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Review and Herald, Vol. 38, No. 13.

Another False Christ
Earlier text: WHAT MEN HAVE DIED FOR.—

Absurdity of Supposing the Law Abolished.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

THOSE who take the position held by the Disciples (Campbellites), No-law Adventists, and others, that the law of God was given only to the Jews, and was abolished at the cross of Christ, have to maintain several most palpable absurdities.
1. The whole world was without any law for twenty-five hundred years. This is absurd in itself, and can readily be shown to be contrary to the Bible; but we do not propose to argue that now.
2. The whole heathen world was without law during the entire Jewish dispensation.
3. Jesus abolished that very law for which he came to die. This seems to us to be a most terrible position—die for a law and abolish it at the same instant! He died for the law, but the very moment he died, the law died also!
4. Then they maintain that Christ gave a new law of his own—the law of Christ, or the law of faith, under which the world has been ever since Christ's time. He died for this law also, to procure pardon for those who transgress it. Thus they have the Son of God dying for his own law—a manifest absurdity.
5. This new law of Christ was not put forth till after his death and resurrection. The Disciples affirm that it first went forth on the day of Pentecost, fifty days after the resurrection; thus we have Christ dying for his own law before it ever existed. Who could get up a greater absurdity?
6. And hence, also, he died for his law before anybody had transgressed it. Strange theology this!
7. There was a space of fifty days from the abolition of the old law, to the giving of the new law, when there was no law at all—the law of God was dead, the law of Christ not yet enacted. Paul says, Rom. 4:15, “Where no law is there is not transgression.” Here, then, were fifty days during which the carnal nature could revel in all its wickedness, and yet violate no law of God or Christ. This seems almost like blasphemy.
8. This position makes Christ die for two laws at the same time, which is an utter impossibility. No criminal can suffer under more than one law at a time. It is contrary to all principles of law and equity that a man should be punished under two laws at a time. Christ died but once. Hence he only died for one law. If that was for the law of God, then he did not die for his own law. If he died for his own law, then he did not die for the law of God. But if there is a law for which he did not die, then there can be no atonement made for those who transgress that law, and hence they are inevitably lost. So, either those who lived under that law, which was before the cross, have no sacrifice, no atonement, no Saviour, and hence must be lost; or else those who live under the law this side of the cross are without any atonement, and hence must be lost.
9. They tell us that the new law of Christ is that by which we are to live; is that which will condemn us if we sin; is that by which we shall be judged in the Judgment; and is that by which we obtain forgiveness when we repent. Here is another glaring violation of every established principle of law. No principle of law is better known and established than that a law which has once been violated can never after justify or pardon the transgressor of it. So if men violate the law of faith, that law can never pardon them; and as there is no other law by which men can be pardoned, they must all be lost.
10. If the law of God was abolished at the cross, then the Jews who were under that law can never be judged by it in the day of Judgment; for it is an established principle in law that an abolished law is to be considered just as though it never had existed, and people cannot be tried by it after it is abolished. Thus I read from the Decisions of the Supreme Court of Iowa, 1862, Iowa Reports, Vol. 12, p. 311:— “The general principle relied upon, independent of some statutory rule, is not controverted, that when a statute is repealed, it must be considered as if it had never existed, except with reference to such parts as are saved by the repealing statute. And equally well-settled is the doctrine that, though a party may have instituted his suit, and the same be pending at the time of the repeal, the jurisdiction is gone, without some saving clause.”
Was there any saving clause when the law of God was abolished? No, indeed! They claim that it all went by the board, from beginning to end. Nothing was saved. Hence in the day of Judgment the Jews must all go clear; for they cannot be condemned by a dead law.
A case occurred in Pennsylvania a few years since which illustrates the point. A man committed murder, was arrested and put in jail to wait his trial. While thus waiting, the old law against murder was abolished, and a new law enacted, somewhat changing the penalty. Then the man was brought up for trial. They proposed to try him by the new law. He said, No, he had never violated that law; hence they could not try him by that law. Very well, they said, they would try him by the old law. But no; he plead that that law was dead and gone. It did not exist. The consequence was, they had to set him free. On the same principle the Jews would all go free in the Judgment. Then we shall have a new interpretation of Paul's language: “And so shall all Israel be saved.”
11. They say that Christ is our law-giver in the gospel dispensation. Well then, if we sin, we sin against Christ, and hence we need an advocate with him, a mediator between us and Christ, for he is the one whom we have offended. This leaves God the Father entirely out of the programme, and it also squarely contradicts the Bible, which says, “If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1. “For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Tim. 2:5. This shows that it is God's law which we have broken and not Christ's. Such absurdities as these do false positions compel men to take, while the truth is always harmonious and consistent with every principle of law and reason.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Leon, Iowa, Aug. 7.

Eastern Camp-Meetings.

By John Nevins Andrews

Perhaps I have failed to do my full duty in that I have not hitherto reported the labor of Bro. Littlejohn and others at these meetings. But the business of the Conferences which have come in connection with the camp-meetings, and the duties of the meetings have together so fully taxed my time and strength that I have thought it hardly possible to write anything. Besides I did depend upon the Conference secretary in each case to give an immediate report.
Our meeting at Kirkville, N. Y., was a very profitable season. Our brethren were on hand the day before that appointed for the commencement of the camp-meeting, and so got nearly all their preparations completed in advance of the meeting; and they were able also to dispose of much of the Conference business on that day of preparation. This promptness had much to do with the success of the meeting. All the meetings in K. were characterized by deep solemnity, and the Spirit of God was present to search the heart and to lead many to deep repentance for their departures from him. The word of God was very precious to those who listened, and to those who preached. Quite a large number sought God for the forgiveness of their sins, or that he would heal their backslidings. We had a precious season of baptism. Bro. C. O. Taylor buried in baptism some fifteen persons. We were favored with the presence of Eld. Rogers of the S. D. Baptist denomination, whose society and whose testimonies we greatly enjoyed. One meeting ended with a solemn covenant on the part of all present that they would be faithful to the cause of Christ all the days of their lives.
Bro. L. and myself had hardly time to reach the meeting at Richmond, Vt., at its commencement. Our brethren at this meeting were not all prompt to be on the ground at its commencement. And by the neglect of the R. R. companies the tents failed to reach the ground till sixth day afternoon. These unfavorable circumstances threatened serious injury to the meeting. But God appeared for our help. The meeting increased in interest as it progressed. When sinners and backsliders were invited forward, at least eighty persons, mostly of the unconverted, obeyed the call, and all but one of these arose and spoke. Quite a number found Christ.
At the close of the Richmond meeting, we found ourselves greatly exhausted, and on reaching the hospitable home of Bro. A. W. Smith in Manchester, N. H., we were glad to stop and spend a few hours in sleep before proceeding on to the camp ground at Amherst, N. H. On the second day of this meeting we were made glad by the arrival of sister White, accompanied by her son Willie. Her labors at this camp-meeting were of much value to the people of God.
We much regretted the absence of Bro. White, whose responsibilities at Battle Creek made it inconsistent that he should be present. We had a profitable meeting, though not so free and encouraging as in New York and in Vermont. Our brethren of the New England Conference deserve great credit for their promptness in raising means in response to the several calls in behalf of the cause of God. Yet two things which cannot be thus commended ought here to be named: 1. Very many did not come at the commencement of the meeting, but deferred this till the second, third, or fourth day. 2. As the New England Conference is composed of four States, sectional feelings to some considerable extent have crept in, and there is a lack of unity of feeling, which stands in the way of the prosperity of the work. I trust that the bare statement of these two evils will cause that they be put away.
From Amherst, we came to the camp-ground at Pishon's Ferry in Skowhegan, Maine. It is now the morning of the first day of the week. Our meetings have been marked with solemnity, and have increased in interest up to this point. Those who have preached the word of God have enjoyed a good degree of freedom, and those who have listened have given evidence that that word has found way to their hearts. A considerable number of backsliders have sought God with humble confession, and some of the unconverted have here set out to seek Christ. We hope for a large attendance and an excellent meeting the present day. And we trust that this camp-meeting and State Conference will result in much good to the cause of Christ in the State of Maine.
J. N. ANDREWS.
Skowhegan, Maine, Sept. 3, 1871.

Camp-Meeting Address.

By E. B. Lane

TO THE BRETHREN IN INDIANA.

DEAR BRETHREN: The kind providence of God has spared and brought us to the appointment of another camp-meeting. Much good was the result of last year’s meeting, and we have every reason to believe such will be the case this year. But a portion of the brethren were not present last season for various reasons, principally because of the shortness of the time of the appointment. This is not the case this year. All who are disposed to come have sufficient time to prepare.
Our brethren here have selected a very beautiful grove, and will spare no pains to fit it for the occasion; and I am sure all will pass off pleasantly, so far as it is in their power to make it.
Our people are quite scattered through different parts of the State, and therefore should make the greater effort to attend this meeting.
We would really like to see you from all parts to this meeting, to enjoy its benefits, and represent the wants of the cause where you are. We expect to see quite a representation from North Liberty and La Porte. Shall we not also see all, and if not all, nearly all, from Sulphur Springs, including Brn. Wrightsman, Ray, and others there? Where are Brn. Kemp, Bodley, Locke, and others in those parts whose names I am not familiar with, also one or two at Carpentersville, Richmond, and other places? Shall we not see all the brethren from Owen, Clay, and Monroe Counties?
This is truly a very important meeting, and its responsibility should be felt and realized by all. We would say, Come, brethren. Come one, come all. Get as many of your friends as possible, in whom you feel interested, to come with you. All should come, and get as many to come with them as they can. The grove is a short distance from the railroad; but teams will be provided by the brethren, free of charge, for all who will attend. Bring bedding, if possible, straw ticks, quilts, &c. If you can bring cloth tents, do so; if not, we will try to have you cared for. We want to see you all at the meeting, and if you are willing to put up with such conveniences as the ground will afford, all will pass off pleasantly. The brethren will do everything possible to make all comfortable. There will be a provision stand on the ground, where all can be supplied at a reasonable expense, and if any are in poor circumstances, to them it will be free. Fruit and vegetables are abundant here.
Again I would say, Come to this meeting. Come, praying God to meet with us. And come so as to be on the ground the first day of the meeting, Sept. 21. Let all seek God for a deeper work of grace, and much strength to press on, and I am sure they will be repaid for their effort. E. B. LANE.

Morality Without Religion as Dead Reckoning

MORALITY without religion is only a kind of dead reckoning—an endeavor to find our place on a cloudy sea by measuring the distance we have run, without any observation of the heavenly bodies.

Tenth Annual Report of the N. Y. and Pa. Conference.

By John Nevins Andrews; R. F. Cottrell

CONFERENCE convened at the encampment near Kirkville, N. Y., Aug. 9, 1871. Twenty-four churches were represented by twenty-seven delegates, and three by letter. Three new churches (unorganized) were received to the Conference with their delegates, making in all thirty churches with thirty delegates present.
Bro. Littlejohn and all brethren present in good standing were invited to take part in the deliberations.
The Secretary’s report of last session was called for and read. It was voted that the chairman, Bro. J. N. Andrews, appoint the committees. The following were appointed: On Settlement, H. Hilliard, Delos Green, L. R. Chapel, P. Z. Kinne, Wm. Coats, and J. M. Lindsay; on Resolutions, W. H. Littlejohn, R. F. Cottrell, and S. B. Whitney; on Nominations, Hiram Edson, Henry Hilliard, and C. O. Taylor.
Reports from ministers and licentiates being called for, brief reports were made by the following brethren: R. F. Cottrell, S. B. Whitney, C. O. Taylor, H. Edson, F. Wheeler, W. W. Stebbins, H. H. Wilcox, A. Ross, C. B. Reynolds, W. H. Wild, J. N. Andrews, and sister S. A. H. Lindsey.
Remarks were made by Brn. Littlejohn and Andrews, showing the inutility, from the experience of the past, of entering upon a course of lectures immediately following a camp-meeting, in the same place. The effort at Oneida, N. Y., and others in the West were cited as examples.
The credentials of the following ministers were renewed: C. O. Taylor, S. B. Whitney, J. N. Andrews, R. F. Cottrell, H. Edson, and F. Wheeler; also those of David Arnold as a local preacher.
A committee of five, namely, J. M. Lindsay, C. A. Osgood, S. B. Craig, H. Brown, and D. C. Phillips, was appointed to examine the cases of those who have heretofore held licenses from the Conference, and recommend those for ordination who, in their judgment, should be ordained and receive full credentials. The committee reported on the case of Bro. Chas. B. Reynolds, and, on their recommendation, it was decided to renew his license, leaving it with the Executive Committee to recommend his ordination, at the end of four months, should this be their judgment.
Licenses were given to W. W. Stebbins, H. H. Wilcox, and sister S. A. H. Lindsey; and the cases of W. H. Wild, Bro. A. Ross and wife, and sister E. M. Hicks, were referred to the Executive Committee.
The Committee on Resolutions reported the following, which were unanimously adopted:
1. That we express our gratitude to God for the light which has shone upon our pathway from the prophetic Scriptures relative to the near advent of our Redeemer, and to the final establishment of his kingdom in our earth; also, that we have seen the excellence of the law of God, and have been led to obey all its precepts; and in especial manner do we thank him that he has connected the Spirit of prophecy with the final message of warning to mankind.
2. That we acknowledge our obligation to God for the sacred truths which he has given us, and that we pledge ourselves to him, and to each other, that we will be faithful in living in obedience to them ourselves, and in doing what lies in our power to lead others also to obey.
3. That we express our thankfulness to God for the prosperous condition of our institutions at Battle Creek, and that we express the earnest desire that the same efficient management, which, under God’s blessing, has been attended with such prosperity, may still be continued there.
4. That we assume the responsibility of collecting for the Publishing Association and paying what is due to it within the bounds of our Conference for the REVIEW, Health Reformer, and Instructor.
5. That we invite those who feel impressed with the conviction that they should become laborers in this work to make known their cases to the Conference Committee; and that we recommend to their favorable consideration the cases of those who have real Christian experience and a just sense of the sacredness of the work.
6. That we appropriate $200.00 from our fund in hand, and $300.00 from that in the hands of the Publishing Association. [To what the $500 was appropriated, the report does not say.—Ed.]
7. That we amend our constitution by inserting in Art. 2, Sec. 4, after the words, “To audit and settle accounts with ministers and others in the employ of the Conference,” the following words, viz.: “In connection with a committee of six lay brethren, to be appointed by the Conference at each session thereof.”
8. That we change the beginning of our Conference year from the first of October to the first of August in each year.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, P. Z. Kinne, of Kirkville, N. Y.; other members of the Executive Committee, E. B. Gaskill and Harmon Lindsay, of Olcott, N. Y.; Secretary, S. B. Whitney, of Keene, Essex Co., N. Y.; Treasurer, A. M. Green. [Will Bro. Green give his address through the REVIEW?]
The Auditing Committee reported, and their report was accepted.
The following persons were chosen as a camp-meeting committee: Buel L. Whitney, Samuel Abbey, John Parmalee, A. M. Green, J. M. Lindsay, Daniel Bowe, and C. W. Lindsay.
To Buel L. Whitney, of Malone, Franklin Co., N. Y., was committed the oversight of the work of collecting the dues on our periodicals, and to Harmon Lindsay, of Olcott, Niagara Co., N. Y., that of raising means for the Health Institute.
Votes of thanks were passed to our camp-meeting committee, and to the liberal gentleman on whose grounds our meeting was held.
Voted, To publish our proceedings in the REVIEW.
Adjourned without day.
J. N. ANDREWS, Pres.
R. F. COTTRELL, Sec.

Ninth Annual Session of the Vermont Conference:

By Lewis Bean; D. T. Bourdeau

According to previous notice in the REVIEW, the ninth annual session of the Vermont State Conference of Seventh-day-Adventists was held near Richmond, Vt., Aug. 17–21, 1871, in connection with the Vermont camp-meeting.
Conference met Aug. 17, at 6 P. M. Bro. Lewis Bean, president, in the chair. Prayer by Eld. W. H. Littlejohn. Credentials of delegates were called for and presented, showing a delegation of fifteen, representing eleven churches. One church was not represented.
Voted, That Elds. J. N. Andrews and W. H. Littlejohn and all members present of good standing in our churches be invited to take part in the deliberations of this Conference.
The minutes of the last meeting were called for, read, and approved.
On motion, the chair appointed the following committees: Auditing Committee, S. H. Peck, J. Barrows, R. Loveland, F. T. Wales, J. Marvin, and H. Bingham; committee on Nominations, A. Stone, A. S. Hutchins, and J. Barrows; Committee on Resolutions, A. C. Bourdeau, D. T. Bourdeau, and N. Orcutt.
Written reports of labors from preachers were called for, and Elds. A. S. Hutchins, A. C. Bourdeau, D. T. Bourdeau, A. Stone, and N. Orcutt represented.
Adjourned to call of committee.
SECOND SESSION. Aug. 18, at 1:30 P. M. Prayer by D. T. Bourdeau.
The Secretary’s report was called for, read, and accepted, and showed the standing of the Conference to be as follows:—
Number of ministers, 5; number of licentiates, 4; number of churches, 12; membership, 283; increase during the year, 21; new converts not connected with churches, 30; amount of S. B. pledged for the year, $1608.19; amount pledged to the Conference $1400.00.
The following report by the Treasurer was read and accepted:—
Received during the year $1417.68 Paid out $1417.68
The Committee on Nominations reported as follows: For President, L. Bean; Secretary, D. T. Bourdeau; Treasurer, W. J. Cross; Executive Committee, L. Bean, H. N. Austin, and H. W. Barrows. This report was accepted, and the nominees were elected to their respective offices by unanimous votes of the Conference.
Resolved, That we amend Sec. 4 of Art. 2, so that after the words, “to audit and settle accounts with ministers and others in the employ of the Conference,” there shall be added these words in parenthesis: (in connection with an auditing committee of six laymen, who shall be appointed by the conference each year for this special purpose.)
Adjourned to call of Committee.
THIRD SESSION. Aug. 21, at 10:30 A. M. Prayer by Eld. A. C. Bourdeau.
Voted, That the name of the Braintree church be changed back to that of Roxbury.
On motion, the credentials of Elds. A. C. Bourdeau, D. T. Bourdeau, A. S. Hutchins, N. Orcutt, and A. Stone, were renewed, and licenses were granted to Bro. L. Bean, S. D. Yaw, D. T. Evans, and Edward Kellogg.
Voted, That we have a camp-meeting committee of five, and that the executive committee be empowered to nominate said committee.
The Committee on Resolutions presented the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:—
Resolved, That we pledge ourselves to renewed efforts for the advancement of the work of God both in our own hearts and in those of our fellow-men; and that we feel deeply to humble ourselves in view of our failures to do all that we should have done in time past to honor Him who died for us.
Resolved, That we express our deep concern lest our Conference should, in part at least, become recreant to the light which God has given us on reform both in the subject of health and in that of dress, and that we beseech all our people to be circumspect in these things.
Resolved, That we acknowledge with gratitude to God the prosperity which attends our institutions at Battle Creek, and that we pledge ourselves to aid in every way in our power those who are bearing the burden of their management.
Resolved, That in response to the request made by Bro. White, we recommend that Bro. H. W. Kellogg remove to Battle Creek to help relieve Bro. White in his financial burdens.
Resolved, That we pledge ourselves to collect the dues for our periodicals within the bounds of this Conference; and wherein we fail to accomplish this, we will as a Conference make up the deficiency.
Also it was here Voted, That sister C. P. Whitford be appointed to encourage by correspondence or otherwise the paying for our periodicals in cases of delinquency, and that she be empowered to appoint agents within the limits of this Conference to aid her in this work.
Resolved, That as churches and as individuals we express our heartfelt gratitude to God for the timely and searching testimony which we have received during the past year, and that we hereby acknowledge its justice and pledge ourselves to heed its solemn admonitions and reproofs.
Resolved, That we express our deep regret for the tardiness on the part of many in our Conference in meeting their pledges on Systematic Benevolence, and that we beseech our people to be more punctual in this thing.
Remarks were made by Bro. Andrews and others on the impropriety of appropriating much of the S. B. money in building meeting-houses, and it was voted that this matter be left with the Conference Committee.
Adjourned to call of Committee.
FOURTH SESSION. Aug. 21, at 6 P. M. Prayer by Bro. Andrews.
The report of the Auditing Committee was read and accepted.
The Conference appropriated the sum of fifty dollars to the General Conference fund.
The Executive Committee then presented the following names for the camp-meeting committee: S. H. Peck, F. T. Wales, Charles Bean, M. N. Cross, and Thomas Purden. This report was accepted, and the nomination ratified by vote.
Voted, That Bro. W. J. Cross be empowered to solicit means for the Publishing Association and Health Institute, and to appoint agents within the bounds of this conference to assist in this work.
Resolved, That we tender a vote of thanks to Elds. J. N. Andrews and W. H. Littlejohn for their services at our Conference and camp-meeting.
Voted, That the minutes of this meeting be published in the REVIEW.
Adjourned sine die.
L. BEAN, Pres. D. T. BOURDEAU, Sec.

ANSWER TO “PEOPLE WILL TALK.”

By Emily L. Canright

As we pass through the world we shall never move slow, If earnestly seek to serve God as we go. And keeping this purpose forever in view, Whatever we know to be right strive to do, And let people talk.
Be quiet and modest, and this not assumed, Do not hope to shun censure, for to this we are doomed. If blamed when we're striving to walk as we should, And our Father permit, it may be for our good. Then let people talk.
If your dress is peculiar, or plain is your hat, Some one will surely take notice of that. Remarks will be made, for you cannot go clear. But oh, if you know it is right, never fear If people do talk.
It is not always best, to do just as you please. Independence, alone, cannot give the heart ease. They only have joy that do perfectly right, Who pray to God ever, and walk in the light, If people do talk.
In the bright land of glory, the home of the blest, From all that accuse and revile, you shall rest. But here, to avoid them your efforts are vain. Forgive, and the blessing of God you'll obtain, And let people talk.
EMILY L. CANRIGHT.

The Vermont Camp-Meeting.

By A. C. Bourdeau

Pursuant to appointment in the REVIEW, the Vermont Camp-meeting was held in Richmond, near the village. The meeting commenced Thursday, August 17, and continued to the next Tuesday morning. The camp was in a maple grove, on an elevation near the road to Jericho, and contained seats sufficient to entertain two thousand persons, with a preacher's stand at one end of the center aisle, and a large sixty-foot tent at the other end, surrounded by twenty lodging tents which formed a circle around the entire camp, and which were occupied by a large representation of the friends of the cause in Vermont and Canada.
Although the committee had arranged to have all the tents on the ground one full day before the commencement of the meeting, owing to some delay on the railroad, fifteen tents did not reach the ground till the second day of the meeting. Yet the weather was favorable, and all were in good spirits. The brethren within the limits of this Conference, who can do so, are recommended to supply themselves with tents for future camp-meetings.
While we were disappointed in not having the labors of Bro. and sister White, we were grateful for the labors of Bro. J. N. Andrews and W. H. Littlejohn, who were the principal speakers during the meeting. Their discourses were listened to with interest and profit. The social meetings were seasons of encouragement to all the brethren and sisters present. In two of these meetings invitations were given to sinners and to those who had fallen into a state of indifference, to consecrate themselves to the Lord, and to come forward for prayers, and from fifty to seventy-five persons responded to the call with penitential hearts, and with tears.
On Monday, five were buried with Christ in baptism. Several more design to be baptized at their earliest opportunity.
The ninth annual session of the Vermont State Conference was held on the camp-ground, which added to the interest of the meeting. At the sessions which were held on Monday, pledges were made by the friends on the ground—for the Publishing Association, $967.00, for the Health Institute, $351.00, for the Benevolent Fund, $82.00, and for other purposes, nearly $200.00. We are happy to report some improvement in our Conference in meeting the pledges on Systematic Benevolence; but there is room for further progress in this direction.
Near the close of the meeting a vote of thanks was tendered for having the use of the ground granted us free from charges, and for the services of the town officers and special constables, who acted well their part, and succeeded in preserving order and quiet on the ground.
We have reason to believe that those who have recently embraced the truth at Jericho and West Bolton have been much strengthened and encouraged at this meeting. Brethren, let us try to be more faithful the coming year, that our next camp-meeting may find us more advanced in piety, and with a large increase of numbers. A. C. BOURDEAU.

Does the World Hate Piety?

In answer to this question, the celebrated Sydney Smith says:—“It is not true that the world hates piety. That modest and unobtrusive piety which fills the heart with humane charities, and makes a man gentle to others and severe to himself, is an object of universal love and veneration. But mankind hate the lust of power when it is vailed under the garb of piety; they

Need of Patience.

By R. C. B.

“FOR ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Heb. 10:36.
If patience is necessary in waiting for the coming of our adorable Redeemer, after we have accomplished the will of God, how exceedingly necessary it must be in making the requisite preparation for that event.
How many of us have fully overcome the sin of impatience? How many can bear with perfect serenity the petty trials of life? How many are there who never speak petulantly to the children? never give short, crusty answers? who can bear to be ill-treated and falsely accused without resentment?
The life of Jesus is set forth for our example. When he was reviled, he reviled not again. Nay, more, he prays, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” If Jesus could forgive his murderers, and bear their impious revilings without a murmur, how must he regard those who fret at their best friends, and repine at every little thwarting of their cherished plans? Oh! how little of his own lovely character does he see reflected in his professed people!
How the lack of forbearance and patience among brethren must grieve him whose longsuffering has been so great toward every one of us.
Brethren and sisters, let us remember that patience is next to godliness in the ascending scale of Christian perfection. Before we attain to a very exalted standard of piety, we must have this essential element of Christian character perfected in us. Let us strive for it earnestly, that it may soon be said of all who profess to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, “Here is the patience of the saints.”
R. C. B.

Why Did the Patriarchs Live so Long?

By Dr. Jackson

I HAVE always been greatly interested in the narratives given in the Bible, of the lives and deaths of the patriarchs. Let me enumerate some of their characteristics:
  1. Their habits in all respects were simple.
  2. They lived—dwelt in tents—in the open air.
  3. They ate food simply cooked.
  4. They were tillers of the soil and herdsmen.
  5. They retired early to rest.
  6. They slept sweetly all night.
  7. They rose early in the morning.
  8. Their medicines, at most, were simples.
  9. They instinctively knew the value of abstaining from food on occasion, and they enjoined it from generation to generation till at last it came to be a religious ceremony.
  10. Their children were scarcely ever sick, and when they were they did not die.
Begin at Genesis and see how far into the world's life one has to penetrate before the death of children is a given fact, stated without surprise.
From such causes as these, men lived to old age, not our limit of human life, but a greatly advanced life over ours.—Dr. Jackson.

The Wisconsin Tent.

By J. Sanborn; D. Downer

THE tent is now pitched in Plainfield, Waushara Co. This is the most thickly settled town in the county. The professing portion of the community are Freewill Baptists and Methodists.
The Freewill Baptist quarterly meeting commenced the day before our meeting was to commence in the tent. And as it was only a little more than a mile from the tent; we invited them to use the tent for their meetings, which they did part of the time. I preached twice in their meetings.
They kindly took up their appointment for last evening; and all came to the tent, which was our second meeting. The Lord gave great freedom in speaking on the promises, to a congregation of over four hundred attentive hearers. There were four ministers present, who also listened with marked attention. If we can have fair weather, with the blessing of God, we expect to see a good work done here.
Pray for us, that we may have wisdom from the Lord to fit us for the work
J. SANBORN, D. DOWNER.
August 28, 1871.

West Bolton, Vt.

By A. S. Hutchins

The good work of the Lord still progresses in this vicinity. The tent was taken down on the 13th inst., having remained here ten Sabbaths, in which time seventy-three discourses were given. The interest continued good to the close of the meetings, notwithstanding the many false reports constantly in circulation about us.
These things failing to accomplish their desired object, an entirely new stock of glaring misrepresentations was flung into market, just as we closed our meetings, bearing in another direction, well calculated to injure the cause of God, and to prejudice minds against our camp-meeting. But the good camp-meeting has past. It was one long to be remembered. By it our dear brethren and sisters were refreshed and encouraged. And a good influence, so far as I have knowledge, was left upon the minds of all.
Some over twenty have taken a stand with us on the Sabbath. In addition to these a goodly number know they have heard the truth preached in the tent during our meetings, and are manifesting love and friendship toward God's servants, which we prize.
Since the camp-meeting, I have been visiting and holding meetings in this vicinity. Last Sabbath, some forty or more attended the meetings. It was a precious season to us.
Now that the tent is down and the Baptist friends probably thought, or hoped, we had left the place, Eld. Estes of Jericho, has an appointment to speak against us on the Sabbath, next first-day, at 7 P. M. But Providence permitting, Eld. D. T. Bourdeau, will hear and review him.
It is the intention of Brn. Bourdeau to pitch the tent again this week, at some point, not far from this place. Bro. S. D. Yaw, who came here last week, will go as tent master.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Aug. 29, 1871.

Sister J. Van Doren on Living the Truth

By Sister J. Van Doren

SISTER J. VAN DOREN writes: How the Lord has given line upon line! how plain, how lovely is the truth! How if lived out, it will make us like Jesus, that sinless one. Let us arouse. Let us work. It will soon be too late. Let it not be said to us, “You knew your duty, but you did it not.” Rather, let me hear the sweet words, “She has done what she could.”

Come unto Me.

The great Master, who can not only read the secret workings of the heart, but who knows the life-struggle of afflicted humanity, who sympathizes with us in our weariness and yearnings for a higher and better life, stands at the door of each individual heart, and with a tenderness that should quiet all our fears, and with open arms of love, in entreating pathos, says, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Come, sorrow-stricken child, to the Friend who can heal thy wounds; come, trembling soul, he is the Great Physician who can apply a certain remedy for every malady of the soul; come, trembling sinner, he has declared that there is joy among the angels in Heaven over thy return. Oh! yes; Jesus is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. When he was upon the earth, he delighted to do good, not only to the souls, but to the bodies of men. His was a ministry of love and sympathy. He not only retired to the mountains, the wilderness, and Gethsemane, to pray to his Father, but from Jericho to Galilee he exemplified his teachings in raising the dead, healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and feeding the hungry. His daily delight was in spreading the gospel to the poor and wandering multitudes with such persuasive eloquence that even the deputy sent out by the Sanhedrim to arrest him, could only return and in wonderment and admiration of the Galilean Teacher exclaim: “Never man spake like this man.”
If we, his professed followers, would have men take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus, we must follow his example. The test of true discipleship is work for the Master, and in no better way can this be shown than in entering into the spirit of the Great Teacher. We would break through the cobwebs of that selfishness which can go no farther than self. Why should we sit down in our homes of ease and luxury while our brother is bitterly crying, “Help, or I perish”? Verily, in no way is the divine character of our holy religion better shown than in the benevolent and unselfish labors of the truly pious. If we wrap the mantle of pride about us and shrink from the lowly and unfortunate, how will the world think we love Jesus? Think you that the poor child of error will be seriously impressed when frowned upon by the haughty professor?
Christian, if you belong to redemption’s host, O, let the richness of your love come from a heart all tender and in sympathy with the work Jesus has given you to do. Let the pathos and the earnestness, the zeal and devotedness to the cause which is dear to your own heart, find expression in kindness. Let the sympathizing heart, sparkling eye, gentle tone, loving accents, feet swift on errands of mercy, prove to the world that you are a Christian. Stand up in the name of Jesus, and with open arms, and a voice subdued by grace divine, invite the weary, sin-sick soul to come to the Fountain of life. Jesus would have us say, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” If we are filled with the Holy Ghost, we will say it. Our very outbreathings will be “good will to men.” What? pride, coldness, selfishness in a Christian heart? No, never. Might as well vail the sun at noon-day as to screen the light emanating from the soul at peace with Christ.—Golden Censer.
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