It is expected that the matter of Systematic Benevolence in all its bearings will be considered by our General Conference. Hence we wish to say to our brethren that if any one in the great field has any queries or objections anyway bearing upon the subject, we shall be pleased to have them sent in so that they may be considered.
Whenever we lecture on the subject, we always find a large number of questions. The brethren do not seem to understand it. How much should they pay? How much should a laborer give out of his wages? How much should a farmer give? How much should a tradesman give? How much should be given on a house in which we live that brings no income? Should we use our S. B. to buy wood and to build the meeting-house? Should we take it to pay for the Signs? and many other questions of equal importance. If any wish information on these and other points, let them say so, as we want to make the subject clear. Send the questions to me, and I will present them.
Battle Creek, Mich. D. M. CANRIGHT.
A Request to our European Missionaries:
By Dudley Marvin Canright
We are all deeply interested in the reports of our European Missionaries. We want to understand them; but these missionaries make their financial statements in the language of the countries where they live. They report that they took up a collection of so many francs, they have paid out so many pounds, and it costs so many pence. Now all this language is unintelligible to ninety-nine one-hundredths of our American readers. They do not have the least idea of how much a franc is. And even those who do know are bothered to stop and reckon it up and change it into American money. Dear brethren, please make your financial statements in American terms, in dollars and cents, so that they can be readily understood by all.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
To the friends of the cause in Eastern Michigan.
By D. H. Lamson
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: The time for our feast of tabernacles hastens. It is appointed for our good, and the good of the cause in our part of the State. Are you coming to the camp-meeting at Orion, Sept. 18-23? How easy of access it is, almost at your own door; some of you can come on foot, some with teams, others on the trains that will bring you to the grounds. Dear brethren, I have met many of you face to face; I have enjoyed your hospitality, and baptized many of your households. Now I wish you would feel that this article is addressed to you, pleading with you to come. Let nothing keep you away. Many brethren whom you have never seen will be there. Nearly all of the ministry of the State will be there; and what is better than all, the angels of the Lord will encamp about us, and the Spirit of God abide with us.
Bring your children. Do not let one that can come remain away. The heart almost stands still at the thought of what the Lord may do for us. There will be few more of these opportunities before the Lord comes. Perhaps many of us will never have another. Then let us not be deprived of such great benefits by any trifle. You are interested in every advance step the message takes; and in every plan laid for it, your own necessities will be met, your wants considered, and means will be provided for you to engage in this great work, the last work for the world. Read Deut. 16: 16, 17. Do not stay away because you are poor nor because you feel so. Do not stay away if you cannot dress as you would like to. “The Lord looketh on the heart.”
If you have the abundant blessing of God, come to help others. If you are disheartened and bowed down with discouragement, come and be helped. If you are left alone, seldom seeing any one who loves the truth of God, come; “for as iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
I have written to many of you personally; to those, and to all who read this article, I would say, Will you go to all who do not take the REVIEW and urge them to come? See every one. Help them over difficulties, remove their excuses, and the Judgment will show that at such meetings as this, if attended with the good Spirit of God, rapid progress has been made toward the kingdom of God. Come, brethren.
D. H. LAMSON.
Ohio T. and M. Society, District No. 4 Appeal
By H. A. St. John
Ohio T. and M. Society, Dist. No. 4.
Dear Brethren: Having been elected director of the T. and M. society in your district, and also agent for the recently formed Sabbath-school Association, we desire to begin active operations at once. We hereby appeal to every Sabbath-keeper in the district to give us your hearty co-operation. The best season of the year for missionary work is rapidly approaching, and we should at once prepare for a strong and united effort in doing good.
My first meeting will be held at Locust Point, Ottawa county, beginning Thursday evening, Sept. 12, to continue over Sabbath and first-day.
Second meeting, at Cleveland, beginning Friday evening, Sept. 20, to continue over Sabbath and first-day.
Third meeting, at Norwalk, beginning Wednesday evening, Sept. 25, and closing Sabbath afternoon.
In consequence of the General Conference, the church quarterly meeting for district No. 4 will be held Oct. 12, 13.
The first district quarterly meeting for this district will be held at Clyde, O., Oct. 19, 20.
We expect to attend all the above meetings, except the church quarterly meetings. The Clyde church will hold its quarterly meeting in connection with the district quarterly.
We will give special attention to T. and M. work and Sabbath-schools. We intend to carry question books. Much more to say when we see you. H. A. St. John, Director.
CAMP-MEETING COMMITTEE
THE fare on the Iowa Central R. R. is one-fourth of full fare to the camp-meeting at Oskaloosa, Iowa, and half-fare from Oskaloosa home. Don't fail to come.
CAMP-MEETING COMMITTEE
CAMP-MEETING COMMITTEE
By CAMP-MEETING COMMITTEE
WILL those who expect to have tents at the Orion, Mich., camp-meeting send some one to erect tents the day before the meeting, and to assist the committee in labor on the grounds.
CAMP-MEETING COMMITTEE
EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE.
By Uriah Smith
THE NEW ENGLAND CAMP-MEETING.
This meeting is now in the past. Results have already appeared sufficiently cheering to be accepted as a full compensation for all the labor and outlay of the meeting. When people who before were unacquainted with our faith, are heard acknowledging the same, and are seen openly taking their stand upon it, being convinced by the evidence presented, it is cheering proof that the meeting has not been in vain. Fruit of this kind is already seen, and a deep and wide-spread impression is made upon the community around. We learn that some effort is to be made to follow up the interest.
There were nearly sixty tents up, and a larger number of Sabbath-keepers present than at any previous camp-meeting in New England. On Sunday, from earliest morning to noon, it was cloudy and rainy, which kept away the expected crowd. However, some seven or eight thousand were present in the afternoon. As many as could be conveniently seated in the large tent listened attentively to a discourse by Bro. Haskell on “Who Changed the Sabbath?” and to Sr. White on “Temperance,” while Bro. Farnsworth held a meeting in a large hall in another part of the ground. These followed discourses in the forenoon on the subjects of the “Sanctuary,” and the “Sunday in the New Testament.” The attendance from without was quite good through all the meetings, and the best of attention was paid to the word spoken.
In all, twenty-one discourses were given, as follows: Bro. Haskell, five; Bro. Farnsworth, four; Sr. White, three; Brn. B. L. Whitney, Goodrich and Haines, each one; and the writer, six.
The coming of Sr. White to this meeting was timely. She had a testimony to bear to the brethren and sisters of New England which was much needed, and will do good. Her labors in the social meetings were abundant, and greatly blessed to the interest of the meeting. Nearly two hundred came forward for prayers, quite a number for the first time. Twenty-two were baptized by Bro. Robinson on Monday.
Full and faithful reports of the meetings each day were furnished to all the leading papers of New England by Sr. B. L. Whitney and her assistants, so that the sound of the meeting has gone extensively abroad.
Nearly two hundred were present at the parting meeting Tuesday morning; and there not being time for every one to bear an individual testimony, they all, by a unanimous rising vote, entered into a new covenant one with another to live a higher life, so as to be better representatives of the truth, and more efficient workers in its behalf.
We fully believe that this meeting will prove as great a blessing to the cause in New England as any ever held; and the brethren have reason to be encouraged by the evidences of the progress of the work in their midst. U. S.
West Wilton, N. H., Sept. 4.
NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
Newfane, N. Y.
Spent another week here, and baptized one more. This meeting has been very laborious, as I have been entirely alone most of the time and have had almost all the visiting to do myself. At our last meeting there were more outside of the hall than could get into it.
S. B. WHITNEY.
East Martinsburg, N. Y., Sept. 3.
We had a very interesting meeting here in our tent last Sabbath. After the discourse three persons of sterling integrity, one of whom had formerly held the position of local elder in the Congregational society, took their stand with us on the Sabbath and kindred doctrines. Our hearts are greatly encouraged. We expect to remain here two weeks longer.
JACOB WILBUR. A. P. BUMP.
Tent No. 4, Mannsville, N. Y., Sept. 2.
The interest here still continues good and is extending. There are now between fifteen and twenty keeping the Sabbath, with a prospect of several more. We shall remain here about two weeks. We have had just enough opposition to keep up our interest, and give us the sympathy of the great majority of the community.
The especial blessing of the Lord has been given in declaring the truth. Pray for us, that the Lord’s work may prosper in our hands.
M. H. BROWN. H. H. WILCOX.
Tent No. 9, Sunderlinville, Pa., Sept. 3.
The past week has been the most interesting one in our meetings here. Eight have taken a stand on the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, making twenty, in all, that have commenced to keep the Sabbath since the tent was pitched here; and we look for more. Shall stay another week.
Bro. Humphry left for home last first-day. He has won the confidence of all, and he has their prayers for his future success in what the Lord may call him to do.
Dear brethren, I need your prayers, that God will still bless me in giving shape and character to the work here.
J. G. SAUNDERS.
Tent No. 10, Coudersport, Pa., Sept. 2.
The interest here is still good, and we expect to continue our meetings as long as the weather is suitable. Six or seven have commenced keeping the Sabbath, and we hope for others.
There is considerable opposition manifested. A Methodist clergyman announced a lecture upon “Socrates.” This drew quite a crowd, and the point made was upon the belief of Socrates in the immortality of the soul. He spoke of the wonderful support this belief afforded him in his dying moments, and then said he thought a belief that could give such comfort and support to “that poor old heathen ought to support and comfort a Christian!” We were glad to tell the people that as for us we preferred to believe what Moses, the prophets, and the apostles taught, and let those who chose to do so believe with “the poor old heathen.” Not a word of Bible proof did he offer. We feel thankful for the truth.
E. W. WHITNEY. H. E. ROBINSON.
NEBRASKA
By Chas. L. Boyd; D. Nettleton, Jr.
NORTH LOUP.—We have been here one week, and have a good, healthy interest and a fair attendance. Hoping for good results, we ask the prayers of the people of God in our behalf.
CHAS. L. BOYD.
D. NETTLETON, JR.
INDIANA
By S. H. Lane
Wolf Lake and Noblesville, Sept. 3.
The first Sabbath and first-day after the camp-meeting I spent with the church at Wolf Lake. The meetings were largely attended, and the outside interest was good. This church, the youngest in the State, has taken hold of S. B. and T. and M. work with commendable zeal. The members are growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. They have excellent Sabbath meetings, which are largely attended by those not of our faith. During our visit, one was baptized and taken into the church.
Tuesday, Aug. 27, I reached Noblesville, where I found tent No. 1 pitched, and Bro. Covert and Thompson holding meetings. One week before the camp-meeting we pitched the tent here, and the people turned out well. On returning, we found the interest still alive. Our congregations range from one hundred to four hundred. Have held meetings nearly three weeks, and sold twenty dollars’ worth of books. The people are kind in providing for our wants and donate quite freely, so our expenses are light.
Our stand is abundantly supplied with the choicest flowers of the season. We are running a small printing press, and thereby advertise each meeting by bills. It aids us much. The more we advertise, the larger the turnout. We print bills stating subject, proposition, and texts, and take them to the houses. This gives us an opportunity to call on people at their homes, and if we find them interested we leave them reading matter. They seem anxious to learn the truth. We are now speaking on the Sabbath question. Hold our first Sabbath-meeting this week.
Bro. Covert has returned home on account of sickness. Bro. Thompson renders valuable aid. S. H. LANE.
VERMONT
Tent No. 2, Marshfield.
Our meetings with the tent for the present season, closed last Sunday. Eleven weeks ago, Brn. Owen and Kellogg pitched the tent in Cabot, where but little or nothing was known of our views. Their public labors and their ready and easy manner of visiting drew friends around them. Bro. and Sr. Whitford, too, took hold in earnest to help.
They soon found themselves among Adventists, most of whom realized their broken and scattered condition as a church. At Cabot they had a good house of worship, but lacked union and strength to hold meetings with any regularity.
As the first advent movement was dwelt upon, the prophetic periods and the subject of the sanctuary were explained, with the harmonious connection of the three messages of Revelation 14, they began to rejoice in the light, and like hungry souls coming to a table well spread with relishable food, they feasted in word and deed upon the truths presented.
From the ranks of the Adventists in Cabot, Woodbury, and Marshfield, men and women of mental and moral worth have been gathered. Of this number is the deacon and his wife. Persons, too, from other churches have received the light, while some who never before had learned to love the Saviour rejoice in keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Four were baptized last Sabbath. One of these is a young man of promise, the son of a widowed mother. With embracing the religion of the Bible his plans for life change. He is to leave for our College at Battle Creek immediately after our camp-meeting. The mother and another son rejoice with him in the truth.
I was with the tent more than one-half of the season. We had the influence of several ministers against us, and Eld. Miles Grant’s book against the Sabbath and the visions came showering in upon us as soon as the Sabbath was presented; but really I think they did but little if any harm. The false positions, the erroneous statements, and the misquotations of Scripture, were well shown before the public by Bro. Owen.
Three sermons were preached last Sunday, with a short intermission, each one of us speaking once. There was deep feeling, and strong conviction on the truth. Hearts melted, and tears flowed. Bro. Whitford did his best at the organ, as we closed. With a solemn feeling, the audience left us.
At this meeting, more than enough money was handed us to meet the expenses of the meeting at Marshfield. One friend, not a Sabbath-keeper, gave us one dollar at the intermission; of her own choice this was exchanged at the close of the meeting for a five-dollar bill.
The expenses at Cabot were nearly one-half met by donations. Many kind friends have favored us with the necessaries of a tent life, while most with whom we have dealt have made prices low if they have set any price. May God bless this people. We leave some over thirty keeping the Sabbath from the efforts with the tent. Brn. Owen and Whitford remain with them till camp-meeting. Dr. John Lance, who with his wife and father and mother embraced the Sabbath, opens his house for meetings next Sabbath. These friends will be visited after camp-meeting, and a church organized. I did all my health and time would admit in this work. Others who are deeply convicted will no doubt embrace the Sabbath.95
It rained almost daily from the opening to the close of the meeting, telling against the interest of meetings and our health.
Sept. 4, 1878. A. S. Hutchins.
Tent No. 1, West Townshend.
We closed our tent labors Sunday evening, Sept. 1, to ship the tents to the Morrisville camp-ground. There is still a deep interest, not only in the vicinity of the tent location, but the influence of the meetings has been felt miles distant, and invitations come in to hold meetings in various localities. Eight have commenced keeping the Sabbath as the result of our meetings, and others will soon, we believe. By request, we attend the Vermont camp-meeting, then return here before going to Weston. We learn that the interest there is on the increase, and we are urged to return as soon as possible.
Twenty-five have embraced the truth since we commenced labor in Vermont last spring. A very intelligent old man seventy-five years of age, a cripple, who could not attend meetings, has read faithfully, and has embraced the truth. God has answered prayer. He does bless, and the people are benefited. We work on with courage, and believe God will continue to direct.
Bro. Page, our tent-master, is a faithful man, and we hope he may be successful in winning many souls to the truth. God bless our young men who are willing to leave home for this great work.
I. Sanborn.
IOWA
Bonaparte, Sept. 5.
Since the close of the discussion, a deep interest pervades the entire town and vicinity. Conviction rests on a large portion of those who have heard. Ten or twelve have taken their stand, and we confidently expect as many more. Bro. Hankins is still with me, and renders efficient help.
Pray for us, and the cause here. L. McCoy.
Clarence, Sept. 2.
BEN. HART AND PEGG have been in Clarence over seven weeks. They have labored faithfully. About fifteen have decided in favor of the truth, and many others are deeply interested. The congregations were good all the time, and the meetings closed last Sunday evening with a remarkably good interest.
A movement is on foot to build a church. And though we are considerably scattered, I think about forty can meet on the Sabbath.
The tent had a considerable religious bombardment from four high hills, where “big guns” were mounted. As usual, these “guns” scattered badly.
The city’s hospitality was all that could be asked. All expenses were paid by the people. We are of good courage. Bro. Pegg has gone with the tent to Olin, Jones & Co. J. DORCAS.
MICHIGAN
Spring Arbor.
I was with the church in Spring Arbor for the first time, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. The Sabbath-school was well attended, and a good interest was manifest. I was glad to see Sr. Anna King (daughter of Bro. Burwell, who fell asleep some years ago), and whom I had not seen for many years, now secretary of this school. I was present at her baptism some twenty years ago by Bro. Bates. Our meetings were well attended. We spoke three times on practical subjects, and were blessed in so doing.
This church has nearly fifty members, most of them young in experience. They will need now to watch very carefully that they keep the unity of the faith and spirit, and if they do they will have a deeper experience in the things of God. They are building a house of worship, now nearly ready for use, which they very much need.
Dear brethren, be of one mind in the Lord.
I meet with them again and attend the ordinances, Sept. 30. We take this time, as they did not have them the last quarter, and our camp-meeting comes on the Sabbath for the next quarterly meeting.
J. Byington.
Tent No. 1, Douglas.
Last Sabbath we had a very solemn meeting. There were not many in from Allegan, but the church here was quite fully represented, besides those who had lately commenced to keep the Sabbath. The Spirit of the Lord helped in preaching and in the testimonies given by his people. It was a profitable season for us all. Thirteen arose in the meeting to signify that they had fully decided to obey the truth; these, with some who were absent on account of sickness, make sixteen or more who have taken a firm stand with us. We have hopes for others. The community is greatly stirred. While some rejoice in the newly found truth, others rage and give many demonstrations of anger. Our congregations this week have been larger than usual. We earnestly pray that much good may be accomplished.
E. R. Jones. E. P. Daniels.
MINNESOTA
Alexandria, Sept. 4.
WE have given fourteen discourses here. Have had the best of order and attention in our congregations, which have ranged from fifty to two hundred. Those who attend give evidence of being deeply interested in the subjects presented. They accept reading matter readily, and we have sold some tracts and pamphlets. Some small contributions have been made toward our expenses. We have had some invitations to visit. We have not yet reached the testing truths, but shall do so soon.
Bro. Ellis is now with us, assisting in the work. We can see no reason as yet why some honest souls may not accept the truth. We need wisdom, and pray for it, that the truth may prosper in our hands.
D. P. CURTIS.
N. HATTIN.
Champlin, Sept. 2.
WE commenced meetings here Aug. 30. Have given five discourses to audiences ranging from forty to sixty. There seems to be more prejudice in the minds of the people than we have found anywhere else; but the interest is increasing, and friends are being raised up to bid us Godspeed and encourage us in the good work.
This is an important field. Just across the Mississippi lies Anoka, a town of more than three thousand inhabitants, with good American settlements in every direction in which the third angel’s message has never been proclaimed. We never felt the burden of the work as we feel it now, and we desire the special, earnest prayers of our brethren that the truth may win many in this section.
W. B. HILL.
J. W. MOORE.
"I WILL ABIDE IN THINE HOUSE."
By Adeline D. T. Whitney
Among so many can He care?
Can special love be everywhere?
A myriad homes,—a myriad ways,—
And God's eye over every place.
Over; but in? The world is full:
A grand omnipotence must rule;
But is there life that doth abide
With mine own living, side by side?
So many, and so wide abroad:
Can any heart have all of God?
From the great spaces, vague and dim,
May one small household gather Him?
I asked: my soul bethought of this:—
In just that very place of his
Where he hath put and keepeth you,
God hath no other thing to do!
—Adeline D. T. Whitney.
Progress of the Cause.
“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
COLORADO TENT.
By M. E. Cornell
The meetings at Boulder City closed last evening with some encouragement. There are twenty-five names on the covenant. Several more have decided to keep the Sabbath as soon as they can arrange their business affairs. Have arranged for regular meetings, and the investigation is going on briskly. We confidently look for continued fruit from this effort.
We go to Georgetown, Colorado, to-morrow, and this will be our address during the next course of lectures.
Sept. 3. M. E. CORNELL.
TENNESSEE
By O. Soule
Since my last report, I have been very sick. After my recovery, I visited the Mt. Gilead church and the scattered brethren. I found them depressed by the hard times. One had joined the church, another who resides at some distance is waiting for an opportunity to unite, and one has begun to observe the Sabbath.
Bro. P. D. Moyers is arranging his business matters so as to give his whole time to the work of the ministry. The church, by vote, recommend him for ordination.
On reaching home, I was again taken sick. Hope to be up soon.
Pray for the cause here. O. SOULE.
WISCONSIN
By T. B. Snow
Tent No. 6, Kendall, Sept. 2.
We closed our meetings here Sunday evening, Sept. 1. Twenty-two have promised to keep the Sabbath, and many others are convinced. The interest has been good all the time, but is better now than at any previous time. There is good material here, and we think a large church can be raised up.
The M. E. minister opposed us on the Sabbath question and the nature of man. We had liberty in reviewing him. He made us many warm friends.
The people have been kind in supplying our wants and have raised $6.50 toward paying our expenses. We have sold fourteen dollars’ worth of books this season.
In three places there are openings for labor this fall and winter.
Bro Breed and myself are obliged to leave now, but I shall return as soon as possible. T. B. Snow.
DISCUSSION AT BONAPARTE, IOWA.
By L. McCoy
In the midst of a course of lectures in this place, Rev. H. K. Hennigh, a retired Presbyterian minister of this place, was selected by the other ministers of the place to represent them, and I was challenged to discuss the questions of the immortality of the soul, the destruction of the wicked, and the authority of Sunday-keeping. We tried to evade a debate and offered any of them the free use of our tent half the time; but this would not suit them, so we accepted the challenge and agreed to meet them at the close of the lectures. Mr. H. is fifty-five years of age, and has been preaching thirty-six years. He is finely educated, and is master of the Hebrew, Greek, German, and other languages, and an old debater. The discussion was held in our tent, Aug. 26–31—two sessions each day. A full report is unnecessary.
Mr. H. advanced some novel ideas and arguments which may be interesting to the readers of the Review.
He said “the soul was an immaterial essence or substance,” and “planted himself” on Eccl. 12:7; 1 Kings 17:19, and Matt. 10:28, to prove the deathlessness and consciousness of the soul, while the body is dead. He said that soul and spirit are the same, and the soul can live out of the body and independent of it. He illustrated man by a telegraph operator and battery, wires, etc. The man was the soul, and the instruments and wires were the body. This looked beautiful until I had death cut the wires and silence his battery, when, lo, his agent was dumb, and unable to show signs of life.
On the second proposition, “the destruction of the wicked,” he held that the Sodomites and all the wicked, together with Dives, are in a spiritual hell of torment, with their mortal bodies, and that at the resurrection they will be made immortal, entire, and then cast into a literal lake of fire. When hard pressed for the location of the present hell, he said it was the immense lake of fire in the center of this earth. Here we were able to show the inconsistency of the view that mortal bodies are now tormented in spiritual fire, and that after the resurrection the whole man, being made spiritual, immortal, and immaterial, will be cast into a literal lake of fire. All will be interested to know where the wicked are now being tormented; but he had to admit that this fire is literal fire. He was also sorely troubled to explain how the immortal bodies of the wicked can be reduced to ashes. Mal. 4:3. He quoted Matt. 18:34 to prove that the sinner can never pay the debt due for sin, therefore should be tormented eternally; a very illogical conclusion from the premises.
Mr. H. was very pompous, abusive, and evasive. What he lacked in argument he tried to make up in personal thrusts and talk about the pernicious doctrines emanating from Battle Creek. But the volumes of shot and shell and red-hot grape and canister, in the shape of Scripture, which we were enabled to pour down on our opponent, did their work, and he was completely routed.
The Sabbath proposition was, “Do the Scriptures authorize the change of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week?” His proofs were: the Sabbath was not enjoined till the giving of the law at Sinai; the fourth commandment was given as a memorial of the deliverance from Egypt, etc. The waving of the first-fruits on the first day of the feast prefigured the first-day Sabbath and was to be perpetual; and yet he quoted Hosea 2:11 to show that all sabbaths given to the Jews were to be annulled. This swept away the seventh-day Sabbath, but left the first-day Sabbath standing. Lev. 23:15.
Before the discussion, I took the precaution to have him put in writing what he then admitted, that the ten commandments were unchangeable and perpetual; and that the seventh day was made the Sabbath before man fell, was the only weekly Sabbath for four thousand years, and was enjoined by the fourth commandment. This was of immense advantage to me in contending with an evasive foe, and I shall always insist on having these things definitely settled on the start.
He began to count on his fingers to show that Sunday is the seventh day, and he claimed that all the almanacs are wrong in calling Sunday the first day of the week. All I had to do was to remind him of his first statement that Saturday was the seventh day for four thousand years. This was a stunner to the poor man.
He quoted Acts 20:7, and argued that this was a Saturday-night meeting, and that they broke bread on Sunday, but he never discovered, till then, that Luke and his companions rowed their boat all day Sunday, and Paul walked nineteen miles the same day. He then thought that Paul was probably weary with an all-night meeting and concluded to rest till Monday morning, when he started on his journey. He acknowledged my argument that the Sabbath is the seal of God’s law. Thus was I able to press the mark of the beast upon him. He did not pretend to notice one-fifth of my arguments or scriptures.
At the last session, speaking on the Sabbath in secular history, my opponent became almost unmanageable; he went beyond all bounds of courtesy or decency. We took shelter behind the chairman, who promptly called him to order, when, in a fit of rage, he took his seat, refusing to fill his time. We had thirty minutes to close with, and we tried to use it to good purpose.
The truth has gained a complete and glorious victory, and all admit that the discussion has done valuable service for the cause of truth here. To God be all the praise.
L. McCoy.
FORGIVENESS
By V. M.
There is something divinely beautiful in the thought of possessing a mind that can immediately cancel every thought of resentment, and from its utmost depths forgive an injury, without even a lurking desire to “pay back.”
We are most wonderfully given to selfishness, and to be called upon to lay aside all malice and remember injustice and insult no longer, where to do so requires a humiliation of our own dear selves, is a call to which few of us can respond without many inward struggles. The literal plucking out of the “right-eye” would not be much more fearful to some, yet this is the spirit shown by our great Pattern.
“Forgive as ye would be forgiven” is the command, and we dare not disregard it; for who of us does not need each day of our life a loving Father’s forgiveness for our wayward course? Yet, notwithstanding this, how many of us can say from the heart that we have forgiven in every case?
When, as we think, we have been deeply wronged, it is no trivial matter to erase the memory of it from our minds, and take the perpetrator of this injury to our hearts and let it “be as though it had not been.” How natural to cautiously refer to it occasionally to impress upon him the fact that it is not forgotten, showing, at the same time, a want of that thorough forgiveness which we had flattered ourselves we had exercised. Nothing but a putting away of self, and a disregarding of that selfish pride that would overrule all our better feelings of humanity, will enable us to reach that point, and oh how many bitter struggles must be passed through before we reach it! Perseverance, however, will conquer in the end, and ours will be the victory. V. M.