p. 84 | Review and Herald, Vol. 52, No. 11. (9/5/1878)

BIBLE LESSONS FOR YOUTH.

Lesson XIII.—The Seed of Abraham.

QUESTIONS.

What can you say in regard to the value of Abraham’s experience in offering up his son?
What did it help him to better appreciate?
What did it help him to understand?
How has God manifested his love? 1 John 4:9, 10.
What do all men have through Christ? 1 Cor. 15:22.
As Abraham had been called upon to offer up his son Isaac, what was he to understand that God would really do with his son Jesus?
As Abraham had believed that God would raise up Isaac from the dead, what was he to believe that God would really do with Christ?
To whom were the promises made? Gal. 3:16; Acts 7:5.
To whom were these promises renewed? Gen. 26:1–4; 28:13, 14.
In what way did Moses make use of these promises? Ex. 32:13.
What encouragement had Moses for making this plea? Gen. 17:7.
To what does the expression “seed of Abraham” often refer? 2 Chron. 20:7, 8; John 8:33, 37; Gen. 15:18.
To what does it especially have reference? Gal. 3:16.
Was Christ a descendant of Abraham according to the flesh? Matt. 1:1–17.
Who are included with Christ as being of the seed of Abraham? Gal. 3:29; Rom. 9:8; Gal. 4:28.
What does Christ say of all that are his? John 17:10.
How do we become the children of God? Gal. 3:26.
Who have put on Christ? Gal. 3:27.
What obedience have those rendered who have been baptized? Rom. 6:17.
How are the children of God made manifest? 1 John 3:10.
Is not right doing identical with keeping the commandments of God?
What has been already learned from Rom. 8:14?
What are the fruits of the Spirit? Gal. 5:22, 23.
Does love always prompt to obedience?
Then to what acts will the Spirit of God lead us?
Does the seed of Abraham include all the children of God?
Do they all inherit the promises with Abraham?
May they all expect to share the fulfillment of the promises with Abraham? Gal. 3:29.
With whom are they joint heirs? Rom. 8:17.

SYNOPSIS.

Abraham’s experience in offering up his son Isaac was profitable to him not only as a trial of his faith, but in many other ways. It helped him to better appreciate the plan of salvation through Christ, and to better understand the love of God to man. For as Abraham was called upon to offer up his only son, so God would really give his only Son, Jesus, to die for the sins of men; and as Abraham believed that God would raise up Isaac from the dead, so God would really raise up Christ after his crucifixion, that all men, through him, might have a resurrection.

The promises were made to Abraham and to his seed. These promises were renewed to Isaac and Jacob, and Moses plead them in behalf of the children of Israel after they left Egypt.

Moses had strong encouragement for making this plea, as may be seen by reading Gen. 17:7.

“The seed of Abraham” often means his natural offspring, but it has special reference to Christ. For in Gal. 3:16 we read as follows: “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.”

But all who are Christ’s are included with him as the seed of Abraham; for Gal. 3:29 says, “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed,” &c. Those who are Christ’s must be the children of God; for Christ says, “All mine are thine, and thine are mine.” John 17:10.

Gal. 3:26 says that we become children of God by faith in Christ; and in the next verse, that as many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Here is faith and obedience; for in being baptized we obey that form of doctrine delivered us. Rom. 6:17. In 1 John 3:10 we learn that the children of God are made manifest by right doing, and right doing is obedience to all the commandments of God.

We have already learned from Rom. 8:14 that, “as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Now the Spirit of God will lead us to just those acts noticed in the passages quoted,—to faith in Christ, and obedience to the law of God, as well as to every form of doctrine delivered unto us. Gal. 5:22, 23.

So we see that all the children of God are of the seed of Abraham, and heirs according to the promise,—heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that they suffer with him. Gal. 3:29; Rom. 8:17.

“THE BEST PLACE IN MASSACHUSETTS.”

By D. A. Robinson

This is the testimony of our brethren respecting our camp-ground at Shawsheen River Grove in the town of Andover, Mass. A more beautiful place we never have had. The Shawsheen River runs by, in full view of the ground. The cities of Lowell and Lawrence are within twenty minutes’ ride of the grove, and Boston only twenty miles away. The grove is on the main line of the Boston and Maine railroad, with about thirty trains passing it every day.

The selection of this place by the committee was certainly fortunate, if not providential, on account of its accessibility, and the especial favors we receive from the railroad company that owns the ground. Our provision stand, containing stove, tables, dishes, in short everything we need, costs us comparatively nothing. Then there is a large hall capable of seating one thousand people, with seats and speaker’s stand all in readiness. The superintendent of the B. and M. railroad has granted all the favors we have asked of him, and more too. This has not been a small item. In cash value to us they are worth $100, and the end is not yet.

About a dozen of our old, tried brethren and sisters are on the ground, making the necessary preparations. Yesterday (Sabbath) we had a meeting under the large tent. It was a most precious season. The Spirit of God came very near, and the testimony of all was, “The best Sabbath ever spent.”

Just before the Sabbath closed we held another meeting. A man who had heard the appointment given out, carried the report to the village, so when the hour came, about thirty ladies and gentlemen were present. They said they had heard of us at Groveland, that we were not fanatics, etc.; and after a pleasant talk, they invited our sisters home, lest they should take cold camping out.

Before these lines are read, we anticipate passing through one of the most interesting and important camp-meetings ever held in New England. D. A. ROBINSON.

LESSONS FOR BIBLE CLASSES.

By G. H. Bell

LESSON XIII.—THE SANCTUARY.

QUESTIONS.

What did we learn in the last lesson in regard to the use of the terms “daily sacrifice” and “transgression of desolation,” as used in Dan. 8:11–13?
What important question is asked in verse 13?
In what other words might the same meaning be expressed?
What answer was given to this question?
In considering this subject, what is it important to notice?
What is the meaning of the word sanctuary?
Repeat Heb. 8:1, 2.
What do we learn from this passage?
What do we learn from Heb. 4:14?
What is this sanctuary called in Heb. 8:2?
What do we infer from this?
Where do we find positive proof of this fact?
Repeat the verse.
What do we learn from the verses that follow?
What do we learn from the last part of verse 8 and the first part of verse 9?
What do we learn from verse 23?
What from verse 24?
What charge was given to Moses in regard to building the tabernacle? Ex. 25:40.
What reference is made to that charge in the eighth chapter of Hebrews?
What is said of the service of the priests of the worldly sanctuary? Heb. 8:3–5.
What does this show in regard to the heavenly sanctuary?
In what other passage is the same thing clearly indicated?
Repeat the verse, giving emphasis to the word also.
State briefly the principal points of this lesson.

SYNOPSIS.

We have seen that in Dan. 8:11–13, the term “daily sacrifice” is used to denote the pagan religion; and “transgression of desolation,” to denote the papal religion. Verse 13 contains an important question: “How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?” This is the same as to say: “How long shall these false religions be exalted above the true religion of the Bible, and how long shall pagans and papists be allowed to persecute the people of God?” The answer is as remarkable as the question: “And he said unto me, ‘Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.’” In considering this subject, it is important to notice,—1st. The sanctuary; 2d. The time; 3d. The cleansing.

THE SANCTUARY.

Sanctuary means a holy or sanctified place, a dwelling place of the Most High.

Heb. 8:1, 2 reads as follows: “Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: ‘We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.’” From this we learn that God’s throne is in the heavens; that he has a sanctuary there; and that there is a high priest who ministers in that sanctuary. From Heb. 4:14 we learn that the high priest of this sanctuary in the heavens is Jesus the Son of God. This sanctuary is called the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man. From this we infer that there has been a tabernacle which was typical of the true, and was pitched by man. Heb. 9:1 tells us plainly that the first covenant had a worldly sanctuary, and from the verses that follow we learn that the worldly sanctuary here referred to was the tabernacle pitched by Moses in the wilderness of Sinai. From the last part of verse 8 and the first part of verse 9, we learn that this tabernacle was a figure for the time then present; from verse 23, that it and the things contained in it were patterns of things in the heavens; and from verse 24, that the holy places of this tabernacle were figures of the true holy places which are in heaven itself. In Ex. 25:40 we see that Moses was charged to make these things after their pattern which was showed him in the mount. In Heb. 8:3–5 we learn that the priests of this worldly sanctuary served unto the example and shadow of heavenly things.

There must therefore be a service, a ministration, in the heavenly sanctuary. This is clearly indicated in Heb. 9:1.

RECAPITULATION.

We see, then, that God has a sanctuary in heaven; that his throne is there; that Jesus the Son of God is the high priest of that sanctuary; that it has holy places, and ordinances of divine service; that the tabernacle pitched by Moses was a figure for the time then present; and that the holy places in it were patterned after those in the heavenly sanctuary, the services there being examples used to illustrate the work in the heavenly sanctuary. G. H. BELL.

SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE.

By James White

(Continued.)*

Why this leanness of soul with many of our people? Why so little of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit among them? Let the prophet of God answer: “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse, for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the store-house, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground, neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field.” Mal. 3: 8-11.

In the foregoing from the Lord by the mouth of his prophet are fearful threatenings and gracious promises. The curse of the Lord, whether his hand is stretched out to scatter property, or his withering touch takes away physical, mental, or spiritual strength, who can bear it? The blessing of God in its fullness, even when poured down through the open windows of heaven to the overflowing of the soul with the Holy Spirit, when basket and store are correspondingly full, who can comprehend the blessedness of such a shower from the hand of our covenant-keeping God? We would here state that during the past twenty years we have seen the fulfillment of the curse threatened on unfaithful stewards, and the prospering hand of God with faithful stewards, both in the ranks of Seventh-day Adventists. We mention a few cases on both sides as samples of the many, and as this is a sensitive subject we withhold the names of the persons.

Bro. E. E. and wife, of Vermont, were among the first who embraced the Sabbath in that State. They were wealthy. An only child, a daughter, made up the family of three. Bro. E. was a man of considerable ability, and soon after he embraced the third angel’s message it appeared evident that he should give himself to the proclamation of the truths connected with this message. The Lord sent Bro. and Sr. E. messages of warning, reproving them for their love of this world, and saying that Bro. E. should consecrate himself and his property to the work and cause of God.

About this time they sold their property in Vermont and moved to Whiteside county, Illinois, and purchased a large improved farm; and what money remained after paying for the farm they put out at interest, some of it as high as thirty-five per cent per annum. Before leaving Vermont, Sr. E. said to some of her friends in substance as follows: “Elon says he is going West to preach the message, but I am going to farm it.” And so it proved. The labors and cares of a large farm and money at interest taxed this family to the utmost, leaving no time for Bro. E. to improve his gift before the people. They appeared anxious that the message should be preached in the vicinity of their Illinois home, and invited one of our most efficient ministers to come to that State and labor. He went, and labored about two months, and was so far neglected by Bro. and Sr. E. that he had to hire money to pay his fare out of the State.

But the Lord did not leave them without giving them warning after warning of their dangers, and instructions as to their duty. And when the sin of covetousness was set before Bro. E. and his duty to give of his means for the cause, he would excuse himself by stating that he would do more, but that “Maria” (his wife) opposed him. Soon Maria was stricken with sudden sickness and death, leaving not a ray of hope behind of her acceptance with God. The remark was then made that now we had a chance to see whether Maria stood in the way of her husband. And as Elon made no change for the better, but rather for the worse, it was evident that they were agreed, like Ananias and his wife Sapphira, to keep back not only a part of their wealth, but all of it.

Again the Lord warned Bro. E. of the danger of his deceiving himself. A faithful message was given him from the Lord that his heart was set upon his covetousness as much as that of his wife had been, and that unless he changed his course and gave himself and property to the work and cause of God he would soon follow his wife. But this message only startled and aroused him for the time being, to fall back into a deeper worldly stupor; and in a few months poor Elon was laid in the silent grave beside Maria, leaving as little hope in his case as in hers.

The property, some less than fifteen thousand dollars, fell into the hands of the only daughter and her husband. These young people, not having experience sufficient to manage so large a property, were invited to locate at Battle Creek, Michigan, where they would have that counsel they needed. But they refused, and appeared jealous that no one had any higher interest in them than to get their property. They expressed themselves anxious and willing to help the cause, but as times changed they could not collect money at high interest that was due. They did give notes to the Publishing Association at Battle Creek for three hundred dollars, which were never paid. Hard times pressed on, and it was evident that the hand of the Lord was stretched out to scatter the property that had been kept from the cause of God in the face of repeated warnings. Loss followed loss in quick succession, by bad debts poorly managed and by fire, until every dollar of that large estate was scattered to the four winds. Soon the married daughter died, leaving a son. He has since died, and is silent in the grave with his mother and grandparents, but not without hope. Thus disobedience in the face of the most definite warnings has been visited by the blotting out of the entire family, even to the third generation, and the scattering of the entire estate. We leave this painful narrative, simply saying that in the final summing up of accounts in the last Judgment, the subjects of it will receive according to their works. Many other cases similar to this could be given; but this one is given at length to represent the many. And right here we give that wonderful text which represents not only the class who scatter of their means abroad for the benefit of the cause of God, but also those who withhold it and are thereby brought to poverty:—

“There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Prov. 11: 24, 25.

J. W.

(To be continued.)

TRUST NOT IN RICHES, BUT IN THE LIVING GOD

By James White

FAITH AND FEAR.—NO. 2.

TRUST NOT IN RICHES, BUT IN THE LIVING GOD.

In a former article we have shown that Christ, in his sermon addressed to his disciples in the presence of a multitude of people, as recorded in the twelfth chapter of Luke, held up before his chosen ones in widest contrast the confidence of willing faith and the fear of unbelief. In this article we call attention to the solemn charge to the rich that the great apostle charges his son Timothy to give to them. Paul says:—

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Tim. 6: 17-19. In briefly commenting upon the foregoing words of the apostle, we will notice the following points:—

1. The rich are charged not to be highminded. The apostle does not here by any means warn against that elevation of soul which raises the mind and heart above a life of sin to obedience, holiness, and heaven. But he strikes at that shallow pride and cruel power of money which frequently exalts its possessors to an imaginary height they are not qualified to maintain in society. There is power in wealth. Money will give some men influence and position, who are destitute of nearly every qualification that makes the real gentleman. Wealth leads some men to despise the poor. And while poverty tends to humbleness of mind, riches will fill the most shallow minds, and these unfortunate persons become puffed up by the devil. Hence the rich are charged first to guard against becoming high-minded.

2. They are also warned not to trust in riches. No rich man ever thought of trusting in his riches for eternal life, hence the men of this world trust in their riches to sustain them in this life. They pile up wealth, and then lean upon it as their only support.

3. Earthly riches are uncertain. The apostle warns against trusting in uncertain riches. Here the uncertainty of this world’s wealth is held in contrast with the certainty of immortal wealth. Those who trust in this are liable to be taken from it by death, or that may be swept away from them. But those who have their treasure laid up on high, have the double assurance that it will be secure for them, and that they will be secure to enjoy it in the life to come.

4. The rich are charged to trust in the living God for life, health, food, and clothing as verily as the poor. The apostle would set before us the uncertainty of earthly supports, and that all, rich and poor, must trust in God for this life as well as the life to come. Men and things fail us here, but God fails the obedient, trusting soul never.

5. God is willing that his children should enjoy the good things of even this life. And only he who makes a sanctified use of them really enjoys them. And our kind Father does not give us these earthly blessings grudgingly and stintedly, but in the language of the apostle, it is he “who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”

6. The true child of God and heir of eternal life will not covetously and selfishly hoard the good things of this life, but will, in the words of the apostle, “do good” with them. God makes his people his stewards of those things with which he blesses them, and it is their duty to faithfully use of their abundance to bless the needy and to advance his cause.

7. It is their privilege to be rich here, not, however, in the uncertain wealth of this world, but in faith that works by love to the purification of the heart. The true Christian’s works are the measure of his faith. And he who fills up his life with good works has as the mainspring of his actions the riches of saving faith.

8. He is charged to be ready and to keep himself ready to distribute of that with which the Lord has blessed him. This readiness means more than willingness. The stewards of the Lord should not suffer their Lord’s money to be invested where they cannot command it when his work and cause demand a portion of it. The several branches of our growing cause demand the investment of a large amount of means, and calls have been made to those who had means at their command to loan it without interest to our Publishing Houses, or College, or our Sanitarium. These institutions have been truly represented to be safer for the principal than the best banks on the continent. As proof of this statement, we cite the fact that for the period of a quarter of a century we have received deposits and given the incorporation’s notes, and no person has lost a single dollar.

Those persons who have had their means thus deposited have been “ready to distribute.” All they had to do when duty was presented before them to give of their means for the support of some branch of the work was to order the appropriation made and the amount charged to their account where deposited. But others have thirsted for interest, or the profits that might arise from good investments, and have placed their means where changes in the times have made it impossible to collect a portion when wanted. These are not only unready to distribute, but many have lost by failures of banks and in business generally, so that they have brought perplexity upon themselves and sustained losses of principal and interest, besides the loss of a blessing here and a reward hereafter in consequence of not being ready.

9. The children of faith are charged to be willing to communicate. A certain brother understood this injunction to mean letter-writing, so felt a burden to address long letters of little importance to his brethren; but this was one of the mistakes of his life, which was marked with covetousness. Paul is not speaking of epistolary correspondence in this chapter, but is speaking of the duty of communicating worldly treasures to feed the poor and to advance the cause of God. And this duty should not be done grudgingly nor with a stingy hand, but willingly and liberally.

10. The result of a life of faith sustained by good works is expressed in these important words, “Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” In putting up a building a good foundation is of the first importance. The foundation which the obedient, trusting soul lays up in store is for himself against the time to come. During the period of probation he is laying this foundation upon which he may safely stand in the time of trouble, the pouring out of the last plagues, and in the Judgment of the great day. Upon this foundation which raises him above the perishable things of this world he may reach up and lay hold on the gift of eternal life. But those who live for this life only, and neglect to build the sure foundation of faith and works for the trying scenes of the close of this world’s history, will then sink in the mire of the unbelief they have been cherishing during the time of their probation. These have deprived themselves of many of those things which the Lord has given to be enjoyed. Their minds have been pressed with cares and anxieties in their eager graspings for the things of this life, without the grace of God to comfort and sustain, while their physical strength has been exhausted, bringing them prematurely to the feebleness of age, and they have no foundation for the time to come. What a mistake to thus lose both worlds! May God have mercy, and save his people from this terrible mistake, and help them to build sure and fast during the remaining hours of probation. J. W.

SECURE YOUR TENTS WELL.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

EVERY summer we have more or less reports of tents blown over. Every minister knows that this is a very disagreeable affair. It always occurs in a storm, just when you want shelter the most. Sometimes it happens during meeting. It is a very damaging affair, all around.

1. It often injures the tent itself a great many dollars’ worth.

2. It wets and injures everything in the tent.

3. If it does not hurt somebody, it frightens the people and tends to lessen the attendance at the meetings.

4. It often causes the loss of a day or two in the midst of the meetings.

These are very serious consequences, and should be avoided if possible. I have been led to inquire whether it is really necessary to have a tent blown over, and I am fully satisfied that there is not a particle of need of it. If those who put up the tent will take proper precautions, there need be little more danger of having a tent blown over than of having this accident happen to a house.

Within thirteen years, I have had a tent blown over three times, and each time it was simply on account of my own carelessness, a lack of proper precaution in pitching it; and I believe that investigation will show that this is so almost invariably. A hurricane may tear a tent all to pieces, which is quite a different thing; but to have a tent blown over, to have the center pole come down, is entirely unnecessary. Only three things are requisite to avoid this catastrophe:—

1. A center pole of sufficient strength. Do not get a weak little center pole, which the wind and storm can twist off easily. Better take a little more pains and get a good one. It costs but a trifle more, either of money or of labor.

2. Four good, reliable guy ropes, reaching from the top of the center pole to the ground. Don’t trust old rotten ones, but have strong, new ones for this. If there is any doubt about your ropes, get new ones. It costs but a mere trifle compared with the cost of having a tent blown over.

But generally the real difficulty is in putting down the stakes. In every case where I have seen a tent blown over, examination has shown that the stakes to which the big guy ropes were fastened were too small, or, else were not driven down deep enough. All who have tried it know that it takes a little muscle to put down a stake properly. I have had to contend a great deal with tent masters to get them to drive the stakes deep enough. They are generally ready to stop when the stake is about half as deep as it should be, just when they ought to keep on. If it feels a little solid and goes hard, they stop.

After my tent had blown down the third time, I was determined to make it stand. I obtained stakes four feet long, and from three to four inches in diameter on both ends. With a spade and a crow bar, it only took about ten minutes to dig a hole and put down one of these stakes three feet into the ground. Then I put in stones and jammed them down solid. To four of these I fastened the big guy ropes. Do you think there was any danger that the tent would come down then? A storm might tear it all to pieces, but could never blow it down. What is the cost of fixing a tent securely, like this? In money, nothing; in extra labor, an hour or two of hard work. The feeling of security one experiences during the first storm pays for it all.

Brethren, let us make our tents stand. When you report that your tent has blown over, we shall think that it is simply because you did not bestow proper labor in pitching it.

D. M. Canright.

A RESPONSE.

By E. R. Jones

I have carefully read for the second time Sr. White’s article, “An Appeal to the Ministers,” and I receive it as a personal testimony from the Spirit of the Lord through his servant. It most fully sets forth my faults, and causes me to see my sins as never before. So high, and so sacred, and so holy is the standard to which the minister of Christ and his truth must come, as now appears to me, and so far below it I now am, that my heart almost sinks in despair of ever attaining unto it. Yet the assurance that God is anxious to have me come near to him, and that he will help, gives me some courage and bids me not despair.

The words: “Ministers of Christ, your coldness, your lack of prayer, of fervor, and of heavenly wisdom, may turn the balance with a soul and send it to perdition,” sent a shudder through my soul. I quickly asked myself the question: “Have souls been lost through my lack of fervor and prayer and careful walk as a minister of the most solemn truths ever committed to mortal hands?” The thought troubles me.

The words: “Come very near to God in supplication, and you will be like a tree planted by the river of waters, whose leaf is always green, and whose fruit appears in due season,” help me much. I take courage. I thank God for the lesson and pray that the impressions made on my mind may never be effaced.

And may this most solemn appeal be blessed to the good of all the dear ministers of present truth. E. R. JONES.

KANSAS CAMP-MEETINGS.

By J. N. Ayers

After consulting with the Conference Committee, we have decided to hold three camp-meetings this fall. Our Conference is so large we cannot accommodate all our people with one or two meetings without compelling some to travel from two to three hundred miles with teams. We have therefore appointed three camp-meetings, one in the north-western, one in the central, and one in the south-eastern part of the State, so that all can attend. We desire to see a general rally at each of these meetings. Begin now to get ready to attend. Bring your children, your unconverted friends, and your neighbors.

We all need more of the blessing of God. We in Kansas are not keeping pace with the message. We are asleep, and if we do not wake up to the wants of the cause, we shall be left. God has blessed us with plentiful crops this season, and we are in danger of forgetting his claims upon us while we are busy taking care of the gifts he has bestowed. I am fearful that these things will prove a curse instead of a blessing to some, unless they shake off the stupor that appears to be holding them down to this sin-cursed earth. Dear brethren, this life is but a dream, and full of troubles. This world is not our abiding-place. Oh! look beyond this life. Jesus has promised us eternal life. Look beyond this sinful world to the city of God. We must have eternal life; we cannot afford to lose it. Let us lay aside all our worldly cares, and come up to these meetings, where God's Spirit will meet with us and bless us.

The central meeting will be a general T. and M. meeting for the whole State. We expect to see at this meeting all the ministers, T. and M. officers and workers of the State, as plans for our fall and winter campaign will be discussed. We expect to make an advance along the whole line this fall. Bro. Haskell is expected to be with us to hold a Biblical and T. and M. Institute. This is just what we all need. Let none fail to come. Come at the commencement and stay till the close. The State secretary will be at this meeting with a supply of books for all, and to receive subscriptions on periodicals. We shall want a report from every district at this time, showing just what has been done the past quarter. If anything should happen that the director of any district cannot come, let him see that his report is sent by mail, to the secretary, in time. Directors and librarians are expected to bring their books with them, and those that have not the new books should come prepared to get them, as the secretary will have a supply.

Let all that can, bring tents, and plenty of bedding and good warm clothing, as the nights will be cool. We expect to see more Sabbath-keepers at this meeting than have ever attended any one meeting in Kansas, and we look to the General Conference for proper help, and hope they will not pass us by in this our time of need.

Again let me say to one and all, Come to these meetings; let nothing but sickness keep you away. You that take the REVIEW see that all those who do not take it are visited and urged to come; and you that have teams see that there is a way provided for those to come that have no teams. Leave none behind that will come. Come praying, come with the spirit of Christ, come to work; and if all will do their duty we shall see scores of souls converted to God at each of these meetings. Time is short. What we do must be done quickly. Who will falter? J. N. AYERS.

TO OUR BRETHREN IN IOWA.

By E. W. Farnsworth

It is thought best that the camp-meeting commence Wednesday morning, Sept. 18, and continue till the next Wednesday. This will give us about three days more time than we usually have. All our brethren and sisters should be on the ground Tuesday night, so that we may be able to commence Wednesday morning; and we hope they will come with the intention of staying till the meeting closes. This extension of time in our meeting this year is made because it is absolutely needed; and we hope our people will not frustrate our object by coming late, or by going away before the close.

We request that all churches in the Conference be represented, either by delegate or by letter. Be sure to send in your church reports in time. Our Conference will have most all the expenses of two years to meet at this meeting.

It will therefore be seen at a glance that we shall need all the S. B. funds we can raise. We feel anxious to meet every account that may be presented, and to do this it will be necessary for our brethren to bring in all the S. B. they have, and we hope they will pay up what may be due up to the time of the Conference.

Bro. Johnson will have the pledges for the European mission, and will be ready to take any money on them that may be paid. We notice that there are a great many unpaid pledges on our College, and we shall be prepared to look after these also. Some of the tent pledges in Nebraska; they will be needed at the camp-meeting in that State. Our brethren in Western Iowa and Western Nebraska must make a great exertion to attend this meeting. It will be a feast to you. Eld. Haskell, president of the Gen. T. and M. Society, will be there; and Sr. White will attend the Iowa and Nebraska meetings, if health permits. E. W. FARNSWORTH.

ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-FIVE STRIPES FOR FIRST-DAY-KEEPING.

By A. S. Hutchins

It is rather hard to believe that a Christian brother has been so severely treated for no other offense than observing the first day of the week as the Christian Sabbath. And yet, a large audience who were listening to a sermon last Sunday in defense of Sunday-keeping, were so informed by the speaker.

I had previously read of the whipping of this servant of the Lord, but had not learned the reason for it. The record stands thus: “Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.” 2 Cor. 11:24.

In this chapter, Paul is speaking of what one minister has called the apostle’s salary. In the same connection he says, “Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned.” In the book of the Acts of the Apostles, we have the account of the stoning of Paul, also the commandment of the magistrates to beat Paul and Silas.

Where the proof comes in that these five separate whippings were for first-day keeping we were not told. May it not be found in Acts 16, where we read: “These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, and teach customs which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans”? And if so, is not the first-day Sabbath “Jewish” as well as the seventh-day? If the fact that the pious Jew kept the Sabbath of the Lord made that day Jewish, would not the observance of the first-day by this great apostle from that people render this day Jewish?

But seriously, who ever heard or thought of this before? The preacher had come to town to show that the ten commandments were abolished, and that first-day keeping arose in triumph over their ruins. And this declaration respecting the reason why Paul was whipped was filed in as an evidence in behalf of the first-day Sabbath in the days of Paul.

Let any one who did not hear this sermon take this reckless statement as a measuring rod, applying it to the arguments and strong statements against the law of God, and he will have a fair idea of the efforts made and the dish served in Marshfield, Vt., against our views on the law and Sabbath.

By the kindness of the Universalists, their house was secured and the sermon reviewed immediately, before a large audience, it being too wet to come to the tent. Had this minister stated that there is no doubt but that Paul would have been whipped and imprisoned for keeping the first-day, had he kept it, he would have been safe in the expression.

Paul’s testimony is: “So worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things written in the law and in the prophets.” “Saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come.” “Though I have committed nothing against the people or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.” Did Paul keep the first-day?

Aug. 27. A. S. HUTCHINS.

JERSLEV, DENMARK.

By John G. Matteson

Last Sabbath we met with the brethren in Tylstrup. They are trying to be faithful in serving the Lord, and meet every Sabbath. One family has gone to America. This is a great loss to them, as that brother has led the meetings heretofore. Two dear souls were buried with Christ by baptism.

On Sunday we held two meetings in new places. One was in Hellum. There are some friends here who have read our publications, and are persuaded that we have the truth. Some of them are Baptists. In the evening we held a meeting in Jerslev. About fifty attentive hearers listened to the discourse. In both these places there are opportunities for further labor after harvest.

We learn by letters from Norway, that three good souls have been added to the little number of Sabbath-keepers there.

Aug. 13. JOHN G. MATTESON.

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