These words have been the consolation and comfort of the true people of God in all ages, and under all circumstances, and especially when their surroundings seemed to them almost unendurable, and their enemies were about to triumph over them. When they were driven to their last extremity, and had proven their inability to care for themselves, then has our Heavenly Father interposed, and shown that he still careth for his children.
How plainly is his care made manifest in his dealings with the children of Israel during their bondage in Egypt. He says, I have seen their trials, and heard their groaning, and will bring them out of their afflictions unto a land of flowing milk and honey; and again he showed his care for them in opening the Red Sea, destroying their enemies; and in thus feeding them with angel’s food for a period of forty years’ while journeying through the wilderness; and finally in their introduction into the land of promise.
The prophets are an illustration of his care, as seen by his causing the ravens to bring Elijah bread and flesh, morning and evening, until the word of the Lord came unto him, bidding him arise and go to Zarephath where he had commanded a widow to sustain him. On arriving at the gate of the city, he found her gathering sticks in order to bake her last cake, that she and her son might eat and die. Elijah bade her bake him a cake first, and then make one for herself and son: “for thus saith the Lord, the barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail.” Thus did the Lord care for, and sustain, the prophet through a most severe famine of three years.
So also were Daniel and his companions made special subjects of his miraculous care—Daniel, by being preserved through a long, weary night in the lion’s den from the jaws of those ravenous beasts, and his companions, from the burning, fiery furnace, which their enemies had heated seven times hotter than usual.
These are not isolated instances of the Lord’s care for the children of men, but a few among the many; for he has said, “I will be with you always, even unto the end.”
When we are called to pass through the deep waters of affliction, how comforting to know that our Father tempers the wind and the wave; that they are only permitted to draw our minds from the transitory things of earth, that we may place them on Him—our never-failing source of strength. He has said, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Afflictions are only brought upon us to purge away the dross and cause the gold to shine the brighter.”
Unto those who are living in the last days, when Satan has come down in mighty power, knowing that his time is short, are these promises especially precious; for never in our world’s history was the care of our all-wise Heavenly Father more needed than at the present time, and never was it more manifestly shown than by the message of the third angel, which warns us against the worship of the beast, and the reception of his mark in our hands or in our foreheads, for those who worship the beast or receive his mark shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation.
This presents the most trying period the people of God ever have seen, or will see. On the one hand, the worship of the beast and the reception of his mark is enforced under the penalty of death; on the other, the wine of the wrath of God, poured out without mixture upon those who will basely and ungratefully set at naught his gracious warning. This constitutes the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth, and through which he has kindly pledged himself to keep his people. But the time for the saints’ rest has not yet come. Another terrific scene is yet to be witnessed by them—the pouring out of his unmixed wrath.
What is the condition of his people during this fearful time, when the scourge of God is falling upon the wicked around them? The Lord is their refuge and fortress; in him have they put their trust. “Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust; his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noon-day. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord which is my refuge, even the Most High thy habitation. There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”
MARY SISLEY.
Battle Creek, Mich.
Items of Thought.
By Jos. Clarke
He who waits for a special revelation or dispensation of Providence to correct his errors, will very likely fail to heed it when it comes, or reject it wholly.
As a general thing, we may understand what is duty if we have a common sense sanctified, and a conscience enlightened and unperverted; where it is otherwise, we should be very slow to trust our own judgments.
Reforms in practice, of appetite, or passion, where habit has long held control, are very difficult; but continued reading as to the nature and consequences of evil habits, will finally cut off the roots of vice; and prayer and watchfulness will undermine the supports of sin, and finally, a complete victory is gained.
A becoming manner of treating religious subjects, of correcting error, and of rebuking sin, is always indispensable; and even the style of religious writings, and religious music, must be ecclesiastical, not secular.
Unusual heat in debate, or excitement in exhortation, or of indignation in giving instruction, all operate against the spirit of true reform, and pure religion.
To distinguish when, where, and how, to speak, and to whom, is a gift from the Creator.
The farther people get from God, the more they represent that they are going in the opposite direction.
None are louder in the praise of virtue than those who reject her presence; and none dread severity more than those who are severe.
Jos. Clarke.
“Gather the Crumbs.”
By H. F. Phelps
A WORD TO FAULT-FINDERS.
“WHEN a man thinks that nobody cares for him, that he is alone in a cold and selfish world, he would do well to ask himself what he has done to make anybody care for and love him. Generally those who complain most, are those who do the least.” Now if I were a fault-finder—of course the writer and the reader are honorable exceptions to this title, we claim no share in any reproof or advice that may be given to this class of people—if I did find fault, I say, I think I would stop for a moment, and see if I could not get into better business; for as long as I find fault, I am saying to others, I can find nothing else to do.
T. De Witt Talmage, says in the description of such a man, “He was always like a hedgehog with his quills always on end. If such persons should get into Heaven, they would fall out with St. Peter, would find fault with the music, and get mad because the walls were not plumb.” Such people should educate themselves “to look on the bright side. It depends very much how we look at things, as to whether they look bright or black.”
So now, Mr. Fault-finder—not myself—please find something else to do, that should you happen to make your exit from this world, it may not be all rejoicing, but that some one may be able to say, He did one good deed.
THISTLES IN A NEIGHBOR’S FIELD.
A farmer, discovering a thistle in his neighbor’s field, jumped over the fence, and cut it close to the ground. Being asked if that were his field, he replied, “Oh, no! Bad weeds do not care for fences; if I should leave that thistle to blossom in my neighbor’s field, I should soon have plenty in my own.”
Although selfishness is to be condemned, yet we may perhaps learn a lesson from the farmer, who looked at his own benefit rather than that of his neighbor. We should pluck up the weeds of sin wherever we find them, and sow the good seed of truth. And if we are only careful to pluck up the weeds, in the right spirit, and drop a good seed in its place, some, yes, many, of these seeds may spring up and bear fruit unto eternal life, and oh! how rich may be our harvest in the end.
A WORD TO PREACHERS.
A writer in the Methodist says, “Many preachers are not converted. In fact, they deny the old-fashioned gospel work of conversion, such as Paul felt, and Bunyan, and John Wesley, and Geo. Whitefield. Their hearts are not in the work. They hanker after the world. Their dress, their daily food, their novel-reading, their trifling conversation, all betray this. How can such preachers give life to a congregation? They have no holy fire themselves.”
Of course, I do not quote these words as applicable to any of our older preachers; but may I not say to those who with me are just entering upon this work, Let us be careful that none of the above remarks ever become applicable to us. Let us seek a fresh conversion. Let us have our heart in the work. Cease hungering for the world. Let worldly things come in as a thing of little importance. And as to novel-reading—I need hardly name it—and trifling conversation, let them be forever abandoned. Get the fire of truth into our very beings, and let it burn all the dross. “Be ye holy that bear the vessels of the Lord.”
Let us throw our whole effort into the work of saving souls. Let us make a success of this work, or die in the attempt, not cling to our business, till we find whether we can make a success of that or not; for if I am not mistaken, this will be a hindrance. But first being sure that God has a work for us, then give all, and as Baxter said,
“I’ll preach as though I ne’er should preach again,
And as a dying man to dying men.”
If we throw our whole souls into the work, will God fail to bless? I think not. May the Lord give me more grace, wisdom, humility, and love for perishing souls, and save some if possible, through so weak an instrument.
H. F. PHELPS.
The Last Papal Allocution.
On the 22d of December, 1872, Pope Pius assembled his cardinals, and delivered to them an allocution, very characteristic of himself. Other men, at the blessed Christmas season, try to think and speak kindly even of their enemies, but the pope consigns his to perdition, and tells them that they have ipso facto incurred excommunication. The special object of his anger is a proposed law of the Italian kingdom to sell the real estate and other property of the religious orders, and to place the proceeds in the public treasury. This law has been already enforced in most of the Italian territory. It is now contemplated to apply it to Rome.
It must be remembered that the authority of corporations, religious or secular, to hold property is derived from the State, and that the State can, of right, limit the extent of corporate possessions. When corporate property so increases as to endanger the State, the State may very properly take possession of it. This right has been exercised all over Europe, in America, and in Mexico.
But the pope, in his allocution, denies the authority of Italy to take possession of the property of the religious orders. He waxes hot in his denunciation of the new law. “It attacks,” he says, “the very foundation of the true social civilization which the religious orders, with unceasing labor and equal courage and constancy, have promoted and perfected, not only in our territory, but which they have brought and still bring to foreign and barbarous nations, despising difficulties, dangers, losses, even life itself.”
Pius declares all such laws to be void. Hear him: “We pronounce invalid whatever is done against the rights and patrimony of the church. We declare absolutely null and void any acquisition, by any title, of the stolen goods.” Here is affirmed once more the supremacy of the church over the State in all matters relating to church property. That the church will ever concede the rights of the State, where it is itself concerned, we need not expect. But we wish Americans to get clearly before their minds the87unchangeable principles of Romanism, so that they may know how to deal with it when our turn comes. If we are ignorant now or hereafter, it will be our own fault.—Methodist.
Report from Missouri and Kansas.
By George I. Butler
My last report closed about Jan. 4, when I reached Elk Falls, Howard Co., Kansas. I remained there three weeks, giving some lectures and preaching to the Sabbath keepers preparatory to organizing a church. Held, in all, over thirty meetings. One family embraced the Sabbath. I organized a church of twelve members. Others will join when they get letters from the churches from which they moved. Bro. Chas. F. Stevens, formerly of Waukon, Iowa, was elected and ordained elder. Bro. O. S. Stevens was elected treasurer. Systematic Benevolence was pledged for the ensuing year to the amount of $117.00. Upwards of ten dollars were raised for the purpose of purchasing tracts for distribution in the community to help forward the interest raised by the meetings. The brethren here raised $80.00 toward the purchase of the Southern Missouri and Kansas tent, and sent $53.00 to the State Conference treasury, although not organized, or admitted to the Conference. If some of the churches already in it would do as well, there would be more appearance of work and more evidence of financial faithfulness than there has been.
We had several severe storms while I was there, and the day I left for northern appointments was quite severe. We had forty miles to go over the prairies to reach the nearest depot. That night was the coldest seen in Kansas for many years. Near the very southern line of the State, it was twenty-two degrees below zero; at Ft. Scott, twenty-eight below; at Mound City, thirty or thirty-three below, by different thermometers. Every one was surprised at the cold so far south. I was not able to reach my next appointment, at Mound City, by the most diligent use of my time, till Sabbath morning, on account of the blockaded condition of the railroads. Several trains stuck in the snow drifts all night long. This was very uncommon in Kansas. I found the brethren and sisters from Centerville waiting for us at Mound City; otherwise, none were present, from abroad. Our meeting was very small. But few of the Mound City church were present, not having received the paper containing the appointment. Under these discouraging circumstances, all we could do was to preach to the few who did come. We could do but little in reference to S. B., because most of the brethren were absent. One brother pledged $25.00. I judge the church may be relied upon for $75.00 for the ensuing year if the matter of raising means be properly attended to.
At the earnest desire of the Centerville friends, I went home with them, to help in some matters of difficulty. Was present at two business meetings and assisted what I could. We trust the difficulties were left in a condition more satisfactory to the church generally. The church unanimously passed a resolution requesting the Conference Committee to appoint the next Conference and camp-meeting in their vicinity, pledging themselves to assist in the preparations necessary for it. Bro. Ayers was elected clerk and treasurer.
The following Sabbath and Sunday, I was with the Big Springs’ church, as appointed in REVIEW. Held, in all, six meetings. The going was bad, but we had a good attendance and our meetings were profitable. There was also a good attendance from the outside that manifested respect and interest. This church is fortunate in having some members, at least, who are in earnest, and who believe the whole truth. They are young in the cause, but seem willing to receive light on the Testimonies and Health Reform. This gives good ground for hope as to their future prosperity in the present truth. In our meeting Monday, Bro. LaFayette Kennedy was elected treasurer. Systematic Benevolence was re-signed for the ensuing year. It will probably amount to about $100.00 when one or two who were absent shall also sign.
This was my last meeting in Kansas. On my way home, I had the privilege of seeing Bro. T. J. Butler a few hours. He tells me that ten more have taken their stand on the Sabbath in his neighborhood, where the tent was pitched last. These are reliable people, mostly members of the Baptist church. He will spend some time there, visiting and trying to do what he can for their prosperity. His pecuniary embarrassment still remains, but he feels like doing all he can in the good cause.
Thus closes my ten weeks of labor in the Kansas and Missouri Conference. I stop but a few days at home, and shall then go to Battle Creek, to assist in matters of preparation for the General Conference. During these ten weeks I have had an opportunity to become quite well acquainted with the condition of things in the Conference. In some respects, the trip has been a discouraging one. The weather has been cold and stormy, the traveling very hard, the meetings generally small, and no great results perceptible. But I have had an opportunity to see things as they actually exist, with no great excitement to raise false hopes.
I conclude there are some features of encouragement for the prosperity of this Conference. There are already two tents purchased, and men enough within its bounds to man them and run them, if they be consecrated to the work and properly supported. And it seems to me very evident that there must be plenty of good fields of labor, for there has been a large emigration from the most intelligent and substantial sections of our country. Church lines have not been as closely drawn as in older States, and there is a good amount of the spirit of investigation in many places.
The cause there is especially weak financially. Although organized for over two years, there has scarcely been any such thing as a State treasury thus far. The General Conference must have expended several thousand dollars for the support of the missionary labor it has sent them, while some of the largest churches within the bounds of the Conference have scarcely contributed any thing at all. Others have done better. But there has been a great lack in these things, and the Conference is suffering the consequences of it. I have tried to help, especially in this direction. Some $700.00 have been subscribed for the ensuing year in the places where I have labored. This, in addition to what Bro. Lawrence has raised, and what may still be subscribed if there is a general taking hold, ought to raise from $1000. to $1200. Much more than this might be raised, if all felt the interest they should.
The truth is, there are many brethren scattered over the Conference who have moved from older fields, who have paid nothing at all for the support of the cause since going there, and yet urge their claims for labor. It cannot be denied that many who have gone there have become far more absorbed in land speculations and prospective profits, than in the progress of their faith. It is also a fact that quite a number of those who have moved from old churches, went away from them not in all respects with the right feelings. They were in a measure soured and not in full harmony with the spirit of the work, but glad to be free from the admonitions and counsels of their brethren. Generally these have not improved by their absence. There are some who feel really in earnest, and are in union, heart and soul, with the work. Altogether, the spiritual condition of the cause is far too low. If the brethren generally will realize the condition of things as they exist, become really in earnest, and make the cause of God first in their affections, and each be willing to do what he can to aid it in this its time of need, by contributing to its support, there is no reason why it may not go forward gloriously. In this case, the General Conference will doubtless do what it can to aid them. But if there should be no greater interest than in the past, it seems to me there is a dark time before them. Our brethren at a distance cannot be expected to bear their own burdens, and the general burdens of the cause, and expend means largely when those who live on the ground do not feel an interest to co-operate heartily in the work. We really hope the former course will be pursued, and that the brethren there may save themselves and others also.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Feb. 14, 1873.
Missouri Meetings Close Amid Methodist Opposition
By J. H. Cook; J. Lamont
Missouri.
At Rockford school-house, three Methodist ministers came to try to controvert our positions. If success depended upon boastful language and calling us hard names, they certainly did their part. We withstood them for three nights. The fourth they left the field, and left us with a good congregation with which to close our meeting. Fourteen are keeping the Sabbath in the neighborhood of Rockford and Bethel school-houses, and we confidently expect that more will join them soon. We design to return to Bethel school-house the second Sabbath in March, to finish labors there, which had to be suspended on the account of the house being so open that the congregation could not be kept from suffering with the cold.
J. H. Cook.
J. Lamont.
PRAYER
“Let prayer be the key of the morning, and the bolt of the evening.”
WHEN the glory of the morning
Breaketh into day,
In the solemn stillness kneeling,
To thy Father pray.
At the noon-day, lest its burdens
Lead thy thoughts astray;
To thy weary task awaiting,
Close thy eyes and pray.
When the last beam from the west,
Slowly fades away;
In the sacred twilight resting,
Forget not to pray.
In thy spirit’s hour of meekness,
As with subtle snare,
Drawn within the tempter’s power
Refuge seek in prayer.
And when earthly hopes are stealing
From thy arms away;
And the joys of life receding,
Do not weep, but pray.
When your hands unclasp forever,
And the pains are here,
Make the thrilling heart-strings quiver;
There is rest in prayer.
Through life’s greeting, and its changes,
Past its dawning fair,
To the night which all awaiteth,
There is need of prayer.
Pride as the Cause of Downfall
PRIDE thrust Nebuchadnezzar out of men's society; Saul out of a kingdom; Adam out of paradise; Haman out of court; and Lucifer out of Heaven.
Oak Orchard, N. Y.
By R. F. Cottrell
THE favorable omens in regard to the interest here became less favorable when the subject of the Sabbath was reached. When professed Christians see that something is required of them besides exhorting sinners to be converted to the low level of those who say, Lord, Lord, but do not the things that he commands, they are apt to draw back. So it was here. Besides this, cold weather and storm had something to do in breaking off the meetings. I do not despair, however, of some good being accomplished by the seed that has been sown, if it is properly watered. May God help in doing this. And may I have the prayers of the people of God, that I may be able to do my duty and accomplish something in the salvation of men.
R. F. Cottrell.
Report from Bro. Lawrence.
By R. J. Lawrence
My last report was from Wathena, Kan., Jan. 3. I spent two weeks at that place; and at Palermo, held four meetings, and visited among the friends of the truth. The Palermo church is doing well under the supervision of their elder, Bro. Chaffee. I visited Bro. Steward of St. Joseph. Found him and his wife holding on to the truth, though alone. I also called on W. W. Jilz. He has given up the Sabbath.
The 16th, went to Civil Bend, where I visited several families and spent the Sabbath with the church.
The 21st, went to Bro. T. J. Butler’s. Found them well, and of good courage. The 22d, Bro. Butler left with me, to commence meetings in a new place, some five miles from his home. As I came to the railroad I took the cars for Rock Island. The train ran off the track, which threw it behind time. On account of that, and the terrible storm, I was from thursday, four o’clock, until evening after the Sabbath, ten o’clock getting to Nora, Ill., some two hundred miles. I spent two days with Bro. Higley’s family, himself and wife being in Michigan. Here I met with Bro. R. F. Andrews.
The 28th, I went to Winnebago. Visited my brother and sister. Also renewed my acquaintance with Bro. Stevens, who embraced the Sabbath when I was there two years ago. Friday P. M., Bro. Stevens and self went to Rockton, twenty miles, and spent the Sabbath. Called on Bro. Steward. Found them somewhat in earnest in the truth. In the evening, returned to Winnebago.
February 3d and 4th, went to Battle Creek, where I spent three days. The 7th went to Detroit and stopped with my daughter. Sabbath attended meeting at Bro. Morton’s. Himself, wife, and family, Sister Walker and daughter; with myself composed the congregation. We had a good meeting. These friends seem to be in earnest. May the Lord bless them, and give them grace and strength to live out the truth in that large city.
Monday, the 10th, came home, after an absence of one year and four days. Found all well. Although they have had considerable sickness the past summer. What my future will be, is yet to be determined. I wish to say to the friends of the cause in Missouri and Kansas, I have done what I could, though I have not accomplished as much as I hoped to when I went there. Four new churches have been organized in the northern part. Systematic Benevolence has been increased between four and five hundred dollars. Reports from the southern part may nearly double this amount. I feel an interest in that Conference. May the blessing of the Lord rest upon the cause there.
R. J. LAWRENCE.
Feb. 12, 1873.
Oakland Co., Mich.
By Albert M. Weeks
I HAVE been laboring as the way appeared to open before me since last report. Have met with some success, yet have not seen that abundant fruit I so much desire.
Have been, for nearly two weeks, holding meetings two miles west of White Lake, in a school-house known as the Stone school-house. The interest is good. The evening that I spoke from the fourth commandment, as I came to the school-house at an early hour, I counted eleven teams hitched around the house. Others came afterwards. The house was crowded to its utmost capacity. After meeting, I was glad to hear the expression in the crowd before me, “That is plain.”
I try to commit my way to the Lord and labor on.
ALBERT M. WEEKS.
J. CRANDALL
By J. Crandall
Massachusetts.
My last report was from South Amherst. I continued my labors there until most of the present truth was fairly presented to the people. The interest was good to the end, but the most bitter opposition I have ever met with, or heard of, prevailed. Certain lewd fellows and girls of the baser sort came into our closing meeting, on Sunday eve (encouraged, no doubt, by the opposition of some of the church), with the avowed intention of having a row. They brought their pockets full of corn, to throw about the house, but there was so much of the power of God present that they were measurably restrained, insomuch that they did not seriously disturb the meeting. Throughout the community, the very atmosphere seemed filled with the wrath of the dragon. Threats were freely made to ride me out of town on a rail. Some, even of the church, said they would like to help do it. I was hooted at as I passed along the street, accused of breaking up families, &c.
Six have taken a stand on the truth. Two or three others have expressed their intention of doing so. Others are as thoroughly convinced, but in spite of faithful labor and earnest entreaty they are unwisely waiting, to see if obstacles will not be removed that now stand in the way of their obeying the truth. May God help these dear souls to realize the worth of eternal life, to sacrifice present good, the riches, honors, and pleasures of this present time, that they may secure a share in the immortal inheritance.
I obtained three subscribers for REVIEW, three for Instructor, and two for Reformer. Circumstances beyond my control make it necessary for me to remain at home for the present.
J. CRANDALL
Athol, Feb. 10, 1873.
New Hampshire.
By P. C. Rodman
We have given eighteen lectures in this place. The congregation averages about sixty. I have commenced on the Sabbath question. A few families are quite interested, and I hope a few will decide to obey and walk in the light. I have appointments through this week, every evening.
Pray for us, that God may bless, and the truth be made effectual in gathering a few here. P. C. RODMAN.
Feb. 10, 1873.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
KILLED, by an engine, on the Flint and Pere Marquette R. R., at Smith’s crossing, six miles east of Midland, Mich., Jan. 19, 1873, Charles D. Swan, aged forty-five years. He was crossing the track with a load of logs, sitting with his back to the coming engine, and, no sign being given, either by whistle or bell, he knew nothing of its approach until it was upon him. He was thrown between five and six rods from the track and killed instantly. He was brought to Battle Creek, where his family reside, and where the funeral was held on Thursday, the 23d. He leaves a wife and three children to mourn their loss. Discourse by the writer from 2 Tim. 1:8–10.
I. D. Van Horn.
DIED, in Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., sister Mary Crosbie, aged twenty-two years.
Thus another has passed away, leaving a clear evidence to mourning friends that she sleeps in Jesus. It is hoped that her last life-work in warning and entreating the dear ones to meet her in the soon-coming kingdom of God will not be forgotten, and that they will pay their vows. God will help them. The long procession that followed the remains from the parental roof, showed that she was loved in life, and in death not forgotten. Words of comfort were spoken to a large congregation, in the Methodist meeting house at the Bridge, kindly offered for the occasion, from 1 Thess. 4:18.
C. O. Taylor.
DIED, in Monterey, Mich., Feb. 7, of cerebro-spinal fever, sister Adelia Frank, wife of Bro. Geo. Frank, and daughter of Stephen and Harriet Gardner, also sister of Hortense Gardner, who died at Battle Creek last summer. She was in the twenty-third year of her age. She was sick only one week, but suffered much. She promised Hortie on her death bed that she would try to meet her in Heaven; and in the last Sabbath meeting before her death, she told us that she had been trying since then to get back to the Lord and his people. After she was taken sick, in answer to prayer, she obtained an evidence that her sins were all forgiven, and seemed to have no doubts afterward.
At the funeral, last Sabbath, some remarks were made by the writer from Rev. 14:13.