The Chronology from the Birth of Christ to the End of the Seventy weeks
By S. Bliss
“AND it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.” Luke 2:1-3. On this occasion Mary, the mother of Jesus, with Joseph her husband, went up to Bethlehem, and there was born “in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Verse 11.
Cyrenius, a Roman senator and procurator, or collector of the emperor’s revenue, was employed to make the enrolment preparatory to the taxing. “This we learn from the joint testimony of Justin Martyr, Julian the Apostate, and Eusebius, when Saturninus was president of Syria, to whom it is attributed by Tertullian, and in the thirty-third year of Herod’s reign, or B. C. 5, the year of Christ’s birth, according to Eusebius.” — Dr. Hales. Four years before the Vulgar Era, or B. C. 5.
In order to destroy the infant Jesus, Herod “slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.” Matt. 2:16. This occurred a short time before Herod’s death, the time of which is determined by a lunar eclipse, a few days previous, March 13, B. C. 4.
“And when he [the child Jesus] was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast,” and he astonished the doctors by his “understanding and answers.” Luke 2:42-47. A. D. 8.
Tiberius was admitted by Augustus “colleague of the empire,” or partner in the government, in “the administration of the provinces,” and “in the command of the armies,” two or three years before his death, probably U. C. 765, which partnership was confirmed by a decree of the Roman Senate. This is the time from which most chronologists reckon the years of Tiberius. A. D. 12.
The reign of Augustus is reckoned forty-three years in the Canon of Ptolemy; but that dates, not from the battle of Actium, but from the death of Cleopatra, B. C. 30. Reckoning from the battle of Actium, it would lack but a few days of being forty-four years. Josephus reckons his reign fifty-seven and a half years, but dates from the death of Julius Cæsar, A. J. P. 4668. Following the Canon of Ptolemy, and dating from the death of Cleopatra, forty-three years extend to A. J. P. 4727. As the Vulgar Era is reckoned from January 1, A. J. P. 4714, which is A. D. 1, it follows that the reign of Augustus extended to A. D. 14.
At the death of Augustus Cæsar, a portion of the imperial army, called the Pannonian legions, refused to acknowledge the authority of Tiberius as successor to Augustus, and were in a state of revolt, till an eclipse, which occurred a few days after the death of Augustus, frightened them into their duty. This eclipse occurred September 27, U. C. 767, A. D. 14.
Tiberius Cæsar succeeded Augustus, and reigned, according to the Canon, twenty-two years, to A. D. 36.
“Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar [from his partnership with his father], Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” Luke 3:1-3. A. D. 26.
Pontius Pilate continued ten years in the government of Judea, and was then deposed for the massacre of the Samaritans, some time before the passover of U. C. 789, which preceded the death of Tiberius, March 16, U. C. 790. He was appointed U. C. 778, and reigned from A. D. 25 to A. D. 35.
Philip, tetrarch of Iturea, according to Josephus, died in the twentieth year of Tiberius, U. C. 787, after he had governed Trachonitis thirty-seven years, from B. C. 4 to A. D. 34.
Annas was appointed high priest by Quirinus, U. C. 760, in the thirty-seventh year after the battle of Actium, U. C. 723 (Josephus, Ant. 18, 2, 1), and continued in office about fourteen years, from A. D. 7 to A. D. 21. Caiaphas, the son-in-law of Annas, was appointed about U. C. 777, — A. D. 24, — and continued in office during the whole of the administration of Pilate — he being removed U. C. 789, A. D. 36. Annas, therefore, was the co-adjutor of Caiaphas, the reigning high priest at this time; and on account of his age, rank, and consequence was a man of the first consideration and influence in the state, and is therefore named in connection with Caiaphas.
“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11. “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.” Verses 14, 15. “And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age.” Luke 3:23. A. D. 27.
This epoch must mark the fulfilment of some definite period, or it would not be asserted that “the time is fulfilled.” The time here fulfilled can be none other than that given in Dan. 9:25: “Unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks” — 483 years. This length of time, reckoned back from A. D. 27, reaches to B. C. 457.
Thus, “when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Gal. 4:4, 5. — “Analysis of Sacred Chronology,” by S. Bliss, pages 177-181.
(To be concluded)
An Outline of History
THE prophecies of Daniel contain a long and marked outline of the history of the world. No subject is more familiar to every one who is the least versant in ancient history, than the successive dominion that was exercised over a great part of the earth by Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. Cyrus, Alexander the Great, and the Cæsars are historical names universally known to boyhood. And no less familiar to every student of prophecy, so soon as they are even initiated in the subject, is the symbolical description of these empires, as they are detailed in the book of Daniel.
Under the double representation of a great image, consisting of different parts, and a succession of wild beasts (the common Scriptural emblem of kingdoms), varying in nature and form, the great successive empires were symbolized, and these symbols were also explained, in such a manner as to leave no room for any variety of opinion among commentators, and to render superfluous any reiterated explanation. The prophet gives an interpretation of both; so that the general significance of the symbols, as denoting the kingdoms that in after ages were to arise in the earth, is happily neither left to conjecture nor exposed to any cavil.
The golden head of the image was expressly declared to be the kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar, or that of Babylon. When the vision was revealed, it existed in its prime. The God of heaven had given him a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. . . . He was the head of gold. After him “another kingdom” was to arise, inferior to his; namely, the united kingdom of Persia and Media, represented by the breast and arms of silver. This kingdom was, in its order, to be succeeded by another “third kingdom of brass,” “the brass-clothed Greeks,” which was to “bear rule over all the earth,” denoted, in the image, by “its belly and its thighs of brass.” . . . The iron legs of the image represent the iron kingdom of Rome, which extended at once over the west and the east, and which was the “fourth kingdom, . . . strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things.” — “The Signs of the Times,” by Alexander Keith, New York, 1832, Vol. I, pages 10, 11.
BENIGNE VALE
By Benigne Vale
Scolding
BENIGNE VALE
Even in Christian homes, scolding is too often an unpleasant and sinful habit, mingling the bitter with the sweet. The cause for justification is imaginary, for the Lord, through Paul, has said: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom. 12:21. Jesus knew temptations would arise, and therefore he has provided for us an armor in the day of battle with trials. This habit is often seen in the father or mother, and is usually caused by an overtaxed mind or body, or both. The cause should be removed, and greater care exercised in dealing with objects or themes which irritate. Strength to overcome this habit must come from the throne of grace.
A mother came into the house, and found her two boys (who desired to do right, but were overpowered by temptation) quarreling. She began singing a familiar hymn. The effect was magical. But little time elapsed before both boys joined in singing. How much better than to have scolded them! That was overcoming evil with good. Directing the mind to better things is a fruitful way of breaking up quarreling among children. Keeping them busy is another; but they should not be overtaxed, as that makes them irritable as easily as it does older people.
Scolding is a power exercised for evil, although the intent may be good. The good is nearly, if not wholly, lost, by the spirit which causes the unhappy tone of voice, and the hard and useless words of impatience. Scolding is an open acknowledgment of a lack of self-control, be the cause what it may.
I well remember an instance in my girlhood days of a father, two children, and myself walking to their home from the near-by village. The boy needed a pair of shoes, and said something about it to the father, who began enumerating the cost, wear, and tear, in a scolding tone, and kept it up till the boy made a longer distance between himself and his father, and I felt like doing the same. The shoes were doubtless purchased; as he was not unable to buy them. But the incident made a lasting impression on my mind. How much better is the course of the parent who takes real pleasure in providing for the needs of his children, and shares their joy in newly bought clothing.
Children will soon learn to look forward to the time when they can earn the money to buy their clothing, and not have to be scolded about it. Sorry situation! When the children are all gone, some one will have regrets, with plenty of time to think about them. On the other hand, children should be patiently taught to take care of their clothing, mend and keep it clean, but not by such stern and rigid means as to drive them from, instead of to, the lesson intended to be taught.
Children are usually easy to be appealed to when led in the right manner; and what is better missionary work than home missionary work? We can not know which one of our dealings with our children may be sealing their eternal destiny. Who can afford lightly to consider these practical things of life when we know how much of the destiny of our children is wrapped up in the influences and training of the home? Very many young people drift away from God because their homes were not what they should be. Some faithful ones survive through all, and live bright Christian lives. These are jewels in God’s building.
The most vivid memories of childhood and youth are the most pleasant and unpleasant incidents, and these often make or mar the whole life. Early impressions can not be wholly erased, and are always potent for good or ill. The cause for irritation of spirit will not cease till Jesus comes; and if we would live with the heavenly beings, a victory over this fault must be attained here. We must bring heaven into our lives and homes; then we can not fail to lead others to Jesus. Scolding drives away affection from both companion and children. It is never right, no matter what the cause may be. It only makes a bad matter worse. The one irritated blames the one scolded; when, if patience were exercised, there would be no such occasion.
Where no revolting is shown, indifference or discouragement is usually the result. Happy that child or person who seeks his God for help on such occasions. “We must subdue a hasty temper, and control our words; and in this we shall gain great victories. Unless we control our words and temper, we are slaves to Satan. We are in subjection to him. He leads us captive. All jangling, and unpleasant, impatient, fretful words are an offering presented to his satanic majesty. And it is a costly offering, more costly than any sacrifice we can make for God; for it destroys the peace and happiness of whole families, destroys health, and is eventually the cause of forfeiting an eternal life of happiness.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. I, page 310. “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” Col. 3:27. “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Prov. 15:1. “For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” Prov. 3:12.
Help Yourself
It is related of a wealthy Philadelphian, who has been dead these many years, that a young man came to him one day, and asked for help to start in business.
“Do you drink?” asked the millionaire.
“Occasionally.”
“Stop it! Stop it for one year, and then come and see me.”
The young man broke off at once, and at the end of the year again presented himself.
“Do you smoke?” asked the gentleman.
“Yes, now and then.”
“Stop it! Stop it for a year, and then come and see me.”
The young man went away, and cut loose from the habit; and after worrying through another twelve months, once more faced the philanthropist.
“Do you chew?”
“Yes.14
“Stop it! Stop it for a year, and then come and see me.”
But the young man never called again. When somebody asked him why he didn’t make one more effort, he replied, “Didn’t I know what he was driving at? He’d have told me that if I had stopped chewing, drinking, and smoking, I must have saved money enough to start myself.”—Detroit Free Press.
O Lord, My God
By Eliza H. Morton
ELIZA H. MORTON
O God of the weak and the erring,
O God of the night and day,
Remember me now in the darkness,
Remember me, Lord, I pray.
I'm down in the depths of the valley,
Far down where the shadows fall;
Before me I see but a blackness
That seems like a mighty wall.
O God of the sparrows and lilies,
O God of the wind and rain,
Look down from thy throne in the heavens,
Dispel all this aching pain,
Make clear all the pathway straight onward,
And thine shall the glory be,
For vain is the help of mortals
When tossed by the earth and sea.
O God of the rock and the mountain,
O God of the promise sure,
I thank thee for help when in trouble,
For strength to bravely endure;
I thank thee for sun on the snow-drifts,
For doors that are opening wide;
O God of the poor and the needy,
With me, O with me, abide!
North Deering, Maine.
Contagious Cheerfulness
How much easier it is to work briskly when whistling a merry tune! How our steps and our every movement will keep pace to an inspiring song! But deeper than this lies the emotional, if one might so call it, the spiritual effect—the toning of one's spirits, the raising of the drooping head, the invigorating of the flagging activity, when a noble song bursts upon the ear, or when a gentle, soothing refrain steals into the consciousness. Religion has stirred all the best that is within human nature by song. Helpfulness to self and to others, then, indorses the exhortation, “Sing on!”—Selected.
The Third Angel's Message in Ecuador
By J. W. Westphal
J. W. WESTPHAL
As one visits the different South American countries, and becomes better acquainted with the inner situation, it becomes more and more evident that this is, indeed, the “Neglected Continent.” In some of these a good beginning is made in missionary work by Protestants, and several denominations have become quite strongly established. However, others have only barely been touched, while the progress made shows that they are very difficult fields. One of the latter is the republic of Ecuador.
The occupation of Ecuador by missionaries covers a number of years. To-day there are less than twelve preaching stations. The number of hopeful conversions is set down at a very low figure—I was told at twenty. A missionary who had labored in Quito, the capital, for a number of years, informed me that he counted four persons converted as a result. The total number of workers is not more than twelve. Five of these are engaged in labor for the Indians. Three are ladies. Three—two gentlemen and a lady—have gone to labor among the savage Indian tribes east of the Andes. No conversions have been reported among the aborigines. The gentleman of Quito has returned to the States, to seek regular support for his work. Outside of Bible distribution work, which has not yet reached very large proportions, the efforts have been limited to but few places.
It is not without difficulties and persecutions that faithful, God-fearing men have endeavored to plant the gospel banner in this country. For many years Ecuador was a most dutiful child of the papacy; hence, every trespass upon her assumed prerogatives was firmly resisted. Although theoretically there is now full liberty in teaching the gospel of Christ, there are many places where it would not be safe to announce publicly the gospel of salvation. Roman Catholic sentiment is still sufficiently strong to use favorite Roman Catholic arguments. Recently when Brother T. H. Davis sold a Bible to two young men, they set fire to it, and burned it before him. There are still not a few who would feel justified in also burning the heretic.
However, there are many liberal-minded men in Ecuador. The Lord has clearly opened the way for the preaching of this closing message. About three years ago Brother Davis came to open up the work. He had previously had a successful experience as a pioneer in Chile, where he had labored as a colporteur. He is also following this work in his new field. He has been enabled to place in many homes Bibles, books, and tracts. About twenty months ago Elder George Casebeer came to assist in the work. Like so many missionaries, he had everything to learn—the language, the people, methods of labor, etc. He was literally tongue-tied for a long time. A little more than a year ago Ecuador was set apart as a separate mission field, with Brother Casebeer as superintendent.
While we can boast no great things for Ecuador, yet our missionaries have probably not been less successful than others. The first seeds of the third angel’s message had to be planted; and with no facilities to water, no large harvest could be expected so soon. Hereafter Elder Casebeer will be able to do public work in the Spanish language.
At Guayaquil one brother has accepted the truth, and he seems to believe it with all his heart. He had previously been baptized by the minister of another denomination. One or two others are interested—one a mixture of Chinese and Ecuadorian blood. At Ambato a young man of twenty-six years has accepted the message, and it was my privilege to baptize him, the first Seventh-day Adventist baptized in Ecuador. He is a man of the higher class, of good moral character, and of fair education, being a graduate of the National College of San Gabriel. He has been in the States, and speaks the English quite well, and was at the time of his conversion the teacher of English in the Ambato school. He had been a most firm believer in the Roman Catholic Church, and had considered it a great sin to entertain a doubt as to the genuineness and authority of the same. He was, therefore, afraid to enter into any discussion of her demerits. In school he had learned the Roman arguments against Protestants and heretics. But he wanted peace for his restless heart. This led him to converse with the brethren, and study, until he found the glorious light of the third angel’s message. Naturally, he has opposition from his people. His father, who is opposed, wants him to discuss these questions with the bishop of Quito, with whom the members of the family have always been warm friends. He has said that if the bishop can not meet his arguments, they will also accept this new religion. May the Lord strengthen this brother, and keep him humble, and make him a factor in this closing work.
I enjoyed my short stay in Ecuador. The brethren are of good courage, and are planning aggressive work for the future. After laboring along the coast during the cooler and more healthful months, they will probably enter Quito, the capital and metropolis. Their health is good. In fact, except during the warm, rainy months, along the coast,15and probably in the lowlands east of the Andes, the climate is healthful. Ambato is situated over eight thousand feet above sea-level, and the citizens claim to have the most healthful climate in the world.
There is a great work to be done in this field. Of the 1,200,000 inhabitants, 800,000 are pure-blood Indians. In the east there are savage tribes, but in the west they are measurably civilized, and are an inoffensive people, the cultivators of the soil. They must have the closing message. Pray for the brethren in Ecuador.
Lima, Peru.
The Fatal Cigarette
In one of his addresses to men at Beaumont, Dr. Len G. Broughton condemned the deadly cigarette: “What I shall say about the demoralizing and destructive effects of the cigarette habit is not the raving of a fanatic nor the vapid utterances of a crank. I was educated as a physician, and practised my profession for several years when I was a younger man. What I shall say on this subject I speak from personal knowledge of scientific truth, and I do not hesitate to say that the cigarette fiend every time he smokes a cigarette takes into his system absolute poison.”
Dr. Broughton declared that the paper of which the cigarette is made is impregnated with arsenic, and bleached in opium. The smoke is inhaled into the lungs, the poisonous gases are communicated through the blood to the brain and to the nerve-centers that control the moral sensibilities, stupefying and destroying. Soon the fine edge of moral distinction is blunted, the difference between right and wrong is blurred; and “any man who habitually smokes cigarettes for ten years, unless he is an exception to the general rule, will lie or steal or rob or commit adultery or commit murder”—or die! This is a strong indictment, and ought to arrest attention. Even those who think the language extreme will agree that every effort ought to be made to stop this deadly habit.—Baptist Standard.
Enjoying Our Own Opportunities
MANY of us miss the joys that might be ours by keeping our eyes fixed on those of other people. No one can enjoy his own opportunities for happiness while he is envious of another. We lose a great deal of the joy of living by not cheerfully accepting the small pleasures that come to us every day, instead of longing and wishing for what belongs to others. We do not take any pleasure in our own modest horse and carriage, because we long for the automobile or victoria that some one else owns. The edge is taken off the enjoyment of our own little home because we are watching the palatial residence of our neighbor. We can get no satisfaction out of a trolley ride into the country or a sail on a river steamer, because some one else can enjoy the luxury of his own carriage or yacht. Life has its full measure of happiness for every one of us, if we would only make up our minds to make the very most of every opportunity that comes our way, instead of longing for the things that come our neighbor's way.—Success.
Another Appeal from Brazil for Help
By F. W. Spies
F. W. SPIES
May 19 I embarked for the province of Espirito Santo, and on the twenty-second I reached our brethren of the Santa Maria church. They immediately renewed their petitions for a minister and a teacher to come to that province; “for,” they said, “we need a minister to look after the work here, and another teacher for our Santa Maria church-school. Our children are growing up to manhood and womanhood, and are not being educated.” To the truth of these statements I could only assent, and much did I feel the force of the brethren’s argument, and promised that, as far as my influence would go, I would use it to accomplish what they as well as I desired, in order that the Lord’s work might progress among them. Further, the brethren of this province have ever been faithful in supporting the work by paying, as a whole, a tithe, and giving liberal offerings. At least two thirds of the receipts from the North Brazil Mission come from this field. In consideration of all these things, I felt all the more the force, as well as the justice, of their demands. But, naturally, in order to send them the desired help, we must have more help in this large mission field.
Sabbath, May 25, I spent with the Santa Maria church. During the few days I remained in this section, I visited nearly all the brethren of the church, and found them generally encouraged, and in good spirits. It impressed me that, although there are still imperfections among them, this church has settled down to the work of living the third angel’s message and supporting it.
From Santa Maria I went to the Serro Pellado church, where I spent a week. At this place the evil one had been working through several of the members, and quite a number had for a time been influenced. But the Lord gave wisdom, and helped, so that the church, as a whole, took a solid stand for order and harmony with the body, and we trust that the few yet disaffected will realize where they are, and fully return to the fold. On the Sabbath spent here we had the privilege of baptizing two souls. During my stay among these brethren16(they are Germans) I conducted several Portuguese services on a large plantation near by, and regretted that I could not accept the invitation of the planter to stay there a month and preach the gospel to him and his people. He, having been raised a Catholic, never knew anything but Romanism; but having seen many inconsistencies among the priests, who professed to be holy men, he, as an educated man, became disgusted with everything bearing the name of religion. But when he heard the gospel preached in its simplicity and purity, calling men to forsake their sins, it at once arrested his attention, and he seemed ready to give it serious consideration. The work calling to me from so many quarters would not permit me to remain there longer than was absolutely necessary to set things in order in the church, and I had to comfort him with the hope of a worker coming soon to reside in that province.
Leaving Serro Pellado, I visited several families living at Manteiga and Cresciuma, some of whom, though living a day’s journey distant, belonged to the Serro Pellado church. Both at Serro Pellado and Manteiga I found the church-schools doing a good work, much to the satisfaction of our brethren. I then proceeded to Santa Joanna. Here we were made sad by having to cut off members who had apostatized from the truth. But we were also gladdened by the return of some who had formerly left the truth. These latter, with four youths who were baptized, helped to fill the places made vacant by those who had left the flock.
Returning to Santa Maria, from Santa Joanna, we buried four other souls with their Saviour, and celebrated the Lord’s supper, and then went on to Rio Chucá and Sopucaia. At these last-named places we have, all told, about twenty-nine members, some of whom have been keeping the Sabbath a number of years. But those who should have taken the lead failing to grow in grace, they not only did not progress, but some of them went backward, becoming again the slaves of tobacco; and, much as these desired a church organization, I had to tell them that until they repented and cleansed themselves of this sin, and dealt faithfully with the Lord, giving him his own in tithes and offerings, church organization would be impossible. I then directed them to Him that beareth the sins of the world. May they in living faith take hold of him, and find cleansing and healing from all their sins and imperfections. This province offers a number of openings for labor, and we can only pray that the Lord may soon open the way for a minister to devote his entire time to the work in this field.
On the fifth of July I again arrived in Rio, having done only the most necessary work among the churches and companies, and found here at the capital more work than several men can do, aside from other calls. But we trust in the Lord; for we know he will help.
Rio de Janeiro.
Reminiscences of the Days of Our Imprisonment
By H. J. Loebsack
How the Truth Made Its Way in Russia
H. J. LOEBSACK
“But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were enlightened, ye endured a great conflict of sufferings; partly, being made a gazing-stock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, becoming partakers with them that were so used.” Heb. 10:32, 33, R. V.
KALMUCKS AT WORSHIP
In the seventies of the last century, when the Separatists in southern Russia and the Baptists in eastern Russia began to spread out, the adherents of these teachings were most cruelly persecuted; they were thrown into jail and severely whipped with rods, and many of them emigrated, as did the Pilgrim Fathers, to the United States of America, “the land of freedom.” They pitched their tents in the Dakotas, Kansas, and Nebraska, built sod houses, and took up land.
But soon, through Brother Conradi (1881) and others, they heard this precious truth, and many accepted it. Printed matter was now sent by those who first accepted the truth to those of former like faith on the Volga in Russia, the Caucasus, and to southern Russia, and soon (1883) old Brother Reiswig went back to the Crimea, and distributed what he could of these publications.
Brother G. Perk accepted the truth in the Molotschna, and in July, 1886, Brother Conradi came to the Crimea from Switzerland, and began to hold lectures in Tapanschy. He was soon able to raise up a company; and just as they were celebrating the ordinances of humility and communion, both Brother Conradi and Brother Perk were arrested in Buerdebulat, and imprisoned in the district capital, Perckop, where they were obliged to spend forty days. This was the beginning of the work in the Crimea. The real beginning of the message on the Volgas can be said to date from that time.
In the same year (1886), Brother Conradi Laubhan, of Kansas, came to the Volga, and three years later Brother Jacob Klein also came. The fire which had been kindled by the publications still burned, and was greatly increased through the labors of these two men. In May, 1890, Brother Klein was falsely accused in a Russian village in the province of Astrakhan, and was brought to Nicolajewka, opposite Konnyschen, where he endured for seventeen days the horrors of a little dark jail, with a daily ration of dry fish, a cup of Kwas (a sour drink), and black sour rye bread. The
At this time I was staying in a school at Hamburg, and was hastily sent by Brother Conradi to the Volga in order to secure the release of Brother Klein; but as he had secured his liberty before I reached there, I remained and labored with him in the colony for one year.
In 1891 and 1892 Brother H. K. Loebsack and I canvassed in southern Russia and in the colony Marienpoler, of the Mari-enpoler district. One evening we were arrested, but the next morning we were released. We wrote to the governor of Katherinoslaw, for permission to canvass, but receiving none, we went to the Crimea. Here we were accused by the Catholics in Buerdebulat, and were imprisoned in Tschihiz, on Christmas, 1892. The policeman had not sufficient confidence in our brethren to leave us unguarded, but ordered from the nearest Tartar-aul two Tartars, who guarded us in Brother J. Scheuer’s house one night.
The next day our aged Brother H. Teske took us in his covered wagon a two-days’ journey in a snow-storm to Taganasch, to the Pristave (chief of police). At our request, the policeman who had arrested us, and who already felt disturbed over it, permitted us to heat the tea-urn on the way so we could warm ourselves some. Our books stood in a corner of the room in a sealed sack during the time we sat at tea as prisoners. All at once the children of the policeman fainted, and the physician later decided that it was due to the vapor from burning coals in the tea-urn. The policeman would have released us, but he feared the accusers.
We gathered courage from these incidents, for we saw that the Lord was with us, and that he troubled our enemies as he troubled the Philistines when the ark of the covenant was in their possession.
