Earlier text: THE SANCTUARY OF THE BIBLEIn an article on this subject, The Methodist, of Feb. 14, 1874, thus speaks:— The German contest with the Roman Catholic ecclesiastics has been falsely colored to the public mind by the papers and speakers treating it as a conflict of opinion, as a contest of the civil power with a religious body, as a war upon the rights of conscience. It is nothing of the kind. If in one sense the Roman Catholic church is a religious body, it is most distinctly and in a more important sense a political organization, of unlimited ambition, and totally unscrupulous as to its means. It is, in fact, a ring, aiming at universal control. It does not undervalue its spiritual authority, but makes it a means to an end—the support and extension of its temporal influence. The pope has been in his day the supreme temporal sovereign of the world. He has dictated who should be first in Europe. He has claimed and received the homage of the rulers of nearly every State on the continent. He has set up kings and put them down. He has made an emperor of Germany undergo penance and do him personal service. Bismarck remembers this, and is determined that it shall not happen again. He believes, no doubt, that the pope looks regretfully back to the old times when he exercised these autocratic prerogatives, and would be glad to have them restored if he could. The promulgation of the dogma of infallibility, and the acts done in pursuance of it, are of a character to strengthen such an opinion. * The Roman Catholic church has proved an element of political mischief and a stirrer up of disloyalty in every country in which it has obtained a foothold. From the earliest times, it has been its custom to release from their allegiance the subjects of those kings who would not obey its behests; and it would enforce such releases by excommunication and interdict. To-day, it sets up the Carlists against order and liberty in Spain, and intrigues to destroy the French Republic. Bismarck’s measures are mild and constitutional acts to those which have been inflicted by contemporary Roman Catholic governments. Italy has taken from the church millions of property. Mexico has confiscated the religious orders. Brazil is enforcing measures of personal prosecution and arrest of offending bishops precisely similar to those which Germany has hesitatingly adopted against Archbishop Ledochowsky. It is frequently said that our country is free from the danger of such difficulties as afflict others, because church and State are separate here. The remark is as fallacious as were the boasts of the old Fourth of July orations. The Roman Catholics accept the disseverance of church and State because it is a temporary advantage to them, and they will use it; when they think it is time, they will call for something else. Already politicians consult their wishes and pay deference to them, while they habitually disregard Protestant sentiment. They have for years intrigued against our common schools. They had, only three years ago, advanced so far toward being supported by the public in this city that they were commonly referred to as “our established church.” Their priests grow bolder in uttering their claims, their press becomes every day more insolent. If they ever feel that they have strength enough, they will attempt to deal with us as they have dealt with others, and our politicians may be weak enough to permit them. Happy will we be if we always escape such conflicts as vex Germany and Italy and Brazil. Astronomy on the Falling Stars of November 13, 1833.
By D. T. Bourdeau
It is an acknowledged principle that truth cannot contradict truth; and we believe that true science always harmonizes with the Bible. Before me is Asa Smith’s Illustrated Astronomy, published in New York. On page 23, I find the following interesting testimony relative to the wonderful display of falling stars or meteors which occurred November 13, 1833:— “Q. When was the greatest meteoric display ever known? (See Note 2.) “A. On the nights of the 12th and 13th of November, 1833. “Q. What was the altitude of the meteors on this occasion? “A. Professor Olmstead says they were not less than 2938 miles above the earth.” The following is the note referred to in the first question:— “Note 2. We now come to by far the most splendid display on record; and as it was the third in successive years, and on the same day of the month, it seemed to invest the meteoric showers with a periodical character; and hence originated the title of November meteors. An incessant play of dazzlingly brilliant meteors was kept up in the heavens for several hours. Some of these were of considerable magnitude and peculiar in form. One of large size remained for some time almost stationary in the zenith, over the Falls of Niagara, emitting streams of light. The wild dash of the waters, as contrasted with the fiery uproar above them, formed a scene of unequalled sublimity. “In many districts the mass of the population were horror-struck, and the more enlightened were awed at contemplating so vivid a picture of the Apocalyptic image—that of the stars of heaven falling to the earth, even as a fig-tree casting her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.” “A planter of South Carolina thus describes the effect of the scene upon the ignorant blacks: ‘I was suddenly awakened by the most distressing cries that ever fell on my ears. Shrieks of horror and cries for mercy, I could hear from most of the negroes of three plantations, amounting in all to about six or eight hundred. While earnestly listening for the cause, I heard a faint voice near the door, calling my name. I arose, and taking my sword, stood at the door. At this moment, I heard the same voice still beseeching me to rise, and saying, ‘O my God, the world is on fire.’ I then opened the door, and it is difficult to say which excited me the more, the awfulness of the scene, or the distressed cries of the negroes. Upwards of one hundred lay prostrate on the ground, some speechless, and some with the bitterest cries, but with their hands raised, imploring God to save the world and them. The scene was truly awful; for never did rain fall much thicker than the meteors fell toward the earth; east, west, north, and south, it was the same.’” How graphically the varied aspects of the leaf picture the various aspects of man's life! The tenderness of its budding and blooming in spring, when that rich golden-green glints on it that comes only once a year, represents the bright beauty and innocence of youth, when every sunrise brings its fresh, glad hopes, and every night its holy, trustful calm. The dark greenness and fresh vigor of the summer leaf portray the strength and self-reliance of manhood; while its fading hues on the trees, and its rustling heaps on the ground, typify the decay and feebleness of old age, and that mysterious passing away which is the doom of every mortal. The autumn leaf is gorgeous in color, but it lacks the balmy scent and dewy freshness of hopeful spring; life is rich and bright in its meridian splendor; deep are the hues of maturity, and noble is the beauty of success; but who would not give it all for the tender sweetness and promise of life's morning hour? Happy they who keep the child's heart warm and soft over the sad experiences of old age, whose life declines as these last September days go out with the rich tints of autumn and the blue skies of June. LUTHER was a tower of strength because his whole trust was in the Lord. Baxter was a burning flame because he lived hard by the mercy-seat, whereon the glory dwelt between the cherubim. Whitefield was “the voice of one crying in the wilderness” because, like John, his cry was, “Behold the Lamb of God!” Chalmers foamed like a cataract because the deep rapids came rushing down upon him from the everlasting mountains. Hall’s words were molten in the furnace where his faith was tried with fire. These were great preachers because they were strong believers; and they were strong believers because they loved the truth, kept their hearts with all diligence, and walked in the light of Heaven. There is no age in which such preachers would not have power.—Eclectic Review. 1. KEEP a list of your friends; and let God be the first in the list however long it may be. 2. Keep a list of the gifts you get; and let Christ, who is the unspeakable gift, be first. 3. Keep a list of your mercies; and let pardon and life stand at the head. 4. Keep a list of your joys; and let the joy unspeakable and full of glory be first. 5. Keep a list of your hopes; and let the hope of glory be foremost. 6. Keep a list of your sorrows; and let sorrow for sin be first. 7. Keep a list of your enemies; and however many they may be, put down the old man and the old serpent first. 8. Keep a list of your sins; and let the sin of unbelief be set down as the first and worst of all. Religious Declension of these Days.
By Uriah Smith
If the church is the salt of the earth and the light of the world, as our Saviour declares, a rejection of truth on the part of the church, and a low standard of piety in religious denominations, would inevitably aggravate those evils which find their natural home in the unregenerate heart, and flourish in worldly circles. Hence the way is prepared for the fulfillment of Paul's words to Timothy, that in the last days evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse. Corroborative of the position taken in these articles, we find a general acknowledgment, all over the land, of the unparalleled degeneracy of our times. Testimony on this point might be multiplied to almost any extent. We give only a few from more prominent persons and journals, which may be taken as representatives of the whole. Isaiah speaks of a time coming when “judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.” Isa. 59 : 14. Is not that time already here? Of the New York judiciary, Henry Ward Beecher speaks in the following scathing terms:— “All the framework of society seems to be dissolving. On every side we find men false to the most important trusts. Even the judges on the bench are bought and sold like meat in the shambles. One must go into court with a long purse to obtain justice. The judiciary of New York stinks like Sodom and Gomorrah. Men say they hardly know a court in which to trust a case. It is no longer an honor to sit on the bench; for if the judge be an upright man, his character will be contaminated by the great majority of his associates.”
Says the Christian Herald:— “It is a fact that about in the same ratio that the cause of experimental religion declines, immorality and vice increase.”
The Philadelphia Times says:— “Honesty has fled from the world, and sincerity has fallen asleep. Piety has hidden herself, and justice cannot find the way. The helper is not at home, and charity lies sick. Benevolence is under arrest, and faith is nearly extinguished. The virtues go a begging, and truth has long since been buried. Credit is turned lazy, and conscience is pinned to the wall.”
Says the Hornellsville Times:— “The records of the past have never presented a more fearful and corrupt state of society than now exists throughout most parts of the United States. The newspapers from every quarter are becoming more and more loaded with the records of crime.”
The North American says:— “From the terrible evidences of human depravity which develop themselves from day to day, we begin to think that our cities are rapidly descending to the level of Sodom and Gomorrah.”
The New York Herald says:— “Crimes of all descriptions are on the increase, especially those of the blackest dye, the increase being much greater than the proportionate increase of population.”
Says the Expositor, a political paper:— “Crimes, unprecedented in number and unequaled in atrocity, fill every section of our country with horrors, exhibiting a hardened barbarity, in their details, only to be exceeded in the bosom of demons,” &c.
Says the Scientific American:— “It is admitted by all parties that crimes of the most outrageous and unprecedented character abound throughout the country, and probably throughout the world, to a degree wholly unparalleled.”
Says the New York Tribune:— “The telegraph wires bend under their weight of woe; the old earth quivers with throbs of agony from the center to the pole; cities are shaken down, countries are engulfed, fair domains are overflowed with red-hot lava; wife is arrayed against husband, mother against child, son against father; a hecatomb is sacrificed on one railway, half as many on another, and on still another the width of a hair stands between a thousand and sudden death. In social life, our newspapers are smutched all over with reports of divorce and separation trials, of infidelity and disgrace, of gigantic crimes undertaken, half accomplished, or completed. What shall be the end of these things?”
The Christian Inquirer says:— “Such an intense and insane rush and struggle for wealth, such reckless, ruinous extravagance of expenditure, such a delirium for vulgar display, this country has never seen. And alas! not only taste, refinement, purity, and piety, have gone down before the tide, but even honesty, &c. Every vice has increased in an alarming degree. Intemperance—not only are our streets and public places full of it—not only do young men and old men and mere boys fall before it by scores and hundreds, but even women, beautiful, accomplished, beloved wives and daughters, carry its fire-blush on their cheeks, and reel and totter under its influence on the sidewalks. There are more gaming places in the city to-day than there were dry goods stores twenty years ago; and the gamblers include all classes, from the boy of fifteen to the roue of fifty. But why enumerate? Every vice on the black catalogue of transgression has more than doubled in volume and in victims within these five years, and our youth, the pride and hope of our land, are falling beneath the subtler destroyer faster than ever they fell in Southern campaign.”
“The world! the world! the world! This is the object which engrosses every care; this is the supreme deity that is adored. Buy and sell, and get gain—out with the thoughts of death—away with the Judgment and Heaven—my farms, my merchandise; I will have them, though the earth trembles under my feet, and Heaven weeps blood upon my head.”
As it was in the days of Noah, when general unbelief prevailed, and the earth was filled with violence; and as in the days of Lot, when men and women gave themselves up to the most brutal instincts, and bought and sold, and planted and builded, and labored to see who could plunge most deeply and recklessly into the spirit and follies of this world, so, said Christ, it should be in the days when the Son of man should appear in judgment and glory. Men will freely testify that every outline of the picture is fulfilled, but they overlook the fact that these things indicate beyond dispute the rapid approach of the end of all things; and they fail to make their peace with the Son of God, that they may be ready for his coming. U. S. The Atonement.—No. 6.
By John H. Waggoner
Andrew Fuller, the justly celebrated Baptist author, remarked that the “atonement has respect to justice, and justice to the law, or the revealed will of the sovereign, which has been violated, and its very design is to repair its honor.” This is both reasonable and scriptural, and is proof of the correctness of what has been observed, that the acts of abolishing the law and pardoning the transgressor cannot go together. The doctrine of the perpetuity of the law of God, now so often assailed, is not only an important one, but is essential to the very existence of an atonement. For if the law of God were abolished by the gospel, justice would be trampled under foot. But the Bible is not thus inconsistent with reason. God is infinitely just, and he has set forth his Son as our substitute, that he might be just and the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus. Rom. 3: 26. The importance of the law in its relation to the atonement will justify further remarks in its vindication, and as objections are stronger with some persons than even positive proof, it will not be taken amiss to notice a few objections urged against its perpetuity. Luke 16: 16. “The law and the prophets were until John; since that time, the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.” It is unjustly inferred that the question of the existence of the law is here introduced. The translators saw that the passage was elliptical, but violated the laws of language by inserting the word “were,” which does not make the sentence complete; the verb “is” being the antithesis of “were,” the word “preached” is redundant. The following must be the correct view. The word or words understood or to be supplied must be antithetical to the words “is preached;” and therefore “were preached” would complete the sentence.101 The omission of these words prevents tautology, while nothing would require the omission of the word “were” if it alone belonged there. “The law and the prophets were preached until John; since that time, the kingdom of God is preached.” Now no one will claim that the law and the prophets ceased with John; even the ceremonial law remained in force later than the time of his death. Thus it is evident that the subject of the existence or continuance of the law and the prophets is not introduced in this scripture; therefore there is no objection in it. Rom. 6: 14. “For sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” It has been inferred from this that because we are under grace, we are under no obligation to keep the law; and that by the introduction of a system of grace the law was abolished. But such an inference is very erroneous; for if the law which condemns (see Rom. 3: 19, 20; 5: 13) were abolished by grace, then none can be under the law, and all must be under grace. But sin has the dominion over a majority of mankind, showing that they are not under grace; therefore they are under the law, and therefore the law is not abolished. The Christian was not under grace till he was converted, or till he became a Christian; or was changed from sin to obedience; and was therefore under the law till his conversion. But it says, “Sin shall not have dominion over you.” Now sin is the transgression of the law; and it is further said that “to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness.” Therefore, we are only under grace when the transgression of the law has no dominion over us; and only in the way of righteousness, when obedient to the law. This text, so far from helping the objector, plainly harmonizes with those scriptures which teach that Jesus came not to destroy the law, but to put away sin, the transgression of the law, from his people. Matt. 1: 21; 5: 17; 1 John 3: 4–8; Heb. 9: 26. Rom. 10: 4. “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” There are three points in this text which claim our attention. 1. Christ is not the end of the law in the sense of abolishing it; for he says himself that he came not to destroy it, and Paul says it is not made void. The word “end” is here used as it is in James 5: 11: “Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord,” that is, the design or intention of the Lord. See also Rom. 14: 9. Paul says the commandment was ordained unto life; which agrees with the scriptures I have quoted in reference to the law. But we have merited death by transgression, for “the wages of sin is death.” Christ now fulfills the object or design of the law, by granting the forgiveness of sin, and bestowing eternal life. 2. He is the end or object of the law for righteousness. Unrighteousness is sin, and sin is the transgression of the law; this shows righteousness to be the equivalent of obedience. And Christ brings the sinner to obedience, as it is said in Rom. 5: 19, “By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous,” or obedient. He kept his Father’s commandments, and calls upon us to follow him. He said, “Thy law is within my heart,” and promises in the new covenant to write it also in the hearts of his people. Ps. 40: 8; Heb. 8: 10. 3. This, to every one that believeth. He is not the end of the law in any sense to the unbeliever. This proves that it does not mean the abolition of the law; but it shows that the object of the law is not accomplished in the unbeliever. Gal. 3: 13, 14. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ.” If Christ abolished the law it would not then be true that he redeemed us from its curse, for, as we have seen, abolition of law and pardon cannot go together. And we have also seen that to abolish the law which curses the transgressor, or condemns sin, is subversive of government, and does not reform the evil-doer, or save him from sin. Again, this redemption from the curse of the law is necessary, that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles. Two important ideas are presented in this declaration, 1. The curse of the law rests on the Gentiles, which proves that the Gentiles were and are amenable to it, as is also proved by Rom. 3: 9–19. 2. The curse of the law stands between the transgressor and the blessing of Abraham. Of course the law is the basis of the Abrahamic promises or blessings. Some deny that the blessing of Abraham has any relation to obedience to the law; but if they were right, the declaration of this text could not be true. If they were not related, the curse of the law could no more deprive of the blessing of Abraham than the curse of British law could deprive me of American citizenship. But the blessing of Abraham is the blessing of the gospel; therefore the Scripture teaches that the transgressor of this law is not entitled to the blessings of the gospel. True, Christ will redeem them if they come to him by faith; but faith will not make void the law, nor will Christ be the minister of sin. Rom. 3: 31; Gal. 2: 17. Some will not admit that the law of God has any agency in conversion; but David, in Ps. 19: 7, says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” True conversion is not merely emotional: it is a turning from wrong to right. And how shall this be effected if not by being convinced of wrong by the rule of right, and thereby led to embrace the Saviour, who only can set us right? But “by the law is the knowledge of sin;” Rom. 3: 20; and we must all be instructed by the law in this knowledge before we come to Christ to any purpose. J. H. WAGGONER. Progress of the Work.
By John Nevins Andrews
It is a source of great satisfaction to know that the cause of truth is steadily advancing. The truth of God is more precious than fine gold. It comes from the throne of God, and it is as pure and elevated as is the divine nature. God sends it forth into the world to enlighten those who sit in darkness. Whoever will follow its guidance will make his way at last to that very throne from which the truth first shone forth. The extension of the knowledge of the truth is therefore a cause of the sincerest joy. And it is apparent that God is adding his blessing to the efforts of his servants to advance the work, and is giving to them wisdom to devise the most efficient means for this object. The press is, under God, the right arm of our power. We are taking steps by means of the tract and missionary work to bring the truth before many thousands of the people. God is in this work. His providence is opening the way; his Spirit is leading his servants; and the people generally have a mind to work. The February number of the True Missionary is a most excellent number. The two articles from Bro. White, headed, “A Great Work” and “Our Institutions,” are to me most cheering. They set forth the progress of the work, and breathe the spirit of true consecration to it. It is wonderful to see how the way is opening before us to bring men to the knowledge of the truth. We must sacrifice, we must labor, we must toil, and we must never faint. Now is the time to have part in the work of ingathering in the great harvest. “He that reapeth receiveth wages and gathereth fruit unto life eternal.” We can all respond to these calls by giving of our means, and by putting forth personal effort to distribute reading matter to those who have a willingness to read. There are very few so poor that they cannot do something. When we deny ourselves in some things, that we may be able to help in the cause of God, it is noticed by the Lord. God regards not the greatness of the sum given as he does the greatness of the heart which gives. And he estimates this by the cost to ourselves, and by the interest which we take in his work. Those who sacrificed their means in the cause of present truth when it was in its feebleness made an investment that will bring to them immense returns. We cannot hope that money given now will tell as much as though it had been given then. But it will tell nevertheless, and it is one of the greatest of all privileges granted to us in this life that we can put our means into the cause of God. That cause God could sustain without us, but he has given to his people the privilege of sustaining it, that they may secure to themselves an infinite reward. And having committed this to us, he holds us responsible to fulfill our sacred trust. And we have now in the present aspect of things the greatest possible encouragement to make sacrifices for God, and to actively labor in his cause. In time past, men have given because they had faith, when the appearances were by no means encouraging. Now we see the hand of God set to the work and that he is opening the way so that all may have an opportunity to work for him. Many are gladly responding. Those who from worldliness, or carelessness, or love of ease, or from any other cause, neglect or refuse to take part in the sacred work will make a great and fatal mistake. Let us all come up to the help of the Lord. We now have opportunity to do it. God is willing to accept our poor services if rendered with a cheerful and self-sacrificing spirit. God is infinitely gracious to give to us the privilege of sharing in his work. Let us show that we have a heart to sacrifice in the cause of Him who gave his Son to die for us. J. N. A. Encourage Charity and Brotherly Love
ENCOURAGE charity and brotherly love between rich and poor, between relatives or friends, and especially between enemies, or those that have been such. The Religious Amendment.
By Uriah Smith
Seventh-day Adventists have reason to take more interest than any other class of people in the land in the religious amendment movement, now in progress in this country, inasmuch as if it accomplishes what is proposed, it will set the seal to the truthfulness of our position on one of the most important prophecies of the Bible—a prophecy which constitutes the very burden of our message. Rev. 13: 11–17; 14: 9–12. It is a matter of interest to us, therefore, to become familiar with its history and progress. The following particulars in regard to it, we gather from the report of the proceedings of the late Convention, published in the Pittsburgh Commercial of Feb. 6, 1874:— “The present movement to secure the religious amendment of the Constitution, originated at Xenia, Ohio, in February 1863, in a convention composed of eleven different religious denominations, who assembled for prayer and conference, not in regard to the amendment of the Constitution, but the state of religion. Meetings—small in numbers—were held shortly after in Pittsburgh and elsewhere. At first, the association was called a ‘Religious Council;’ now it is known as the ‘National Association to Secure the Religious Amendment of the Constitution of the United States,’ and is becoming more popular and increasing largely in numbers. “The first National Convention of the Association was held in the First United Presbyterian church, Allegheny, Jan. 27, 1864, at which a large delegation was appointed to present the matter to the consideration of Hon. Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States. An adjourned meeting was held in the Eighth street Methodist Episcopal church, Philadelphia, on the 7th and 8th of July of the same year; and another in the same city, in the West Arch street Presbyterian church, Nov. 29, 1864. “Conventions were held in New York in 1868, Columbus, February, 1869, and Monmouth, Ill., April, 1871. “National Conventions were held in Pittsburgh, 1870; Philadelphia, 1871; Cincinnati, 1872; and New York, 1873. The National Convention which meets this afternoon [Feb. 4, 1874] in Library Hall, is, we believe, the fifth in order.” In his opening address, the President of the National Association, and Chairman of this fifth Convention, Hon. Felix R. Brunot, said that their “cause had made the progress of twenty years in five;” and the General Secretary, D. McAllister, said of the past year that it had “numbered a larger array of accessions to our rank, than any two, or three, or perhaps five preceding years.” The Index of Feb. 12, 1874, speaking of the inevitable and irrepressible agitation that is approaching on this subject, says:— “Yet in this one point the Christianizers show an unerring instinct. The great battle between the ideas of the State and the ideas of the church will indeed be fought out in the organic law of the nation. The long and bitter conflict of chattel-slavery with free industry began in the world of ideas, passed to the arena of politics, burst into the hell of war, and expired in the peaceful sufferings by which Freedom was enthroned in the Constitution. The old story will be repeated, for it is the same old conflict in a new guise,—though we hope and would fain believe that the dreaded possibility of another civil war is in fact an impossibility. But that the agitation now begun can find no end until either Christianity or Freedom shall have molded the Constitution wholly into its own likeness, is one of the fatalities to be read in the very nature of the conflicting principles. The battle of the Amendments is at hand; a thousand minor issues hide it from sight; but none the less it approaches year by year, month by month, day by day. Cowardice to the rear—courage to the front!” The sentiment here expressed, that “the agitation now begun can find no end until either Christianity or Freedom [by which the Index means infidelity] shall have molded the Constitution wholly into its own likeness,” is becoming the settled conviction of many minds. It is not difficult to foresee the result. Infidel, the Constitution can never become; hence, it will become wholly the instrument of that type of Christianity which the Amendmentists are now seeking. The Work among the Swedes.
By George Ide Butler
THIS work is becoming very encouraging to the true friends of the cause. It seems that the Lord is specially stirring the hearts of many of this people in different parts of our land. We know of openings in many directions among them, and since the establishment of the Swedish paper, they are largely increasing. Bro. Lee has had large success among them during the last year. And we learn that his present meetings are likely to bring many more out in the truth. He has more calls than he can possibly fill. We hope others of his nationality will feel the burden of the work upon them and go to work for the Lord. The paper is starting very encouragingly, and there will soon be tracts to help in the work. Bro. Chas. Carlstedt, who edits the paper, is giving his time and strength to the work at Battle Creek, and others are laboring in connection with him at the Office. There seems to be a special interest to hear and learn the truth among this people, above all others, at the present time. Now is the time to press the work while the interest is up. Far more can be accomplished at such a time; for we can reach the people when their curiosity and interest are excited. If there should be a settling down of the interest, it would require a greater effort. In the first issue of the True Missionary, Bro. White appealed for a fund of $2500 to properly support this work among the Swedes, he and sister White offering to be two of one hundred persons to raise this sum. This seems to be a very worthy enterprise, and one of great promise. Of course the paper just starting, with only a few subscribers at present, cannot be self-supporting. There are tracts to be translated and printed, involving expenses which must be met. We hope our Swedish brethren will feel the responsibility upon them of doing all they can to aid this work in its infancy. And we learn they are contributing toward it liberally in proportion to their ability. But we look to our American brethren who have means to aid in this most worthy enterprise. We can encourage and foster it by manifesting a proper interest in it during its infancy, or we can discourage it by our neglect. But little notice has been taken yet of Bro. White's appeal. So we feel called upon to lay this matter before the old subscribers of the REVIEW, and the old friends of the cause generally. Let us remember this work is to go to “peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.” Here is an opportunity to take a share in it. Let the responses come in liberally. GEO. I. BUTLER, Pres. Gen. Conf.
Battle Creek, Mich., March 8, 1874.