A HIGH ALTAR THAT WILL COST A QUARTER OF A MILLION OF DOLLARS.
At the instance of Vicar-General Quinn, a convocation of the priests of the diocese of New York was held Thursday to devise means for erecting the High Altar in the new Roman Catholic cathedral in Fifth avenue. The altar when completed will cost about $250,000, and it is proposed that the diocese of New York shall defray the entire expenses. When completed, the altar will be one of the most magnificent in the world. Its principal parts are being erected in Rome, and others in St. Brieuc, France. The design is by Mr. James R. Renwick, the architect of the cathedral. The High Altar will occupy the eastern extremity of the building and be supported by a platform to be reached by three broad marble steps rising from the floor of the sanctuary. The table will be of white marble resting on columns of precious marble, with bases and foliated capitals of the same material, and are eight in number, dividing the front of the altar into three large and four smaller niches. The larger niches will contain representations of the passion of Christ, and the smaller, statues of the apostles. The altar is to be twelve feet four inches long by two feet four inches wide.
Extending its entire width behind the altar are to be two marble steps inlaid with precious stones, on which will stand the candelabra of gilt bronze. These steps are intersected by the tabernacle resting on the altar. The tabernacle is to be three feet wide and six feet high. The tabernacle is to be of Carrara marble, inlaid with precious stones, and adorned by exquisite Roman mosaics, representing a sacred emblem and the crown of thorns. The door of the tabernacle is to be of brass, fire gilt, the arch supported by columns of the richest marble, inlaid with gems cut in faces, with the figure of an angel kneeling on each side.
The stylobate at the rear of the altar is to be thirty feet in length by ten feet in height, divided into five parts. The central division supporting the tower and spire of the reredos is six feet in width. The first divisions on each extremity, four feet six inches long each side, are seven feet six inches long, and each supporting a tower and spire. The base of the reredos is of white marble, inlaid with alabaster and ornamented on each side by a bass-relief, the gospel side representing the Agnus Dei, and the epistle side the dove. The reredos is divided into five sections, having a central tower and spire, and two flanking towers and spires.
The first story of the central tower is six feet square and sixteen feet high, having two clustered columns of red and green marble, with white marble bases and foliated capitals standing on each side of the central niche, which has a background of white marble, decorated with foliage. A marble canopy covers this tabernacle. Under this canopy will stand a splendid crucifix, with the foot resting on the roof of the tabernacle. The second story of the central tower, directly over the canopy, is five feet six inches high, supported by sixteen columns of polished marble, with bases and capitals of white marble. On the four upper angles of the columns are kneeling figures of angels. The spire of the central tower is fifteen and a half feet high, is four-sided, and filled in with the richest pierced tracery and crackets of beautiful foliage, and a finial at the top supporting the central cross, which supports the whole. The entire height of the central tower and spire, from the floor of the sanctuary to the base of the cross, is forty-eight feet. The two corner towers are four and a half feet square and eighteen and a half feet high. On the gospel side will be St. Peter, and on the epistle side, St. Paul, each nearly six feet in height.
Between the central and side towers are six niches, with traceried heads and groined ceilings, three being on each side of the central tower. The niches will contain the figures of six angels bearing shields, on which are carved the emblems of the passion of Jesus Christ. These are all of white marble, five and a half feet high. The niches are surmounted by gablets of richly pierced tracery, with finials and crackets of foliage. Over the columns are the kneeling figures of saints and martyrs. These figures crown the columns, and behind them run up pinnacles through the cornice, which finishes the whole, and is richly moulded.
The work for the altar proper and the base on which the reredos stands is done in Rome, by the well-known sculptor, Carminini; the niches, spires, and statuary of the reredos by M. Paul Guibe, of St. Brieuc, France. Most of the pieces of the altar are nearly completed, and it is proposed to set them up in the new cathedral by the latter part of next year. The main roof of the great edifice is nearly completed. The groining of the arches in the interior has already been commenced. The stained window panes are soon to be put in place.—Sel.
TO CORRESPONDENTS.
By Uriah Smith
Wm. Cottrell: Any practice which would turn the Sabbath into a day of ordinary visiting must certainly be contrary to both the letter and the spirit of the fourth commandment.
G. W. G.: We understand there are but two kinds of death referred to in the Scriptures: first, death denoting a condition of the body, absence of physical life. This is the penalty of the law. Secondly, a death, denoting a spiritual condition; absence of spiritual life, as dead in trespasses and sins. And as from this condition a person may recover himself, and come into spiritual life, another expression is used to denote this condition; namely, dead to sin, dead to the world, &c. Yet it is still a spiritual condition which this death denotes. To your other query we would say, Keep out of the business of peddling patent rights, and do not mix up T. & M. work with that employment.
How do you harmonize Matt. 2:1, which says, “In the days of Herod,” with Luke 2:1, which says, “In the days of Cæsar Augustus?” C. W. O.
ANS. Both are true. Augustus was emperor of Rome, which then ruled the world, and Herod was a subordinate ruler, as king of Judea.
ANS. Gen. 32:30, is explained by Hos. 12:4. Speaking with God face to face does not prove that he was seen. Moses says to Israel, God talked with you face to face in the mount, out of the midst of the fire. Yet he says, Deut. 4:12: “Ye saw no similitude, only ye heard a voice.” Num. 14:14 may refer either to the report that went out among the nations respecting God’s presence with Israel, or to the visible appearance of the cloud by day and fire by night.
ANSWERED BY LETTER. D. Downer, A. M. Mann, G. A. Perley, B. F. Terry, D. W. Milk, S. Farmer. U. S.
NEW YORK.
By S. N. Haskell
Our meeting at East Otto, which was held according to appointment, was one of some interest although there was not a large attendance. The friends in this vicinity are few and much scattered. Some who had not been especially connected with us, as a people, seemed to draw nearer to us, and took practical interest in the missionary work. This district had been formerly somewhat discouraged, the brethren being quite poor. They obtained their full quota of names for the VOICE and REFORMER one year ago, and used freely of our publications which would have brought them considerably in debt to the State Tract Society. Here was experienced the benefit of our tract system. At the general quarterly meeting at Rosvelt, the indebtedness incurred by obtaining subscribers for our periodicals was considered (which was about eighteen hundred dollars), and the financial strength of the various districts was taken into account; and instead of this district paying for all the names it had obtained, which would have amounted to one hundred and fifty-six dollars, there were only about thirty charged to it. Those districts which were better able made up this sum. Upon this principle equality was established throughout the State.
Another source of encouragement to the brethren here was the result of this effort as shown by the testimonies given. There were no less than sixteen families which were known to have become permanent subscribers for the REVIEW OF SIGNS, besides many other families had become interested in the truth by the distribution of reading matter that had been made.
The traveling was terrible. One brother, living fifty miles distant, came to this meeting. It was neither sleighing nor wheeling, so he started from home on a stone-boat, came twenty-five miles, where he obtained a wagon, and brought another brother with him. The interest of this brother did not lessen by his long and tedious journey; but he returned home and brought his family to Randolph, a distance of twenty-five miles, where we had a meeting appointed for Wednesday and Thursday. In both of these places there was an interest to so seek God that his blessing might accompany their efforts in the spread of the truth, and also in donating to the Tract Society, and liberally subscribing for the SIGNS.
Jan. 27 we arrived at Niles Hill. Friday was a rainy day. Plenty of mud. It seemed that the traveling could not have been much worse. It was with no little degree of hesitancy that we went to the meeting-house Friday evening, the weather being stormy and the traveling such that we thought it impossible for the brethren and sisters to get out. Imagine our surprise, upon arriving at the place of worship, to find not only a general turnout of our brethren and sisters, but that the neighbors and friends, some of them, had walked quite a distance to attend the first meeting.
Sabbath morning there was quite a turnout of the neighbors, and our brethren came pouring in from different places, traveling all the way from ten to thirty-five miles, having failed to get through the night before. One brother walked twenty miles so that his family might ride, and thus have the privilege of attending the meeting. The house of worship was well filled. We need not add that God met with us; for wherever such an interest is taken to meet for the worship of God, he never disappoints his people. Tears freely flowed, which indicated that God’s Spirit was moving upon hearts. We were together much of the time days and evenings until Monday noon, and then every evening until Wednesday evening. The meetings increased in interest until the close. The entire neighborhood seemed to be stirred. Families that formerly had been entirely void of any religious interest for many years promptly attended our meetings, and manifested an interest to seek God. Backsliders were softened under the melting influence of the Spirit of God. Fifty-five copies of the SIGNS were subscribed for at this meeting. We never left a place with greater reluctance than this. We now have it in our mind, after filling present appointments, to return to this place and remain as long as the interest may demand, unless there are more urgent calls in some other directions.
At Catlin, our meetings were good. A general interest was manifested outside. In fact, we were led to conclude that there was more of an interest among the neighbors than among our own brethren. We could but think of the contrast between this place and each of the other places where we had been. At Niles Hill some of our brethren walked six miles to attend an evening meeting, while here, with a good team and the traveling far better, they could not come five miles, and some could not come over half a mile to attend a business meeting; yet others had hearts to feel for themselves and the cause. Thirty copies of the SIGNS were freely subscribed for.
The interest that was manifested by the neighbors during the public meetings was such that we were led to take an expression at the close of our Sunday evening discourse upon the seal of God, to know if they would like to hear another upon the subject of the change of the Sabbath. The vote was in favor of it. It was listened to with apparently as good attention as we ever saw. But some of our friends were “afraid the people would get tired.” To the young and inexperienced in present truth, some things are excusable; but for old Sabbath-keepers who have had twenty or more years of experience in this work; who have seen it rise from nothing until five power presses are groaning under a constant pressure in issuing present truth, requiring four large two story buildings to do its business; with a knowledge of believers in every part of the civilized world, and then, when their own neighbors are stirred with the power of the truth, for such to quietly fold their hands and sit in silence, there is no excuse.
At Genoa our friends were few and scattered, yet a good degree of interest was manifested. The weather was quite unfavorable.
Feb. 12 and 13 we again met with the friends at Adam’s Center. It will be remembered that the brethren at this place adopted the plan of subscribing for five copies or more of the SIGNS to be used in obtaining subscribers for the paper, and to be given to those who might be interested to read. We found that some had not a clear idea of the main object in thus subscribing. The design is not simply to induce persons to subscribe for a few copies of the SIGNS, procure a few interested readers who will subscribe for the paper, and perhaps pay the one dollar and a half, and then have the papers transferred to those persons, considering their work done. Far from this. The first object is to call into exercise a talent which has hitherto been to a greater or less extent buried. The papers should be retained to be thus used throughout the year by the ones who have subscribed for them. If it be found that some have more copies than they can profitably use, their papers may be transferred to the new subscribers thus obtained; but we think there are scarcely any live missionary workers who cannot use five copies, and many can use ten.
Letters should be written to friends far and near, and every possible means taken to secure interested readers upon the subject of present truth. The papers can also be used for canvassing. When subscribers are obtained, their names can be forwarded directly to the SIGNS Office through the proper officers of the Tract Society. We found that this work had been entered upon with courage, and already many had obtained from one to three subscribers for the SIGNS, and in some instances they were paying subscribers. Another encouraging feature of this work was that great care had been taken in writing. An anxious desire was manifested on the part of some to write in a manner that would favorably impress the person for whom they were laboring.
There should be a fund raised in each Conference, so that where an individual is not able to pay himself, the paper may be sent, and the pay for it drawn from this fund. The tract fund should be sufficiently large to meet this call in each Conference, and the burden of sustaining this fund should rest upon the more able brethren, yet none should be excused from donating to it according to their ability.
This matter was fully set before the brethren at this meeting. At the close of our remarks, one brother came forward and put down his name for five hundred dollars. He was followed by another who put down his name for one hundred dollars, then another, and a third. Then came in smaller sums, until some less than twelve hundred dollars were pledged at this meeting. It is seldom that we have ever seen such a manifestation of God’s Spirit. It seemed to rest upon all hearts present. Tears flowed freely. We could but cry out from the depth of our soul that if this same spirit of sacrifice was continued in, prosperity would attend the Adam’s Center church. One brother of fourscore years, who has formerly been among the foremost to give of his moderate means, but whose circumstances would not warrant his giving now, as he could not earn to give, in broken sobs and tears said he wanted to give five dollars. “Take his name,” exclaimed the man who had given five hundred dollars, “I will see that he has it.” Freedom and light came into the meeting and it seemed that the glory of God shone in the countenances of some, at least, who were present.
There are many more in this State who should be ready to do the same, and when they do this, salvation will come into their hearts and homes as never before. We do not believe this work will stop here. There are men in this church whose hearts beat true to this work. Let them feel that the time has come for a lift in the cause and they will be ready with their hundreds, five hundreds, and even one thousand, if needed.
New York has set her mark for not less than two thousand carefully selected names for the SIGNS this year, besides keeping up the interest in other branches of the missionary work. Wherever they are taking hold of this work with zeal, the dark clouds are passing off, and the angels of mercy are hovering over the people. But where complaint and dissatisfaction reign, the dark pall of death rests on the people. Spiritual life is almost extinct. Since Jan. 1, there have been about three hundred copies of the SIGNS subscribed for by those who pay for it at Tract Society prices, and one hundred copies of the REFORMER. Seventeen hundred dollars have been secured to the Tract Society, and a general interest has been manifested in other branches of the work. Besides this, a goodly number have made a start in the service of God.
We expect that every Conference Tract Society this side of the Rocky Mountains will follow the example of New York. There are evidences that the angel of mercy is hovering over this State, and God in a special manner is coming near. May God help the brethren to be faithful and true to their trust.
S. N. HASKELL.
MEETINGS IN OHIO.
By H. A. St. John
TROY.
Was with the church in Troy from Jan. 6-10. This is but a small church, and some of the members live at a distance from the place of meetings. All our meetings but one were held at the house of the elder. We tried to encourage and build them up, and we feel assured that our labor was not in vain in the Lord. The interests of the T. & M. Society were considered, and all the members promised to labor and report. Systematic Benevolence had been entirely neglected, excepting by two or three individuals. We arranged S. B. for 1876, amounting to $172.12, while others not present will increase this somewhat. Some new ones became deeply interested in the truth. We left them much encouraged.
BELLVILLE.
From Jan. 13-18, was with the church in Bellville. Here we have a small meeting-house. This church numbers twenty-five, having had three additions since camp-meeting, but of this number several have moved away. Nearly all the members of this society are sisters, and they have never had any ordained officers. Bro. N. Grant will act as deacon and elder. Organized S. B. for 1876, amounting to $262.60. From the interest manifested by the public, it would seem that a course of lectures would result in additions to their number. We left them encouraged. May God bless, and build them up in the most holy faith.
WATERFORD.
Jan. 21-26, with the Waterford church. Before coming here, however, I spent two days two miles south of Mt. Vernon, where Bro. Mann had been giving a course of lectures with some interest. I spoke twice to attentive listeners. May God give Bro. M. success in this effort. At Waterford, the nights were dark and the roads very muddy, so we had but one night meeting. For three days we were in meeting most of the time during daylight. These meetings were interesting, and, we trust, very profitable to the church. An elder63was ordained, another deacon appointed, and S. B. organized for 1876, amounting to $261.56. Here are strong brethren, and if they only dwell together in union, they will have an influence for great good. May they strive together for the faith of the gospel.
APPLETON.
Jan. 27-31, was with the church at Appleton. This church has been greatly weakened by removals. There are eighteen members left, and these are divided into two small companies more than twenty miles apart, making it necessary to have two meetings. The roads were extremely bad, so that we had but one evening meeting, but tried to improve the time through the day. An elder was ordained, a deacon chosen, and S. B. organized for 1876, amounting to $132.68. But two meetings were held with the public, but the attendance and interest was such as to point out this as a good place just now for a short series of meetings. We left them feeling that good had been done.
BOWERSVILLE.
From Feb. 3-7, with the church at Bowersville. By removals, deaths, and apostasy, this church has been greatly reduced. It now consists of two very small companies about eighteen miles apart, with a few scattered ones. Their elder has moved away, another family to a distant part of the State, while two families have moved to Michigan. Our meetings each evening, and once on Sunday, were held in the Disciple church in the village, and the attendance and attention were very good indeed. There was manifested considerable interest to hear. Fortunately, we had some snow while here, so that we went to all the meetings excepting the last in sleighs. The meetings for the church were held at the house of Bro. Lucas, and they were seasons of deep interest. Organized S. B. for 1876; but the amount we failed to get before the treasurer returned to his home. But so far as those present were concerned, there was quite a liberal response. New courage seemed to spring up in every heart.
Spent two days with the few Sabbath-keepers at Yellow Springs. Here the Lutherans had meetings in progress, and the minister in charge, Eld. Peters, invited me to speak, which I did both evenings, and it is thought that this opportunity removed much prejudice against our people. The way seems to be opening here for the present truth.
We have elected church clerks and treasurers, and had the ordinances with all the churches named above. Systematic Benevolence has been organized and increased in each place. We think upon the whole that a good work has been done among the churches in Ohio. Confidence appears to be returning, which is very necessary to the prosperity of the cause. We hope to see a good work done in our Conference the coming season. H. A. St. John.
MICHIGAN
By Dudley Marvin Canright
HASTINGS.
Thursday, Feb. 10, held meetings at Hastings, at the house of brother Benjamin Francisco. After setting forth the nature and design of organization, a church was duly organized, numbering nineteen in all. Bro. L. G. Moore was elected elder, and Dudley A. Owen deacon, both of whom were ordained.
I spoke to them upon the subject of Systematic Benevolence, when they all promptly took part in it, raising their pledge from $85 to $215. The next day Bro. Kenyon baptized two. We had an appointment in the court-house at evening, but it rained exceedingly hard, and it was very dark; yet over eighty came out to hear. This shows that there is a good opening here for meetings. They are anxious to have the tent come here. I found the church united and zealous in the truth. Quite a number have lately embraced the faith here without any preaching. We enjoyed our meetings with them very much.
POTTERVILLE.
Friday evening, Feb. 11, began meetings at Potterville, and continued them three days. We expected a small meeting on account of bad roads, as most of the brethren lived in the country, and those from other churches would have to come with teams. The Sabbath morning we were glad to see them come in from every direction till our house was well filled. There were some twenty-five teams hitched by the meeting-house. I had very good freedom in preaching. Sabbath afternoon there was quite deep feeling in our meeting. Thirty-two came forward for prayers. About half of these were backsliders. The others were starting for the first time. Nearly all of them spoke of their feelings and determinations with much emotion. In the evening, after preaching, we had a very sweet social meeting in which a large number took part. Many of the young who had started in the afternoon took part in this meeting. This did us much good, as it showed that they meant to work. Others who would not go forward in the afternoon arose for prayers in this meeting, and declared their decision to obey the Lord. Two men, heads of families, took their stand with us upon the Sabbath.
Sunday afternoon talked upon S. B. After setting it before them as plainly as I could, they voted to re-organize. Nearly every one promptly gave in his pledge, which raised their figures from $325 to $565. They reserved $25 of this for meeting-house expenses, and voted all the balance to the Conference. This is the way every church has done, so far as I have been this winter. I think it is the proper way.
In looking over the records of the church we find that it began in 1862 with eight members. It now numbers sixty-five. Once the names on the S. B. book were only two; now there are about seventy. There is a good interest in the community around, and new ones are continually embracing the truth.
Sunday evening, Bro. Kenyon spoke to a full house, largely outsiders. Also on Saturday evening he spoke to a crowded house at Sebastopol, two miles and a half distant, where there is a branch of this church. Tuesday we had a private business meeting in this place, at Bro. Lewis; but so great was the anxiety to hear that quite a number would come in anyway; so I preached to them. As I spoke to one man about obeying the truth, tears filled his eyes, and he said that he felt that he must soon obey the truth. They have a Sabbath-school here that is well attended. Many expressed themselves as greatly encouraged and revived by these meetings. Many solemn vows were made to go home and work more earnestly for the Lord.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Eaton Rapids, Feb. 16, 1876.
THE CROSS
By H. C. B.
Ashamed with Thee the cross to bear?
O Son of God! forbid.
Why should I not with boldness dare
To walk where thou hast led?
What buffeting and cruel scorn
Didst thou endure for me?
And is the crown without a thorn
My heritage to be?
No, let me welcome pain and loss,
And smile at toil and grief,
And though I faint beneath the cross
Wait meekly for relief.
The oil of gladness on thy brow
Was poured, O Holy One!
Anoint me, Jesus, even now
Like thee my course to run.
—H. C. B. in Advocate and Guardian.
MISSOURI
By C. H. Chaffee
After closing my meeting at Pleasant Hill, I started, Dec. 4, for Maryville, intending to hold meetings in Bro. T. D. Brackett's neighborhood. On the way, I stopped over Sabbath with the church at Palermo, Kan., where I lived several years, and was elder two years. I held seven meetings with them. The Lord met with us by his Spirit. Two united with the church. These brethren suffered terribly from the grass-hopper scourge, still, with the exception of one or two, they were of good courage. These brethren are dear to me, and I hope to meet them all in the kingdom of our Lord.
The 8th, I came to Forks, and held six meetings. The outside interest was fair; but as I had written to Bro. Brackett that I would be at his place the 14th, I closed and went in search of him. Failing to find him, as he was at this time in Kansas, I returned to Forks, and held meetings three miles from here in a school-house. I gave ten discourses, and seven came out on the truth.
I then closed my meetings here, in order to attend the quarterly meeting in Daviess Co. I had a good meeting there with the Prairie Valley church. One more accepted the truth; and sixty-eight took part in the ordinances. Two were there from Grundy Co. Nearly all settled up their S. B., and those who did not, promised to do so soon. Three hundred dollars were pledged for 1876. The interest in Daviess Co. is as good as ever.
I returned the 24th to follow up the interest here. I have given in all twenty-four discourses, and eleven have received the truth. Ten were baptized in the Missouri river the 3d inst., and united with the Forks church, so that church now numbers seventeen. Systematic Benevolence was organized for 1876 to the amount of $42.
I now return to Daviess Co. to follow up the interest there. My general health is good, but my throat troubles me some. I am of good courage, and shall do all I can to arouse sinners to a sense of their duty to God. Brethren, let us rise in the strength of the Lord, and do our whole duty, that his blessing may follow.
C. H. CHAFFEE.
Forks, Mo., Feb. 7, 1876.
TO LONELY SISTERS.
By H. M. VAN SLYKE
Though I rejoice that God has called me out of the darkness into his marvellous light, I feel to look back to days of despondency, hoping thereby to encourage some one who may be cast out for the truth’s sake. To such, I need not describe the keen anguish that often pierces the soul, but I will simply relate how I was rebuked for ingratitude.
I was on my lonely way to our Sabbath meeting, three miles or more distant. I felt that my life was of no use, that it were better to die than to live if such was only the will of the Lord. Soon my attention was arrested by a neglected cornfield, full of weeds, so that it was covered with a profusion of flowers. “What a pity!” I said to myself, almost aloud, “they are of no use, and are anything but handsome.” I passed on, busy with other thoughts, until I came to a low and lonely place. To me it appeared more dreary than ever before, but close by my path stood one weed, all alone, with bright green foliage and bent with rich blossoms. I thought “How lovely! because it is alone how cheery it makes this dismal place.”
And the dear Lord by his Spirit helped me to draw consolation and courage therefrom. I reasoned thus: As the world goes, I have nothing to recommend me; but if the Lord has called me to be a light set in a dark place, in the moral darkness of a sinful world, so let me live. If I may bring courage to some desponding one as this simple weed has to me, I will not think my life to be vain. I will thank God for his providence; and my lonely home shall be a very Bethel.
My dear sisters, we are transplanted into the kingdom and patience of God’s dear Son. We have come out from the world, and the world does not love us. But as the dews of heaven refresh the lowliest plants, so the Spirit of the Lord will nourish the vine of his planting. Let us look up; for the day of our redemption draweth nigh.
H. M. VAN SLYKE.
Hamilton, Mo.
MONTICELLO, MINN.
By D. P. Curtis; L. H. Ellis
We closed up our labors here yesterday. Thirteen signed the covenant. We had a glorious farewell meeting with them. Some fifteen or sixteen are now keeping the Sabbath, besides the children. We have sold ten dollars’ worth of books, given away about fifteen hundred pages of tracts, and obtained five subscribers for the REVIEW. Opposition has continued strong, and prejudice has run high. Some are still undecided, and may yet embrace the truth.
We anticipate going to a new field in Wisconsin after spending a few days at home. May the Lord help us to keep pace with the message. D. P. Curtis, L. H. Ellis.
Feb. 7, 1876.
WISCONSIN
By W. B. Hill; W. C. Emmerson
We have been laboring at Rock Elm Center for the last three weeks. The Lord has blessed our feeble efforts. We found some first-day Adventists here who are now rejoicing in the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus as brought to view by the third angel of Rev. 14. The truth seems very beautiful and glorious to them. Others who never made a profession before have started out for the city of God. And still the good work goes on. The interest is increasing, and there are calls for labor in every direction.
W. B. Hill, W. C. Emmerson.
Rock Elm Center, Wis.
AROOSTOOK CO., ME.
By J. B. Goodrich
Since my last report, I have been holding meetings in this place with good results. Quite a number have already taken their stand on the Sabbath, and others are interested. Last Sabbath at our meeting in Oakfield, six miles from here, six requested prayers. Our meeting was free, and the Spirit of the Lord was with us. Sunday evening at our meetings in Linneus, two requested prayers. The interest seems to increase in both places, and new converts are coming out to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Pray for us. J. B. GOODRICH.
Linneus, Me., Feb. 7, 1876.
MINNESOTA
By Geo. M. Dimmick
I CLOSED my labors at Golden Gate, Sunday, Jan. 30, after organizing a church of fifteen members, all heads of families. I then came to Lower Agency, Minn., fifteen miles west of Golden Gate, where Bro. Call and myself had previously labored. The Lord especially blessed the word spoken and conviction settled upon almost the entire congregation. At the close of the meetings on the Sabbath nine had taken a stand to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. May God help them to be faithful. Pray for us and the work in Minnesota. GEO. M. DIMMICK.
Lower Agency, Minn., Feb. 5, 1876.
AGITATION OF THE SABBATH QUESTION.
By R. F. Andrews
Since the effort with our tent in Watseka, Ill., last Summer, there has been no public and open attack on our position till recently. Early this month bills were posted up all over town, announcing that “Rev. A. O. Burgess [Disciple], Principal of the N. W. C. University, Indianapolis, Ind., would preach on the subject of the Sabbath, Feb. 6, at eleven A. M.” (To accommodate the minister and members of the M. E. Church, the discourse was put off till seven P. M.). The subject to be spoken upon, and the position and reputation of the speaker, drew out an immense crowd. The following evening, the writer had the privilege of replying to the arguments offered, before a large audience. Mr. Burgess presented no new arguments, but made some good admissions. He did not deny the Edenic origin of the Sabbath. He said, “Christ kept the Sabbath as it ought to be kept;” and that “the observance of the resurrection day was a voluntary offering to Christ.” He asked, “Can we find the text in the Bible enjoining the observance of this day? No. Well, is it not dangerous to let people know there is no Bible for it? No.”
The presiding elder of the M. E. Church, offered the opening prayer, and the preacher in charge the closing one. In the opening prayer God was thanked “for the blessings of that holy Sabbath.” But Eld. B., in his sermon, declared “Christ abolished it, as he did the rest of the law.” The discipline of the M. E. church makes a clear distinction between the moral and the ceremonial law, claiming that the latter “doth not bind Christians,” while the former does. See p. 17, Article 6. But Eld. B. strongly affirmed that no such distinction exists, and that Christ abolished both laws.
Again the discipline teaches (Article 11, p. 19) that voluntary works cannot be taught without arrogance and impiety. But Eld. B. teaches, and truthfully, too, that the keeping of Sunday, or the first day of the week, is just such a work—that “there is no proof for it in the Bible.” Some of the Methodist brethren thought last summer that I was “a very bad man, because I told the people there was no proof in the Bible for Sunday-keeping, and it was dangerous to hear me.” But they did hear Eld. Burgess say it, and their minister ask the blessing of God on “the word spoken.” Of course, they have changed their mind.
This rubbing has only made the truth shine the brighter. Quite a number of our brethren at Watseka were formerly members of the same church as Eld. Burgess. It was doubtless for their benefit he came. But their united testimony is that his effort has only strengthened them in the position they have taken in favor of the down-trodden Sabbath of the Lord.
I would have given the learned professor’s arguments with my replies, had it not been that he followed in the old rut, and every reader of the Review is familiar with them.
R. F. ANDREWS.
Gilman, Ill., Feb. 25, 1876.
Christ the Great Physician and the Gospel Remedy
CHRIST is the Great Physician, man the patient, sin the disease, and the gospel the remedy; while the law is ever present to reveal the true condition of the patient or to describe the nature of the disease.
FILL IT OUT.
By M. Wood
WHAT? That blank report just received. Do not throw it aside as a worthless thing, nor lay it away in some secluded place where you will never see it again, but hang it up, as recommended by Eld. St. John, by the side of your looking-glass, or in some other conspicuous place. At the proper time fill it out, direct it, and mail it to your librarian, who will forward it to the district secretary. If there are two or three hundred blank reports sent out, let the same number be returned. It is the only means we have of ascertaining how much labor has been accomplished during the quarter. If you have done so little that you have some delicacy about reporting, let that fact stimulate you to greater activity in the future. But, much or little—report it. It is the life of the Tract Society.
If, in the fear of God, we act faithfully our part, no matter how small and insignificant that work may appear to be, the Judgment will reveal the fact that that very work was important, and that by and through it the cause of Christ was advanced upon the earth. These are golden moments, brethren and sisters. “Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Gal. 6: 9, 10. M. Wood.
A MOTHER'S GRIEF.
By Mrs. Wm. Jones
[Respectfully dedicated to my friends, Richard and Adlai Jewson, whose little Geo. met a sudden and terrible death in the town of Friendship, Wis., Oct. 27, 1875.]
A few soiled play-things, and a lock of hair,
The little cap, and things he used to wear,
A few sweet words, and smiles,—but oh! how dear;
Is all that's left me of my darling here.
A sunny morn, a childish face upraised,
With smiling eyes, and curls I oft have praised.
Tossed back neath cap; all dressed for school.
My Georgie stood; I kissed him, Oh! my soul!
Can mother's heart look back upon that hour?
I watched my darling go, and thought no more,
Nor ever dreamed I that a fell and awful blow
Ere long would rend my heart—so low! so low!
They brought him home, all crushed and bleeding—
DEAD!
'Twas all an accident and none to blame, they said.
I know it. But could not God have saved me this?
Or spared my boy alive just for one kiss?
May God forgive me, 'tis my darling that is gone,
Perchance for this, my suffering must be borne.
Dear mother, weeping o'er thy darling's form
Comes there no angel's voice to soothe thee and to warn?
To tell thee of one blossom God has kindly left
While some sad mothers, of their all bereft,
Wait, gazing up to Heaven with wistful pleading eyes,
But still do trust Him who doth rule the skies?
'Tis but a little while, and Christ, the just, shall raise
His children from the dust, to joy and praise.
Sorrow not, dear mother, without hope or trust;
Thy child is safe with Judge so kind and just.
“Asleep in Jesus”?—Oh! sweet, blessed sleep,
From which none ever, ever wake to weep.
Let this bright hope thy future life-path mould,
And draw thee safe, at last, within the fold;
And Georgie's chubby hands thine own shall clasp—
Just as in life so shall he rise at last,
Your own dear boy—no phantom form of air—
As Christ our Saviour rose, so shall we, too, appear.
Oh, blessed hope! Oh, faith be firm and sure!
Built on the Rock of Ages thou shalt endure.