WHY should Paul have taken any of his missionary tours? Does not charity begin at home? And must not the child first be fed? Was Palestine yet converted to Christianity? Were there not Jewish synagogues yet to be converted into Christian churches, and Christian churches to be confirmed and instructed, in the great pagan city of Antioch? Was there not work enough to be done? If we possessed the spirit which characterized Paul, we should not be content to put five or six evangelical churches in single villages of one or two thousand inhabitants, while the great Southwest is dominated by Mormonism, and while pagan darkness still overspreads Africa, India, and China. Nay, we should not be content to sit Sabbath after Sabbath in our warm, lighted, and luxuriously-equipped churches, to enjoy our religion, while people swarm in sections of our great cities, and manufacturing towns, and in many of our rural districts, who as truly live in heathendom as though they never heard the sound of a church bell. It was because Paul believed in his very heart of hearts that Jesus Christ came to seek as well as to save the lost, that he went out through Palestine into Asia Minor, and thence into Europe, where the lost were—went out from the Christian fellowship of congenial companions, to be buffeted and beaten and mobbed and scoffed and scorned, by men who hungered not for the gospel, and received it now with vehement hate, and now with jeering harder to overcome. What would be the effect, reader, in our own town if, some Sabbath morning, the whole church should follow Paul's example, and turn its back upon its customary place of meeting, and should go throughout the town to find and to save the unchurched masses?—Lyman Abbott.
The Service of Praise.
PRAISE ought to be a great exercise of the Sabbath-school. No pains ought to be spared to promote this delightful art among the young. The love of music and sweet sounds has in it something refining and elevating. It can be consecrated to the noblest purpose, and can aid to make the heart happy while it engages it in the highest service of Almighty God. When we have persuaded a Sabbath-school child to learn and love Sabbath-school hymns and Sabbath-school music, we feel as if we had taught him the use of a faculty, the employment of which would bring God into his thoughts, solace his sadness, and accustom him to the contemplation of "joys unseen and hopes unrealized." We suppose it will be generally admitted, that children who sing, or love to hear singing, retain for a long time the impression which music makes on their mind; and it is obvious, that the impression which words make, when associated with music, are proportionally deep and permanent. Hence it is that we give singing a high place in the exercises of the Sabbath-school, as a means of grace.—Teacher's Choir.
A Man Robbed.
First he sought the society, and cultivated the acquaintance of the robber, in his own dark haunts. Yielding to his gradual but dangerous influence, he first found himself robbed of quite a portion of his money. Could he have seen then, in his strong young manhood, the imminent peril of continued association with this wily foe, and parted with him forever, he might soon have regained what he had lost; but he kept right on, and in time found he had lost his good name, then his house and lands, then his wife and children, and all that pertained to a once happy home.—Sel.
Tobacco’s Harmful Effects
At an important convention of prison superintendents in New York a few days ago, Dr. T. C. McDonald, Superintendent of the State Asylum for Insane Criminals at Auburn, said experience, observation, and study led him to believe that tobacco was detrimental to the bodily, mental, and moral health of its prisoners. He said that tobacco ranked next to alcohol as a deteriorating and demoralizing agent when used to excess. Two years ago he withheld it from his patients, most of whom had long been addicted to its use. He was surprised to see how rapidly the clamor for it subsided. They had generally improved in their bodily health, and mental and moral tone. Yet how many slaves there are among our readers, out of prison, yet in chains.—N. Y. Advocate.
Prohibition in Grinnell, Iowa
In Grinnell, Iowa, there are no saloons, and no one has been sent to jail, to the poor-house, or the penitentiary, for twenty-five years. Such an argument as this for prohibition is positively incontrovertible.
"Cry Aloud, Spare Not."
By Editor
THE thoughtful and observing among all denominations confess that the standard of genuine piety, of personal consecration to the cause of Christ, is not high in the Christian churches. Pride, fashion, and the love of the world rule almost supreme over the majority of professors of religion. Often the money raised to carry on the work of the church is raised by the most questionable methods,—by means which are calculated at once to destroy the spirituality of the members, and to cause the world to lose its respect for the church and the religion which it professes. The church festivals, indigestible late suppers, immodest and rude plays, games of chance or gambling, all these have a demoralizing influence, and the result is as plainly seen as it is easily told.
It is difficult to tell whether the love of sensations in the ministry is the cause or the result of this state of things. But one thing is certain: sensationalism in the pulpit is subversive of reverence and piety in the pews. It is said by the sensational preacher that it is necessary to resort to such methods to attract the people. It may be so with that class of ministers, as, in general, if they are not sensational they are nothing. There is no preacher well-known to the world who is more free from such methods than Mr. Moody, and he has no difficulty in getting a hearing. He is eminently a plain, matter-of-fact man, full of intense earnestness in his work, and having strong faith in the power of the truth of God. The great difficulty is, there is so little faith in the Bible; so many methods are being adopted to evade its plainest teachings and precepts, that it is found necessary to resort to new and unheard-of means to retain the interest of the people.
What is the duty of the faithful watchman under these circumstances? We know that it would be conducive to personal ease to shut our eyes to such a state of things, and suffer the standard of Christianity to sink lower and lower. And we know that it is impossible to utter a warning or a rebuke, without incurring the censure of some who think that charity consists in speaking smooth things, and in lulling the feelings rather than arousing the conscience.
But, we are assured that they are truly religious, praying people. Granted, and what then? Does piety atone for errors in faith and practice? The Saviour did not respect profession, and piety, and praying, in his day. He taught his followers to judge by the fruits—not the pretense.
There is a prophecy which exactly meets this point, and we claim that it applies to this age of the world. The prophecy of Isaiah, from chapter 53 onward, is a consecutive prophecy, beginning with the passion of the Saviour, following down the triumphs of the gospel, the calling of the Gentiles, the apostasy, the recovery, the judgment, and the new heavens and earth. In chapter 58 the condition of the church, and the means of her rise are pointed out. Let us consider some of her characteristics: "They seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, . . . they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching unto God."
Surely, this is a pious people, a godly people, every one will say. They seek God daily, and delight in his knowledge and in his service. Not a word can be said against such a people.
But God sees not as man sees. Much piety is not always a proof of much godliness. Now let us read the two verses entire from which the above sentences are taken:—
"Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God; they ask of me the ordinances of justice; that take delight in approaching to God." Isa. 58 : 1, 2.
The text says they seek God "as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God." But they are not such in reality. Then follows some instructions in righteousness, and this in turn is followed with a notice of the ordinance of God which they have forsaken: "If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways," &c.
God has a Sabbath, a holy day, which he made holy and blessed because it was his Sabbath—his rest from all his work which he created and made. He says they shall delight themselves in the Lord, and secure his blessing here and hereafter, if they will turn away their feet from it, no longer trample it down, and call it a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable. To do this the preachers and people of this age must have a genuine conversion. Now they stigmatize it, and are untiring in heaping upon it every term of reproach. "The old Jewish Sabbath—a yoke of bondage," are the best titles they can afford it, though they well know that Jehovah blessed it when he made the heavens and the earth; that he claimed it as his own. How far is their conduct from that which the Lord approves! "Call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable." But one day in the week can claim such honor as this, namely, the seventh day. It is sad to see so strong a disposition in professed Christians to throw contempt upon that which God has honored, and to exalt that of which "the Lord hath not spoken."
But so it is. And at such a time as this the Lord has made our duty clear. He has given his people a message—"the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus," Rev. 14 : 12; and in regard to those who make void his commandments by tradition, he has given the explicit order: "Cry aloud, spare not, show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins."
Paul asked some of his brethren if he had become their enemy because he told them the truth. It is no evidence of enmity to tell the people the truth, even though it touches their own short-comings, and so crosses their feelings. But it often happens that he who speaks the truth is counted as an enemy, not only to those to whom it is spoken, but to the suffering truth which he endeavors to vindicate. So Elijah was accused of troubling Israel, while he alone of all their prophets was trying to save them from the trouble which had been brought upon them by departing from the commandments of God. And so in the last days; they who have the form of godliness and deny the power thereof, shall turn away their ears from the truth and be turned unto fables, and "they will not endure sound doctrine," nor those who defend it. 2 Tim. 3 and 4.
We often feel the force of David's exclamation: "It is time for thee, Lord, to work, for they have made void thy law." Ps. 119 : 126. When the law of God is made void, dishonored; when the fear of God is taught by the precept of men, Isa. 29 : 13, 14, then we are called upon to "cry aloud, spare not;" to show the people of God their transgressions, and lead them, if possible, to take their feet from his holy ordinance, and honor him in his own institutions.
A Lesson for Fretters.
By Editor
PEOPLE who fret, always imagine that they have an unusual amount of trouble, which causes them to fret. This is not the case. The difficulty is in their disposition. Fretting always makes trouble; and aside from this, which is their own fault, they have no more trouble than other people. We will relate two cases, among the many which we have noticed, showing that it is not position but disposition that makes fretters.
We were once called to preach at the funeral of a person who had been sorely afflicted with rheumatism many years. For a long time he had been perfectly helpless, not able to rise from his bed alone, or even feed himself much of the time. If there was ever occasion for fretting, surely here it was. But as the friends viewed the person for the last time, a sister exclaimed, "How we shall miss him; in all our troubles he was our comforter." Oh! thought we, what a lesson for grumblers! who possessed of health and strength, and generally of the ordinary bounties of life, sometimes of abundance of this world's goods, are yet ever ungrateful, ever complaining, a curse to themselves and to all who are compelled to live under their unhallowed influence.
We knew a woman who was all her lifetime a cripple; unable to leave the house except as she was carried; always lifted to or from a wagon and conveyed to her place as a little child. Yet she was a mother to the motherless household; ever busy to do some good, and be useful. Ever cheerful, kind, and sympathetic; love and peace reigned in her presence. It is to be regretted that such instances of resignation and patience in affliction are so rare, yet these are enough to stand as a strong rebuke to the spirit of complaint so often indulged in.
The consequences of fretting are deplorable. We can notice but briefly.
1. It makes confusion in a household. Fretters often ignorantly claim that they love order. It is impossible. No fretter can govern a family; they cannot even govern their own spirits, and the best efforts to govern, however skillfully put forth, will fail if there is a fretter in the house. Peace and quiet flee from their presence.
2. Fretting makes hypocrites of children. No matter how truthful and frank a child may be in its nature, it soon learns to conceal when it finds its confessions are not met with love and sympathy, but with fretfulness and scolding. Many a fretful mother has lamented that she had not the confidence of her children, and had lost control over them, and blamed them for waywardness, when the cause was in her own disposition, by which she had repulsed them, and driven them to make confidants of those who would show them pity and kindness in their trials. Many a child has been driven to evil associations and ruined by a grumbling parent.
3. It divides families. No one loves to hear fretting, even though addicted to it themselves. It is a habit so odious, that, unlike all other evils, indulgence in it does not reconcile us to it. A husband will conceal unpleasant news from a fretting wife, and a wife from a fretting husband; and thus, instead of being sources of comfort and encouragement to one another, and bearing one another's burdens, they learn to distrust, and avoid one another when in trouble. When this takes place, as it surely must when fretfulness prevails, farewell to peace and happiness in the household. They may live together, but there is no longer a union of hearts; their marriage vows are no more than a solemn farce, and the heart aches in secret, mourning over blighted hopes.
4. It tends to vulgarity. It is always attended with a vulgar disposition, but this is not all; it lowers and vulgarizes all under its influence. Refinement and fretfulness can no more exist together, than light and darkness. Fretters are not fit to go233into refined society. Their minds are too low and groveling. And as the old adage is true, that "like begets like," so fretters sink their households to their own level. Few children can conduct themselves amongst strangers with a modest and genteel bearing, who are accustomed to hear fretting daily. "Evil communications corrupt good manners."
5. It is a prolific source of evil habits, especially of drunkenness. Many a man sleeps in a drunkard’s grave, who was driven to the bar-room to drown his trouble, and to avoid the words of a fretful or scolding wife. And many more, having too much principle to indulge in such habits, have left their homes and families, to seek peace and quiet in other lands—while their wives complain of being so cruelly neglected and deserted, not once looking to the true cause of their sorrows, namely that "world of iniquity," the tongue.
6. Fretfulness so deranges the nervous system as to hinder digestion. So authors on physiology inform us. Of course, a fretful person cannot enjoy good health. A cheerful, contented spirit has beneficial influence on the physical system. Says the proverb, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Fretters shall not fret in vain; their habit brings sickness and sorrow, and by long indulgence they will find enough to fret over. But let them not complain or look for pity. Their misery is their fault. "Verily, they have their reward."
And this evil, so vile in itself and so fruitful of others, is a very common one, often indulged in by professors of religion, who have not learned that "tribulation worketh patience," and whose experience under affliction is that of the worldling, not of the Christian. To a Christian, chastisement or affliction "yields the peaceable fruits of righteousness."
It is a habit very difficult to overcome, and should therefore be carefully shunned. "Here is the patience of the saints." "Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
Peace for Those Who Love God’s Law
"GREAT peace have they that love thy law."
Relation of Church and State.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
THE National Reform Association disclaims any intention to bring about anything like a union of church and State, but it will be difficult for them to keep up the illusion very long if they publish many articles similar to the one by the Rev. J. W. Foster, in the last Statesman, entitled “The Relation of Church and State.” The first proposition is that “According to the Scriptures, church and State are mutually separate and independent divine institutions.” Perhaps the average reader may not fully grasp the meaning of that proposition on first reading; we confess that we do not on the second. The next one, however, is more definite. It is this: “According to the Scriptures, the State and its sphere exist for the sake of and to serve the interests of the church.”
But the learned writer, and the ingenious party for which he speaks, would not have any one imagine that this means a union of church and State! Oh, no! Both are “mutually independent,” the church being master, and the State existing simply in order “to serve the interests of the church.” The lion and the lamb being “mutually separate and independent” animals, lie down together, the lamb taking its position inside the lion, the better to serve his lordship’s interests.
Of course a few Scripture texts are thrown in to support the proposition. The chief one is from the second of Isaiah: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.” This text the writer correctly interprets to mean that the church (the mountain of the Lord’s house) shall be exalted above the kingdoms of the earth, and will derive its support and nourishment from them. He neglected, however, to quote the part of the verse which shows this to be “in the last days,” and over-looked the verse which says that the Lord has forsaken his people “because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers.” The text quoted does indeed show the lofty and exalted position of “the church” in the last days; but those who are so zealously laboring for that end should remember that “the day of the Lord of hosts,” which immediately follows such a union of church and State, “shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low.” “And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low; and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.” Verse 12, 17.
As a corollary of the proposition last quoted, the writer says: “The true State will have a wise reference to the church’s interests in all her legislation—executive, and judicial proceedings. Public vice and crime, immorality, and licentiousness, the wild boar from the forest, that devours the garden of the Lord, it destroys; and morality, virtue, and good order, the handmaids to religion, it promotes and encourages. The expenses of the church in carrying on her public aggressive work, it meets in whole or in part out of the public treasury.” It is but just to the Statesman to say that it enters a gentle protest to this last statement, saying that the National Reform Association “does not hold that the State should contribute directly to the financial support of the church.” But the following statements are indorsed: “The church will recognize the good offices of the Christian State; and the true State will formally acknowledge its obligation to serve the church.” It is also claimed that it is “the duty of the State, as such, to enter into alliance with the church of Christ, and to profess, adhere to, defend, and maintain the true religion.”
The writer thinks that the question, “Can church and State enter into mutual alliance and yet each prosecute, untrammeled, its respective ends, and exercise, uncontrolled, its important functions?” was correctly answered in the affirmative long ago, and that although the verdict of the Christian people of the United States might at present be in the negative, our land will soon “be thus in covenant with God, and in a state of friendly recognition and co-operation with the church of Christ.”
We doubt not that such a state of things will ere long exist; but it needs no ecclesiastical or judicial education to enable one to understand the results of the relation of church and State that is desired by the so-called “National Reform Association.” It is the relation of master and slave, both of whom are “mutually separate” persons, the slave existing “for the sake of and to serve the interests of” his master. When the State pledges itself to “defend and maintain the true religion,” it will be the office of “the church” merely to define what “true religion” is; and the individual who, taking the Bible as his sole guide, presumes to differ from “established usages,” after having been tried by the elders of the church, will be handed over to the civil power for punishment, with no doubt a recommendation to mercy, according to the good old custom!
That religious persecution of Bible Christians must follow such a union of church and State, is apparent when we remember that the same word which has prophesied of that union, also says that the church “will not endure sound doctrine,” but will be “turned unto fables.” Those, therefore, who hold to sound doctrine will come into direct conflict with the church, from whose dictum there can be no appeal, and will be thrown into the hands of the State, which knows no mercy, being only the “revenger to execute wrath!” May the Lord help us to be prepared with the whole armor, that we may “be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” E. J. W.
From the College.
By S. Brownsberger
THE short vacation near the midst of the spring term is at hand. It begins Friday, April 4. School work will be resumed on Monday, April 14, and will continue seven weeks to May 29 inclusive.
During the short vacation many of the students will leave their school work to enter their field of labor for the summer. Our family at the “Students’ Home” will be reduced to about forty members unless others, not now in attendance, will come to fill the vacancies.
Twenty or more of our students will labor during the coming summer in some capacity to advance the cause of God. The majority of these go out for the234first time thus to labor for the people. Those of this number that have had experience in such labor, feel better prepared to do service for the Master for having attended the school.
We are all gratified at the good results of this year's work in behalf of those who have consecrated themselves to the service of God. Indeed, all has been done for them that could possibly be done to adapt the instruction to meet their necessities at the present stage of their experience. Eld. E. J. Waggoner has proved himself an efficient instructor in Bible study. His work in this department has been thorough and faithful, and all the students appreciate his untiring efforts in their behalf. The instruction in canvassing and tract and missionary methods of labor have been conducted principally by Eld. W. C. White. This instruction has been of vital importance to all of these students, especially to such as have had but little or no experience in such work. Sister E. G. White has also bestowed some labor upon this class to prepare them for their work.
All of these faithful instructors who have been anxiously laboring for these young people are earnestly praying that the rich blessing of Christ may attend them as they go forth to meet new experiences, trials, and discouragements.
The family at the “Students’ Home” is a happy family indeed, and tears of regret fall freely as many of our brothers and sisters say farewell, perhaps, some of them, never to greet each other again until we meet where “partings shall be no more.” Our associations here at this “Home” have been highly profitable in many ways. The influence is refining upon all, but more particularly is it manifest in softening those of coarser manners. It is refining, because a high moral and religious sentiment predominates among the members of the household. That it is operative in making everything more Christian is evinced by the fact that not one thus far has long been connected with the family without making efforts to be a Christian.
The gentlemen part of the family has had a varied experience in the different kinds of employment indoors and out. Some of them have proved that they can be very capable “domestics” by making themselves almost indispensable in the kitchen, dining-room, and laundry. All of them have had a valuable experience in landscape gardening and planting, which they will no doubt carry with them, and manifest in beautifying their own home grounds. All have had a “hand” also in painting, whitewashing, picket-fence building, and carpentering.
A printing press and printer's outfit have been lately received, and a few who have this employment in prospect have commenced to set type, and work the press. The College grounds made so beautiful by the efforts of these young men will stand as a pleasing memorial of their faithful and cheerful labors, to the end of time.
The lady students are having the best kind of practical experience in all kinds of housework. They have had a rare chance to learn the art of cooking. Under the faithful instruction of Sister Mary Clement, no doubt one of the best practical cooks in the State, and of long experience as head cook in the large Sanitarium at Battle Creek, Mich., they cannot fail to become accomplished in this most essential and honorable of all arts. They all enjoy this part of the work exceedingly. No wry or sour looks distort the faces of any in the various departments, but all are of a happy, cheerful countenance. A class of seventeen ladies have been receiving instruction in the art of dress cutting and fitting, during this term, under the able instruction of N. C. McClure and wife, who are the inventors of the method employed in this branch. The method is called “McClure's Tailoring and Square Rule.” It is thoroughly practical, as all who have used it attest. The garment is cut by the carpenter's measurement, giving a perfect fit without alteration. It is not the design to instruct our pupils in fashionable dressmaking, but to teach these young ladies to do first-class work in fitting by measurement. Of course there is no extra charge for this instruction to those living in the student family.
I have labored for several years with young men and women in school capacity, but never, before the present plan of uniting the practical manual employments for both sexes with the study of the usual school branches was entered upon, have I experienced such a degree of satisfaction in my efforts to secure to them the greatest good possible. Thus far it has proved a grand success at Healdsburg College, and it has but just commenced to manifest its desirable results. We believe it is the plan, for it recommends itself to the reason and good sense of every practical, thinking person, and this recommendation has been greatly strengthened by a fair practical test.
May the Lord bless the schools established on the principle of “the greatest good in every respect to all.” And may he raise up more faithful men and women to support them with their means and influence.
A Plain Fact.
By Uriah Smith
IN the midst of the agitation that is now being raised on the question of the two-horned beast, a person may save himself from perplexity and confusion by keeping in mind one plain proposition, which is beyond the reach of sophistry or the cavils of the objector. It is based on facts which all must admit, whatever may be their pre-conceived notions or cherished views.
First, the fourteenth chapter of Revelation, verses 6–14 inclusive, give us events to transpire in consecutive order.
Second, the third angel's message has reference to the work of the two-horned beast of chapter xiii, inasmuch as it warns the people of God against worshiping the image which the two-horned beast erects, and against receiving the mark which it enforces.
Third, the work of the third angel must precede that of the two-horned beast; for it is the order of the Lord's dealing with the world, that the warning should precede the danger. It would not be consistent for the warning to follow against a work which was in the past, and which there was no danger of doing at the time the warning was given. The warning must precede or be cotemporary with the danger. But,
Fourth, the third angel's message is the last warning message, the last work of mercy to be accomplished, before the coming of Christ. Therefore,
Fifth, the work of the two-horned beast, so far as it concerns the erection of the image and the enforcing of the mark, must take place in the little space between the close of this message and the second advent, or must be a work cotemporary with the close of the message. In either case, it must take place just before the coming of Christ. Any one can understand this.
Another consideration that goes to prove the same point is the fact that the two-horned beast is the same as the false prophet of chapter xix. It is some power, therefore, that is a living, active power to the end; for it is cast alive into the lake of fire at the coming of Christ. But the last act that can be found ascribed to this power under the symbol of the two-horned beast, is the formation of the image, and the enforcing of the mark, which must therefore be a work that takes place in close connection with the coming of Christ, or the prophecy passes over a great portion of the career of this power, and that which would naturally be the most important, namely, the close.
In the light of these facts, what becomes of all this prating about the two-horned beast and image being ages in the past? It is utterly groundless, unless the preaching of the Advent doctrine has also taken place ages in the past, and consequently proved a failure.
No, reader, do not be troubled with any theory that leads to such absurdities. Remember this plain fact: that the two-horned beast performs his work just before the coming of the Lord. To brave his power is the last conflict of the saints previous to their final deliverance. U. S.
Men Who Are Wanted.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
THE cause of God at the present time calls for men who will enter the work with their whole heart. Men of nerve; men who will not count their lives dear unto themselves, but will exert an influence to save souls. Some enter the ministry, labor for a short time, but do not become successful. Others go out as colporters, some as canvassers for our books and periodicals, but they soon cease their efforts. Such have not counted the cost. They take hold of the work too much with the ends of their fingers.
There is altogether too much fickleness in God's service. The importance of the work is not appreciated. A perseverance and determination is wanted. Not in one's own strength but in the strength of God should men enter this work. A devotion is required that will not yield to obstacles, but that will forego personal comfort and ease. Yes, die at our post sooner than leave the field or abandon the work.
Our faith will be tested upon every point. Difficulties will arise, and obstacles will have to be met; but shall we sink under discouragement? Has the work become a part of our being by our devotion to it? If this is the case, there will be manifested as great an interest and consecration to the cause of God as the worldly man manifests for his worldly concerns.
Here lies the strength and success of our missionary work. If we lose this spirit we cease our efforts. We do not say to our brethren, a little sacrifice now and then and that is the end of it. It is, sacrifice to-day, sacrifice to-morrow, and continue to sacrifice to the end. It is a life of sacrifice. The mind must be continually exercised, the heart drawn out for others, and not be weary in well doing.
There is not half the danger of becoming weary while actively engaged, as there is in ceasing to work and commencing to brood over the past. When we do this we place ourselves on the enemy's ground. If we are to die on the field let it be at our post. This spirit of sacrifice and devotion is the missionary's fort. It is where he will receive power from on high. It is when sacrifices are made which cost something; efforts put forth that require struggle, that God accepts and gives a power to reach hearts. It is when self is laid at the foot of the cross, and all selfishness is rooted out of the heart, that Christ comes in, and not before.
Publicans and harlots bid as fair to reign in glory as those who profess the truth and daily mingle with their judgment-bound fellow-men with their hearts as unfeeling as a stone for their spiritual welfare. Missionaries are wanted who regard this cause of more value than their farms or merchandise.
If men and women can go to heathen lands to toil and suffer deprivation for the cause of Christ, and send their children to this country to be educated among friends, never more expecting to see them in this world, how must Heaven look upon those who will let some worldly influence or circumstance detain them from entering the work of Christ, or who from some slight discouragement will abandon the field.
"This life to toil is given,
And he improves it best
Who seeks by patient labor
To enter into rest."
S. N. HASKELL.
Burrough Valley and Lemoore, Cal.
By W. M. Healey, M. C. Israel
WE found the church at Burrough Valley quite active in the missionary work, and they have several keeping the commandments in that vicinity as a result. We held meetings with them for three days with good results, some taking a new start, and others for the first time deciding to give themselves to the Lord.
We returned to Fresno, and the Methodist people kindly permitted us to have a meeting in their house of worship. The house was full, and the interest good. It seemed as though the work in these places ought to be followed up by more meetings.
We found the Lemoore church had allowed the enemy to gain a strong hold among them. We labored with them for days, but the way seemed dark and hedged up. At last the Spirit of the Lord came in, and many hearty confessions were made, and tears flowed freely. We go to Los Angeles from here, to hold meetings and prepare for the camp-meeting.
W. M. HEALEY,
M. C. ISRAEL.
Be not Weary in Well-doing.
By William Ings
THE command is, Go labor in my vineyard. As a people we are trying to fulfill that injunction. To be engaged in scattering the light of the third angel's message far excels any other labor. "In the morning sow thy seed and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good." Often we get weary in well-doing because we cannot see immediate results of our labors. Perhaps we are not aware that this feeling is unbelief. Inspiration says, "Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days."
One of God's faithful sowers informed me that she was afraid her labors had been in vain, no fruit had been seen. This sister is not alone in such feelings, and for the encouragement of such I will relate an encouraging circumstance that has just come to my notice. While traveling in Mendocino County, I happened to call at a house to introduce our publications. The SIGNS was recognized as an old friend, and to my joy I found that the aged brother had been keeping the Sabbath of the Lord for three years, and was rejoicing in the light of the third angel's message. This father in Israel had never seen a Seventh-day Adventist before, and if this discouraged sister could have been there to have heard him relate his experience in seeking after truth, and how he gained that light by receiving a package of reading matter from her, she would have felt to rejoice with him. One soul saved in the kingdom of God is worth more than all our life's labor. The angels of God are our assistants in this great work of saving men. Then let us not be weary in well-doing, for we shall reap if we faint not. WM. INGS.