p. 318 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 1, No. 40. (8/12/1875)

The Resurrection.

By Editor

WE are requested to give an explanation of Matt. 22:23-32. We can do no better than to present our readers with an answer given in the work entitled "The Nature and Destiny of Man," from which we take the following:—

"The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were with us seven brethren; and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. And last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection, whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in Heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."

What, then, was the point at issue between Christ and the Sadducees? See verse 23: "The same day, came to him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection, and asked him," &c. The Sadducees professed to believe the writings of Moses, but denied the resurrection. Christ also believed the writings of Moses, but taught the resurrection. Here, then, was a fair issue between them. They hear him teaching the resurrection; and to object their faith to his, they refer to the law of Moses concerning marriage, and then state a familiar fact; viz., that seven brothers, one after another, all had one woman, and all died. Now arises a problem very difficult to their minds, no doubt. How will this matter be arranged in the resurrection which you teach? Whose wife shall she be in the resurrection? Let it be noticed that the controversy between Christ and the Sadducees had no respect whatever to an intermediate state, nor does their query or Christ's answer have any reference to such a state. They do not inquire whose wife she is now, or which of the men's immortal souls claims her immortal soul in the spirit world; but Whose wife shall she be in the resurrection (a future event)? Christ tells them that they err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. And then, to defend himself and condemn them out of their own mouth, he proceeds to prove—what? a conscious intermediate state? No; but the resurrection, from the writings of Moses. "But as touching the resurrection from the dead," says he [as touching the dead that they rise, says Mark; and that the dead are raised, says Luke], "have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."

Let us now show that this quotation did prove the resurrection, and our argument on this passage is closed. That Moses, by this language, did teach the resurrection of the dead, we think is easily evident. Thus, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were dead; but God is not the God of the dead (or those who are irrecoverably and eternally dead, as the Sadducees believed them to be), but he is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. What, therefore, shall we logically and scripturally conclude from this fact? Why, simply that they shall live again, or have a resurrection of the dead. In this view of the subject, Christ reasoned well, proved the point he aimed to prove, confounded the Sadducees, and gained the applause of the Pharisees, who believed in the resurrection.

But grant for a moment that the language means what is popularly claimed for it, and what becomes of Christ's reputation as a reasoner, and a teacher of wisdom sent from God? He set out to prove the resurrection; but when he closes his argument, lo, wonderful to tell! he has proved that all men are alive, and, therefore, there is no need of a resurrection? He neither meets the query of the Sadducees, nor defends himself, but quite the reverse. Believe that our Lord would reason thus, ye who can!

If any should admit that a resurrection is proved by the language, but claim from it that such resurrection takes place at death, a theory not uncommon at the present time, we reply that they thereby abandon the conscious-state theory, and affirm the existence of those who have died, on another ground, viz., a resurrection. But, further, this is equally foreign from what Christ set out to prove; for he had reference to an event which was then future to the seven brethren and the woman that died. They asked him, saying, "In the resurrection, therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them," &c. And Jesus answered and said, "When they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels in Heaven." Mark 12:23-25. Again, in Luke's account, Jesus says, "But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage." Luke 20:35. Thus we see that a future event is everywhere referred to, and if he in reality proved that an event had already taken place, which he designed to show would take place in the future, it speaks no better for his reasoning or his wisdom than the former supposition.

Why God calls himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, though they are yet dead, we learn from Heb. 11:16. It is not because they are now alive, but because in God's purpose, who speaks of things that are not, as though they were, they are to live, and "he hath prepared for them a city." "Wherefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God; for he hath prepared for them a city," into possession of which they will of course come in the future.

In view of these facts, our friends should be careful least they expose themselves to the rebuke Christ gave to the Sadducees: "Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures;" for this instance, like all others, when properly understood, so far from sustaining their position, becomes an irrefragable evidence of the resurrection of the dead, and a future life, but affirms nothing whatever for consciousness in death.

Universalism in a Nut-shell.

I HAVE often seen Universalism reduced to an absurdity. But seldom, if ever, has it been better done than in the following, which I beg leave to recite for the benefit of any who may need it:—

"I am a Universalist," said G. K., boastingly, "and you Orthodox are not fair in saying that our system is inconsistent with reason." This he addressed to one who held an opposite system.

"But I will prove the irrationality of your system," said his friend. "You believe that Christ died to save all men?"

"Yes, I do."

"And you don't believe there is any punishment hereafter?"

"No, I do not; men are punishment for their sins in this life."

"Well, now let us put your rational system together, if we can. It amounts to just this, Christ the Saviour died to save us from nothing at all! Not from hell, because according to you, there is none. Not from punishment in a future state of being, for he receives his whole punishment in this life. Yours is the absurd spectacle of ropes and life-preservers thrown at an immense expense to a man who is on dry land and in no danger of being drowned! Let me tell you that your religion is stark infidelity. If you believed the Bible you could not believe Universalism."—Ex.

San Jose, Cal.

By John Norton Loughborough

I SPENT Sabbath and First-day, Aug. 7 and 8, at San Jose. Gave four discourses to attentive audiences, and, on the afternoon of First-day organized a church of sixteen members. These passed a vote requesting admission into the conference at its next session. J. N. L.

Hollister, Cal.

By Joseph Harvey Waggoner

Political gatherings have greatly interfered with our meetings the last week. Prominent men have been here, and the firing of cannon or anvils, torchlight processions, &c., almost entirely carry away a small place like this. One night the noise and confusion was so great that we thought best to adjourn the meeting. Those meetings holding very late in the night not only distract the minds of the people, but unfit them for hearing because of their weariness.

A few have come out on the Sabbath. We judge that the interest is not deep with many, but can yet form no definite idea of the result. To-day Eld. Ware, Disciple, preached against the Sabbath, and Bro. Canright has appointed to review him to-morrow night. We hope this may increase and deepen the interest.

News from Gilroy is not altogether cheering. While some are holding on firmly, the enemy is making desperate efforts to overthrow some, and we fear for their safety. "Lord, spare thy people."

This morning at the break of day we had a pretty severe shock of earthquake, doing no damage here, however. Our tent is but a few rods from the jail, which is two stories and of brick. What effect is produced on the building we have not learned, but the prisoners must have been terribly frightened, as their screams were horrifying. A rumbling to the south-east like distant thunder, would seem to indicate that it may have been more severe in that direction.

A slight shaking of the earth produces the greatest consternation; but the plainest evidence from the word of God that the earth will soon be so terribly shaken that the mountains will be cast down and the islands removed, produces little effect on the minds of the people. The fear of God is nearly departed from the earth. J. H. WAGGONER.

Hollister, Aug. 8, 1875.

A Worker in the Vineyard.

By Nellie F. Heal

HAVE we heard the voice of the Master saying, "Why stand ye here all the day idle? Go ye also into the vineyard." Surely the harvest-field is wide, and there is work enough for all, even the humblest. None need to say, There is nothing that I can do. If we are tempted to say and to think this, we should know that it is a deception of Satan, for it is his aim to hinder the work; and he would gladly have us think that we can do nothing. If we feel our lack of ability and our limited means wherewith to work for God, instead of listening to the suggestions of Satan to indolence and inaction, we should earnestly pray that our divine Helper would give us grace and wisdom to become efficient workers in his cause. True, we may not be able to accomplish any great work, but we can be diligent to perform the humble duties that await us.

All cannot become great or eloquent, all cannot preach, all are not gifted in conversation, and perhaps have not a large sphere of influence; but all can do something. All can work in the vineyard to the extent of the ability that God has given, and this is all that he requires. Much will be required of those to whom much is given. Those who have received ten talents should remember with gratitude the glorious Giver, and return to him a corresponding increase. Have we but one talent? We too should be thankful and return the same with usury.

All can work for God by developing a Christ-like character, with humility and patience and self-sacrificing love for the truth. The noble enterprise of the Tract and Missionary Society has made it possible for all to become true missionaries in disseminating the truth to others. In this work none can be excused. And is it not an honor, a privilege, to be a worker in the vineyard? a co-worker with God, with Christ, and angels? Though ever so humble a worker, it is an honor to thus co-operate with the Saviour of lost men in his work of redeeming love. It is a mission worthy of our highest ambition. "He that winneth souls is wise." It is true wisdom that winneth souls to Christ. And for every soul eternally saved, will there not shine a star within the glittering crown that decks the Saviour's brow?

Work on then, work on, not for earthly gain or honor, but from love to Christ and souls for whom he gave his precious life; from a desire to promote his glory and to enter into his joy; and from the crown that waits the faithful workers in their "home over there." May the Saviour impart to us all a large measure of his own spirit of love and sacrifice, and, if many times our work should seem to us fruitless, we need not faint or grow weary. "Be ye not weary in well-doing; for in due time ye shall reap if ye faint not."

The seeds of truth we scatter in human hearts may yet spring up and bear fruit unto eternal life. And if through our effort and influence one soul is saved, and meets us at God's right hand, how great will be our joy. Now, is the time to labor, to watch and pray. Soon the faithful workers will enter into rest. "Behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be." NELLIE F. HEALD.

From Meeting to Meeting.

By Ellen G. White

[THE following letter from sister White was written while traveling from one meeting to another. On the cars, and in the depots, wherever she could find opportunity, she has penned a few lines which we are pleased to present to the readers of the SIGNS.—w. c. w.]

Our third camp-meeting is closed. We have been well cared for at these meetings. A small tent was furnished for our use, and our meals were prepared by kind friends, on the camp-ground. After the meetings were closed Bro. Chase took us to his home where we shared his hospitality taking a nights rest and a New England breakfast before starting on our way to the next meeting. On the way to Bro. Chase's, we passed through Monroe, where we labored seventeen years ago with Bro. Sperry. He has long since closed his labors, to rest till the voice of Jesus shall call the righteous from their graves to a glorious, immortal life. We work on, still waiting for Christ's appearing.

On Tuesday night we were awakened by a fearful storm. The lightning flashes followed in such quick succession as to make one blaze of light. The thunder, peal after peal, seemed to shake the earth. In the morning the heavens presented the appearance of burnished brass. This and another severe thunder storm the next night did great damage, shattering the forest trees, damaging houses, and in several cases injuring the sleeping inmates. The railroad was washed away in several places so delaying us that we did not reach the Minnesota Camp-ground till Friday.

It is painful to witness, as we pass from place to place, the reckless, frivolous conduct of many of the youth. The Bible attaches the greatest importance to moral rectitude. The books of Moses, the Psalms of David, the Proverbs, the Apostles, and the teachings of our Saviour, present the idea that every one is to be tried by his principles; not by his profession, his faith, or his appearance; for although of fine appearance, he may have hidden sins. The heart must be renewed; the tree must be made good or good fruit will not appear. "Marvel not" said Christ to Nicodemus, "that I said unto you, ye must be born again." A new moral taste has to be created before man will love to obey the law of God.

How much I have thought upon the popular revivals. There are a great many modern inventions to remedy the evils existing in society, but we have seen very little enduring good result from them. Advantage is taken of the impulses of the moment, to induce men to profess to leave a sinful life. Reformation in life is needed, but the reformation made under excitement will seldom outlast the excitement in which it originated. Conversions made by moving the feelings by the relation of anecdotes and sensational stories, do not bear the impress of Heaven. Heart work is needed. The sinner needs to have a clearly defined understanding of what sin is, and that he must repent of sin, which is the transgression of the law of God. When this is understood the seed is sown for a true and thorough conversion.

We have examples of men of debased morals who have been brought before the law of God, the true mirror: in it they have seen the defects of their character, and when pointed to the atoning blood of a crucified Redeemer, they accepted it as their only hope, they were truly converted. From this time their life was changed; they have not a sensational religion.

David sinned, he transgressed the law of God. A prophet of God was sent to reprove him, and convict him of his error. He did not sing affecting songs, nor tell touching anecdotes, but he brought before David an illustration of his own course, in a figure, and let him pass sentence upon himself, then he said, "Thou art the man." David repented and found pardon through Christ. And thus it must be with the sinner now, he must realize the enormity of his sin, before he can exercise true repentance and experience a thorough conversion.

ELLEN G. WHITE.

Missionary Department.

“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.” Eccl. 11:6.

Reporting.

OUR State Secretary writes in a letter of recent date: “The church in ——, of district No. ——, made no report the last quarter. What does it mean?”

It is the duty of every member to report, and this furnishes material to the librarian so that he can make out a report. ART. V., Sec. 5, of the Constitution says: “It shall be the duty of the librarian to see that each member of this church has a small memorandum book in which he shall keep a record of his labor, to report for each quarterly meeting. It shall also be his duty to furnish each member with suitable tracts for distribution, and to keep an account of the same. He shall also furnish to each member a blank report to be filled, and see that it is returned to him in season for him to send it to the district secretary before each district quarterly meeting. He shall also receive money for memberships, sales of publications, and donations, and forward the same to the director of said district. He shall keep an account of the number of pages of tracts and pamphlets given out by him to each member, that he may report the same to the director or district secretary before each quarterly meeting.”

Of the importance of the reporting system Bro. Haskell says:—

“The reporting system will give life and interest to the tract and missionary meetings. If there is no labor reported, no experience related, it will be impossible to give proper instruction. In fact, the mentioning of commendable acts that result in good is following the example of Christ and the apostles. We should have had at least one book less in the New Testament had not the ‘Acts of the Apostles’ been written. The New Testament would lose much of its beauty were its writings to consist only in doctrinal instruction. No individual is exalted by thus magnifying the work of God, but God is honored inasmuch as others are provoked to love and good works. By letting our light so shine, others, seeing our good works, are led to glorify our Father which is in Heaven.

“Each member of the Tract Society should keep a record, and report the number of pages of reading matter distributed by him. This can easily be done in one of two ways. First, make an account of the number of pages you have on hand, then when you receive a package of tracts from the librarian, note its number of pages also. Put it all down in a little pass-book. Then, when you are furnished with a blank to fill out, subtract the number of pages you then have on hand from what you have received, and the number of pages distributed will at once appear; and thus you can fill out the blank. Or, secondly, you can keep the pass-book with you and note down the number of pages as you distribute the tracts. Also, keep an account of the number of periodicals distributed; and also all money you have paid to the librarian, or director, or to any one else that goes to the tract and missionary interest; and report the same in filling out the blank. Then each blank report should be forwarded to the district secretary, through the librarian or director; and the district secretary will make out a report from the blanks received, to be read at the quarterly meetings. It is by these reports that he can tell how much money has gone into the different funds of the Tract Society during the quarter. The director is responsible for the money.

“Then a report of all money received, with the entire proceedings at the quarterly meeting, is made by the district secretary to the State Tract Society Secretary. The director will pay the money received into the hands of the State Treasurer. Then at the general quarterly meeting, the report of the State Secretary will agree with the Treasurer’s report. If they do not agree the error can be detected at once. This system is simple and plain, and will keep the financial matters of the Tract Society straight. We again appeal to our brethren and sisters to fill out the blank reports sent to them at the close of each quarter, and return them to the church librarian or district secretary.

“There are many friends who have not seen the utility of reporting. They will scatter our publications, manifest an interest in the missionary work, donate freely to it, and would do nothing to retard the tract and missionary enterprise for their right hand; and yet these very individuals are really impeding the work by not reporting. Their influence would add very much to the up-building of the cause could they see the utility of reporting. If we have adopted a right system as far as we have gone, and the results clearly indicate that we have, then we should heartily and cheerfully support it. If we can amend it, we shall do so. But there is no individual member of the Tract Society, who sees and feels the importance of this work, who would raise a hand to abolish the reporting system. A united effort is what gives strength to any system.

“If in the fear of God we act faithfully our part, no matter how small and insignificant that work may appear to be, in the end it will prove that that very work was important, and by it we were up-building the cause of Christ. Do we say that we will rejoice in its prosperity and at the same time refrain from putting forth that individual effort that is necessary for its accomplishment? If so, we shall meet with an irreparable loss.

“Now is the time to secure to ourselves the applaud, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.’ These are golden moments lent to us for the accomplishment of a certain work. If they pass by without being faithfully improved, they are lost forever. If they have been rightly used, they will yield us a golden harvest throughout eternal ages.”

J. N. L.

God Help Me !

ALONG life's dark and thorny path We wander oft, 'mid tempest's wrath, While darker, darker grows the sky, And from our souls goes up this cry : "God help me !"

Temptation oft allures us out Into the realms of sin and doubt, Until, at last, we lose our way, And cry amid the shadows gray : "God help me !"

Is Heaven so far from earth and me, He can not hear or does not see? If so, oh ! angels take my prayer, And lay it on the altar there-- "God help me !"

Alas ! how many souls like mine, Upon whose path few sunrays shine, To whom the beacon light is dim, There are who cry aloud to Him ! "God help me !"

Oh ! would that I might bring a ray Of light to some one's dreary way ! If such a work to me is given, Oh ! angels bear my prayer to Heaven : "God help me !" —Sel.

Question.

By John Norton Loughborough

A READER inquires the meaning of the text, "If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death." John 8:51.

The death mentioned here must mean the second death. Of the first death, or dissolution of the body, it is said, "As in Adam all die." 1 Cor. 15:22. "It is appointed unto man once to die." Heb. 9:27. There have been two exceptions in the past to this rule, the cases of Enoch and Elijah. Of the future we read: "We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thess. 4:15–17.

"Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." 1 Cor. 15:51, 52.

We conclude, therefore, that, except in the cases of those who are alive and prepared to meet Christ at his coming and will never taste death, there is only one way in which it can be said that those who "keep Christ's sayings shall never see death," and that is they shall never die the second death.

J. N. L.

The Opportunity for Kindness

MANY lose the opportunity of saying a kind thing by waiting to weigh the matter too long.

Best Things to Give

The best thing to give your enemy is forgiveness; to your opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to a father, deference; to your mother, affection, that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all, charity.

Thoughts for Evening

To sleep well, lay these under your pillow.

A precious promise of Scripture.
A sweet verse of a hymn.
A hearty prayer to God.
A good conscience sprinkled with Christ's blood.
A thought of love to all mankind.
A resolution to serve God better on the morrow.

Hints for Life

It is almost as difficult to make a man unlearn his errors as his knowledge. Mal-information is more hopeless than non-information; for error is always more busy than ignorance. Ignorance is a blank sheet on which we may write; but error is a scribbled one, from which we must first erase. Ignorance is contented to stand still with her back on the truth; but error is more presumptuous, and proceeds in the same direction.

Religion on the Pacific Coast

Bishop Weaver, of the United Brethren Church, who is now visiting on the Pacific Coast, writes to the Religious Telescope: From what I have seen and heard I am led to conclude that the state of religion all along this coast is very low. The lines of distinction between the church and the world have grown very dim. There are here representatives from almost every nation under the sun; and as a result I find all kinds of religion and every shade of skepticism. In such state of society, there is, perhaps, the greater reason why Christian teachers should make the lines between the kingdom of grace and the kingdom of darkness clear and distinct. I am sometimes accused of being rather fogyish. Perhaps I am. It may be that I do not understand the doctrine and spirit of Christ’s religion as clearly as many others do. But judging from my stand-point, the state of religion in all these borders is very low; so many are drunken with the love of pleasure and amusements. And this is not confined to those outside the church, but includes church members; and even ministers sometimes step aside for what would seem least to comport with the dignity and character of men in such high calling. There is a pressing demand for additional workers—men of God, men full of faith and the Holy Ghost.

Colds May Be Avoided.

By John Nevins Andrews

It is one of the excellent features of the Health Reform that it teaches us such admirable methods of curing colds, or if this last term be inadmissible, we will say such admirable methods of curing ourselves of these common ills. But there is something better than cure. It is prevention. Health reformers should not have colds except at least on very rare occasions. We will not say that colds can invariably be prevented, but we do say that in a great majority of cases this is not only possible but entirely practicable. Persons whose stomachs are not deranged by improper food, nor by irregularity in eating between meals, and whose skin is kept clean and properly toned by the judicious use of water, of a proper temperature, and whose clothing does not impede the circulation, but gives to every part of the system reasonable protection from the weather, especially keeping the feet dry and warm, and allowing the head to be cool, such persons are in that condition which will not readily take on a cold, but will enable them to resist its attack. With discreet management they may, under all ordinary circumstances, wholly avoid colds.

The writer speaks not simply as a theorist, but as one who has had an experience that has been valuable and instructive to himself. He knows very well that circumstances do arise which compel even the strictest and most careful persons to expose themselves to the danger of colds. And he has learned, also that if this be at a time of great exhaustion from over-labor, it is then nearly impossible to resist such attacks. And while he would not recommend to any that they bring themselves to this condition, for it is certainly not the principles of health reform that leads to this; he must admit that there are duties and obligations more sacred than the preservation of health, which justify and even constrain us to this state of extreme weariness. Unavoidable exposure when we are thus exhausted is one of those things which make colds nearly impossible to be resisted. But the most of the colds which prevail are quite unnecessary, and with proper care in regard to the laws of health may be wholly avoided.

1. It should be a fixed purpose with us that we will not have a cold. No person can have one without the risk of decided injury, and to some the consequences may be dangerous or even fatal.

2. This resolute determination never to take cold will not only cause us to avoid exposing ourselves carelessly, but it will give wonderful power to resist a cold when it may, for the time, seem inevitable. For we may educate ourselves to feel the first tendency in that direction.

3. And this will not make us act in a foolish or unbecoming manner. It will not make us constantly worry and complain, and thus annoy all who are near us. We need not feel thus at all, for we may be sure that we can resist the danger.

4. But how shall we do this? Stop at once and think. You will presently discover the particular source of your danger. This is at least one-half the battle, for generally a very small change will be found sufficient to meet the case.

5. Thus when you have determined where you feel the approach of the evil, there make, not a great change, but a moderate one, and you will at once be relieved. If it be in your feet, a pair of thicker stockings, or a clean dry pair, or a change from thin shoes to heavier ones, or to boots, will be found quite sufficient.

6. If you feel the need of protection at some other point or quarter, a thicker coat or vest, or an undershirt, or a pair of drawers, or of thicker pantaloons will fully relieve you. If you will observe when you first feel the danger of a cold you will find that a very small change is all that is necessary.

7. When you find yourself in a draft of air, get out of it. No matter how refreshing a cool breeze may be to you, do not sit down in it for a moment. I mean when you are in the house; for under proper circumstances this may be done with impunity in the open air. If you are in a place of assembly and are thus exposed, put on your hat and overcoat or shawl, or better yet, move out of the draft.

8. If your clothes are even slightly wet when you come in to sit down, change them for dry ones. If you have no dry ones, keep walking till those you have on are dried. Be determined that you will not take cold. Wetting the clothes or wetting the feet is not dangerous if we change our clothes, or our stockings, as soon as we cease our active exercise.

9. Health reformers understand very well that they should change their underclothes at night, and that they should never sleep in those which they have worn during the day. When it is possible so to do, if they will hang their clothes around the fire when they lie down, they will be surprised to find how great a safeguard this will be against colds, and how much more acceptable they will be to them when they put them on in the morning.

It is not my purpose to tell you how to break up deep seated colds. But I will say to those who can afford such treatment, that abstinence from food, perfect quiet, with a wise use of baths, will be found admirable to give relief. But I beg you not to take cold. You need not be spleeny in these things, however. Use good common sense. Learn how to live without colds. Learn how easy under ordinary circumstances it is to resist their approach, or even to repel them when they have gained some advantage over you. These things are worthy of your thoughtful observation. Set up your will that you will not come under the power of this unpleasant evil, and maintain that determination with a wise use of simple common sense.

J. N. ANDREWS.

Religious Miscellany.

By Editor

—The Jews are to build a university in London, costing $750,000.

—The Swedish Lutherans in the west have established a new college at Knoxville, Ill.

—A written discussion on the Sabbath question is to be published in the Baptist Banner and the Sabbath Recorder.

—Next year will be the 100th anniversary of the first gospel sermon preached in Kentucky. In May, 1776, James Tinsley preached at Old Harrodsburg fort the first sermon ever preached in Kentucky.

—Messrs. Moody and Sankey have been invited by the representative pastors in New York City to visit that metropolis in the fall, and conduct religious services similar to those held by them in London and other foreign cities.

—On the fifth of May, a monument, erected to Dr. Herz, at Erlangen, Bavaria, was disclosed to public view with due ceremony. It was the first time that a Jew received a public monument or statue in one of the German cities.

—Iowa College, at Grinnell, in that State, celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary last month, and reminds us of the extreme youth of the country in that direction by claiming to be the oldest institution of the kind west of the Mississippi.

—A distinction which no Israelite ever received before, was given to Cavaliere Artom, general secretary of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, by the Emperor of Austria, at his recent visit to Italy. Mr. Artom was decorated with the Stephen's order, one of the highest of the Austrian Empire.

—The population of Jerusalem is estimated at 21,000, of whom 5,000 are Moslems, 5,500 Christians, mostly of the Greek Church, 10,000 Jews, and about 500 Europeans, chiefly Germans. The Jewish population has increased about 2,000 within the last two years; and German settlers also arrive in considerable numbers. The manufacture of soap is the chief native industry.

—At the Young Men's Christian International Convention, at Richmond, Mr. Wheeler, the only colored delegate, was treated most unchristianly. The committee assigned him a lodging at a low groggery, and he was advised not to be present at either of the reception meetings as the ladies of Richmond were not used to such things.

The Tunkers, or Dunkards.—This religious sect was founded in Germany in 1708, and in 1719 and 1729 emigrated to this country, to which it is chiefly confined. They are not only plain but very coarse in their dress. Are opposed to much education, pay their preachers nothing, and baptize by the candidate three times face foremost into the water. They are quite numerous in some States.

—The Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions is now sustaining 134 ordained American missionaries. There are 77 ordained native preachers, and 34 licentiates laboring with these 134. The schools of the board employ 167 American teachers, 160 of them being women. In addition to these 167 Americans, there 391 native teachers. The total number of the working force of the board in foreign lands is 301 Americans and 502 natives.

—A Catholic paper, the New York Tablet, thus mourns over the persecutions of the Catholics in Germany:—

“The slightest allusion in a sermon causes a priest to be indicted, and, in consequence of it, imprisoned. For instance, the vicar from Ludwigsdorf was lately arrested on account of a quotation used in his sermon,—‘If our Lord were now on earth he would also be imprisoned and exiled’—for which remark he had to spend a week in the solitude of a cell, to meditate on the danger to public peace which arises from such expressions.”

—The Examiner and Chronicle, a Baptist paper, says:—

“The fact has been long and well known that the Congregationalist churches in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine are dying out. In a large number of towns where Congregationalism once existed in great power, the old houses are closed and deserted, or worship is maintained by different denominations, often including Universalists and Spiritualists. Some of the churches in Maine are, for the first time in fifty years, asking aid, and it is feared missionary work in the west will be contracted, and the funds spent at home.”

—Quite a serious trouble has arisen in a fashionable synagogue on Thirty-fourth street, New York. The congregation is divided between the Reformed Jews and the Orthodox Jews. The Reformers are in the majority. Instructed by this class, the trustees have ordered a change in the order of service. The most important and most offensive of changes is the mingling of the sexes in worship. The Orthodox rule sends the women into the gallery, while the men sit below. The trustees have ordered that families sit together as they do in the Christian assembly. Thus old fashioned Judaism is everywhere giving way to modern ideas.

—With a truly Christian and patriotic spirit, Mr. Neesima, the young Japanese converted and educated in this country, but who has now returned to his own land as a missionary, is making efforts to establish a permanent training-school in Japan, where his fellow-countrymen, such as accept the Christian faith, may have the opportunity to be trained as native gospel preachers. The friends of the American Board have undertaken to provide funds for the purpose, and the success of the project now only depends on the favor of Providence and the zeal of Mr. Neesima. His work is one which it will be interesting to watch.

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