DISAPPOINTING as it may sound, the fact must be faced, nevertheless, that our reasoning faculties, wonderful as they are, break down completely before all problems concerning the origin of things. We may imagine, we may believe anything we like about the first man; we can know absolutely nothing. If we trace him back to a primeval cell, the primeval cell that could become a man is more mysterious by far than the man that was evolved from a cell. If we trace him back to a primeval pro-anthropos, the pro-anthropos is more unintelligible to us than even the anthropos would be. If we trace back the solar system to a rotating nebula, that wonderful nebula which by evolution and revolution could become an inhabitable universe is, again, far more mysterious than the universe itself. The lesson that there are limits to our knowledge is an old lesson, but it has to be taught again and again.—Max Muller.
Teach Me Good Judgment and Knowledge
“TEACH me good judgment and knowledge; for I have believed thy commandments.”
How Mothers May Help the Teacher.
By Elizabeth P. Allan
As I sat at my open window one spring day, I unconsciously left off studying my Sunday-school lesson to watch the down of the aspen trees, as it fell in a perpetual sheen of white flakes all about the yard. On a still day like this, it is one of the prettiest sights of the season; the motion downward of these shining, feathery motes seems the superlative of gentleness, and so light are they that the breath of a speaker, the wing of a bird, the slightest motion in the air, diverts them from their earthward course, and carries them off.
My heart and brain were filled with the lesson, its application to my particular class of little girls, the possibility (and sometimes the impossibility) of rooting the good seed in their careless young hearts, and it was natural that the scene before my eyes should suggest an illustration of my difficulty.
This lesson, I said to myself, is full of blessed influences, which might descend on those precious little souls in just such a soft shower as I see falling on my flower-beds; but oh! their gentle downward motion is so easily diverted, and, being diverted, is lost.
Then the little circle of faces seemed to rise before me, and I realized that my chief obstacle in gaining and holding their attention and interest was their own attire. I don't know what special device the devil has for preventing boys' classes from giving heed (some other teacher knows that), but this matter of dress is one that never seems to fail him, at any season of the year, on the girls' side of the room.
Of course, the tug of war between me and the enemy comes at the turn of the seasons. A teacher with any knowledge at all of the feminine heart must make allowances for the intense interest which each of the six little girls feels in the winter or summer outfit of the other five; that must be accepted.
But just as I get my class, as I hope, to a reasonable state of indifference, with regard to hats and dresses, some mother provides Jennie with a new costume, and for six successive Sundays, efforts are made by the other five after some variety in their own dress, and the precious lesson time is spent in speculation as to the effect of these changes; admiration, disapproval, or too often envy of the others; and in such a troubled atmosphere the white-winged blessings cannot settle.
I could describe an infinite variety of forms which this evil assumes, but I have already used up too much space, for I would fain reach the ear of the mothers with a plea for help.
And first, dress the little scholars simply; children are not keen critics of material, it may be rich and costly, if you choose, but not so showy or elaborate as to make the girl who sits by you (whose mother can barely manage to dress her decently) feel like the cinder maiden among her bedecked sisters. Surely the golden rule demands so much of you. And, pray, do not vary the costume in which she comes to Sunday-school any oftener than you must; save that friction as much as possible. And, lastly, let Nellie wear her new dress and hat elsewhere at least three times before she comes to Sunday-school in them.
Do these things seem too trivial? I raise my eyes again to the shower of the aspen-down; a tissue veil hangs carelessly upon a rose-bush, and flutters backwards and forwards in the gently stirring air; for a wide space around, the ground is bare of the summer snowflakes; they do not settle there, though the veil is a mere cobweb, and moves with so little force.
And shall we not give ourselves untiringly to the removal even of little stumbling-blocks from the little feet?—Elizabeth P. Allan, in S. S. Times.
Incline My Heart Unto Thy Testimonies
"Incline my heart unto thy testimonies."
Two Great Compromises.
By Editor
IN order to appreciate the nature of the work of the enemy of righteousness in these last days, we must trace further the influences under which the last-day deceptions will be carried on.
In Matt. 24:24, in answering the question, "What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" Jesus said: "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."
In like manner, Paul, speaking of the same subject, the coming of Christ, says: "Whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders." 2 Thess 2:1-9.
Again in Rev. 13:11-14, the beast having two horns, does great miracles whereby he deceives them that dwell on the earth; miracles to deceive, or lying wonders. And that these are wrought just before the coming of Christ is shown in Rev. 14:9-14. The last angel's proclamation is based on the facts related in chapter 13:11-17, and located immediately before the coming of the Son of man to reap the harvest of the earth.
We are aware that the opinion generally given of 2 Thess. 2:9, differs from the view presented above. But we dissent from the general opinion for two reasons: (1) Another construction, namely, the one we give, is admissible; and (2) The one generally given is not at all in harmony with the sense of the context. Where two different constructions of the language are admissible, we insist that that one should be preferred which is in harmony with the evident meaning of the passage. The subject of chapter 1, and the first part of chapter 2, is that of "the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him." It certainly seems harsh and unnatural to refer "his coming" in verse 8, to the Saviour, and the same words at the beginning of verse 9, to the lawless one, thus: "Shall destroy with the brightness of his coming; whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power," etc. The construction that we give is also strictly in harmony with all the other texts on the same subject, making it a question of time, as the definition of the word admits. See also the next text examined.
Rev. 16 gives a descriptive account of "the seven last plagues," in which "is filled up the wrath of God." Chap. 15:1. Here the same order in time is observed. The prophet says: "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth," etc. Here again the coming of the Lord is placed just after the spirits of devils work miracles to deceive the nations and gather them to the battle of the coming great day.
An important point is stated in this last text, Rev. 16. These wonders are wrought by the spirits of devils, by the power of Satan, though through the mediumship of false christs and false prophets, or "in them that perish." And, they are indorsed by the three controlling powers: the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. These powers have all been located. The dragon is identified in Rev. 12 (already noticed) as pagan Rome. The beast was a persecuting power, wearing out the saints and blaspheming the name of God; and to the beast the dragon gave his power, secular power, and his seat, the city of Rome, and great authority. The dragon himself moved from Rome and made his seat at Constantinople. The false prophet is the miracle-working beast with two horns, described in Rev. 13. This refers to the United States, where the miracles of Spiritualism arose in these last days, and where an image will be made to the first beast, namely, a union of church and State. That this power or beast is the false prophet is proved by a comparison of Rev. 13 with chapter 19. This is the description in chapter 13: "And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast, saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads;" etc.
Now with this compare Rev. 19:20: "And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his image." Here the identity is complete. The reference of the false prophet to Mahometanism, which has been made by some writers, is inadmissible, for Mahometanism never worked in concert with Catholicism, and never caused its people to worship the papal beast. But the United States, the only power which arose at the right time, outside of the dominion of the four beasts of Dan. 7 (compare Rev. 13:1, 2), the miracle or wonder-working power where Spiritualism took its rise, does and will to a greater extent cause them that dwell upon the earth to worship the first beast, in the observance of an institution of the beast which is opposed to one of the commandments of God, and is even now endeavoring to make an image to the beast in a union of church and State, this union being sought for the express purpose of enforcing that same institution of the papal beast.
These spirits of devils coming out of the mouth of the dragon, and the beast, and the false prophet, have the same object in view, namely, gathering the kings of the earth to the coming battle of Armageddon. This shows that the work of falsehood and deception is not confined to the United States, but that miracles, lying wonders, will be wrought throughout the world; that the same work which will be done in the United States will be done in the dominions of the dragon and the first beast. There will, of course, be this difference: in the United States the object will be accomplished by forming an image to the beast, and in this manner causing them that dwell on the earth to worship the beast and to receive his mark; while in the Old World there is no necessity for forming an image, as there they have the beast himself, and his worship and the receiving of his mark can be enforced directly.
In our exposition of the American compromise we gave evidence that it will be effected under the influence of Spiritualism—by the wonders wrought by false christs and false prophets; that this false doctrine, or doctrine of falsehood, will be accepted as the true religion,—the religion for the time and the occasion,—which only has power to rescue the nation from its trials and perplexities. And we now see that the work of deception in the Old World, indorsed by the dragon and the beast, is carried on by the selfsame influence. The work, its authors, its object, and its results, are identical wherever found.
At the present day Spiritualism is fully as popular in Europe as in America; perhaps more so. American mediums have been favorably received by the most learned, the most noble of the nations of Europe, and by rulers themselves. The coronation of the Czar, we are credibly informed, was conducted by direction of a medium. But we need not particularize; the fact we state is beyond dispute. It is to exert a controlling influence upon "the kings of earth and of the whole world." It will accommodate itself to any emergency to carry its points, for it is not scrupulous in regard to means.
Of the compromise in Europe, we say as we said of that in the United States: "It will not be without a struggle. Compromises are not made in times of quiet and peace. A compromise is the fruit of an emergency," and surely the times are ominous in Europe. The war cloud looms up dark and heavy. Who can foresee the consequences of a war between England and Russia? And if peace is insured for the present, it is but a respite. As a European statesman recently said: "It will come." The fate of Turkey will then come up for decision; and the Egyptian question is not yet settled. Nihilists, communists, anarchists, dynamiters hold riot and jubilee over the destruction of life and property which they are able to accomplish, and none are able to hinder. In all the world men's hearts are failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth. Luke 21:26. We shall have to defer our concluding remarks to another number.
Thoughts on the Third Psalm.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
THIS psalm is said to be "a psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son." There is no reason to suppose that this inscription is not correct. Whether it was written during the flight, or was written afterwards, as expressing the feelings which he had on that occasion, is immaterial. Knowing the circumstances which called forth this psalm, we can enter more fully into the feelings of the psalmist. Those circumstances we find recorded in detail in 2 Sam. 15, 16, 17. With the incidents therein related fresh in our minds, let us examine the psalm, and see what there is in it which is profitable for us. See 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.
Verse 1. "Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me." The same language may be used by every one who professes to follow Christ. To every one the warning is given, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Pet. 5:8. He is at the head of a host, so that we have, as the apostle says, to contend "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in high places." Eph. 6:12. Moreover, Christians are informed that in the world they shall have tribulation; Satan is the "god of this world," and since he is the enemy of all righteousness we would naturally expect that the world would not be friendly to the Christian. So we read, "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." John 15:19. It is often said that the world is now becoming friendly to Christians and Christianity. To this we would simply repeat the text above quoted, and others of a similar nature. The world persecuted Christ, and he says: "The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. . . . But all these things will they do unto you for my377name's sake, because they know not him that sent me." John 15:20, 21. James wrote, as a truth for all times, that "the friendship of the world is enmity with God, whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4. When, therefore, we hear men speak of Christians whom the world loves, we must conclude that their Christianity is worldliness; that instead of being followers of God, they are enemies.
Besides the devil and the world, each one has his own self, the worst enemy of all, to contend against. "The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." Surely we may well say, as did David, "Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me."
Verse 2. "Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God." David's enemies thought that his overthrow was complete. One of them said, tauntingly, "The Lord hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the Lord hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son; and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief because thou art a bloody man." 2 Sam. 16:8. Even so the world, looking at the faults of Christians, will say, "They are no better than others; they do things that are just as bad as the things that we do; there is no more hope for them than for us." And the Christian himself, who, more than any one else, has a vivid sense of his own shortcomings, too often gives way to the same desponding thoughts. How often people say: "I have so many sins to overcome, and am so weak, that it doesn't seem of much use for me to try." What is this but saying of one's own soul, "There is no help for him in God"?
Notice the use of the word "soul," in this verse. Some imagine that the term soul invariably refers to an "immaterial substance," to something which has unending existence, yet which is not an entity. But David, speaking of foes who were seeking his life, said, "Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God."
Verses 3, 4. "But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill." No portion of the Scriptures was written without a purpose. "Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." Rom. 15:4. When we read in the Old Testament, how wonderfully God delivered his people in time of battle, it is that we may take courage. Not that we are to engage in physical warfare, in which God will fight for us, but that we may know God's power to help all who are in trouble. In the 20th chapter of 2 Chronicles we find an interesting account of the deliverance of the Jews from their enemies, who greatly outnumbered them. This was done because the people believed and trusted in the Lord. The case of Gideon and his army (Judges 6 and 7) is a similar case. These were visible proofs of God's power to deliver, and serve to give us confidence in such promises as the following:—
"The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." Nahum 1:7.
"But God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Cor. 10:13.
The fifth verse shows God's continual care for his people: "I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me." How many of us are there who remember as they arise in the morning that "it is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not" (Lam. 3:22), and that "they are new every morning"? The adversary of souls would destroy us. As a roaring lion he walks about, seeking whom he may devour, and this he would do with us physically as well as spiritually; for if he could cut short our lives, while we are unprepared for the Judgment, he would thereby most effectually devour us, and bring us to eternal ruin. That he does not do this, is because of the continual watchfulness of God. "Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep." Ps. 121:4.
It is remarkable that when driven from his throne by traitors, who cared for nothing but to take his life, David could peacefully lie down and sleep. The source of this peace is found in Isa. 26:3, 4: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." Having one's mind stayed on God is equivalent to delighting in and obeying his law (Ps. 1:1-3), as we read, "O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea." Isa. 48:18. The Bible abounds in statements concerning the peace and blessedness of those who obey God.
But it will be objected that David had not kept the law, and that his present distress was the direct consequence of his sins. That is true, and this is why many said of his soul that there was no help for him in God. We are often tempted, as before stated, to say the same thing of ourselves, when for some cause we are brought to a vivid sense of our sinfulness. In such times we forget, what David remembered, that although no man could stand before God if he were held to answer for his conduct, there is forgiveness with God, that he may be feared. Ps. 130:3, 4. David had sinned, but he had repented, and believing God's promise (see Isa. 55:7), he could rest as peacefully as though he had never committed a sin.
Why should we not thus rise above the temptations of the enemy? Paul says: "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth." Rom. 8:31-33.
With these facts before us, we need not wonder at David's boldness, as indicated in verse 6: "I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about." There are two reasons why people may not fear an invading army: 1. Because they are in league with the enemy, or intend to yield without resistance. 2. Because they are strongly fortified and protected, and are confident that with the help which they have they can make a successful resistance. David's boldness was of the second class. Many persons think it an indication of virtue to invite temptation, that they may show how they can resist it. In the case before us we see that boldness is not always inconsistent with right. David was fleeing from his pursuers, yet he felt fearless in the Lord. So we, while we are to resist the devil, that he may flee from us, are not to seek opportunities to resist him. Our prayer is to be, "Lead us not into temptation;" we are to shun the place of evil, but when the enemy comes to us, we are to vigorously resist him. We may be sure that he will not allow us to lack opportunities to put forth all the strength we can muster.
In the 7th verse David states as already accomplished, what the Lord will do for all his people. He will save them, and discomfit their enemies. Comparing the enemies to ravenous beasts, who would be disabled by having their teeth broken, he says: "Thou hast smitten all mine enemies on the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly." The psalm then appropriately closes with an acknowledgment of God as the author of both present and future, complete salvation. "Salvation belongeth unto [or, is of] the Lord; thy blessing is upon thy people." E. J. W.
How Shall We Plan for God's Cause?
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
IF we move in harmony with the mind of the Spirit of God, we shall lay our plans wisely and expect great things from his hands. The Bible contains many instances where God has wrought in a wonderful manner for his people. It was not because his people were worthy, but that he might vindicate his own work and the promises he had given them. If we follow his opening providence and lay our plans in harmony with his will, he will always bring deliverance. The dividing of the Red Sea and the parting of the River Jordan, strikingly show that nothing in nature would prevent the fulfillment of his promises in delivering his people. The opening of the earth and the swallowing up of Korah and his company, the raining of great hailstones from heaven and destroying his enemies, also show that the laws governing nature are his resources and that he uses them to vindicate the right. The treasures of snow and hail God has reserved against the time of trouble and the day of battle and war.
There has been no age of the world in which God was more willing to vindicate his truth and favor his people than the present. Our existence as a people, scattered as we are, and in many instances having no privileges of meeting with others of like faith, is a standing miracle. Could our eyes be opened and we see the extent that the publications which advocate the law of God have gone throughout the world, we would be led to exclaim, See what God hath wrought! From a very small beginning, less than forty years since, the truths which relate to God's law, and the special judgments to follow their proclamation, have gone to earth's remotest bounds. There are no people who have greater reason for encouragement than those who believe in the solemn warning found recorded in Rev. 14: 9-12. He has raised up men to proclaim this truth, and has prepared the way for its promulgation. Hearts have been prepared for its reception, and as the rays of the light of truth have found their way to men, they have joyfully accepted it. We have now reached the most important era that has existed since this special work commenced.
God calls men to enter the field as canvassers, colporters, Bible-readers, and heralds of the cross, in any manner that will give the truth to those whose hearts the angels of God have prepared for its reception. There should be twenty laborers in the field where there is one to-day. It should be the prayer of every loyal heart for the Lord of the harvest to raise up laborers to enter the great harvest-field. It is God who gives his Spirit and prepares hearts, but he has committed the carrying forward of his work to his people. We should lay our plans and provide the means as though we expected that God would do great things in a brief period of time. To the disciples he said: "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name; ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." And again, "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you." He assured the disciples that he would be with them "even unto the end of the world;" that he is more willing to give them his Holy Spirit than parents are to give good things to their children. But he does not bestow his gifts upon men to consume on their lusts.
He longs to pour out his Spirit and magnify his name in advancing his precious cause. He invites all to come and share in the fitting up to accomplish his design in the earth. He has made the spirit of378sacrifice the test of the fellowship of his Spirit. When we were lost without any hope, Christ gave his life that we might be saved. This is the chief corner-stone of salvation. The first religious act of Adam was to make an offering to God. It was a sacrifice that expressed his faith in Christ, the world's Redeemer. If we are unwilling to sacrifice for his sake, we prove ourselves unworthy of his Spirit, and consequently we lose eternal life. But upon this point Satan will deceive thousands who now believe in the truth of God. They will feel that they are willing to make any sacrifice, and at the same time they will have their plans laid just how they will make the sacrifice. If God does not see fit to open the way before them according to their own ideas, then they will flatter themselves that they were willing, but God's providence did not open the way before them. We are to make circumstances, and not permit circumstances to control us. Those who do not do this will find that they have made a fatal mistake. God's ways are not our ways any more than his thoughts are our thoughts. God will test his people not according as we might arrange the test, but in that way that infinite wisdom sees is best for us.
The time has fully come when we should awake and prepare for the coming conflict. We should look and expect that he will do for us when we do the best that we can. We should lay our plans with the expectation that God will co-operate with every unselfish act. The wisdom that comes from above is first pure, then peaceable, and easy to be entreated. New fields are to be entered; new victories gained. The truth of God is to be planted not only in the isles of the sea, but in every nation under heaven. The heralds of the cross of Christ are to go forth with the word of God into the hardest, as well as the easiest fields. Plans should be laid accordingly and more active steps taken to fill the commission to preach the everlasting gospel to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. When the Saviour gave the great commission, he assured the disciples that "all power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth;" and it was upon this fact that he based the broad commission, "Go ye therefore into all the world."
He has servants to whom he has entrusted means to sustain those who thus go forth. If such individuals fail to fulfill their commission in sustaining the work of God, he will set them one side and let the mantle of his Spirit fall upon others. All Heaven is interested in the carrying out of the divine purpose of sending the truth to all parts of the civilized world. The work is not ours; it is God's. He permits us to be instruments in his hands to carry out his designs. Nothing can be more honorable than this work. To be permitted to co-operate with the Saviour of mankind in the salvation of the human family, is the most elevated calling that can be given to man. All should be thankful that we have the privilege even at the eleventh hour of probation, of being connected with so honorable a work.
Soon the work will close and then will come the great reckoning day. To those who have been faithful and earnest to act their part in lifting at the great wheel of reform as far as it lay in their power, especially when help was most needed, it will be said: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." As long as God's resources are infinite; as long as the cattle upon a thousand hills are his; as long as the silver and the gold belong to him; and as long as he has willing servants, we say, Lay plans for the advancement of the truth, large and broad, then work to them. Work in faith, in hope, in courage, and we shall see the salvation of God.
WE arrived at this place at 12:30 A. M. We procured a hack and went directly to the International Tract and Missionary rooms. Here we found Brethren Scott and LaRue well located in a building of five rooms nicely arranged for the purposes designed. Our stay being but three hours we made all the inquiry possible, to gain what information we could concerning the work on this island (Oahu), and the others which surround it. This is the principal island of the group, and while on some of the others there are a goodly number of inhabitants, the most of them are natives. There are a few individuals on these islands who have come from other parts, who gladly receive the truth. These having some influence among the natives, are avenues through which some of the better part of the natives can be reached.
It is very expensive traveling from one island to another. But these islands have been visited by Brother Scott, and the above facts are gathered from his actual experience with the people. At Kauai there is a Government school. One teacher is keeping the Sabbath. The most hopeful island in all the group and where labor can be put forth with a hope of accomplishing the most good, is Oahu, the one on which is the city of Honolulu. If the truth could be established here, from this place it would find its way to all parts of the islands, as there are commercial relations between Honolulu and all the other islands. The mail goes from here, and this is the headquarters of all missionary operations. Thirteen have embraced the Sabbath, and others are interested. These are intelligent half-natives, Germans, and others. They are individuals who either have friends or some financial interests in many of the islands. The people here are, as a rule, a church-going people, and what they have learned from former missionaries has been in the regular method of preaching. There are about 2,000 white people upon this island. It is evident the work has reached a point where a series of meetings would establish the truth; and should meetings not be held there will be great danger that the work which has been so well begun may ravel out.
We are satisfied from our conversation with our brethren here that a tent-meeting would be productive of great good. The people of this city are intelligent, and it needs a laborer who is able to hold a city audience. If such an effort could be made this season here in Honolulu, we see no reason why the work could not be well established. Then those laborers who have been so successful here, might remove to a new field of like character.
Should a church be organized here, and proper instruction given to those who shall have embraced the truth, they would become a light to this group of islands, and by an occasional visit of experienced laborers, this part of the world could be warned of the approaching Judgment. I do not know when we have felt more deeply for any one place than for this, when our brethren related the particular circumstances connected with the work here. Where are the laborers who will come here and pitch a tent this present season? A hall could be secured for a nominal sum, but a tent would be better. The work is already well opened up. It has been in progress for about one year, and the entire place of 15,000 inhabitants has been canvassed.
One class of gifts has done this work. It has been at an expense of about $1,000, and now shall this work suffer because we fail to add a further small outlay which will accomplish far more than has yet been done? Shall this effort be left to finally come to naught for want of additional labor to complete the work?
The beginning of a mission is the most laborious part. Help at the proper time not only saves what has been done, but places the cause upon a footing where it can accomplish the design of God. We appeal to our brethren on the Pacific Coast not to neglect this field. We do not say Pacific Coast because other parts of the country should not feel the same interest, but because that coast is nearer this field. The General Conference will be ready to assist in this mission.
There have been many fields in the States where the interest has been allowed to run down for want of proper attention, but this is different from fields in the States, for there, influences can be brought to bear upon the same people at some subsequent time. But this is a country by itself. If the work ceases here there is no prospect of its ever being started again. Judging from appearance, the present gifts have carried the work about as far as they can without help. In behalf of the cause of present truth, we appeal for a further effort to be put forth here.
Our past experience and the voice of the Spirit of God have been appealing to us not to neglect the work which has been so well begun. In many instances in the past the work has been well started, means have been expended, the hardest of the battle fought, and then by neglect it has been left for Satan to triumph and destroy the good beginning. This is not wise generalship. We should use more wisdom, especially as we near the end. God will hold us responsible for his work on the earth.
These individuals of experience should be left free to go into new fields, and we want scores of young men and women who will enter new fields and begin the work as it has been begun here. Then our preachers should come in and by a combination of the various gifts establish the work in the islands of the sea, and in all such places where the truth has not gone. May God give his people a true burden of the work. There is no one man, nor one class of men, that are perfect in themselves. God can use them to do a certain work; but the church is composed of various gifts, all of which are necessary to successfully carry forward the work. Those who have embraced the truth want to be baptized, and there are many other reasons why a minister should come, but I cannot now mention them.