“EVERY idle word!” O blessed God! what shall become of those who love to prate continually!—Jeremy Taylor.
BE YE STEADFAST.
By M. J. Cottrell
“Be ye steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”
May not this injunction of the apostle apply to the work of reform in diet, dress, &c., as well as to other portions of the work of preparation for immortality? Always abounding in the work of the Lord. Is not the reform upon which we as a people have entered, a part of this great work? We receive it as such, do we not?—a part of the work of preparation for immortality, inasmuch as by this reform, as we are led to believe, we shall be the better fitted to serve God and to “work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.”
We are told to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. This command to cleanse ourselves implies impurity, and by the cleansing we are to be enabled to perfect ourselves in holiness. This surely is the work of the Lord. We read, “If any man defile the temple of God, him will God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, whose temple ye are.” The light of the health reform is shining upon our pathway, showing us wherein we need to cleanse ourselves, that we may be fit temples for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; and ought we not to be steadfast in this part of the work, as well as others? And are we steadfast while we occasionally give way to temptation, and taste a few mouthfuls between meals; take a piece of that highly-seasoned pie, cake, or pudding; take one of those delicious-looking ribs, basted and browned so nicely; a cup of tea or coffee because we dislike to be so different from other people? Are we steadfast in the work of reform while doing thus occasionally? ’Tis not often we do it, but, Are we steadfast? I ask. It is my own course, as well as that of others, which leads me to ask this question. Are we steadfast in this reform while, for weeks together, we live almost exclusively on fine-flour bread, and every now and then regale ourselves with a “delicate” piece of mutton or beef? Brethren, is it not time that we were “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord; forasmuch as we know that our labor [to overcome the craving of a perverted appetite] is not in vain in the Lord”? It is not in vain, for it is a labor to prepare our bodies to resist, and throw off, disease, that we may the better engage in the work of the Lord in all its separate parts.
If the body is diseased, the mind is beclouded and crippled; and, if by yielding to our depraved appetites we unfit ourselves, mentally and physically, for the service of God, are we steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord? Are we double-minded? “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” If we should see a person start out on a journey, who would every now and then halt, look back, and occasionally take a few steps backward, we should conclude that he was undecided whether to go or not, and we should certainly think that he was not very anxious to go. And should he continue this undecided course, he would make very slow progress, if, indeed, he made any; and he might, when the shadows of night fell around him, get bewildered, and think he was making advancement in his journey, when, in very truth, he was going backward.
Shall it be thus with us in our efforts to live the health reform? If we every little while give way to the cravings of our appetites, and eat those things which we acknowledge to be unhealthy, are we making any real progress? Will such a course assist us to overcome a desire for such things? And do we not by such a course say to lookers on that we have no real set purpose in our professed reform? that we are dissatisfied? And are we not in danger of losing the control we now have over these cravings? We may get bewildered in the moral darkness which surrounds us, and which is fast deepening, and think we are overcoming when we are being overcome. The light of this reform is advancing. Will we advance with it? or will we sit supping at the old poisonous cups, until the light gets so far ahead that we shall stumble in the darkness, and never reach the perfection of holiness to which those who are steadfast, will attain?
M. J. COTTRELL.
PROPRIETY IN WORSHIP.
By John Willisson
WANDERING of the heart greatly mars the performance of Sabbath duties, especially hearing, praying, and praising.
Jewish rabbis say, “That though on the Sabbath there was much flesh used for sacrifice in the temple, yet not so much as a fly was seen stirring there.” So neither should there be a wandering thought or eye allowed when we are about God’s solemn worship this day in his house. What encouragement hath a husbandman to sow upon the highway where every man and beast has free passage? No better is the heart of a wandering hearer. We may as well cast seed upon the waves of the sea, as preach unto such; for the good seed of the word is lost upon them. Think what an affront it would be to a king to turn your back upon him, or discourse with others while he is speaking to you. The motions and postures of your soul are as visible to God as the motions and postures of your bodies are to one another. Or, if a criminal were allowed to petition his prince for his life, would break off at every sentence and chase flies through the room, you would say, a remission were illy bestowed on such a creature?
Oh! beware of such a ridiculous behavior before the King of Heaven when you are addressing him for the life of your condemned souls. Would you have God to hear you, when you do not hear yourself? Can you think he will be mindful of you when you are not mindful of yourself? Think if your prayers were written down, and all your vain thoughts interlined, what incoherent nonsense would they be? Would you not be ashamed to have all read over? Would not the world cry, Shame upon you! for mocking your dread Sovereign with such an impertinent address? Oh! but thoughts are the same as words with God; may speak louder in his ears than words do in our. Amos iv, 13. “He declares unto man what are his thoughts,” and David says, “He tells my wanderings.”—Rev. John Willisson.
SECRET PRAYER
There is, perhaps, no better test of the religious state of the individual than the frequency and delight with which he engages in secret prayer. If we have a dear and confiding earthly friend, our communion with him is sweet, and we seek his society often. We do this the more proportionally as our attachment to them is increased. Our relations to God are regulated by the same law as to our friends. The true child of God will be on terms of the greatest intimacy with his Heavenly Father, and will ever delight to seek counsel and direction of him, while he who has never been adopted into his family shuns his presence.
Secret prayer is not only a test of Christian character, but it is also an effectual means of grace. To continue the figure which we have already introduced, frequent intercourse is often conducive to strong and lasting friendship. It is a common remark, “One only need become acquainted with that man in order to love him.” This is emphatically true of Christ. The closet is one of the best of places in which to become acquainted with him, and have our attachment to him strengthened. It will be well for us if we are often found there. We should enter it not only to pour out the secrets of our hearts, but burdened for the welfare of souls, remembering that “the fervent, effectual prayer of the righteous man availeth much.”
Were there more earnest wrestling with God in secret we should witness corresponding results. There would be greater attachment to Christ, a higher type of piety, more earnest and extensive Christian efforts and a larger ingathering of souls into the Redeemer’s fold. Let none forget the injunction, “Enter into thy closet.”—Morning Star.
A Sublime Truth.
Let a man have all the world can give him, he is still miserable, if he has a groveling, unlettered, undevout mind. Let him have his gardens, his fields, his woods, his lawns, for grandeur, plenty, ornament and gratification, while at the same time God is not in all his thoughts. And let another have neither field nor garden, let him only look at nature with an enlightened mind—a mind which can see and adore the Creator in his works, can consider them as a demonstration of his power, his wisdom, his goodness, and his truth—this man is greater, as well as happier in his poverty, than the other in his riches. The one is a little higher than a beast, the other a little lower than an angel.
Loving Those Who Hate Us
It is unnatural to hate them that love us, and it is supernatural to love them that hate us.
HUME'S INFIDELITY.
The Quarterly Review gives the following version of the sad story of Hume undermining his mother's faith, and bringing her to despair in a dying hour. It carries with it a moral for unbelievers in our generation:
It seems that Hume received religious education from his mother, and early in life was the subject of strong and hopeful religious impressions, but as he approached manhood they were effaced, and confirmed infidelity succeeded. Maternal partiality, however, alarmed at first, came to look with less pain upon his declension, and filial love and reverence seemed to have been absorbed in the pride of philosophical skepticism; for Hume now applied himself with unwearied, and, unhappily, with successful effort to sap the foundation of his mother's faith. Having succeeded in his dreadful work, he went abroad into foreign countries; and as he was returning, an express met him with a letter from his mother, informing him that she was in deep decline, and could not long survive. She said she found herself without any support in her distress; that he had taken away that source of comfort upon which in all affliction she used to rely, and that now she found her mind sinking into despair; she did not doubt that her son would afford her some substitute for her religion, and she conjured him to hasten home, or at least to send her a letter containing such consolations as philosophy can afford to a dying mortal.
Hume was overwhelmed with anguish on receiving this letter, and hastened to Scotland, traveling day and night, but before he arrived, his mother expired.
COURTEOUS REPLY TO AN INFIDEL.
An American traveler being unexpectedly detained at the mole of quarantine in Odessa, was very civilly offered “half of his apartments and a sofa to lie on,” by a young Englishman, who acted as translator to the mole. After they had formed an intimate acquaintance, and had one evening retired to rest, the traveler asked his friend how he could endure the blasphemy which was so constantly heard. The young Englishman replied, that “as a gentleman, these things were disagreeable to him, but as to their being intrinsically wrong, it was a matter of no concern to him, as he denied the truth of all revelation, and believed Jesus Christ to be an impostor.”
The traveler, without supposing that the remark would be heeded except by courtesy, replied, “Either Christ was an impostor or he was not. If he was an impostor, we have the inconceivable phenomenon of a base man practicing virtue, self-denial, charity, forgiveness of injuries through his whole life, in spite of scourging, contumely, and even crucifixion. Is it philosophical to suppose that a bad man would take so much pains to make men good? But if he was not an impostor, then he has told the truth, and we must believe him.”
“Is it possible that I never saw that before?” was the only reply of the young Englishman, but the argument sunk deep into his heart, and when the traveler had arrived at Alexandria, he received a letter from the former skeptic, acknowledging him as the “best friend he ever had,” encouraging him to be equally faithful to others, and praying him not to forget “his Odessa convert.”—American Messenger.
THE GOOD MAN'S COMFORT IN AFFLICTION.
By Delia A. Eddy
The religion of Jesus Christ not only arms with fortitude against the approach of evil, but supposing evils to fall upon us with their heaviest pressure, it will lighten the load by many consolations, to which others are strangers; and while they are weighed down with sorrow, they can hear that still small voice, Fear not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God.
What abundant reason have we to thank God for his kindness to us poor, sinful beings. Let every one that hath ears hear, and all those that hunger and thirst after righteousness come to the fountain and be filled, without money and without price. They call the proud happy, and admire the gay; but let a vain world take its gaudy trifles and dress up the foolish creatures that pursue them; but the good man's happiness is in what the Son of God came to recommend and to procure. May God grant that we may obtain mercy of the Lord, that we may be owned of him as his children, and enjoy his presence. With these hopes, we will cheerfully welcome the lowest or the most painful circumstances; and may we ever be ready to cultivate those amiable virtues which are here recommended to us, meekness, humility, purity and charity, or benevolence, or love; for true charity is an active principle. It is not a single virtue, but it will lead us to the fountain whence all the virtues flow, such as candor, forbearance, generosity, and liberality, as so many streams of water all uniting in one great stream.
Gentleness is that part of the great virtue of charity, which makes us unwilling to give pain to any of our brethren, and compassion prompts us to relieve their wants; forbearance prevents us from retaliating their injuries; meekness restrains our angry passions; candor, our severe judgments; gentleness corrects whatever is offensive in our manners, and is mild in its demeanor, breathing habitual kindness toward friends, courtesy to strangers, and long suffering to enemies. It contends not eagerly about trifles, slow to contradict, and still slower to blame, but prompt to allay dissension, and restore peace. It delights above all things to alleviate distress, and if it cannot dry up the falling tear, it will soothe, at least, the grieving heart. In a word, it is that spirit, and that tenor of manner which the gospel of Christ enjoins when it commands us to bear one another's burdens, to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to weep with those that weep, to be kind and tender-hearted, to be pitiful and courteous, to support the weak, and to be patient toward all men.
I long for more of the love and Spirit of God shed abroad in my heart, for more of his presence through the day to keep this heart of mine from tossing to and fro; for a brighter and stronger faith, and the assurance of my Saviour's love.
“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
He will not, he will not desert to his foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
He'll never, no, never, no never forsake.”
The Bible says, “Ye are the light of the world.” The blessed Jesus himself is the speaker, and he is addressing his disciples. He does not say ye may be if ye are careful to live up to your privileges, or that ye ought to be, or that you shall be by and by; but that ye are the light of the world. Brethren, let us see to it that it may be said of us that ye are the light of the world.
DELIA A. EDDY.
GO WORK TO-DAY IN MY VINEYARD,
Go, waiting one, and toil.
The harvest-field is ready now, and ripe.
Go, gather in the sheaves from yonder soil,
And come with new delight.
Go thou, and labor hard;
Wield well the weapons on the field of life.
The foe is ever ready to retard
When hottest is the strife.
Work thou, with skillful hand.
The tempter's artful power is hard to foil;
His votaries are found in every land:
Thou shouldst not cease to toil.
Work thou with earnest mind.
How many wayward souls there are to win!
Oh! bring them to the cross, where they may find
Forgiveness of their sin.
Pause not to heave a sigh;
Rest not, though tired beneath the heavy load.
If thou wouldst reap, faint not 'mid deserts dry,
Or on the rugged road.
The crown that waits thee now,
May far more bright and beautiful be made;
When Jesus' hand shall place it on thy brow,
All toil shall be repaid.
—Drops of Water from Many Fountains.
HOW NEAR TO THE PRECIPICE?
A RICH man wanted to hire a coachman, some skillful driver who could manage a pair of spirited horses. At the hour he appointed, four men came to try and get the place. Turning to the one nearest to him, he said, "How near can you drive to a precipice and not go over?" "Oh!" answered the man, "I can go within three feet of it." The second man said, "Sure, and I can go within two feet of the bank,"—but whilst he was speaking a strong man, with a brawny arm, lifted his hand and said, "Indeed I have heen six inches from the very edge and drove away safe."
The gentleman turned to the only man who had not yet spoken, a small, mild-looking man, whom the others thought would never he in their way. To him he said, "I suppose you can go no nearer than that?" "No, sir!" answered he, with determination; "It is my rule to keep as far from danger as possible."—"You are the man for me," said the gentleman; "I do not wish to hire any one to see how near they can drive my family to destruction."
A Needed Reform.
ACCORDING to the statements in our public prints, nothing pays the managers of our theaters so well as spectacular exhibitions, such as the Black Crook, the White Fawn, etc. There seems also to be a great demand for prints of the same character, judging by the profusion of Police Gazettes and similar publications at the book-stands at the corners of our streets.
That such exhibitions and publications should be in demand, shows that the great mass of our population has already a deeply depraved taste, and certain we are that the ministering to this taste will increase the depth of the depravity of its subjects. And all the more is it a matter of deep regret, and a matter calling for the attention of all interested in promoting morality in our land, that the press is beginning to pander to this debased appetite, because it has avenues of access to those whom we are specially interested in saving, far more numerous than the theater. What can be done to prevent the contagion spreading? Must we fold our hands, and see the morals of our youth undermined, and our whole population drifting into Parisian licentiousness? Shall we not rather call upon the authorities to enforce the laws of the land in reference to these indecent exhibitions, whether they be made on the printed page, or in nature on the public streets, or within the walls of the theater? And above all, shall we not endeavor to bring the word of truth, by which alone men can cleanse their way, to bear on the hearts and consciences of our entire population?—Chris. Press.
WHY ARE YE SO FEARFUL?
By L. E. Millne
Oh! why should I fear, why should I distrust
The sweet blessed promise to those who will trust?
As firm as Mount Zion they ever shall stand,
Upheld by his wise, his omnipotent hand.
Then courage my soul, your cause is the Lord's,
He ne'er will forsake as he saith in his word;
When storm-clouds arise and dangers are nigh,
Oh! quickly to Jesus my Saviour I'll fly.
In his dear, loving arms so sweetly I rest,
That earth's cares and sorrows disturb not my breast;
In the light of his smile how sweet to recline,
And to know that on me his glory doth shine.
Come then weary pilgrims, let's quicken our pace,
The night is far spent, we'll soon win the race.
Farewell, then to sorrow, to sighing farewell,
Soon forever with Jesus his children shall dwell.
L. E. MILLNE.
GETTING OVER SORROW
“Got over it”—strangely do people talk of “getting over” a quiet sorrow—overleaping it, passing it by, thrusting it into oblivion.
Not so! no one ever does that, at least no nature which can be touched by the feeling of grief at all.
The only way is to pass through the ocean of affliction, solemnly, slowly, with humility and faith, as the Israelites passed through the sea. Then its very waves of misery, will divide and become to us a wall, on the right side, and on the left, until the gulf narrows, and narrows, before our eyes, and we land safe on the opposite shore.
CHRIST'S PATIENCE.
WHAT sorrows did he undergo, and with what patience did he suffer them! Patient when Judas unworthily betrayed him with a kiss; patient when Caiaphas despitefully used him; patient when hurried from one place to another; patient when Herod with his men of war set him at naught; patient when Pilate so unrighteously condemned him; patient when scourged and crowned with thorns; patient when his cross was laid upon him, and when he was reviled, reproached, scoffed at, and every way abused. Lord Jesus, grant me patience, after this example, to bear thy holy will in all things.
LOST TIME.
Lost wealth may be restored by industry; the loss of health regained by temperance; forgotten knowledge restored by study; alienated friendship smoothed into forgetfulness; even forfeited reputation won by penitence and virtue; but who ever again looked upon his vanished hours—recalled his slighted years, stamped them with wisdom, or effaced from Heaven’s record the fearful blot of wasted time.
The Purpose of Afflictions
THE great purpose of afflictions, where God is really feared, is to oblige us to cleave more closely to him, by allowing us no other source of consolation. We never value the grace of God so much as when we are obliged to have recourse to it for our support against what would be, otherwise, overwhelming.
THE CONFERENCES.
By James White
Another annual Conference season is past, and we have abundant reason to thank God for his blessing on the meetings of the past week. The interest in this occasion was evinced by the unusual number of brethren arriving the week previous. The business sessions throughout were largely attended, and characterized by a spirit of union and an earnest desire to advance the cause. Perhaps we have never held a Conference where more perfect harmony prevailed. In this we have a complete vindication of our organization. Though our business is largely increased, as the work opens before us in every department, and new enterprises are commenced for the spread of the truth and the good of our fellow-beings, it is all transacted without inconvenience, confusion, or trial. That which would have been a task difficult of accomplishment under our former state of disorganization, is now easily disposed of to the full satisfaction of all.
This meeting was characterized from first to last by an absence of personal excitement, and by a deep feeling and earnest desire to do for the cause and make a good preparation for the time of trouble and the coming of the Lord. The preaching of the word was not doctrinal, in the usual sense of that word, but practical in every part. Especially is this true of the discourses and testimonies given by Bro. and Sr. White, who plainly pointed out past errors, and showed us more perfectly what the word of God requires in regard to the church, to backsliders, and to the world. We trust that the large number who listened so attentively to these instructions have returned to their homes with clearer views of duty, and their hearts touched with a more enlarged benevolence toward their fellow-creatures. We are pleased to add that these instructions were especially appreciated, and most highly prized, by all the ministers present.
A most important step was taken in the organization of a Benevolent Association, having for its special object, the relief of the needy, of widows and orphans. Many have seen the necessity of this before, and some have wondered why our “S. B. funds” have been entirely devoted to the spread of the gospel, and none given to the poor. It was necessary first to secure that object, and the means were raised for that purpose; but all have now an opportunity to give for the object which should be so near to every heart—true charity. Subscriptions, amounting to nearly $1,500, were taken; for this, and other charitable designs, about $1,700 were donated or subscribed at this Conference, showing that the hearts of our people are, as ever, ready to respond to the calls of the gospel. May the Lord reward the cheerful givers according to his own loving kindness.
Baptism was administered on Monday morning at 5 o’clock, when five were buried in the likeness of our Lord’s death.
Sabbath morning, the following resolution was adopted in the general assembly, as expressive of the feelings of those present:
Resolved, That we consider it a duty, as it is truly a pleasure, to express our heartfelt gratitude to our kind Heavenly Father for restoring to our beloved Bro. and Sr. White, so good a degree of health and strength. We recognize their calling of God, to an important sphere of labor in the great work of the third angel’s message, to instruct, to warn, and to reprove; and we hereby unitedly pledge to them our sympathies and our prayers in the discharge of their arduous duties.
We shall ever look back to this gathering with thankful hearts. It was a time of labor and toil; but labor was performed with cheerfulness, and burdens borne with pleasure. Though the servants of God are worn and fatigued, all appear joyful and confident. Some who came with depression or sadness, have found relief and freedom in the Lord. All praise to his name.
Brethren and sisters, let us all renew our diligence, that the prospering hand of the Lord may be over us the coming year, and that we, by divine grace, may be enabled to glorify his great and holy name.
J. H. W.
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.
By John Nevins Andrews; James White; Seneca H. King
An association was formed during the session of the General Conference, having for its object the relief of widows and orphans, and of such other persons as may be worthy of assistance. The organization consists of a president, secretary, treasurer, and an executive committee of three. It is expected that all our people everywhere will take an active part in carrying out the objects of this society. For this purpose the elders and deacons of all our churches are authorized to act as agents of the society for the accomplishment of its work. But none of the officers or agents of the society are to receive any salary or compensation for the work which they perform. Nor does the society contemplate the lavish and indiscriminate expenditure of means, even in behalf of those who are the especial objects of its assistance. It designs that orphans and destitute children shall be not only received when offered to our care, but even searched after and hunted up. That these shall be placed in families who have the cause of God at heart, who will receive and train up these children in the fear of the Lord. It also proposes to care for widows and others who are worthy of assistance. It is designed, just as far as possible, to help such persons to help themselves by finding them homes and employment when they are able to do something for themselves; and when they can do little or nothing, to aid them in a judicious manner, as they are worthy.
But while extending aid in such a manner as to see that none who are worthy of aid shall suffer, it is designed to act with such carefulness that means shall not be lavishly used for those who only wish to throw themselves upon the charity of the benevolent, when really unworthy of any help from the people of God. The association designs to maintain correspondence, so far as is necessary, with all its agents, so that if suitable homes for those it proposes to relieve cannot be found in one locality, they may in another.
Although the society proposes to pay no salaries to its officers or agents, and to use its means with strict economy, as indicated above, yet, of necessity, there will be means to a considerable extent constantly needed for the assistance of those who have claims on its benevolence. To raise this means, it is decided to fix the payment of the sum of $10 as a condition of membership, and besides this, to ask donations from all who approve the object of the society. At the organization of the society during the conference just past, one hundred and fifty persons pledged the sum of $10 each, and many of them paid the pledge at once. The society is therefore already under way, and with the blessing of God and the co-operation of his people, it hopes to accomplish great results.
1. It hopes to save orphan children from the ruin to which they are almost inevitably exposed, and to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
2. It hopes to place many widows and persons who are in need of homes and of employment, in such a situation that they may, with small pecuniary assistance, be able to help themselves.
3. And finally, it hopes to act the part of the good Samaritan in accordance with the fact described in Isaiah lviii; and in the great day of final account, to be able to meet the conditions of settlement laid down in Matt. xxv, 31–46.
And now, brethren, we confidently look to you for help in this noble work. Who of you will do good, hoping for nothing again till the resurrection of the just? Who will be like Job, eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame? Who, like him, will search out the cause which you know not? Who of you will have the blessing of him that is ready to perish come upon you, and cause the widow’s heart to sing for joy? Who will deal their bread to the hungry, and bring the poor that are cast out to their houses? And finally, who will have it said of them at the last day, “I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and
ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me?”
Those who attended the Conference gave their pledges freely and liberally. Those who did not attend the Conference should do as liberally. It is true they were not present to be stirred by appeals on the subject. But they should act from principle. Read the sermon on “An Acceptable Fast,” in this paper, and take stock in this work in the fear of God. Send in your pledges for membership, and the cash, if convenient, as soon as possible.
All communications relative to the duties of the Committee should be addressed to M. S. Burnham, Allegan, Allegan Co., Mich. Pledges and money should be forwarded to the Review Office, unless more convenient to forward to Bro. Burnham.
J. N. ANDREWS,
JAMES WHITE,
SENECA H. KING. } Com.
LECTURES BY DR. TRALL.
By John Nevins Andrews; John Norton Loughborough; John H. Waggoner
By invitation, R. T. Trall, M. D., commenced a series of lectures in the S. D. A. house of worship in Battle Creek, on Sunday evening, May 17. Dr. Trall is well known as one of the pioneers in the cause of health reform, as a publisher, lecturer, and author. All who hear him must be convinced that he is a thorough scholar in the science of life. Indeed, as he said himself, his lectures are too purely scientific for most popular audiences. His first lecture was listened to by a large number who were here from various parts of the country, who were not permitted to hear further. Such could not judge of the merits of the course, as that was rather preliminary, and a statement of facts to be elaborated in the future lectures. The circumstances under which the first lecture was delivered were unfortunate for those who heard that only, and no more. The transition from meetings of devotion and worship, to a scientific lecture on the subject of health, was calculated to create an unfavorable impression on the minds of such persons, especially if they were not interested in the health reform. Yet had they remained and heard the arguments of Dr. T., and observed the careful manner in which these were weighed, they would have felt satisfied that our people were not likely to act rashly in this matter.
Most of the brethren in the ministry who attended the Conference, were permitted to hear a majority of the lectures. We were pleased to see that they looked upon it as a duty to hear, and thus to be enabled to judge of the correctness of his position. And with the study our ministers have given this subject for a few years past, together with their earnest, conscientious convictions on the matter, they are probably as well qualified to judge as any class in the country; and we think the fraternity at large need not fear that they will act hastily, or endorse anything without a reason. We hold it to be duty to hear and gather truth from every possible source; and consider it a very gratifying circumstance that there are such men as Dr. Trall, who have thoroughly investigated these principles on a scientific basis, that we may have still greater confidence in our position, knowing that science cannot be arrayed against us.
We were especially pleased with those lectures on the subjects of drug medication, and food; and only wish that all our brethren could have heard them. All who heard them were instructed and gratified, and we think many were confirmed in the conclusions at which they had arrived on these subjects, and strengthened in their purpose to regard more scrupulously the laws of their being. These lectures will not be forgotten; and Dr. Trall leaves us with the sincere respects and high regards of his hearers.
We wish to remind our brethren and sisters that any amount of knowledge of theories will not benefit us unless accompanied with corresponding practice. We think, as a general thing, we lack in this respect; the practice of very few coming up to our established teachings. While we test none by our positions, we must say there is danger in neglecting any practical truth; it weakens the power of conscience, and so destroys our sensibilities. May the Lord enable us all to answer a good conscience in this important matter.
J. N. Andrews,
J. N. Loughborough, } Com.
J. H. Waggoner.
REPORT FROM BRO. MATTESON.
By John Matteson
MARCH 11 to April 3, I have rested and labored at home. My health is poor. This constant mental application wears on me too much.
April 4 and 5, we had Quarterly Meeting at Oakland. Two were received into the church, and one brother was baptized. These were solemn and refreshing seasons.
April 9, I commenced meetings in Racine. A few sisters are living here who embraced the truth last winter. They were anxious to have another effort made in this place. Racine is a city with 12000 inhabitants. 17 Protestant churches are holding dominion over about ¼ of this population. After much prayerful consideration I have decided to make an effort in this place. They have never heard the truth and I think the Lord is willing that they should be warned of the coming dangers, and invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.
We rented an old meeting-house; sent out notices to the different churches; six of these were read.
Every thing that bears the Advent name is here despised. Babylon rules with power. Truth is trampled in the dust. Hypocrisy is well paid. Aristocracy crushes down all that will not bow. Fashion reigns like a tyrant. Many who would like to go to our meetings dare not go, for their little Popes make their creed-claims so heavy that they can neither lift hand nor foot.
There are some in this place who believe in the second and personal coming of Christ, and immortality through him alone. And some more have been convinced during our meetings.
The Methodist minister preached violently against the sleep of the dead; for quite a number of their members believed that way. One class-leader told them frankly that he believed the Bible on this point, notwithstanding all the ministers said. Said he, I don't want to be a hypocrite. I will give up my class. Never mind, said they, what you believe, only stay with us. So he stayed.
The third week I went to the court-house, to make the meetings, if possible, more public. Again I sent notices to be read in the different pulpits, and had it printed in the city paper. Some refused to read, but in seven churches the notice was given. In the Methodist church they refused both times to read, therefore I gave it out verbally the second time. They paused just long enough, and then prevented further remarks by the voice of their large organ.
One night they had a union meeting in the Presbyterian church. Here learned divines (one of them was my old school and room-mate) joined hands of union over the gulf of their several discords, controversies, and contradictory doctrines. Next they took powerful measures to put forth instrumentalities for the speedy conversion of the world. Not a word was read from the Bible, and throughout the speeches made by Baptist, Methodist, Congregationalist, and Presbyterian ministers, Bible sentences and sentiments were few and far between. Some of the Protestant ministers in this place think it is right to dance and play cards and billiards. If they will lower the standard a little more still, they will soon see the world converted to their own standard, or they will be converted to the world, which is all one and the same thing. It is so long since I have been in the head-quarters of Babylon that I could not help noticing a few things. In the new, large, Presbyterian church they have an organ which is very powerful in winning souls. It is said to have cost 3000 dollars, and a skillful musician, who works with a band six days in the week at balls and dances, makes splendid work on this instrument for the honor of the Christian Sabbath (?) and the enjoyment of itching ears. The music was so excellent that persons could hardly refrain from dancing as they went out. It fairly made the building tremble. What pleasure-seeking heart could resist such appeals? Truly, this is a soft and nice way of winning souls for the Presbyterian church.
Only few can tear away from such influences and come to the court-house, and some who ventured cannot endure long to hear plain truths. Many even think that it is ridiculous to search the Bible for religion. The average attendance at our meetings has been 30-40. A few times there has been a little more than 100. Some have manifested good interest to hear, and have attended the meetings very regularly. After a week I went back to the meeting-house. I have labored now six weeks in this place. Quite a number are convinced that they have heard the truth, and desire to obey, but it is a very difficult place to keep the Sabbath. The people are mostly employed in large factories, and it is next to impossible to keep the Sabbath and retain a place there. I have had the pleasure, during my labors, to see two brethren take a decided stand for the commandments of God. One of them is a man of much firmness, activity, Christian experience, and hope. He believes there will yet be a great work done in this place. He has been a member of the Methodist church for several years. The prospects are not very promising, yet I trust the truth will do its work, and that some, even here, will prepare for the coming of the Lord. Last night two more, members of the Baptist church, rose up to manifest their determination to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. The brethren will meet every Sabbath, and have prayer-meeting once during the week. May the Lord bless these dear friends, and take care of the cause in this place. I think my work is done here for the present, and leave to day for Raymond, where I intend to labor till the Conference.