The Review and Herald
October 28, 1884
Notes of Travel
Syracuse, N. Y.
At Marshalltown, Iowa, I parted from my son, J. E. White, whose business was in such a state that he could not remain with me longer at present. In my intercourse with him I have been gratified to see that his heart is awakening to a sense of God's claims upon him. May the time soon come when he will be free from every embarrassment, and will give himself wholly to the work of God. I feel thankful that he has helped what he could at several camp-meetings, and especially for his interested efforts in behalf of the Sabbath-school and in other directions in the Iowa meeting. He will join me again in Ohio. If he keeps his soul in the love of God, he can be a blessing to others; while by using his talents in the work of God, he will grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. RH October 28, 1884, par. 1
How important it is that those who have talents use them in the cause of God, working with an eye single to his glory. Time is short; eternity is near. I long to see men who are fettering themselves with worldly entanglements and perplexities, lay these aside, and put all their energies into the work of God. If they will ask his help, they will not ask in vain. They should be often in prayer for divine guidance. Jesus invites their confidence; God will never hide his face from the earnest, contrite supplicant. When every other hope fails, our heavenly Father presents himself as a sure refuge. RH October 28, 1884, par. 2
In the lives of all, difficulties will arise which they cannot solve, and from which they cannot free themselves. If they have neglected to make God their counselor, let this be so no longer. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” What a precious promise is this! What a privilege it is that in the day of perplexity, even though we have brought ourselves into trial by neglecting to seek counsel of God, we may go to him with the full assurance that he will hear and answer our prayers. The Redeemer, who died for fallen man, and who well understands his value, is able to guide the humble seeker into straight paths. RH October 28, 1884, par. 3
We arrived on the camp-ground at Syracuse, N. Y., August 20. The next day, Thursday, we were glad to greet Eld. U. Smith and wife. Here we met Eld. Wheeler, with whom we became acquainted in New Hampshire thirty years ago. Here was Eld. Cottrell, whom we have known for thirty years; Eld. Taylor, for more than twenty-five years; Bro. Robinson, for thirty-five years. My heart was touched as I looked upon these brethren who had long stood in defense of the faith. More than a score of years have passed into eternity with their burden of record since these men became soldiers of the cross; but their experience in the early history of the cause of God has never grown dim. As their thoughts linger about the past, the fires of love and faith kindle anew in their hearts. They can say with John, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of Life;” “that which we have seen and heard, declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us.” RH October 28, 1884, par. 4
Others were present whom we highly esteem, tried friends of the cause, whom we have known many years. We saw their countenances light up with fresh assurance as they listened to the presentation of the truth which has kept their hearts warm all these years. These brethren and sisters have an accurate, personal knowledge of events that occurred a score or more years ago. Some of them have witnessed remarkable manifestations of the power of God in times of our greatest trial and need, when our numbers were few, when opposition was strong, and unreasonable objections had to be met. While things that occurred a week ago may be forgotten, these scenes of thrilling interest still live in the memory. RH October 28, 1884, par. 5
Whatever may be said of the later stages of their life-history, their earlier experience in this work has left traces which can never be erased. We cannot afford to let these aged sentinels drop out of sight. To many, by pen and voice, they have spoken precious words of truth; and they should still be encouraged to do all they can with their influence, their counsel, and their experience in the cause of God. More youthful workers are taking their place in active service, and this is right; but let these younger men keep a warm place in their hearts, and room in their councils, for those whose heads have grown gray in the service of Christ. We want to see these men keep on the armor, and press the battle to the gates. We want to see them share with younger soldiers the triumphs of the final victory. It will be joy indeed to see them, when the conflict is ended, crowned and honored among the victorious ones. RH October 28, 1884, par. 6
We had good meetings. Many were deeply moved, and their testimonies of confession brought light. The discourses were clear, pointed, and stirring, and melted their way into many hearts; but to many others they were as water spilled upon the ground, which cannot be gathered up. It was sad to see so many who have a knowledge of the truth feel so little responsibility to save souls. Jesus is disappointed in their lives. He comes seeking fruit, and finds nothing but leaves,—profession, pretense, hollow formalism. RH October 28, 1884, par. 7
The truths brought from the storehouse of God's word will find a lodgement in hearts prepared to receive them, and will purify the mind and elevate the character. When men and women have professed the truth for years, but have made no advancement,—when they have failed to gain solidity of character or a valuable Christian experience,—it is because they are not doers of the word. They bear no fruit to the glory of God. They may have ability and tact, thought and skill, to exercise in temporal matters; but they are content to use them where only their own selfish interest is concerned, and they are daily robbing God of the use of the talents he has intrusted to them. Like the inhabitants of the Noachian world, they eat and drink, build, plant, and sow, and allow these things to absorb all their time and all their thought. RH October 28, 1884, par. 8
As we thought of the numbers in attendance at the Iowa camp-meeting, and looked over the large congregation assembled on this ground, we were deeply moved. We long to have these brethren and sisters discern spiritual things. What can arouse them to overcome doubts and unbelief, and exercise living faith? Many of them need to have the cobwebs of earthliness brushed away before they can turn a clear gaze heavenward. There are kind-hearted professors who need to experience the converting power of God. Our Lord requires full and entire consecration; and the priceless boon of eternal life can be secured on no other terms. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind,” and “thy neighbor as thyself.” RH October 28, 1884, par. 9
There was a large number on the ground who did not seem to lose the worldly mold. Their offense was that they were indolent, they rested satisfied while living in the neglect of duty, and as a consequence, they were making but little progress in the religious life. If their light shone at all, it was pale and flickering, and had a sickly, dying-out appearance. Oh! that these dear souls could realize that God is waiting to be gracious; that all Heaven is waiting their demand upon its light and strength. RH October 28, 1884, par. 10
In the light of God's word, there must be a decided change in the attitude and character of his chosen people, or they will never obtain the overcomer's reward. In their present state of spiritual inefficiency, they could never fight the good fight of faith as successful soldiers of Jesus Christ. While the great enemy of God and his people is wide awake, earnest, and untiring in his efforts to ensnare, where are the men and women who are qualifying themselves to meet and expose his arts and deceptions? RH October 28, 1884, par. 11
Every man, every woman, and every youth is under obligation to work for the strengthening and up-building of the cause of Christ; but would not a large number of his professed people, in their present condition, be pronounced slothful servants? Brethren, you do not exercise skill, diligence, and devotion in the cause of your Master. After having received the richest gifts of heaven, you are content to give but little in return. Do not entertain complacent feelings in view of the talents which have been intrusted to you. God will prove you; and when he finds you are selfishly absorbed in your own plans and interests, he will take these talents away from you, and give them to those who have wrought unselfishly in his service. RH October 28, 1884, par. 12
A day of reckoning is drawing on, when the rewards will be given to the faithful traders with their Lord's goods; but these true servants take no credit to themselves; they give their Lord all the glory. “Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.” There could have been no gain without the deposit, no interest without the principal. The pound was committed to the faithful servant, and he has gained besides it, or through its help, other pounds also. He does not feel that he has done more than his duty. The capital was advanced to him, and if he has been enabled to trade successfully with it, his Lord alone shall have the glory. RH October 28, 1884, par. 13
When brethren render to God a small portion of their time, money, or intellect, which are all his own, they are inclined to feel well pleased with themselves, and to think that they have placed the Lord under obligation to them. But why should Brn. Whitney, Smith, Brown, Haskell, or any of these ministers, give all their powers to the service of God, and bear burdens in his cause, and the hundreds of believers go free, carrying no responsibility of the work? Has God given these brethren faculties different from yours? No, my brethren and sisters; you have the very same reasoning powers that they possess, but you have allowed your farm or business to absorb all your time and energies. RH October 28, 1884, par. 14
There is work for all in the cause of God. The church in your own neighborhood requires care. Men of thought and self-denial are needed,—men who will work to keep up the interests of the church, even if their own worldly affairs suffer. You will give your thought and care to that cause whose prosperity you prize most highly. If it is your farm, your trade, or your business, then this will be first considered. But a day of reckoning is surely coming, when a full and minute account will have to be rendered as to how you have employed your God-given abilities. RH October 28, 1884, par. 15
The apostle Paul exhorts, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” “A living sacrifice”—not a dead, corrupted, defiled offering. It is too often the case that the unclean hand stains, the impure heart sullies, the truth you profess to love. The earthly and sensual has been indulged at the expense of health and of the mental and moral powers. The baser affections have been mingled more or less with the truth you have handled, and it “tastes of the dish.” God requires the earthen vessel containing this treasure to be pure, the soul-temple to be cleansed of its defilement. RH October 28, 1884, par. 16
Paul continues: “And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” With the Christian there is an abiding sense of his obligation to God. He looks to the Captain of his salvation for orders, and is faithful and true to obey these orders. RH October 28, 1884, par. 17
I attended the morning meeting, August 21, and spoke of the work that must be done for us individually. The meeting was a good one; but there was not that depth and earnestness of feeling that would insure the presence of the Spirit of God, and produce lasting impressions. The people are too well satisfied with themselves, and there is a deadness that savors of spiritual paralysis. The message to the Laodiceans is applicable to them; for while congratulating themselves upon their knowledge of the truth, they are destitute of true love and faith. RH October 28, 1884, par. 18
In the morning meeting of August 22, I spoke to the people upon the important work that is going forward in our behalf on this antitypical day of atonement. I then called upon all to come forward who had not been serving the Lord, but wished to do so, and all who were willing to put away by confession those sins that grieved the Spirit of God, and withheld his blessing from them. Nearly all in the tent came forward, and there seemed to be deep feeling in the meeting. Confessions were made with many tears. Several spoke of their anxiety in regard to their children who were out of Christ. They longed for wisdom to know just how to reach them. RH October 28, 1884, par. 19
One brother said that he had been impatient, and had not kept up the family altar. He thought that his wife would now be in the faith had he set before her such an example as a Christian should. Another had cherished hard feelings against his brother, and he made this confession that the wound might be healed. RH October 28, 1884, par. 20
One sister said that her heart was filled with enmity and jealousy. This was indeed sad; but we were glad that she had courage and grace to confess. It is a blessing that she sees her fault now, while mercy stands pleading in behalf of the erring. To see one's sins is the first step toward putting them away. The Christian's experience is a checkered one; his path is uneven, because he does not always make God his trust, and follow where he leads the way. If the Christian life and character were always a faithful representation of Jesus, the world's Redeemer, the good work of grace wrought in the heart would flow out in the life, and would reflect a clear, steady, precious light upon the pathway of others. Such a confession of faith to the world would be a most powerful sermon in favor of Christianity. RH October 28, 1884, par. 21
Another sister said that her mother had left money to her, the principal to be loaned to the cause, while she was permitted to use the interest; but she confessed that she had called in a portion of the principal for herself. In this case we could advise that she make restitution; and this gave opportunity to make remarks in regard to robbery toward God. RH October 28, 1884, par. 22
In these last days we must learn from the experience of past ages. The confession of faith made by saints and martyrs has been recorded for our benefit. These living examples of holiness and steadfast faith have come down to us to inspire us with courage. They received grace and truth, not for themselves alone, but that the knowledge of God might enlighten the world. Has God given us light? Then we should let it shine forth to the world; we should reach out by faith to save souls for whom Christ died. RH October 28, 1884, par. 23
At this camp-meeting some took their stand with us to keep all the commandments of God. At most of the services there was a good attendance of those residing in the city who were not of our faith. My labors were taxing; but my interest for our people was so deep that I felt constrained to speak to them earnestly; and I longed to have those who are in the darkness of error see the beauty and preciousness of the truth, that they too might come to the light. RH October 28, 1884, par. 24
We felt anxious that all who could be induced to attend our meeting should hear the prophecies explained in Bro. Smith's clear, forcible manner. The privilege of hearing such clear arguments should be appreciated by our people, and they should set themselves to study the precious truths which are opened to their understanding. These prophecies bring us down to the close of time, and warn us to prepare for the crisis that is approaching. We should be getting ready for the scenes of thrilling interest that are before us. RH October 28, 1884, par. 25