bind in one body. We must watch for these insidious attempts, lest he succeed in separating us from the Vine. The Saviour has graciously given certain signs, the occurrence of which brings the assurance that deliverance is near, and he has bidden his people to watch lest he return and find them sleeping, “overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and cares of this life, and so that day come . . . unawares.” We must “watch the way” for these tokens, that in the time of trouble just before us, we may be enabled to lift up our heads knowing that redemption is nigh. This knowledge is just what the people of God will need, to cheer and nerve them to do and bear, amid the trials that await them. As the traveler feels not fatigue, while he knows he is almost home after a long absence, so we may be able to sing, “The road may be rough but it cannot be long;” and the prospect that we shall soon arrive at home lightens every toil, and enables us to rejoice even in tribulation. We have a light shining upon the straight and narrow way, “a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path,” “a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto we do well that we take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn.” While we watch, we may have an increase of light to dispel from our pathway the thick darkness that envelops an ungodly world, light from Heaven, borne to earth by angels that excel in strength, and while we “walk in the light as our Father is in the light, we may have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus will cleanse from all unrighteousness.” While the light shines around us, and we move out with it, we are safe, and can say with the Psalmist, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Ps. xxvii, 1. May the Lord enable us to “watch the way,” and bring us finally to stand upon Mount Zion. Health Institute, B. C., Mich. THE FOURTH DAY OF JULY,
By H. M. KENYON
And how it was Celebrated by the Church in Monterey.
We have felt for some time the necessity of taking a course to keep our children away from the unwholesome influence which generally follows picnics and public gatherings upon the fourth of July. Our children need recreation, and if parents do not choose for them, many will choose for themselves. While we try to teach them in our Sabbath Schools the way of right and truth, we should try to keep them away from the evils that are calculated to destroy every good impression that may be made and good resolution that they may form in their minds. The way the day was spent by us here we believe has exerted an influence for good. A meeting was appointed to be held at the meeting-house to commence at ten o’clock, and an invitation given to our brethren and sisters in Allegan county to meet with us with their children. Thursday morning brethren from Allegan and Watson assembled at the hour appointed, also many of our neighbors. Our meeting commenced by singing an anniversary hymn (Choral Harp, page 40); after which a prayer was made by Bro. Charles Jones, in which the blessing of God was earnestly besought to rest down upon us. A piece of music was then sung in quartette entitled “Oh! what a World this Might Be;” and while the organ was sending its cheerful notes through the house, one look at one hundred children sitting together, ages ranging from six to sixteen, would seem to satisfy any one that we were moving in the right direction thus far. After a few introductory remarks and the singing of a piece, (“Ring Merry Bells”) we listened one hour to Bro. W. H. Littlejohn of Allegan, whose remarks made from a religious stand-point were very appropriate for the occasion, and were listened to by all with interest. A few remarks were then made by others and our meeting closed by singing the “Pilgrim’s Song.” During an intermission of one hour, while the children were enjoying themselves by visiting and innocent amusement, a table was set beneath the beautiful shade trees in front of the meeting-house where a bower had been prepared in the morning, and at two o’clock old and young sat down to dinner together. So closed the day, and all returned to their homes feeling that they had enjoyed a good social visit with each other, and one that was free from the unholy influence which usually attends such gatherings outside the influence of the people of God. A BLESSING ACKNOWLEDGED.
By M. E. Reynolds.
In looking over the back numbers of the Review a few days since, my eye fell upon an article from the pen of Eld. J. H. Waggoner, entitled “The Health Reform,” which forcibly reminded me of neglected duty,—neglected, not from ingratitude to God, but because of the many cares of life, and a sense of my inability to interest the readers of the Review. But as I re-read the article in which he says, “I know many, very many who have been blessed in this respect, who go their way like the nine lepers who were cleansed, while very few return like the stranger to give God the glory,” I felt that I had failed in duty in not publicly acknowledging the benefits of the Reform, and truly deserved to be classed among those compared to the lepers. Few, very few, have greater reason to thank God for this Reform than myself, and, as I review the past and realize its benefits, I can say from a full heart “Bless God for the Health Reform.” Though not a confirmed invalid, yet for several years previous to receiving the light on this subject, I had suffered much with dyspepsia, which seemed to be fast undermining my constitution, inducing disease, and to all appearance hastening me to the grave. At times I suffered severely from distress in the stomach, which would cause a deathly sickness to extend throughout my entire system; and as these attacks became more frequent and severe, and nothing would prevent or relieve them, I could but expect they would finish my career ere long. But thank God, the light came. Shining dimly at first, and but imperfectly heeded until it became a part of present truth and I felt it was truly an important work, one in which every child of God must be thorough if they would be prepared for the perils of the last days, the time of trouble, and the coming of Jesus. Pen would fail me in describing the benefit derived from a more thorough work in this branch of the Reform. Day by day physical suffering has diminished and health improved, until, though not as strong and healthy as I could wish, or even expect to be, yet I am comparatively healthy and feel no return of that intolerable disease, dyspepsia, unless induced by some violation of nature’s laws. Many times in reviewing the past, the goodness of God in leading his people step by step, my heart has been made to rejoice, and I have felt that I could never falter or rebel against any duty marked out by infinite wisdom. How imperfectly did I understand my own heart. Truly did the prophet Jeremiah say, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Never did I so fully realize it as when the light came on the dress reform. This seemed more than I could bear, and my proud heart rebelled. By faith I looked forward to the end and beheld the overcomer’s prize, and then asked myself the question, Shall I go forward or stumble right here? I knew I could not enjoy the favor of the Lord if I did not live up to the light given, and must take this step if I would advance. The Lord gave strength and I chose obedience. When the decision was made I thought the conflict over, but not so. Satan unwilling to lose his victim was at hand, and while I busied myself in re-arranging my apparel, he was equally busy in trying to convince me that I must be deceived, and instead of doing God’s will I was led astray by the enemy of all righteousness. How cunning and artful is our enemy. I can only commit myself to the Lord and pray to be kept from his devices; for I feel that I have neither wisdom nor strength to withstand him. Praise the Lord for grace and strength given in this conflict. To his name be all the glory. In him will I trust. God’s ways are not our ways, but we know they are right. I pray for a submissive heart, one that can say “Thy will, not mine, be done.” My short experience in the reform dress convinces me of its convenience and healthfulness; and while I feel that my pride has received a fatal blow, I can rejoice in the goodness of God in leading his people. How thankful ought we to be that the Lord in mercy condescends to notice such unworthy creatures as we are, gently leading us in the narrow way, granting us new light as fast as we gain strength to receive it, and patiently bearing with our wayward, rebellious spirits while, like the children of Israel, we go murmuring along. Dear sisters, scattered abroad, are any of you shrinking from duty, feeling that the cross is too heavy for you to bear? Let me encourage you to bear it in the name of the Lord, trusting in him who has said “My grace is sufficient for thee,” and may the Lord lead us until purified from all sin we shall stand on Mount Zion. Mesopotamia, Ohio, July, 1867. DEATH-BED REPENTANCE.
By R. F. COTTRELL.
The Lord is merciful to all that call upon him in truth. When the evidences of God’s mercy and truth are caused to dawn upon the mind in the closing hours of life, as in the case of the penitent thief, the heart truly given, (and God knows the heart,) will not be rejected. But those who trust that God is so merciful, that they may, with the light of the plan of salvation beaming on them, go on in sin, disregarding their obligation to God and slighting his mercy, and at the very last, if perchance they may have time to say, Lord, remember me, or God be merciful to me a sinner, they will finally see the gates of the city of God thrown open to them, and hear the Redeemer’s voice, saying, Well done! are in the deepest deception possible. Supreme love of self has deceived them, and caused them to vainly trust that God has so great a respect for them that he will accept of the last end of a life spent in the service of self, sin and Satan, and crown them with saints and martyrs, who have spent their lives in the service of God and willingly yielded themselves a sacrifice in attestation of the truth. God is merciful; and often when the sinner is brought down to the gates of death, and penitently begs for mercy, he grants him a new trial. He raises him to health and thus gives him an opportunity to prove his loyalty, and the sincerity and constancy of his love. Then if he “only do in health what he promised to do when he was sick,” it is well. He may hope that his conversion is genuine—that it will be acknowledged and approved at the court of heaven. But if he lightly esteem and disregard the vows that he made in the anguish of his soul; if he can knowingly and deliberately violate the solemn covenant he then entered into before God; he may know of a certainty that his heart is not right with God—that he is still “in the gall of bitterness, and the bond of iniquity;” and that his hope of salvation, if he indulges any, is deceptive and false, and utterly worthless, unless he can see his lost condition, repent and be converted to God. It is not reasonable to suppose that he, who knowing the truth, deliberately chooses to spend his life in sin, and then, in the last extremity, offers himself to God, will be accepted and saved. No. If he hear his prayer at all, instead of accepting him in the moment of death, covering him with the “robe of Christ’s righteousness” of which some speak, he raises him up from the gates of death and gives him a chance to “wash” his robe and make it “white in the blood of the Lamb.” He gives him a lengthening out of probation; and if he prove his penitence genuine by words of reformation, fulfilling his vows and serving the Lord faithfully, in the end the Master will say, Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord. But if returning health finds him in his course of sin, as he was before, as it sometimes happens, his repentance is not only worthless, but his abuse of mercy will bring greater condemnation. “He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” From Sister Emery.
By HANNAH C. EMERY
BRO. SMITH: I have often thought of writing for the Review, but have never done so, for several reasons, the greatest being my sense of unworthiness and inability. But when reading in No. 25, last volume, a call for contributions, from every one, who is able, however feebly to use the pen, and the question, Who is willing to contribute their mite, to help support our paper? such thoughts as these came to me. Now, if you thought you could write some great piece, would you not eagerly grasp the pen, and commence an article? And is it not wrong to do nothing, simply because you cannot do a great deal? Are you not required to give according to that which you have? And if God has bestowed upon you but one talent, will he bless you if you will not occupy upon that, because you have not five? And if the paper which we all prize so dearly, is dependent upon the contributions from brethren and sisters, should not all be willing to help bear the burden, to write a short piece, asking God to direct us what to write, that his name may be honored, and some soul blessed? I know I have often been more encouraged, while reading a few lines, traced perhaps by some trembling pilgrim, who hardly had courage to write for fear it would be rejected, or would profit no one, than I have by reading a sermon or some lengthy article. But the Review is all interesting to me. I prize it next to the sacred word. When it comes, I first look it over to see if there are any letters or articles from the loved ones at home, in Maine, to know how the cause is prospering there; and I often find myself wishing more of the brethren and sisters from that section would write. But this morning I feel like asking the prayers of God's people for the scattered ones of the flock, those who are separated from all of like precious faith, whose only help is in the Lord, who are surrounded by no influence except that which would tend to divert their minds from the truth. With nothing to stir up their “pure minds by way of remembrance,” they grow stupid and lukewarm, Satan takes advantage, a sort of lethargy creeps over them, and they sink into a spirit of indifference. For such I would ask your prayers. They need them. Why, if you think it hard to keep the importance of these truths before your minds, when you frequently hear them so plainly set forth by your preachers, or join in the Bible Class, in your Sabbath Schools, and talk them over, and when social meeting comes, be there, and get your spiritual strength renewed, and if you are “given to hospitality,” have the privilege of entertaining God's children, and conversing with them on the glorious themes of “Christ's soon coming,” and the “Saints inheritance,” until “your hearts burn within you,”—if you, with all these inestimable privileges, think it hard to keep God's commandments, and walk uprightly, think how those who walk the narrow pathway alone, with none of these helps, need your prayers. Do not forget them! Pray earnestly that they may be kept by the power of God, that holy boldness may be given them, to live out present truth where none but scoffers surround them, that they may lay hold on God's promises, that “his grace is sufficient,” and with you at last be gathered into the kingdom, where there will no longer be any lonely scattered ones. Yes, dear brethren, it is the old disagreeable subject again. It is not very agreeable to our sensitive hearts to hear our failings, much less to tell others their faults, but the love of your souls and the love of Christ constraineth us. It is not argument we bring this time, the subject needs none. The argument is well understood, but charity compels us to give a little more time, exercise a little more patience in assisting and encouraging the weak. We know this is a peculiar trial—perhaps the hardest some of you will ever have to bear; and in your dire extremity, could tender sympathy avail, we would bear the whole. Persons who have never used tobacco can form no estimate of the powerful hold it has upon its votaries; nor can they realize the firmness of will and determination of purpose, the amount of sustaining grace and co-operative help required to put it away. Neither can they estimate the amount of physical suffering and depression a thoroughly nervous, susceptible temperament must endure under the ordeal. Through this accursed weed what has not the arch-deceiver wrought! But is there no healing power? no balm in Gilead? There is: “Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” That brother who says he has tried faithfully to put away his tobacco expecting the Lord would help him, but failed, that brother who hates and detests it, and would give almost any sum of money that release him, means perhaps to try again when his business perplexities are over. O my brother, have you an idea your business perplexities will ever be over? No! you must begin by battling in the name of the Lord. You are waiting for victory through peace with the enemy, which you will never find, instead of perfect dependence on God. When you asked for help did you throw yourself entirely into his hands, saying, “though thou slay me, yet will I trust in thee?” Did you go to him nothing wavering? Did you so humble your soul and plead in such agony of spirit as to sweat drops of blood, or even water? Until you do these things there is no promise, no hope for you. Go back and enter with your Saviour the garden of Gethsemane; bow beside him to the earth; mingle your tears and groans with his; plead with the Father in the agony you witness there; go with him through the scoffs and insults of the judgment hall; follow him fainting beneath the heavy cross; witness the piercing of the tender hands; the torn temples and mangled body; the suffering and yielding up of the blessed life of your Lord and Saviour. Do this and you will realize the efficacy of his blood and the degree of your sacrifice. Every unclean thing must soon be put without, and I know the honest, earnest ones will be found with the little flock. But some will be removed from their steadfastness and carried away as dry leaves before the tempest. They were not of us; but as the chaff that mingles with the choicest wheat they were with us, and like it will be removed away. “They go out from us that it may be made manifest that they were not of us.” Had they been told at the beginning their profession and zeal would terminate thus, their reply undoubtedly would have been like that of Hazael to the man of God, “What, is thy servant a dog that he should do this thing?” A. A. From Bro. Cottrell.
By Wm. Cottrell
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: The Psalmist says that we should vow, and pay unto the Lord our God. Ps. lxxvi, 11. It is right that God's people should vow unto the Lord, but let us be sure to pay all our vows. Let us vow to love the Lord; for he has loved us and done great things for us. Let us then love the Lord, with all the heart. If we thus love God, it will lead91us to obey all his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous. We are commanded to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. I believe that it is our duty to obey the Lord in this, as well as every other requirement that he makes of us. But can we cleanse ourselves while we follow those practices that defile us? Come and let us reason together. Can we perfect holiness in the fear of God, without first cleansing ourselves? Then let us set about this cleansing work to-day; for we have no promise of any time but to-day. To-day if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts. Heb. iv, 7. If we neglect this cleansing work, which is so essential to perfection, and holiness, our hearts will eventually become hardened in sin; for disobedience to God is sin. There is then, great danger in neglecting this work. Can we cleanse ourselves whilst we continue in any form, the use of tobacco? I think not. We cannot be very clean, while continuing a practice so unclean. I speak from experience, having been a slave to tobacco for twenty-five years. The filthiness that is visible to the eye of the beholder is not all. Just consider the effect that it has on the nervous system; and then, think you, can we with shattered nerves, and constitutions thus ruined, make that progress in holiness, that the Lord requires of us, in these last days? I fear that those who think so, will at last be weighed in the balance and found wanting. Then there is our tea and coffee, the effects of which are in many respects similar to that produced by tobacco. My experience also is that the use of flesh meats is hurtful to our health. If so, can we injure ourselves and be innocent? Our kind Father in Heaven has instituted laws to govern us physically, mentally, and morally. If we violate physical laws, we have diseased bodies; then the mind must suffer also. Is there not then immorality in transgressing such laws? Then as we have made a vow to the Lord that we would obey him, let us pay that vow, lest the Lord turn against us as he did against his ancient Israel, and cast us off. Well, says one, I cannot live without flesh meats. Perhaps you mistake. Have you ever tried? No. Well then, how do you know that you cannot live without meat? Wait until you try the experiment, before you testify so positively. I once thought, and talked just as you do. But experience has taught me that I was mistaken. But says the objector, Every creature of God is good, &c. Will you then argue that it is therefore right and healthful to eat flesh? Does not every creature mean all other animals and fowls, as well as the ones that you use for food? Certainly. Then it embraces all the creeping reptiles as well as all insects. Why not, then, eat all the creatures of God? Examine the history of God's ancient Israel, and see how they tempted God in their hearts by asking meat for their lust. Ps. lxxviii, 17-19. “And they speak against God by saying, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?” The Lord heard all this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob. Now shall we fail to keep our vow, and tempt God by our lust as did Israel? He rained down manna upon them and gave them of the corn of Heaven. They even ate angel's food; but they were not satisfied; they lusted for flesh. He rained flesh also upon them. Read verses 27-31. Let us not tempt God as did they; but as we have made the vow to love God, and as John says that this is the love of God that we keep his commandments, let us keep our vow by cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh. Your brother in hope.
WM. COTTRELL.
Bowersville, Ohio. REDEMPTION.
By NOAH W. VINCENT.
At Jesus’ cross begin
To learn redemption’s plan:
The Father hated sin,
But pitied guilty man.
He sent his holy Son
To suffer for our sin;
That all to Christ might come,
And pardon find in him. The Saviour’s hour had come,
Such grace to testify,
To meet man’s rightful doom,
God’s goodness magnify.
The sun grew dark apace,
Sad gloom o’er nature spread,
As Jesus, Prince of Life,
Was soon to join the dead. The hands all free from stain,
The beauteous feet of him
By whom salvation came,
Were wounded for our sin.
“Father forgive,” he prayed,
“They know not what they do.”
In pity this he said;
We know his love is true. When Christ his mother viewed,
The sad, heart-broken one,
He said of him he loved,
“Woman, behold thy son.”
To that adopted brother,
While writhing in distress,
He says, “Behold thy mother;”
Here’s heavenly faithfulness. Six hours Immanuel hung,
Uplifted on the tree;
Should not such love be sung?
Theme for eternity!
Oh! yes, for us Christ died,
In strong, unwavering trust,
When all was done he cried,
Mid dying pangs, “I thirst.” O hear his piteous cry
While faint from agony,
“My God! my God! O why,
Hast thou forsaken me?”
He prays while scoffing bands
No look of pity lend,
“Father, into thy hands
My spirit I commend.” Then loud he cried in anguish,
Low bowing his blest head,
O hear him—“It is finished.”
The offering was made.
Sinner, deserving death,
Behold the Lamb of God,
He lives to save from wrath
Those bought with his own blood. THE old adage is just as good to-day as ever. “Time once past never returns.” And it seems to me there must be even more importance attached to it at the present than ever before, when we take into consideration the magnitude of the work of spreading the third angel's message, and the short period there is left in which to perform it. The world in its history has arrived at fast times. Go into our cities and villages; the people of the world can hardly stop to walk a common pace, they have to run to keep up with business. And shall we be less in a hurry upon whom (will it be too much to say) the destiny of the world hangs? Time rightly improved is more precious than gold. No one would think of throwing a piece of gold into the fire, and yet they would even dare to misspend time. In our abbreviated lives of these last days, we shall have to work with all our might if we accomplish much. How solemn the thought that a moment once lost is lost forever. I need not speak of home duties, the hours of the day go by so swiftly that we cannot find a moment to sit with our hands folded in useless reverie, or to spend at our neighbors, in idle gossip. It cannot be that a Seventh-day Adventist man will let his family suffer for the common comforts of life while he squanders his time in idleness, or a woman so far mistake her duty as to neglect the real wants of her family. And yet when I see a family with not half its wants supplied, and the parents blessed with good health, I cannot help thinking that something is the matter, there is trouble somewhere or it would be otherwise in this land of plenty. A poor man's time is his estate. I cannot help suspecting a man's Christianity who does not provide for his own household if it is within his power to do so. Ministers of all men have the least time to spare. They should set an example of persevering industry, and the people should follow. Indeed very few of them find time for the rest and recreation that the system really requires, and must have, or wear out prematurely. It is my earnest prayer that we may so spend our time that when our blessed Saviour comes to bring his reward with him he can consistently say to us, “Well done.”
MARY STRATTON. From Sister Rencher.
By MARIA M. RENCHER
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: It is now four months since I commenced to keep the Sabbath. I have not even seen one of like faith in the time. I need not state to you how my heart goes forth for some one to converse with upon a subject of such vital importance. Some heart that can respond in unison. But you will say, You have the Review with the different testimonies; and so I have, and reserve its readings for the Sabbath, and often have a time of rejoicing all alone. But I cannot help wishing nevertheless to meet with some of like faith and hope, ere long. My husband has never met with a change of heart. He is strictly what is called a good and moral man, likes the reading of the Review and always kneels with me at the family altar. I have hesitated about mentioning this to you before; but my earnest desire and prayer to God is that my husband with myself may be truly converted to the faith of Jesus. To this end I do earnestly invoke the prayers of the church in our behalf. The effectual and fervent prayers of the righteous avail much. Again, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” I know that God is faithful and just to verify his promises to all his dear children, but I feel sometimes that I lack faith. Alas! as one has said before. “I am a poor sinner.
And nothing at all;
But Jesus Christ
Is my all in all.” I have left off eating pork and drinking tea, and sometimes wonder that I ever could use pork as food since it genders so many diseases. My health is much better than it was while using it. I am trying to live out the Health Reform as far as I know. Oh! what a precious hope we have of seeing Jesus as he is. Is it not worth our every thought, our time and talents? Most assuredly it is. Pray for me, dear brethren and sisters, that I with mine, may have all that fullness in the love of our Saviour that it is our privilege to enjoy here. I would know the length and breadth and height of redeeming love. From Bro. Crous.
By Wm. F. Crous
BRO. SMITH: Permit me to say to the dear brethren and sisters scattered abroad, that the little company in Appleton, Ohio, is striving for the victory. In meeting together on the holy Sabbath, we have the Spirit of the Lord bearing witness with our spirit, to cheer and comfort us in the way. Although we have strong opposition to contend with, yet by the help of God we will triumph. Oh! how good the Lord is to them that trust in him. We praise his holy name for the light of present truth. The third angel's message is dear to us. We love it, and all truth belonging to it, especially the Health Reform. Dear brethren and sisters, although we can rejoice in present truth, yet our hearts are often pained to see our friends oppose themselves against the law of God, and scorn his holy Sabbath. May the Spirit of the Lord strive with them to soften their hearts, so they may be prepared to love him and keep the commandments of God. Dear friends of truth, go on in the narrow way, and by the help of our divine Master we will try to keep pace with the body until we are redeemed at the coming of the Life-giver. Your brother in Christ, waiting for the consummation of the Christian's hope. Wm. F. Crous.
Licking Co., Ohio. From Sister Carmichael.
By E. D. Carmichael
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: How thankful we should feel that we were permitted to hear and embrace this solemn message before our minds were prejudiced against the truth. Often have we been ready to say, “Why was I made to hear his voice,
And enter while there's room,
While thousands make a wretched choice,
And rather starve than come!”
Truly the third angel's message is a gospel feast. Oh! how rich, how comforting, the great truths of the law and gospel! Would to God that all our dear friends could avail themselves of its blessings. May he in great mercy make them willing in the day of his power. This has been my prayer for seven years, and he will surely answer because he has promised. I confess that I have come short in the great work of holy living, but we have an advocate with the Father, even Jesus. Oh! how thankful we are that he is yet our mediator! and such a high priest as can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, and been tempted in all points as we are tempted. It sometimes seems impossible for one in my circumstances to fully live out the truth, but my aim is to do so as far as I can. May God help us all, and open the way for us in his own good time. My desire is to trust him still and patiently wait his time for deliverence. E. D. CARMICHAEL.
Marion, Iowa. SISTER E. S. D. writes from Hammondsport, N. Y.: I still love the cause of present truth and am trying to live up to its requirements. God's word is more to me than earthly friends, or earthly comforts. I feel very thankful to the Lord for the many blessings he is giving us. How mindful and condescending he is in giving the Testimonies to the church, to remind us of our lukewarmness, and need of humbling and cleansing ourselves that we may be ready for his coming. I want to be one of the number that shall be found ready and waiting for the Lord. BRO. E. FINNEY writes from Ashtabula Co., Ohio: I can truly say my interest in the present truth increases. The more I study the word of God the better I love to follow its teachings, or try to, and am glad I ever embraced the third angel's message. But how unworthy I am of such blessings as are bestowed on us by a kind heavenly Parent. I am trying to forsake my idols and follow the advice of Paul in Rom. xii, 1. We, as a band of Sabbath keepers in Wayne, meet on that day for social worship. We also have a Sabbath school. Though strongly opposed, we are not, I trust, discouraged from trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. SISTER C. E. FRANK writes from Rabbit River. Myself and family are trying to live out all of the third angel's message. I believe the Testimonies and the Health Reform are a part of the message. When Testimony No. 4 came out, I was on the brink of the grave with dropsy. My physician said I must not be left alone a moment for I might die at any time. But I am still alive to praise the Lord as I do this day for the light he has given his people, and my health is better than it has been for years. My husband and myself have kept the Sabbath of the Lord more than four years, and we are trying to get ready for the coming of the Just One. My prayer is that we may not fall out by the way. Oh! the coming of our Saviour! Who can comprehend the happiness of those whom he shall find ready to meet him! BRO. A. WEEKS writes from Grand Traverse Co., Mich.: One year ago I was a comparative stranger to the blessed cause of present truth. I was far from God and his holy law; but he led me in a way of which I was then ignorant. My wife having the “Sabbath Tracts Nos. 1 and 3,” worn with reading, which her grandfather presented to her on parting, I, from curiosity, read them. There I found argument that I could not meet. Then I became desirous of more information on the subject, but knew of only one Adventist to whom to apply for help. I consequently wrote to him to find out where I could procure suitable books, &c., and I received from him a copy of the Review. Since then we have been filled with praise to God for the constantly increasing light of present truth. The Review is our meeting, which we prize very dearly. Pray for us, that we may outride the storm and finally share in the overcomer's reward. CHURCH FAIRS.—The Reformed Messenger, expresses an earnest disapproval of fairs for Church purposes. It says that the parties engaged in them,—often “godly men and devoted women,”—“labor more and accomplish less, with less credit to themselves and less glory to God, by falling in with these worldly schemes, than if they would simply follow the Bible plan. We may get money by catering to the tastes of the world, but we sacrifice principle—and this is more precious than money.”