p. 176 | Review and Herald, Vol. 46, No. 22. (12/2/1875)

Rome and Liberty.

The Evangelical Alliance, which recently met at Pittsburg, gave forth no uncertain sound on a subject of vast importance to every citizen of this land, namely, the encroachments of Rome upon American free institutions. The New York Witness’ report of that meeting says: “The members of the Alliance view with alarm the assaults which Rome is making upon our public schools, and, here and there, aided by politicians, with ominous success. The Bible societies of England and America are, as all the world knows, hampered in their benevolent work by the priests of Rome. The precious Book containing God’s message to men, which should be in the hands of all rational creatures, has ever received the sharp hostility of the Romish church. Where she is supreme she burns the word of God, that her priests may the more effectively bend and control the minds and consciences of men. In this country, where she is feeling her way to power, she acts differently, but none the less determinedly, against the spread of the glorious gospel, which alone makes and keeps the people free.”

“It is expected—who will disappoint the expectation?—that our Protestant agencies all over the land will, with energy and clearness, direct the attention of the people to the value of our public schools. Every scheme of Rome must be kept intelligently before the voters. Our Protestant forefathers, with their Bibles in hand, escaped from the persecutions of popery in the Old World to enjoy liberty in the New. They hated turbulence, and preferred peace. But the old enemy—the author of the Inquisition—has also come among us with unchanged hostility. “Education and liberty are trees which the Vatican not only never waters, but hacks down, that the people may be reduced to a condition of subservience to its commands. That is the problem committed to the new Cardinal.”

The Evangelical Alliance are counselling us to be wide awake and on our guard. Their message to the country is timely. The Jesuits are controlling our public men. The legislatures of the States are being poisoned and stupefied by the charmer. They have their eye on the White House. Preliminary to this, the Bible is being expelled in dishonor from the public schools. The slate has been written up, and the politicians who like the emoluments of place better than sound principles are subscribing their names in large numbers. Americans, the conflict is not in the distance; it is already upon us. The question is opportune: Who is on the side of God and the country? Let us so acquit ourselves as to earn the gratitude of posterity.— Golden Censer.

T. M. STEWARD

By T. M. Steward

Illinois.

My last report was from New Rutland. While I was there my health failed, and I went home Aug. 9, and was not able to go out to labor for five weeks.

Sept. 14, I started for Fairbury, where the tent had been waiting about six weeks. It was so cold and wet I dared not pitch the tent, so we stored it for the winter. I then tried for two weeks to hold meetings, but the rain hindered, only a few came out, and we could obtain no suitable place for meetings; so I concluded to leave. Three or four promised to attend Sabbath-meetings at Bro. Knight’s.

I then went to New Rutland, and spent one Sabbath. Found them still of good courage and keeping up meetings.

From New Rutland, I went North to arrange my business for the winter’s campaign, and Oct. 31, commenced meetings in this place (Manteno). The interest is increasing and I trust good will be accomplished. Pray for me, that I may take hold of this work in earnest and devote my energies to it as never before. I want to serve God, consecrate all my powers to him, and do his will.

T. M. STEWARD

Manteno, Ill., Nov. 9, 1875.

Fremont, Wisconsin.

By S. D. Smith

HEAR what the Lord has done for us in this place. I came here from Minnesota, where I had formerly lived, and found one sister still firm in the truth who embraced the Sabbath ten years ago, under the labors of Bro. Matteson. We, with two or three others who were feebly holding on to the truth, commenced holding meetings. We earnestly besought the Lord to send a messenger here to proclaim the truth once more, and not many weeks elapsed before a letter came from Bro. Olds, who was in search of a field of labor. We gladly replied, describing the field before him. He came, and labored earnestly all winter. The result was a company of twenty-five or thirty Sabbath-keepers, who are to-day nearly all pressing forward. Some have fallen out, and others have taken their place.

By earnest, untiring industry we have enclosed and painted a commodious house of worship, and with some assistance we hope to finish the inside the coming spring. Thus far, we are in debt but a few dollars. The people of the place are highly pleased with our house. We have kept up our regular Sabbath meeting and weekly prayer-meetings, Sabbath-school, and Bible-class, and still the work goes on. Pray for us, brethren, that we may come up to the help of the Lord, and be ready to meet him with joy and not with grief.

Dear brethren and sisters, I feel it is important that we walk in the light; for if we get into the dark how great is that darkness! When I look out upon the world, and see the people groping their way along, not knowing whither they are going or what is before them, I think of Pharaoh and his host who wandered about in darkness three days while the children of Israel had light in all their dwellings. Ex. 10:22, 23. So God has caused great light to shine in all our dwellings. May the Lord help us to walk in the light, and let some of its rays shine out before those around us, that they may be led to walk in the light of God's truth, and so be saved to glorify his name.

S. D. SMITH.

Nov. 19, 1875.

Annual Meeting of the Mo. & Kan. T. & M. Society.

By J. H. Rogers; Wm. Evans

The second annual meeting of the Mo. & Kan. T. & M. society was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Mound City, Kansas, Sept. 13, 1875. After the usual opening exercises, the report of the previous meeting was read and accepted.

The report of labor for the year past is as follows:—

No. of families visited, 695; No. of letters written, 324; No. of new subscribers to the various periodicals, 142; No. of pages of pamphlets and tracts distributed, 274,495; No. of periodicals distributed, 2054.

The treasurer’s report is as follows:—

Rec’d by donations, $382.20 “ on memberships, 23.00 “ “ book sales, 8.47 “ “ periodicals, 13.88 Total, $427.55

The standing of the Society with the S. D. A. Publishing Association is as follows, excluding tent money.

Total debt for tracts, pamphlets, &c., $594.22 Total cash credit, 434.93 Balance due, $159.29

It was moved and carried that the Society be divided the same as the Conference, and that each State pay one-half of the indebtedness.

Adjourned.

J. H. ROGERS, Pres. Wm. EVANS, Sec.

The Slave.

By Jos. Clarke

The slave has been an important element in history in spite of tyrants and capitalists; and no doubt he ever will be, from the fact that Jehovah is a particular friend to the oppressed and the downtrodden.

Egypt was threatened with ruin in consequence of her persistence and obstinacy, in holding on to her bondmen when God proclaimed their freedom. The oppressed do not call on God in vain; the sympathies of God and angels are always on their side; and when they pray for redress, it is granted them. The principle of justice is a favorite one in the divine character, and God calls for an acknowledgment of it in nations and individuals; and fearful woes are in store for the oppressor, whether a person or a nation.

The late rebellion in the South was caused by the natural antipathy that is felt by the oppressor against those who sympathize with the oppressed. The overbearing scorn of the South for the laboring classes of the North who would not stoop to grant all her demands, but would occasionally assist the poor fugitive in his flight to a free clime, finally resulted in the attack on Fort Sumpter. The outcome of that war is in all hearts—the terrible conflict; the effort to keep slavery and the Union together; the failure of this mean truckling to the audacity of the South; the final proclamation of freedom, the victory, and the peace.

But has the peace been an honorable one? Has the nation been careful to guard itself? Has it kept its ground, or has it given back its victories to the legions of the oppressor? Have not equal representation, and equal rights been accorded to those who so lately, so ruthlessly, laid siege to our liberties and to our government? And was this a prudent move? Was it philanthropic or statesmanlike to accord at once to these rebels rights so precious, and clothe them so soon in robes of honor and authority?

But it is done; rebellion is already rampant with cries for pension and indemnity, which mean much. The North, sated, and disgusted with her leaders, too many of whom have fattened by public theft, shuts her eyes to the future, and, in her dread of conflict, gives place to anything which will pacify public opinion for the sake of peace.

We deprecate the sword with all its warlike accompaniments, but as lookers on, we ask, Is not the South daily gaining back her lost victories? Is not the conflict still going on quietly and surely? Is not the oppressor as active as ever, and is he not winning back his laurels?

The wrongs of the oppressed have not ceased. The slave has been so long a bondman that, as a general thing, he abuses his privileges, but terrible woe is reserved for those who for this would again place the chains upon the emancipated slave.

It is the old story over again of Pharaoh and his people. The services of so many slaves, the king could not forego. Compensation must be had for the great loss, even if the Red Sea shall thunder its negative.

We pity the slave. We pity his once rich master, now his foe. We hope each will do all he can for a prolongation of peace; but we see no signs of permanent prosperity while rebellion holds the reins of power.

Jos. Clarke.

The Growth of Our Catholic Population.

Father Stak quotes from the Catholic World the following figures as to the growth of Romanism. No doubt this growth is greatly exaggerated, but, when all allowance is made, there remains an alarming basis of truth under these statements:—

“At the date of independence, Catholics numbered about 25,000. In 1789 they were 30,000, in a total population of 3,000,000, or one-hundredth of the whole. It was in 1789 that the church was regularly established on American soil by the erection of a bishopric at Baltimore. The work done up to that time was in the nature of missionary enterprise.

“In 1808, Catholics were 100,000, in a total population of 6,500,000, or one sixty-fifth of the whole; in 1830, they were 450,000, in a total of 13,000,000, or one-twenty-ninth of the whole; in 1840, they were 950,000, in a total of 17,070,000, or one-eighteenth of the whole; in 1850, they were 2,150,000, in a total of 23,191,000, or one-eleventh of the whole; in 1860, they were 4,400,000, in a total of 31,000,000, or one-seventh of the whole; in 1870 they were 8,500,000, in a total of about 40,000,000, or more than one fifth of the whole.

“Of course bishops and priests increased in a manner corresponding to the increase of the people. The first bishop was appointed for Baltimore in 1789. In 1808 there was one at New Orleans, one at Louisville, one at Boston, one at New York. In 1830 there were eleven bishops; in 1840, sixteen, in 1850, thirty-three; in 1860, forty-three; in 1870, sixty. The whole establishment now consists of one cardinal, seven archbishops, fifty-seven bishops, 4,500 priests, and 8,500,000 people.”

Appointments.

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

** Services in Chicago, every Sabbath (seventh day), at 269 West Erie St. All Sabbath-keepers spending a Sabbath in Chicago are invited to attend.

Monthly meeting at Black Hawk, Osborne Co., Kan., in Bro. Dixon’s neighborhood six miles north of Osborne City on the north fork of Solomon River, Jan. 1, 2, 1876. Scattered brethren from Smith Co. and other adjacent points are requested to attend. N. P. Dixon.

Monthly meeting for the Jackson church at the residence of D. R. Palmer, in the city of Jackson, Mich., the first Sabbath in December. No providence preventing, Eld. J. B. Frisbie will meet with us. J. Taber.

No providence preventing, there will be a monthly meeting for the church at Corvallis, Me., commencing Dec. 24, at 6 o’clock P. M., and continuing over Sunday. Let all try to attend. J. B. Goodrich.

Quarterly meeting of Ohio T. & M. Society, Dist. No. 3, at North Bloomfield, Dec. 18, 19, 1875. This will be an important meeting, and we desire to see all of the scattered ones present. Eld. H. A. St. John, President of the Conference and the T. & M. Society, will be present. R. A. Underwood, Director.

Quarterly meeting of the Johnstown, Little Prairie, and Oakland churches, at Oakland, Wis., Dec. 4, 5, 1875. Bro. Matteson is expected to be present. A. Olsen.

At Avilla, Jasper Co., Mo., Dec. 11, 12. Diamond Grove, Newton Co., “ 18, 19. Milford, “ 25, 26. Dry Wood, Jan. 1, 2. Clintonville, “ 8, 9. Meetings to commence at each place with the commencement of the Sabbath. The T. & M. cause will be considered and other important matters. Come, brethren, prepared to work for the Lord. J. G. Wood.

Quarterly meeting of the Wis. T. & M. Society, Dist. No. 2, comprising the churches of Monroe, Albany, and Avon, will be held in connection with the church quarterly meeting at Monroe, Dec. 4, 5, 1875. Librarians, please see that each member reports. E. O. Hammond, Director.

Quarterly meeting for Allegan Co., at Otsego, Dec. 4, 5, 1875. Hope for a good turnout, as we wish to make arrangements for successful labor in the T. & M. Society. J. L. Rumery.

I will meet the Jackson church at their monthly meeting, Sabbath and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5. A full attendance of the church is requested. Dr. J. H. Kellogg will also be present. R. Sawyer.

The next quarterly meeting of the Liberty Pole church will be held at our new house of worship at Liberty Pole, Dec. 18, 1875. Elds. Isaac Sanborn and John Atkinson are invited to meet with us. Milton Southwick.

No providence preventing, I will meet with the friends in Missouri as follows: Ashland School-house, Howard Co., Dec. 3–9. Nevada, 10–12, evenings. Drywood, Vernon Co., 13–15, as the brethren may arrange. Will some of them meet me at Nevada the 12th? Rockville, Bates Co., commencing eve of the 17th, and continuing over Sunday. (District quarterly meeting of T. & M. Society.) General T. & M. meeting with the Lincoln Church, Johnson Co., Dec. 24–26. Let us have reports from all our Districts, and engage ourselves to do what we can in this great work. J. H. Rogers, Pres.

Business Department.

“Not slothful in Business. Rom. 12:11.”

My P. O. address hereafter, until further notice, will be Clyde, Sandusky Co., Ohio. H. A. St. John.

RECEIPTS

For Review and Herald.

$2.00. EACH. T L Waters 48-14, Mrs Wm Sosey 48-21, J G Walston 48-21, Abner Bliss 48-15, Geo Lambert 48-22, John Foster 48-18, N M Killmar 48-12, E J Connett 49-1, L A Green 49-1, I A Logan 48-21, J Deming Jr 48-21, Levi Barber 48-21, Myron Winchell 48-16, L S Crandall 49-14, Sarah Emerson 48-17, Sally A Snyder 48-22, E D Armstrong 48-21, L C Stowell 48-20, J B Bennington 48-16, Justus Edgerton 48-22, Lucy Champlin 49-1, W H Canfield 48-20, Wm E Newcomb 48-20, J B Trim 48-21, Sally Rathbun 48-21, Chas E Gregg 48-21, F D Barkdoll 48-21, J A Parmelee 48-21, J M St John 49-1, James Jones 49-1, D M Jones 49-1, Henry Kemp 48-22, Wm Saunders 50-16, Edson Dow 48-21, Mrs A W Nourse 49-11.

$1.00. EACH. Mrs L Robinson 48-3, J A Burdoin 47-17, Marietta M Scott 47-21, W S Herrington 47-22, M E Bailey 48-21, James Stephens 48-21, Arch Clark 48-21, Kathreina Hall 47-20, Mrs M Parsons 48-24, L C Wardell 47-20, Minnie Howland 48-3, Marian Clarke 48-3, Chas Lee 48-21, T D Waters 47-11, A M Gravell 47-18, C W Shinkle 48-21, Mrs S Yucker 47-17, Leander Terloven 49-1, Anson Sanborn 47-21, E Hutchins 47-20, A M Degraw 47-18, P S Smalley 47-21, Wm J Ashley 47-21, H M Andrews 47-22, W B Castle 47-22, G Castle 47-21, Niels Hanson 47-17, Robert Krenz 47-21, J H Durland 47-18, Wm P French 47-21, C J Barber 47-21, John Wilber 47-21, Wallace Bennett 47-21, Harvey Perkins 48-21, Laura Ableson 48-21, O Hammond 48-21, Sarah E Ellis 48-21, Lewis L Howard 48-21, John Temple 48-21, Mrs M J Borland 48-21, May Chandler 48-21.

MISCELLANEOUS Augusta Ford $2.25 49-1, Erastus Cram 75c 47-21, Mrs L Parker 10c 47-10, Levi Felker 25c 47-8, S C Bute 50c 47-8, Mary Waters 25c 47-8, Thomas Prichard 1.10 47-23, Geo Hopkins 1.50 48-21, C D Mann 50c 47-7, Mrs E M Butler 50c 47-1, C H Miles 1.25 48-11, C M Rhyder 50c 47-7, Alfred Perren 2.15 48-26, Peter Peterson 50c 47-21.

Books Sent by Mail.

Dennis Morrison $1.52, Susia A Angelo 60c, Lucy M Showers 50c, Geo A King 3.67, Abraham Cook 30c, F L Weston 25c, Justus Edgerton 10c, Mrs Lizzie Parker 30c, Mrs Anna S Haynes 10c, Ransom Roberts 25c, E M Crandall 3.00, Levi Felker 33c, Jos E Phelps 55c, Mrs Eliza Shafer 1.00, R Tompson 79c, Perry Bedell 15c, Louisa Mann 35c, Rev J L A Fish 1.50, T J Sutherland 1.50, E Engles 20c, Mrs M Hyatt 25c, T Gronstam 25c, E C Keith 50c, Geo Bisel 1.50, Jared Buzzell 10c, Cummings Hale 2.00, Francis Trueblood 10c, H T Buxton 35c, Louisa Klostermyer 50c, Dr G S Honeywell 1.50, C H Stambaugh 10c, John Curtis 1.60, J J Brill 25, C B Williams 1.20, J H Stevins 1.25, M Van Niman 76c, E B Andrews 1.35, Mrs Hannah Craw 1.00, John P Rathbun 1.00, A C Hudson 1.00, Luke Milner 2.00, William Hudson 25c, E M Pierce 10c, Ira Shears 35c, Rev O W Young 28c, H G Buxton 35c, James Barnes 16c, R F Andrews 1.00, Marietta M Scott 10c, Alfred Perren 1.00, Emma J Whitmore 1.00, Henry D Banks 1.75, Carl Larson 10c, Mrs C H Osborn 50c, N Corey 10c, W S Hyer 35c, C B Fitzgerald 17c, J A O’Bryan 1.50, J O Carlsen 1.30, Levi E Mallery 1.25, M McGregor 10c, Margret Yount 1.00, G N Henderson 10c, Mrs L L Harvey 1.50, James Youll 10c, H Dean & Son 10c, L A Logan 1.25.

Books Sent by Express.

C H Chaffee, Winstonville, Mo., $9.17, D O Williams, Denver, Mo., 5.00, J J Boardman, Tontogany, Wood Co., Ohio, 10.00, J W Adams, Richmond, Iowa, 15.00, Hans Rasmussen, Albert Lea, Minn., 22.07, Nils Peterson, Lake City, Minn., 4.97, E W Farnsworth, Schuyler Co., Neb., 13.89, A M Mann, M D, Bellville, Richland Ohio, 11.97, W S Daily, Mattawan, Mich., 2.76, Wm Covert, Fort Wayne, Ind., 1.60, Joseph Clark, Bowling Green, Wood Co., Ohio, 10.00, D M Canright, St. Charles, Mich., 12.25, D F Quinby, Vermontville, Mich., 4.20.

Books Sent by Freight.

B L Whitney, Manlius Station, N. Y., 221.40, S N Haskell, South Lancaster, Mass., 134.50, Amos Holt, Norridgewock, Me., 20.05, J H Rogers, Hamilton, Mo., 208.60, H Tawney, Adel, Iowa, 10.55, W W Sharp, Rochester, Ind., 14.81, Harrison Grant, Rochester, Minn., 229.94.

Cash Received on Account.

Rev Wm Mead Jones $7.15, James Sawyer 3.00, D F Quinby 2.00, Eldon H Pullen 12.05, Chas Lee 3.00, J N Loughborough 144.31.

Mich. T. & M. Society.

Dist No 3 Geo E Risley $3.00, Dist No 1 per S D Salisbury 25.00.

Pacific Mission.

Richard Godsmark $11.50, E D Scott 11.50, A B Oyen 11.50.

Mich. Conf. Fund.

Colon (s b) $58.10, Partello (s. b.) 14.00, Eaton Rapids (s. B.) 16.50.

Mo. & Kan. Ministers

A lover of the Cause $5.00, A A Bradford 25.00, A L Prescott & wife 5.00, Elbridge Green & wife 5.00, James Youll 1.00, Mary A Davis 1.00.

To the Officers of the Wis. T. & M. Society.

By E. R. Gillett

Dear Brethren: Our good meeting at Hundred Mile Grove has closed. Those of you that were not present missed a blessing. You needed this meeting; it was called for your benefit, and for the benefit of your districts. It is to be regretted that so few of your number were present. Questions of much importance were to be considered, and plans were to be devised for the more efficient working of the Tract Societies. There should have been at least a dozen directors present.

We are entering upon the most favorable time of the year for missionary labor. The long winter evenings are upon us. The busy season is past. The husbandman has gathered in the precious fruit of his toil for the past summer, and now has time to read and think. We ought all to have been ready to enter upon missionary work at once. We needed to be warmed up into new life and zeal.

You will see by the report of this meeting that Bro. Olsen is called from the work at Green Bay to rouse up the missionary laborers, and get them into working order. This was made necessary because this meeting was not attended as it should have been.

Dear brethren, the tract and missionary enterprise is the right arm of this work. Oh! that you had been at this meeting, and learned what our publications are doing. People are embracing this truth by the score by reading our publications, and are calling for the living preacher to come and give the light to their neighbors. Could I relate the many touching appeals for help that were made at this meeting, you would say with me, “I will arouse. I will do all I can to spread this precious light.”

We are living in a most important period of this world's history—near the close of time. God has given us a most solemn message to bear to the people—a message of life or death! How are we giving it? Are we doing all we can to let our light shine? Time is closing, and we are indifferent. We do not realize the magnitude of the work. Surely we are living in the Laodicean period of the church, and we are neither cold nor hot. Oh! that we might arouse to action. We are running fearful risks. God will have a zealous people. The lukewarm he will reject. Shall we be spued out of his mouth? Will he remove our candlestick? Oh, terrible thought! We have but little time to spare. The message is closing. Would we be in it at its close? then we must arouse. Work is needed. The world is to be warned. Who will do it? By the grace of God, I will do what I can. It is of no use to plead “one talent.” God has said, Use what I have given—occupy till I come. We can all do something. We cannot all preach, but we can all give a tract. We can all be ambassadors for Jesus. There is work for all. I thank God for the tract and missionary plan.

We cannot undo the past, but we can do better in future. Let us go to work at once. Let us not wait until Bro. Olsen comes into our midst before we act, but let us commence now. It may be that if we fully arouse he can yet be spared this labor, and be left free to prosecute the work in new fields, where souls are in perishing need of help. Shall we labor to this end? I hope we shall. E. R. GILLETT.

Children's Books.

By James White

We have for sale at the Office of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES a series of little books for children suited to those of the ages of from five to twelve years. Mrs. W. has been gathering sweet and blessed little stories for the past twenty years, and pasting them in her scrap-books. This little series is a careful selection from a great amount of excellent reading for children, and will be universally acknowledged by all who become acquainted with them to be the best in print. And what will give them the preference to all others in the minds of Bible Christians, is the fact that these little books are free from expressions favoring the theological dogmas of our time.

These children's books are put up in two forms: First, a cheap series of twenty books, sixteen pages each, put up in neat colored covers, for distribution among all the little folks at Sabbath-schools. Price, post-paid to any part of the United States, at the rate of $2 per 100, or 40 cents for the series of twenty little books. Secondly, the same printed matter put up in highly colored glazed covers, in a series of ten books of thirty-two pages. Price, post-paid, 50 cents.

The series of ten is printed with new type, on number one book paper, and put up in glazed colored covers in the neatest and most acceptable style possible for holiday presents. We know that our friends have ten thousand little sons and daughters, nephews and nieces, and other little folks who are very dear to them, to whom they wish to present these precious little books. So we print enough for all; and so you will hasten along your orders in time for the books to reach you before the holidays. All orders should reach us by Dec. 17-20. It takes a week for the mail to pass from Oakland to Boston; six days to Battle Creek; five days to the Mississippi river.

Postage is no more from Oakland than from Battle Creek. Money will come as safely to Oakland as to Battle Creek. All packages will be put up and directed safely and carefully. Send along your orders in season, accompanied with the cash, safely enveloped, and plainly addressed to SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Oakland, California. J. W.

Subscribers for the Voice.

By Uriah Smith

As already announced, THE VOICE OF TRUTH will cease with the 48th number. But all subscriptions do not then expire. Some have paid on the VOICE far into the coming year. Such will be supplied, to the full value of their subscriptions, with other papers of the same size and same general character. Let this point be distinctly understood, that every subscription shall be fully satisfied.

The character and claims of THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES have been largely advertised in the columns of this paper; and the readers of the VOICE can judge from that paper of the tone and style of the REVIEW. For reasons which have been fully set forth, the SIGNS is $3.00 per year, the REVIEW $2. Unexpired subscriptions on the VOICE will be filled with either of these papers as the persons may elect: with the SIGNS at the rate of $3.00 per year, or the REVIEW at $2. In all cases where no desire is expressed otherwise, the REVIEW will be sent.

Meanwhile we repeat the request made two weeks ago, that those who have sent in names for the VOICE, whose subscriptions will expire with the volume, thoroughly canvass the ground, and see how many they can secure as subscribers for the REVIEW. U. S.

School Pledges and Certificates.

By Uriah Smith

DURING the past week we have found a little time to devote to making out certificates of stock in the S. D. A. Educational Society. We shall follow up this work with all the spare time we can command, till all receive their certificates who have paid their pledges; and we hope to be able to finish it before long. If any mistakes occur, we shall be happy to rectify them.

In looking over the books we find many pledges still unpaid, and not a few pledging sums from ten to several hundred dollars upon which nothing has been paid either for 1873 or 1874. Have the friends forgotten that they have made these pledges? Think up, friends, and pay up. In no way can you do the school a greater favor just now than by redeeming your pledges. It needs the money. U. S.

To Correspondents.

By Uriah Smith

Did Moses write the book of Deuteronomy? If so, how did he write his own death and burial? If Moses did not write it, who did? J. A. A.

These questions we understand pertain more particularly to the last chapter of Deuteronomy, as there is no question that all the preceding portion of the book was written by Moses. In reference to this chapter, Dr. Clarke has the following note:—

“This chapter could not have been written by Moses. A man certainly cannot give an account of his own death and burial. We may therefore consider Moses’ words as ending with the conclusion of the preceding chapter, as what follows could not possibly have been written by himself. To suppose that he anticipated these circumstances, or that they were shown to him by an especial revelation, is departing far from propriety and necessity, and involving the subject in absurdity; for God gives no prophetic intimations but such as are absolutely necessary to be made; but there is no necessity here; for the Spirit which inspired the writer of the following book would naturally communicate the matter that concludes this. I believe, therefore, that Deut. 34, should constitute the first chapter of the book of Joshua.

“On this subject the following note from an intelligent Jew, cannot be unacceptable to the reader:—

“Most commentators are of opinion that Ezra was the author of the last chapter of Deuteronomy; some think it was Joshua, and others the seventy elders, immediately after the death of Moses; adding that the book of Deuteronomy originally ended with the prophetic blessing upon the twelve tribes: “Happy art thou, O Israel! who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord,” &c., and that what now makes the last chapter of Deuteronomy was formerly the first of Joshua, but was removed from thence and joined to the former by way of supplement. This opinion will not appear unnatural if it be considered that sections and other divisions, as well as points and pauses, were invented long since these books were written; for in those early ages several books were connected together, and followed each other on the same roll. The beginning of one book might therefore be easily transferred to the end of another, and in process of time be considered as its real conclusion, as in the case of Deuteronomy, especially as this supplemental chapter contains an account of the last transactions and death of the great author of the Pentateuch.”—Alexander’s Heb. and Eng. Pentateuch.

“This seems to be a perfectly correct view of the subject. This chapter forms a very proper commencement to the book of Joshua; for of this last chapter of Deuteronomy the first chapter of Joshua is an evident continuation. If the subject be viewed in this light, it will remove every appearance of absurdity and contradiction with which, on the common mode of interpretation, it stands sadly encumbered.”

U. S.

Ill. T. & M. Society.

By G. W. Colcord

DIRECTORS, TAKE NOTICE!

Why is it that, while several of our districts are trying to perform more and more telling service, others appear to be void of interest—almost lifeless? Why is it that, while our secretary has been writing to you repeatedly, you have not so much as replied to any of her letters? Why is it that you have accepted this important office, and yet will not act?

How dare we even stand connected with the work of God, and yet not work? “Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully”—or, as in the margin, doeth it “negligently.” Jer. 48 : 10. This work must receive our attention; and if we have a brother in office who will not work, reason says, Make the required change.

We intend to have our secretary give in her report at our next general meeting, by districts; thus we shall be able to see how much interest is manifested by each director. Come, brethren, let us pray, and work, and report; and thus “provoke to love and good works.”

G. W. Colcord.