Earlier text: THE INSENSIBILITY OF THE WORLD TO THE WARNING VOICE OF CHRIST“For the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” Luke 16:8. Wisdom demands respect wherever it is found. Whether seen in the insects that creep around our feet, in the animals that venture forth to ensnare their prey, or in dignified man in the common pursuits of life, all are ready to commend it. “And the lord commended the unjust steward because he had done wisely.” We here seem to have an account of a man who had failed in some respects; but this steward had so agreed with his lord’s delinquents in regard to the debts that their confidence was retained. Confidence is a very important item in a business man’s account—especially when he resumes a suspended trade. The children of this world. We understand by this that a class is spoken of who are engaged in transactions which have a bearing only on this present life. The children of light. This is a class whose hopes and expectations may reach beyond this life; they believe in a kingdom that is superior to this sin-cursed earth. Their aspirations reach beyond the decaying scenery of earth to a state of unalloyed bliss and immortality. The keen observation of Jesus had established this fact in his mind, that in worldly pursuits men exercised better judgment than the disciples did in their religious enterprises: that is, worldly minded men were wiser in their plans than the heavenly minded in theirs. Do you suppose, dear reader, that he desired that fact to be stereotyped and handed down for future use, during the next eighteen centuries? Was it a fact that he could rejoice over? We are inclined to think it was a lamentable fact; and although we said wisdom always demands our respect, yet we have reason to infer that, while Jesus looked approvingly on worldly men’s wisdom, he grieved that his followers were satisfied with a mediocrity of attainments and let worldly men outstrip them in plans and enterprises. He preferred to see every disciple accomplish a successful work. Said he, “The ax is laid unto the root of the trees; every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire.” Luke 3:9. From Palestine the light must go forth to all parts of the world. He himself gave the solemn commission: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Here was a great enterprise. It required wisdom to accomplish it; such wisdom as would favorably cope with men’s worldly wisdom. In the 9th verse he refers to an instance of such wisdom: “Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.” The unjust steward followed this plan. He said to one of his lord’s debtors, “How much owest thou unto my lord?” And he said, A hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.” The steward kept the customer’s friendship. He acted wisely. And the lord commended the unjust steward. How different from the example set forth was the wisdom of the children of light: “A certain man made a great supper, and bade many; and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.” One who was bidden said, “I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it; I pray thee have me excused.” We here have an illustration of a lack of wisdom among professors of religion eighteen hundred years ago. The invited guest, through his covetousness, lost sight of the dignity and importance of the invitation. What folly! Expecting a home with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, he cared more about looking at his land than he did about looking forward to a glorious inheritance. Yes, he wanted to see his farm; and perhaps in that very decision it became an idol, and as soon as he saw it, he became joined to it. “And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them.” Although the call to this important supper had been made, whereby he was to be honored by being brought in company with superiors, noblemen, and his own lord even, yet the satisfaction of proving his oxen surpassed this exalted privilege. In view of such indifference on the part of professors, the Saviour declares the lamentable fact: “The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” Is it any better in these last days? When men behold curses and dreadful judgments following each other in quick succession, as warning after warning goes forth to men, announcing that the great day of the Lord is at hand, do they receive such wisdom as will safely direct them in the closing scenes of the world’s history? God would have men act consistently. It is best to be on the safe side, and act as the Spirit of God and an enlightened reason dictate. At the last anniversary of the colored people in one of our cities, there was a grand rally. A fine band of instrumental music was in attendance, many rode in fine carriages, and it seemed that all had means to enjoy the jubilee in a commendable manner. Knowing that this class of citizens consisted mostly of common laborers, I inquired of one how they managed to appear so well and make such a display. He replied: “We colored people make calculations for this jubilee all the year. We are determined to make this a great day, and we save a little money every week for this very purpose. In this way we have plenty.” A beggar boy was once wandering through the streets of a large city. His attention was attracted by the sobbing of a little girl. She had lost a valuable shawl pin and was trying to find it. He found it and restored it to her, and she gave him some cakes and apples for his kindness. A few days after, as the lad happened that way again the girl saw him; but not having any cake and apples this time she gave him a few cards of pins and needles, and told him to go and sell them and with the money buy some food. He made sale of the articles and returned with the most of the money to his little friend, who showed him where he could purchase more goods. This youth was a peddler for a few years, he then became a merchant, and is now one of the richest bankers in Paris. We have given a few examples to show the wisdom of the children of this world in the last days. Their efforts are many times crowned with marked success. The great object of life is kept in view. Everything must bend to the interest at stake. Is it so with the children of light? A certain man heard the gospel preached and soon after felt that he must use his ability to promote the cause of the Lord. He had a farm on his hands which was not proving very profitable, and the Lord opened a way for him to sell it. He sold it well; but instead of waiting to see what the Lord would have him do with his means, he acted on his own judgment and made an investment which proved to be a hiding of the Lord’s money. Another who heard the good news of the coming kingdom felt quite desirous of advancing the work of the Lord. But there was a large farm on his hands. Instead of overcoming covetousness by selling his land and using the means where the opening providence of God directed, one or two more farms added to his cares. He is fast wearing out his life in looking after his land. It is a solemn thought that just before the second advent of our Lord, when the call goes out, “Come; for all things are now ready,” the guests who are bidden to the great supper will begin to make excuses. My mind turns to the days of Abraham. He was told to get out of his native land, leave his kindred, and go to a land that God would show him. I follow him down in his history and find that he received no inheritance afterward—“no, not so much as to set his foot on.” When we compare the faith of Abraham with that exhibited in the last days, we can but exclaim: “When the Son of man cometh shall he find faith on the earth?” Abraham never realized so much of the promised inheritance as a place to set his foot on, yet some of his would-be joint-heirs have been clinging to their farms and earthly possessions until they have almost lost sight of the Abrahamic promise. And how do such Christians respond when God calls for means? The same as the guest spoken of in the parable: “I pray thee have me excused.” And God will finally excuse them. It seems evident from the reading of the word of the Lord that he designed that his people should meet in yearly convocations. Christians are not to forget the assembling of themselves together. Men were made to be social beings. There will be society in Heaven. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and other worthies, will there sit down together. They will sing the song of Moses and of the Lamb in a heavenly meeting. They will go up from month to month to worship before the Lord. And how is it with those who have the privilege of going up to the yearly feasts appointed in these days? Are they as zealous to meet together as God’s people anciently were to meet at Jerusalem? They often traveled a great distance, to meet in the solemn assembly of the saints. They prepared beforehand for these occasions. Is it so now? Do not many of the strong and healthy stay away? Do not many put off preparation for these annual feasts so long that it becomes impossible for them to attend? This exhibits less wisdom than is shown by the carnal-minded pleasure-seeker, who is generally prepared for anticipated recreations and enjoyments. The Lord is not pleased with a neglect of these feasts. There is opportunity to reform. Will his people do it? God will bless them always in obeying his injunctions. In the basket, in the field, and in the store-house, their reward will be realized. It is our privilege to have his blessing, and to so use the means intrusted to us, having the requisite wisdom to order all our ways, that all may be to his glory. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally.” J. SAWYER. TO THE TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF IOWA AND NEBRASKA.
By Geo. I. Butler
I wish to say a word to you just before the district quarterly meetings are held. Our Society is in debt to the Office about $300. You have read the urgent calls from Bro. White for those in debt to pay up. This is right and reasonable. As the officers of your Society cannot pay debts when there is nothing in the treasury to pay with, we urgently request you to pay to your directors, at these quarterly meetings, such sums as you are able to pay, so that, at our general quarterly meeting at Victor, we may settle up all debts against us. Cannot every member of the Society put in something toward the payment of this just debt? Let those who are able pay their fives and tens, and those with less wealth pay smaller sums. The T. and M. work is languishing, because of our lack of interest. If we would have the cause advance in our Conference, we must arouse to the importance of this work, and not only pay our debts, but launch out on every side. Let the directors at all the district quarterly meetings earnestly solicit contributions, and let every one of us, brethren and sisters, try to pay a little, if it is not more than a dime. We are wronging the cause of God, and hindering the work of the Publishing Association, by leaving our debts unpaid. Unless you desire to discourage your officers at the very beginning of the work, let us pay up our debts. GEO. I. BUTLER, Pres. Ia. & Neb. T. & M. S. HOW IS IT?
By H. A. St. John
As I have looked upon the arduous labors, and the incessant toil, of our dear Bro. and Sr. White, I have been led to inquire, How is it that they have lived so many years, under such heavy burdens, and weighty responsibilities? I have long known that their labors were very abundant, but not until our last camp-meeting did I realize this. Certainly they should be very highly esteemed in love by God's people, for their work's sake. There is but one way that I can answer the question, and that is that God gives them strength according to their day and need. Having the mind and hands filled with business, hurried from one thing to another, they yet, at almost a moment's notice break off and address hundreds of people, upon the blessed truths of the holy Bible, and that, too, with clearness and power. This can be explained in no other way than that God is leading and strengthening them. May God pity and forgive all who unnecessarily add to their labor. For one, I feel resolved to do my work better in everything, that I may stay up the hands of those who have the oversight of all the churches. I held meetings with the Richland church Aug. 8-13. During the meetings Bro. Stansbury was ordained elder, and Bro. Miller was elected deacon. On the Sabbath twenty or more came forward for prayers, some for the first time. The ordinances were celebrated. Their S. B. pledge was raised some. The members of this church also are adopting the tithing system. I think they can be depended upon for $140.00. I went from Richland with Bro. Kennedy to Jefferson Co., where we commenced meetings Aug. 17. The weather was rainy much of the time, which interfered with our meetings some. Seventy-five or eighty came out on the Sabbath here last winter. Several have given it up, but some more have commenced keeping it. A goodly number of Sabbath-keepers came together on the Sabbath, but our other meetings were small. Two churches were organized, one near Osawkee, of eleven members, with S. B. at $66.00; the other at Pleasant Valley, composed of seven members, with S. B. at $43.75. Some who are not members pay. There are more than as many more keeping the Sabbath, most of whom we expect will unite with these churches soon. The S. B. of the Centerville church, instead of being raised to $25, as stated in REVIEW No. 8, present volume, was raised about $25. As some members there actually pay the tenth of their income, some individual members pay $25. The S. B. in the Kansas Conference now, as far as I can ascertain, amounts to $1,334.75. We feel encouraged as long as we can see that a decided advance is being made. But pledges will not run the tents and sustain the cause; neither should we depend upon the General Conference longer. Brethren and sisters, do you consider your pledges sacred to the Lord, and will you see that they are paid to your church treasurer, when due? Pay, that the amount may be sent to the State treasurer at once, that the work be not hindered. My address is Ottawa, Kansas. OHIO CONFERENCE.
By H. A. St. John; E. H. Gates
Agreeably to appointment, the Ohio State Conference held its fourteenth annual session on the camp-ground, at Norwalk, Ohio, Aug. 10, 1876, and opened with prayer by Eld. H. A. St. John. Twenty-one delegates were present, representing twelve churches. By vote of the Conference, all brethren in good standing were invited to participate in its deliberations. The minutes of the last meeting were called for, read, and accepted. An appeal from the Gilboa church for admission into the Ohio Conference was read by the secretary. By vote of the Conference, this church was admitted. The Strongsville and Mendon churches, not being represented by delegates, Bro. Irwin Edgerton was appointed to represent79 the Strongsville church and Bro. Gustavus Clay to represent the one at Mendon. Voted, That the Strongsville church be known, hereafter, as the Cleveland church. Voted, That the Wakeman church be known, hereafter, as the Norwalk church. On motion, The appointing of committees was left to the Chair. The following committees were appointed: Committee on Nominations, George Bisel, Wm. Chinnock, O. T. Noble. On Auditing, B. B. Francis, J. W. Lucas, R. A. Underwood, J. J. Boardman, J. B. Mock. On Resolutions, U. Smith, A. A. Hutchins, A. M. Mann. On Credentials and Licenses, W. F. Crouse, H. H. Van Camp, E. C. Penn. Adjourned to call of Chair. Conference convened Aug. 13, at 10 A. M. Prayer by Eld. James White. Committee on Nominations reported, and the report was accepted. The following officers were elected by a unanimous vote of the Conference: President, H. A. St. John; Secretary, E. H. Gates; Treasurer, A. A. Hutchins; Executive Committee, H. A. St. John, J. B. Gregory, B. B. Francis. Camp-meeting Committee, J. Edgerton, O. T. Noble, Origen Iles. The Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported, recommending that the credentials of H. A. St. John and T. J. Butler be renewed; that Wm. Cottrell be ordained to the ministry, and receive credentials; and that license be granted to A. M. Mann, George Smith, and O. T. Noble. The report was accepted, and the credentials and licenses were granted as recommended. The Committee on Resolutions reported the following, which were passed by the Conference:— Resolved, That we hail with joy the many tokens of the rapidly increasing progress of the cause of the third angel’s message, both in our own and foreign countries, and we are happy to express our continued and increasing confidence in this work. Resolved, That we consider the increasing prosperity of the cause in our own Conference a matter which calls upon us for fervent gratitude to God. Resolved, That we hereby express our thanks to the General Conference for the help furnished at this meeting, especially for the presence and earnest labors of Bro. and Sr. White. Resolved, That we deem the pointed and practical truths presented to us at this meeting most important and timely; and we would hereby exhort all those who have listened to them, to show their gratitude by living them out. Resolved, That we hereby express our gratitude to God for the earnest and faithful labors of the President of our Conference during the past year. Conference convened Aug. 14, at 9:30 P. M. Voted, That the Ohio State Conference donate the sum of $300.00 to the General Conference. Voted, That the minutes of the meeting be published in the REVIEW. The following resolution was presented, and unanimously adopted:— Resolved, That this people extend to Mr. S. J. Rogers, the owner of this camp-ground, a vote of sincere thanks for his kindness in giving us the free use of this ground, and for the generosity and liberality extended to us in other matters, in all of which he has acted the part of a true gentleman. E. H. GATES, Sec. pro tem. ROME, N. Y.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
The last week has been one of decided interest in the tent. Tuesday night we were made glad by having Bro. and Sr. White, Bro. Smith, and Miss Clough, with us. We advertised that Sr. White would speak in the tent, and every seat was crowded, and some stood up. The discourse left a good impression, though Sr. White’s health was poor. The weather being cooler, the people have come out better than on the previous week, so that at every meeting we have had a large audience, ranging from four hundred to six hundred. An excellent Christian woman who had just embraced the truth here, died. The Methodist church where she formerly belonged, and also the Baptist, refused us their house for the funeral. This created much feeling against them, and made our friends more numerous and zealous. Sunday afternoon I preached the funeral sermon in the tent. Every seat was crowded, as all classes were represented. The spirit of opposition and persecution is becoming quite strong. Different ministers are preaching against us now every Sunday, and we review them during the week. We have a good Sabbath-school and Bible-class Sabbath forenoon. After the sermon last Sabbath, forty good testimonies were borne in favor of the truth, several saying that it was the first Sabbath they had ever kept, others that it was the second, and so on. As nearly as we can count now, there are seventy-five keeping the Sabbath in the city and within five miles around it. Where there are so many, of course we expect more or less changes in some cases, but still there are scores for whom we yet hope. Where the interest is so extensive as this has been from the beginning, and is still, the work cannot be done up in a hurry, or left very soon. We hope to be able to follow it up after camp-meeting. We feel thankful to God for the great encouragement we have had at this meeting. We hope it may encourage our brethren in New York particularly, and that we may see a great work done in this city the coming winter. Rome, N. Y., Aug. 19, 1876. VIRGINIA TENT.
By E. B. Lane; J. O. Corliss
Rev. N. Summerbell, of Cincinnati, a leading minister and historian of the Christian Church, visited Newport and delivered three interesting and profitable discourses. He accepted the use of the tent, as their church would not accommodate the crowd that gathered. Notwithstanding, we have given eleven discourses, made twenty-nine family visits, and had an interesting Sabbath meeting, in which several bore testimony in favor of the truth. God's holy Spirit was with us. Sunday we had the hardest rain of the season, yet about five hundred were gathered to hear Mrs. Lane on the subject of health reform and temperance. We move the tent about six miles to-day, to a place called Lakeville, and also continue meetings at this place in the Christian church. E. B. Lane,
J. O. Corliss. A CAUTION.
By Mrs. S. R. Morgan
Take care; crush not one germ of good
In rooting evil out;
Be sure the heart is understood
You are employed about.
The flower beside the weed oft grows,
And none at first the difference knows. Take care; be cautious where you tread,
Along another’s road;
It may with precious seeds be spread
Fresh from the hand of God,
Waiting the sunshine and the dew,
Which might be ministered by you. Oh! who hath felt no sudden smart
At some remembered hour,
When, thoughtless of a yearning heart,
He lost the sacred power
Which then and only then was given
To win it to the truth and Heaven! We each and all an influence
To work some good possess;
We daily may some joy dispense,
Some human spirit bless.
If we can give but love and prayers,
’Tis better far than gathering tares.
—Mrs. S. R. Morgan. NORTH PACIFIC MISSION.
By I. D. Van Horn
We commenced meetings in Oregon City, in the tent, May 20, and continued six weeks. The weather was stormy and cold most of the time; but one took a firm stand on the truth. Bro. Waggoner joined me in the work here June 28. We moved our tent to Salem, the capital of the State, and commenced meetings July 11. Five weeks have now passed since we came here. The Mayor and council of the city favored us with the privilege of putting our tent in Marion Square, a beautiful natural grove in the heart of the town, and the place of resort for all public gatherings. Our meetings have been well attended, the congregations averaging about three hundred all the time. We have given a thorough explanation of the prophecies, the Sabbath question, and the nature of man and destiny of the wicked. By vote, about one hundred expressed themselves convinced on the Sabbath question. More than that number are fully convinced of their duty concerning the truth, but they do not seem willing to obey. Last Sabbath, the 12th, we presented a covenant and twenty attached their names to it, pledging themselves to keep the commandments of God, and to meet together for worship on the Sabbath day till a more permanent organization could be effected. Everything looks favorable now for building up a church here. We shall continue our work, and by the grace of God establish a commandment-keeping church here in the capital of the State of Oregon. The tent company are all in quite good health, and of good courage. We hope for good results in our work this season. Salem, Oregon, Aug. 14, 1876. Ohio Tent No. 1 Interest and Ingathering
By H. A. St. John
The interest is very wide-spread and deep. Hundreds are listening to the truth attentively. Scores are convinced, and some convicted. Twelve or fifteen have commenced to obey. We hope for a large ingathering of souls. This is the last we have heard. Why do not these brethren report briefly, but frequently, through the REVIEW? Why? Oh, why? H. A. ST. JOHN. Norwalk, O., Aug. 20, 1876. Norwalk, O., Aug. 20, 1876
By H. A. St. John
Immediately after our camp-meeting, this tent was pitched on Hartland ridge, about eight miles from Norwalk, and meetings began Friday evening, Aug. 18. Brethren, remember this effort, and pray for us. Norwalk, O., Aug. 20, 1876
Norwalk, O., Aug. 20, 1876
By H. A. St. John
Immediately after our camp-meeting, we pitched our tent again in Norwalk, on the same consecrated spot as before, and began meetings on Friday night, Aug. 18. Had three meetings yesterday (Sabbath), and have two appointments for to-day. Our camp-meeting has left a good impression upon the minds of many in this section. Sister White’s testimony has been a help to the cause here. Now that the people have seen and heard her for themselves, the tongue of slander cannot intimidate as before. Our social meeting yesterday was excellent. New ones are taking hold, and this encourages our hearts. We labor, and pray, and hope for others. Dear brethren, forget us not at a throne of grace. H. A. ST. JOHN. Norwalk, O., Aug. 20, 1876
INDIANA
By S. H. Lane; A. W. Bartlett
Meetings have now been in progress at Peru more than two weeks, and we have just presented the Sabbath question, but know not yet what the result of our labors will be. Books sell quite freely. Our congregations are not large, but those who attend regularly seem to be deeply interested. A few, we think, will embrace the truth. The meeting at Marion last Sabbath was well attended, and some new ones have taken their stand. We have reason to believe that there are faithful ones at Marion, who will not permit the banner of present truth to trail in the dust. S. H. LANE,
A. W. BARTLETT. SHELDON, ILL.
By G. W. Colcord
WE struck our tent here yesterday. It has gone to Milford, in this county. Bro. Merritt and Morrison labor with it. Last Sunday eve we added the nineteenth name to the covenant to keep the law of God and the faith of Jesus. Seventeen are beginners. A hall is secured and regular Sabbath meetings and Bible-class recitations appointed. Pray for us at Sheldon, that we may “hold the fort;” and pray for us at Onarga—where Bro. Andrews and myself are to commence meetings the 24th inst. Let us all both pray and labor. Lane, Kansas.
By J. N. Ayers
After leaving Rock Creek, Aug. 7, I commenced meetings at Lane, where Bro. Lamont gave a few discourses last spring, and held six meetings. One decided to keep the Sabbath. I then moved the meetings four miles east, to the Fairview school-house, as the interested part of the congregation lived in that vicinity. I held six meetings. The nights being very dark, and the roads muddy, the attendance was small, and I closed on the 20th. Several are convinced of the truth of our position on the Sabbath. One family I expect will obey; others would if it was popular. I shall try to return here this fall or winter. Politics appears to be all the people think of, and it is hard to get them to investigate or read the Bible. I now go to my appointment at Palermo, Doniphan Co. J. N. AYERS. Wisconsin Tent No. 1 Meetings at Tomah
By H. W. Decker; Geo. C. Tenney
We pitched our tent in this place, Tomah, a village of sixteen hundred inhabitants, on the 18th inst., and commenced meetings in the evening. We have given four lectures. The congregations have steadily increased from about one hundred to nearly two hundred. We occupy an open lot adjoining the public park, accessible by good walks from all parts of the town. H. W. DECKER,
GEO. C. TENNEY.
Aug. 21, 1876. The interest at Bear Wallow is still good, and increasing. I am now in the midst of the Sabbath question. So far the audience is tolerably free from prejudice. Our situation is a public one, on the highway that leads to market for several counties; our meeting is published far and near, and the people come, some of them, a distance of fifteen miles. I expect there will be a good little church raised up here. The citizens are very kind, and bring us provisions, which is a great help to us. Books are being taken very freely. The whole country is stirred, and many are reading and searching the Bible as never before. May the Lord keep us humble, and give us strong faith in his truth. Pray for us. Bear Wallow, P. O., Horse Cave, Ky., Aug. 21. PARSONS, KANSAS.
By A. J. Stover
WE have taken down the tent to-day, intending to go five miles north of Parsons for a few days, after which more labor will be bestowed here. I will continue labor here while Bro. Cook is away. Five have decided; others are halting. NEBRASKA
By Chas. L. Boyd; M. Hackworth
At the time of Bro. Wing’s last report, the tent had just been pitched at Humboldt. Meetings still continue here with a good interest. The people are truly courteous and hospitable. We are in the midst of the Sabbath question. The people are surprised to find Sunday without a Bible prop. Some have already decided to keep next Sabbath. Bro. Wing is now at Pawnee City, where the tent was last pitched, following up the interest there. Brethren, pray for the work here. CHAS. L. BOYD,
M. HACKWORTH. Over twenty souls have embraced the Sabbath of the Lord since I came to Emmitsburg, July 5. Aug. 20 was a good day to the newly converted among the Danes and Norwegians here. Ten were baptized, and three who had been previously baptized covenanted with them to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Others will soon unite. I have obtained eleven subscribers for our Danish paper, and one each for the Review and Reformer. But few books have been sold, on account of the grasshoppers, which have nearly destroyed the whole of the crops. SOUTH-WESTERN NEBRASKA.
By H. A. Jenkins
Our quarterly meeting is now in the past. We had a good meeting, notwithstanding our disappointment in not having a minister. I spoke five times. The brethren seemed to be greatly encouraged. Some came from a distance. One was baptized. One took his stand with us on the Sabbath. He was formerly a first-day Adventist, and had never heard anything on the Sabbath before; but he received the light gladly, and said he was glad he came to the meeting. I would say to the friends of the cause who have helped me to books, that I am doing all I can in the vineyard of the Lord. The people are anxious to hear the truth, and I am wanted in more places than I can possibly fill. Pray for us. Letter From Catawba County on Sabbath Truth
[The following extract from a private letter shows the effect the truth has on minds in various parts of the country. The writer is a brother, living in Catawba Co., N. C.] Yesterday I took some of the tracts you sent me and went to my neighbor’s house, where several were assembled for work. I distributed them, all seeming anxious to read. The effect as yet I cannot tell; however, I think, yea, I know that it will do some good. While they seem slow to practice, I have never found but one of our best-informed farmers who did not seem half convinced that Saturday is the Sabbath; and if I were to speak my mind in full, I would say they are altogether convinced so far as the Bible is concerned. Tradition seems to blind them, yet the work is beginning, and I believe the Spirit of God is with it; if so, it will have its effect in spite of traditional doctrines. May God help his children to join heart and hand in this great work of reform. The people here are generally poor, but hospitable; generally ignorant, yet they manifest a desire to know the truth. I think this truth should be preached in every city and town, and not only so, but in every church and school-house, and in every other convenient place over this broad land; and I believe the time is here when it should be done. With this impression continually upon my mind, I can scarcely retain the plow handles. ANOTHER WITNESS OF THE DARK DAY.
By Chas. L. Boyd
A short time ago, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. James Bowlby, now one hundred and six years of age. Hearing of this aged pilgrim, I traveled some distance to see him. As we drove into the yard, Mr. Bowlby, with hoe in hand, was on his way to the garden. With a quicker step than often carries those of threescore years, he advanced to meet us. I note the following brief sketch of his past life, as given by himself, in the conversation which followed:— He was born in March, A. D. 1770, near Hampton, New Jersey, and was brought up by his parents on a farm and in a grist mill. He spent some time in the U. S. navy. He also taught school in Ohio, Louisiana and Arkansas, his last term being in the winter of 1873-4. I inquired if he remembered the dark day of May 19, 1780. “Oh, yes,” said he, “I shall never forget that day. On account of the darkness which prevailed, work was suspended, and the young people came together. In company with others, I took a boat ride and was capsized on the mill-pond.” Mr. Bowlby says that from youth it has been impressed upon his mind that he shall not die, but live to see the King in his glory; and I see no reason why his expectation may not be realized. He bears the appearance of one who has hardly passed the allotted age of man. His eye is not dim and his hearing is good. For many years he has been a member of the Baptist church. Efforts will be made by a brother who accompanied me to call his attention to the Sabbath truth. May this light burst upon his vision, and he be spared to join that company who shall exclaim: “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us.”