THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF ADVENTISM.
MR. MILLER IN MASSACHUSETTS—PUBLICATIONS, ETC.
In that year (1839) Mr. Miller was invited into Massachusetts to lecture. In that tour, he visited and lectured in Randolph, Lowell, Groton, and Lynn. His introduction was principally through the influence of Eld. T. Cole, of Lowell, a minister of the Christian connection. Again, in the Autumn and Winter of the same year, he returned and lectured in Exeter, New Hampshire, and Haverhill, Massachusetts, where a good effect was produced. It was at this Exeter meeting that he first became acquainted with Eld. J. V. Himes, and received his first invitation to visit Boston, and give a course of lectures in the Chardon Street Chapel. His first course of lectures in that place constituted altogether a new era in the history of Adventism. An excitement was produced in Boston, which demanded light, and prepared the public mind to sustain the enterprise of hiring the Marlboro' Chapel for a course of lectures. From that point an influence was extended through all the adjacent country; and such was the demand for light, that it was determined to issue a new and revised edition of the lectures. This work was undertaken, without fee or reward, by that devoted friend of this cause. He cheerfully undertook the revision of the work and the superintendence of publication, which a Boston publisher agreed to do, if he could have the profits arising from an edition of five thousand copies. This he had. Mr. Miller has often been blamed for securing the copy-right—and hence it is but justice to him and the cause to say, that it was the only condition on which the publisher would undertake to issue the work. After selling the five thousand copies, Mr. Mussey, the publisher, concluded that the demand was over. For the purpose of supplying the public, Mr. Himes then undertook, at the earnest solicitation and advice of friends, the publication of the work himself. At the same time he abandoned the copy-right, and thus, to save reproach on the cause, exposed himself to the competition of any and all who chose to compete with him. The same course has been pursued in reference to all his other publications. Notwithstanding all this, all that the tongue of slander could invent, has been heaped upon him, for the stand he took and the self-denying course he pursued on this subject. During Mr. Miller's lectures in Boston, a work entitled Illustrations of Prophecy, by David Campbell, appeared, designed, like Mr. Smith's production above named, to overthrow Miller's system. The ground taken by Mr. Campbell was, in some respects, like Mr. Smith's in the model; the latter was adopted for the frame-work of the book. But Mr. Campbell, with the same inconsistency of which Mr. Shimeall is guilty, contends, first, that the little horn spoken of in Daniel viii, was Mahomedism; and then adopted the ninth chapter as a key to the eighth. How blind must be that mind which does not see, that if the ninth chapter does explain the eighth, then the final desolation of the Sanctuary spoken of in the eighth is the same as that in the ninth, and is, as Sir Isaac and Bishop Newton have both proved, Rome, and not Mahomedism. But the effect of Mr. Campbell's work, like that of his prototype, was only to retard for a moment what it could not stop. Some other works of an ephemeral character, from Orthodox, Infidel, Universalist, and other ists, appeared about the same time, and accomplished each their work, by overthrowing—not Mr. Miller, but one another. Under these repeated attacks from the pulpit and press, it was felt that some organ of communication should be opened, by which the public mind could be disabused in reference to the varied reports which were circulated in reference to Mr. Miller and his views. He had long sought for some one to take the supervision of a paper through which he could speak to the public; but such a man could not be found, who for love of money would undertake the task, and bear the scorn of an unbelieving world. At this juncture, when the storm of opposition grew heavy, the providence of God raised up a man for this work also. That unwearied friend of this cause, J. V. Himes, who has so nobly stood in the front of the hosts and the hottest of the fire, came forward and threw himself into the enterprise, to make up the breach. On the 20th of March, 1840, without money, patrons, or scarcely friends, he issued the first number of the "Signs of the Times." The appearance of that sheet was hailed with joy, by many a longing heart, waiting for the consolation of Israel. The paper was sustained for the first year at a considerable expense to the editor, besides his own unrequited toil. As might be expected, the enemies of the cause were greatly discommoded by the appearance of such a weapon, both offensive and defensive. Nothing which a heart surcharged with gall, could invent, or the tongue of envy utter, was left unsaid or unwritten against the editor. But his language was, None of these things move me. He was sufficiently convinced of the truth of the doctrine to know that it was worthy, at least, of a full and candid investigation, and this he determined it should have, so far as he was able to gain thus much for it. The paper thus started, was published for two years as a semi-monthly, and, since then, as a weekly periodical. It has been read by multitudes throughout the United States, and in the British provinces, with the deepest interest; and has been to thousands an angel of mercy and love; the good it has accomplished will only be known in the great day of the Lord. During the same Winter, 1839-40, Mr. Miller was invited to lecture in Portsmouth, N. H., and Portland, Me. In both these places, as well as in Boston and vicinity, his labors were attended with refreshing showers of divine grace. Numbers embraced the doctrine of the Lord's speedy coming, who are yet strong in faith, giving glory to God. This Winter's campaign produced an excitement throughout New England, and raised up friends in almost every town. As the Spring opened, and the Summer came, the entire community were excited, and expectation on tiptoe, in reference to the 11th of August and its anticipated events, the fall of the Ottoman empire, &c., &c. Many were the predictions that when that day should have passed by, as it certainly would do, without the event being realized, that then the spell would be broken, and Adventism would die. But the time came; and it must be confessed it was for a few weeks a time of trial to many. Yet "He who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb," had compassion on his little ones and did not suffer them to be tempted above what they were able to bear. And few, very few, even under that trial, shrunk from their faith. The time came and passed by; and, as a matter of course, the distance from Constantinople could not be passed without consuming some considerable period of time. But when the fact did reach us, it was found that on the very day anticipated, the 11th of August, a transfer was made of the supremacy of that empire from Mahomedan hands. This fact entirely discomfited the hosts of the enemy. The cause again revived, and careered on its way with still greater power than ever before. Up to this period all that had been done was accomplished by individual effort. In this depression of affairs, it was determined to hold a "Second Advent Conference" in Boston, where the friends of the cause could congregate and give expression to their feelings, and put forth an effort to arouse the country and the world to a sense of its coming doom. This meeting was assembled in the Chardon Street Chapel, on the 15th of October, 1840, and continued two days. This was styled "The First General Conference of Second Advent Believers." It was a season of comfort and refreshing to the lovers of the glorious appearing of our blessed Lord. The organization of the meeting was the most simple that could be devised. Mr. H. D. Ward was called to the chair, and Henry Jones,18of New York, was appointed secretary of the meeting. No further organization was thought necessary. The report of the doings of the Conference were published in an 18mo pamphlet, together with the lectures which were delivered on the occasion. These were widely circulated through the community, by the friends of the cause, with the happiest results. At this Conference the idea of commencing social meetings among Adventists, for the purpose of strengthening each other's faith, was suggested. The plan was adopted in many places, and resulted in great good to the cause, and those who enjoyed them. It was in this year, 1840, that Rev. John Dowling, a Baptist clergyman of Providence, Rhode Island, published his far-famed Review of Miller, in which he has adopted all those wild chimeras, so long since exploded. That Antiochus Epiphanes, a Syrian king, is the hero of Daniel's vision, 8th chapter; and that the 2300 days are but half days, amounting to 1150 literal days; which he shew were literally fulfilled by Antiochus within about 55 days. Or, in other words, the vision of the ram, the he-goat with his great horn, his four horns, and the little horn which came afterward, in the latter time of their kingdom, were all fulfilled in just three years. He also maintained the old fabled doctrine of a thousand years millennium, before the coming of the Lord, the return of the Jews to Palestine, &c., &c. To this production Mr. Miller wrote a brief reply, which was published and extensively circulated. The work was more fully reviewed by J. Litch, and the Refutation published in pamphlet form. It was this work which first suggested to Mr. Miller the idea of searching the Bible to find a true system of Bible Chronology; and resulted in what has since been given to the world; showing that the six thousand years from the creation end about A. D. 1843. Although there may still be reason to doubt the exact correctness of that chronology, yet it is clear that it cannot be far from correct. The influence of Mr. Dowling's book has been various; on some minds, those, especially, who do not wish the Lord to come, it has operated as a quietus. Others it has induced to examine the subject more fully, and brought them to the conclusion that the Advent doctrine is correct. The book and its principles, foolish and idle as they are, has been quoted and adopted by many opponents, clearly because they could get nothing better with which to oppose us. In the Spring of 1840, the writer of this article wrote and published a third work, entitled "An Address to the Clergy." It embraced in a short compass an exposition of the nature of the kingdom of God; also an article on the return of the Jews, and their title to the land promised to Abraham for an everlasting possession. It presented the subject in a light somewhat different from what it had ever been presented before in this country. The effect of it on the clergy was considerable; some were moved by it to give the subject an examination, and became satisfied that it was the true position. It also contained the argument on the fall of the Ottoman empire. The second edition, published in 1841, was revised by giving the historical facts, showing the fulfillment of the calculation. In the Spring of 1841 it became a question with the writer, whether he could, consistently with his belief in the speedy coming of the Lord, retain his ecclesiastical relation with the Methodist Episcopal Church, as an itinerant minister. The many strong ties by which he was bound to that church of his early choice, were hard to be severed. With her ministers he had been on terms of sweetest friendship, with her institutions he felt the strongest sympathy; and then, again, the feelings and welfare of a beloved family were presented to his mind, as an insuperable barrier in the way of being exclusively devoted to the work of proclaiming the Lord's coming. Then, on the other hand, a firm persuasion that the doctrine was true, and a conviction that it was high time the church and world were aroused to their danger, pressed upon him until they overcame, and he concluded to throw himself upon the providence of God, and go forth. It was an unbeaten way—not one minister of the gospel was then devoted exclusively to the cause, excepting Mr. Miller. But, hard as it was, he has never yet had cause to regret the step. The example has had its influence on other brethren, whose ties have been equally strong and binding; yet they have cut loose and thrust in their sickle to reap in this harvest-field; and rich has been the precious fruit which has been gathered in. After dissolving my relation to the traveling connection of the Methodist Episcopal Church, my first step was to attend the Second General Conference of Advent believers, which was held in Lowell, June, 15, 16, 17, 1841. This Conference was a time of deep interest, and gave a new impulse to the cause. At the time of holding both those conferences, Mr. Miller was sick and unable to attend. The report of this meeting, with the lectures delivered, was also published in pamphlet form, and widely circulated. At this meeting we also had quite a company of ministers of various denominations, who were obedient to the faith, so far as to attend the conference and identify themselves with us. But perhaps the course of things, during the ensuing Summer, cannot be better told than by inserting the following, which appeared in "The Signs of the Times," Vol. 2:— Skowhegan, Me., July 24, 1841.
"DEAR BROTHER HIMES:—Having a leisure hour, I embrace it to give you a brief account of my recent tours and visits to the seats of the four New England Methodist Episcopal Annual Conferences. The first was my own Conference, at Providence, the session of which was held in the city of Providence, commencing June 9th, 1841. This Conference was set off from the New England Conference at the last General Conference, and met for the first time in their separate capacity.
"I shall not however enter into subjects of general interest, in reference to these bodies, but confine myself, principally, to the state of our cause and its prospects. In Providence, during the Conference, I gave several lectures on the second coming and kingdom of Christ, in the Christian Chapel, which was kindly offered for the purpose. The congregations were not large, but attentive, intelligent, and interested. Several of the members of the Conference were present at each lecture. Among the citizens of Providence we have some ardent friends of the cause, besides many warm opposers. Mr. Dowling has unquestionably exerted a paralyzing influence on the public mind in that city; and I fear many, very many, through his influence, will be lulled to sleep in sin, and go down to ruin.
"Among the Preachers of the Conference, so far as I could learn, there is an increased interest felt in reference to the subject. Several, who a year ago were either indifferent or entirely and openly opposed to the discussion of the subject, I found to be deeply interested in it. Some entirely, others partially, convinced of the correctness of our doctrine. While there are several others whose prejudices have so far subsided as to be willing to hear and read on the subject, although they think it hardly worth while to trouble their heads with new theories. On the whole, my conviction is, that there is quite generally a strong conviction rising in the minds of the Preachers that the old doctrine of the world's conversion, the restoration of Israel, and Christ's spiritual reign for a thousand years, is built on human tradition, and not on God's word.
"But the most interesting part of the narrative is yet to come. As it was to this Conference I was amenable for the doctrines I taught, as a matter of course the strange things I have been spreading before the community for some time past, came up before the Conference for examination. My respected Presiding Elder, under whose supervision I labored during the last year, said he had nothing against Brother Litch, but he believed he preached the Miller doctrine, and he felt it his duty to bring it up, as some of the brethren wished to know how it was. The Bishop said, Brother Litch would tell us how that was.
"Litch. I shall be happy to answer any questions brethren wish to propose.
"Bishop. They say, Brother Litch, you preach the Miller doctrine; how is it?
"L. If brethren will define their meaning, I can perhaps answer their questions.
"B. They want to know whether you teach the Miller doctrine.
"L. Well, if they will define themselves, I will try to tell them. This I confess to you, brethren, that after the way some call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, and have hope toward God, which they also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.
"B. That is not it; they want to know whether you believe, with Mr. Miller, that the end of the world will come in 1843?
"L. I can answer that question, I believe and teach in common with Mr. Miller and others, that God has, by his servant Daniel the prophet, revealed the events of time in a long connected series, from the days of Daniel to the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven to receive an universal, everlasting kingdom under the whole heaven. That with those events certain prophetic periods were connected; and that most of those events and part of those periods have already been fulfilled; also that the remainder will be accomplished in 1843.
"B. Do you think that is Methodism?
"L. I do. At least it is not contrary to the articles of religion of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
"Various other questions were asked by the Bishop and different brethren, embracing nearly every point peculiar to Miller's theory, occupying from thirty to forty-five minutes. The best of feelings were preserved throughout the whole scene, and a deep melting solemn sensation pervaded the Conference. After deliberation on the question, the Conference came to the conclusion, that I held to nothing contrary to Methodism, although I went in some points beyond it. They then, at my own request, granted me a location, and thus left me at liberty to devote my whole time to the dissemination of this important subject; and if it is heresy, they have taken a measure of the responsibility of it. The influence of that examination, there is good reason to believe, was most salutary, and afforded a most valuable opportunity of bringing the subject before those who before knew little or nothing of it.
"It was not, however, without strong feeling. I came to the conclusion to dissolve my connection with the itinerant ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with whom I had labored in a sweetest fellowship for eight years of my life, and from whom I received unremitted evidence of regard and kindness. Nothing but a solemn conviction of duty to God and my fellow-men, to throw my entire influence into the enterprise in which we are engaged, could have induced me to take the step. And it is due to my brethren of the Providence Conference to say, that after my location nothing but the strongest assurances of regard and esteem and confidence came from any one of them, together with their best wishes for my future welfare and success. All which they may rest assured is heartily reciprocated." NEW HAMPSHIRE CONFERENCE.
"This Conference commenced its session at Dover, New Hampshire, June 23. Through the kindness of the friends, the Freewill Baptist meeting-house was secured for lectures, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Monday and Tuesday evenings the Calvinist Baptist house was generously offered. The congregations were good each evening. Quite a number of preachers were present at each lecture, and the subject seemed to make quite a deep impression upon their minds. There are several members of this Conference, also, who think, feel, and talk much upon the coming of the Lord at hand. My intercourse with brethren was pleasant, and reception among them cordial. After distributing about ten dollars' worth of books among the members of the Conference, on the 30th of June, I left for Worcester, the seat of the19NEW ENGLAND CONFERENCE.
"Here I found myself at home, in the midst of old friends and tried brethren, Brother Elihu Ellis having secured Brinley Hall for the purpose, I gave a course of lectures in that place. The lectures, all things considered, were well attended, and the effect, I think, will not be lost.
"Probably there are fewer preachers in this Conference who feel an interest in this great question, than in either of the other Conferences in New England. But still there are a few who are disposed to give it attention and examine its merits. I distributed gratuitously, in the Conference and town, about fifteen dollars' worth of books and publications on the Second Advent. Thus the seed is sown, and it is hoped some of it will yet spring up and bring forth much fruit. Let it be watered by the fervent prayers of all who love the appearing of the Saviour." "This Conference met in this thriving village on the 21st inst. It consists of about one hundred and thirty members. I arrived by stage on Wednesday evening, and was cordially greeted by my acquaintance in this Conference. They were anxious to have some lectures during my stay among them, to which I of course assented, if they would procure a place for them. Application was accordingly made to the committee of appointment to supply the desk during the Conference. They were very jealous of such heresy, and declined granting the request. The subject was finally carried into the Conference for the decision of the question. The effect was like a fire-brand in a magazine of powder. A warm discussion, for about thirty or forty minutes, ensued, which drew out both friends and foes of the cause, and probably excited more interest than could have been raised by half a dozen lectures without that previous movement. The question was finally disposed of by laying it on the table, by thirty-one to thirty, on the ground that it was not expedient for the Conference to take any action on the subject; but that the question of opening the house or not, was entirely with the Committee. The Baptist minister, however, very readily granted the use of his meeting-house for a lecture, which we held last evening. The discussion in the Conference had awakened an interest in the preachers to hear for themselves on the great question; and, accordingly, at the appointed hour, there came out, I should judge, something like two thirds of the Conference, and a good number of the citizens. During the lecture, it was easy to be perceived, an interest in the subject, never before felt, by many, was waking up, and long cherished prejudices were giving way.
"To-day, I have sent into the Conference, for gratuitous distribution, about thirty dollars' worth of publications on the second coming and kingdom of the Saviour. The eagerness with which they were seized evinces the determination of those ambassadors of Christ to know more on the subject before they vote upon it again. On the whole, we have more to hope, so far as I can learn and judge, from Maine, than any other portion of the New England States; and the seed sown on that fertile soil will not all be lost. There are, in this Conference a goodly number who are already hearty advocates of the doctrine, and others who are almost persuaded. And I have the assurance of many, who have hitherto stood aloof from it, that they shall give it a thorough investigation, and satisfy themselves.
Your fellow laborer and brother in Christ.
J. LITCH." The course of Adventism was steadily onward, both among clergy and laity, throughout New England. It was in the Autumn of this year that that devoted and beloved brother, C. Fitch, returned again to the examination of the question of the Lord's coming, and came out a decided advocate of the doctrine. He at once entered the field, and has proved an efficient auxiliary to the cause; and the Lord will reward him in that day. Brother Wm. Miller continued his labors in various parts of the country, with great success. Brother Himes, also, devoted as much time as his pastoral and other duties would allow, to lecturing on the subject. In October, another Conference was held in Portland, Me., which gave a new impulse to the work in that section of the country. Another Conference was appointed and held in the Broadway Tabernacle, New York City, which was the first successful effort ever made in that city. In most of these Conferences, we were greatly aided in our work by the active co-operation of our beloved brethren, H. D. Ward, and H. Jones. Notwithstanding their strong objection to any attempt at fixing a data for the termination of the prophetic times, yet they generously yielded their objections to co-operate with us in this work of sounding the alarm. From New York City, we proceeded to Low Hampton, the residence of Brother Miller, and commenced another Conference. It was a season of refreshing to all, and more especially to Brother Miller himself. It was the first Conference he had ever attended; and to find around him such a host as were congregated there, from east, west, north and south, from Canada, as well as the States, raised up to proclaim this truth, by the blessing of God on his labors, was to him most refreshing and encouraging. From Low Hampton the writer returned to Newark, N. J., and began a series of lectures there, and continued them each night, for three weeks. The Lord owned his word and blessed it to the good of many souls. A goodly band were there raised up, many of whom are yet strong in faith, and looking for the Saviour's coming. From there, by invitation of Brother J. J. Porter, he visited Philadelphia, and spent three weeks in sowing seed which he expects to reap after a few days. This was the first introduction of Adventism beyond New York. After three days' labor, a few souls in Philadelphia embraced the doctrine, who, with few exceptions, hold it fast to the present time. During the Winter of 1841-2, Conferences were held in various places, which were all attended with good. Boston, Mass.; Dover, N. H.; Sandy Hill, N. Y.; Pomfret, Ct.; Colchester, Vt.; Ashburnham and Lunenburg, Mass., &c. The result of them, eternity will unfold; but much fruit was immediately apparent. A large number of ministers of the gospel were awakened, during the Winter, to a sense of their duty to investigate the subject, and were induced to preach it more or less in their public ministrations; and some of them devoted themselves entirely to the Advent cause, and became efficient laborers. ADVENTISM ESTABLISHED IN NEW YORK CITY.
As the Spring opened, Brother Himes determined on sounding the cry abroad more fully in the city of New York; and, accordingly, in the month of May, himself with Brother Miller, went to that city to commence their operations. The Apollo Hall, on Broadway, was rented at a heavy expense, and they commenced their work. The labors of the preceding visit were so far obliterated that none could be found to invite them to their house and give them a night's lodging. They accordingly took an ante-room adjoining the hall as a sitting and lodging room for a part of the time, until friends were awakened and brought in, who furnished a cot-bed, and thus relieved them from the hard floor. Two weeks, under these circumstances, laboring night and day, paying most of their own expenses, (for the public collections were very small,) were necessary before an impression could be made. One fact should be here recorded: an impression had gone abroad in reference to the Adventists, that they were monsters, or almost anything but civilized beings. So strong was this impression, and so general, that a number of days had passed and scarcely a lady dared to make her appearance in the meetings. The religious press had sounded the alarm, and spread a name through the community which it was difficult to remove. But as one after another ventured to look in, and then to listen, the prejudice began to give way, and the congregation to enlarge, and before the meetings closed on anniversary week, the house was well filled with attentive hearers, and a permanent interest secured. It was a great undertaking, but the victory was at length achieved, and a great and glorious harvest has been gathered in. This meeting closed under encouraging circumstances, and filled all who were present with hope as to the future. Do not forget the assembling of yourselves together for the worship of God. It is God's will that you should be found with his people in the sanctuary, and you cannot be so well employed at home, therefore go to the house of prayer, and go regularly, for Who can expect to be by Jesus blest,
If absent, when He comes to meet His guests?
Can those, who once have tasted Jesus' grace,
Choose to be absent when He shows His face?
Shall a few drops of rain, or dirty road,
Prevent their public intercourse with God?
See! Satan's slaves to scenes of riot go,
By day and night through rain, or hail, or snow!
And shall some visitor, or worldly care,
Detain believers from the house of prayer?
Forbid it, Lord! revive thy people's zeal;
The lukewarm plague among thy people heal,
Ye heirs of bliss, whom Jesus often meets,
Whene'er his house is opened, fill your seats. Homeward Bound
By John Pierpont
Homeward bound! with deep emotion,
We remember, Lord, that life
Is a voyage upon an ocean
Heaved by many a tempest's strife. Be thy statutes so engraven
On our hearts and minds, that we,
Anchoring in that quiet haven
Then may make our home with thee. The venerable Dr. Nott, for a half century the president of the Union College, in a letter to a company of his former pupils just entering the sacred ministry, concentrates the experience and observation of fourscore years in this brief sentence: "Let politics alone—let religious controversy alone—let heresy alone—preach the pure gospel—continue to preach it" it will be your best defense against error. One revival of religion will do more against formalists and heretics, than years of controversial labors. In one word, do all you can by preaching Christ crucified and by prayer, and leave the rest to Providence." Confession.—Be not ashamed to confess that you have been in the wrong. It is but owning what you need not be ashamed of—that you now have more sense than you had before to see your error, more humility to acknowledge it, more grace to correct it. The Road to Virtue
By Sir Thomas Browne
"There is no road or ready way to virtue; it is not an easy part of art to disentangle ourselves from this riddle or web of sin.—To perfect virtue, as to religion, there is required a panopla, or complete armour, that whilst we lie at close ward against one vice, we lie not open to the entry of another."—Religio Medici. The Usefulness of Some Men.
"There are some members of a community," said the sagacious and witty Thomas Bradbury, "that are like a crumb in the throat; if they go the right way, they afford but little nourishment; but if they happen to go the wrong way, they give a great deal of trouble." I HAVE for some time been burdened on account of the temporal embarrassments of the dear saints who have borne the burden in the heat of the day, and are still willing to do so. Willing though they are, I am not willing they should do so alone. I know there are those who are willing to do what they can, while others are not. To be consistent with our profession, and position, we should have all on the altar. But if we will hold on to what God has lent us, and refuse to render him his due, we shall not only experience leanness, but God will permit it to be taken from us by force, and converted to another use. Do we not yet understand that God has the control of our affairs? and can cause means to flow to us, or from us, as he sees we will improve them, or need them? How long shall we be learning to do our whole duty and trust God? Will we still leave the dear servants of God to struggle with pecuniary embarrassments, not for themselves but for us? They have spared no labor, pains nor expense to comprehend the word of God, and having comprehended, to place it before us and ours. Will we withhold the means necessary to defray the expense already incurred, and necessary to be incurred that the truth may still come to us and others? I fancy I hear you respond, I will not withhold: I will begin (if not begun) the work of self-retrenchment. If I had in my heart to buy articles, either food, dress, or furniture, to please or gratify myself, I will at once abandon it, and get only what I need for present use, and that the most simple and profitable, and let the surplus go for the cause. The liberal soul deviseth liberal things—not for himself, but for the cause of truth. O my brethren, if we do these things, then may we with confidence look for light in our dwellings, and our bread and water shall be made sure. I love the dear saints scattered abroad. I know some of them are poor, and can do but little, and many of them nothing, but God accepteth according to what we have. May the great Shepherd guard us from evil, is the prayer of your sister in Christ. A. P. LAWTON. West Winfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y.