Earlier text: THE MEMORYDON'T DROP IT.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Don't drop it, I beseech you, dear brethren. What is that? It is the blessed custom, everywhere adopted by Seventh-day Adventists, of commencing and closing the Sabbath with family prayers. From the very beginning of our history this devout custom has been established among us. Friday afternoon all the work, in the house and out, is done up before the sun goes down. The brethren shave, black their boots, wash, change their clothes, and have all out-door chores finished. The children are bathed and in order; and just as the sun is disappearing in the west all the family are called together, and the old family Bible is taken down and a portion of it read. Then a proper hymn is sung, and all bow in prayer before God. The father prays, and the mother prays, and every Christian in the household takes a part; and thus they enter upon the observance of God's ever-blessed and delightful Sabbath day. This binds the beginning of it. Then, again, at the close of the Sabbath we do the same as at the beginning. This insures a proper and sacred observance of God's holy rest-day. But I am sorry to say that I know of many cases, even among our older brethren, where in later years this custom is being dropped. They come up to the Sabbath day on Friday evening in confusion and without any recognition of the commencement of God's holy time. And so at the close of the Sabbath. It is suffered to pass away and nothing is done to mark its close; but each one, just as soon as the face of the sun is out of sight, hurries off to his chores or other work. I have often felt grieved to see this. It looks to me like an unmistakable evidence that these persons are backsliding from God. Perhaps some of our younger brethren have not been properly instructed in this matter; and I want to ask our ministers if they are doing their duty in regard to it, or if they themselves are not growing slack and backsliding from God in the proper observance of the Sabbath. For my part, I never want to see the day come when this pious custom shall be laid aside among our people. Brethren, if any of you have carelessly dropped this custom, resolve now to take it up anew; and if any of those who are young in the truth have never adopted it, we earnestly advise them to do so immediately. A. S. HUTCHINS
By A. S. Hutchins
Another series of T. and M. quarterly meetings is past. It is now too late to speak at length of the interest manifested in these meetings and those which I held at different points between them. I wish, however, to say for the encouragement of those interested in this very important branch of our work, that I have never attended a more encouraging round of these meetings. In some districts there certainly is an increasing interest to see this work prosper. Yet we may safely say that our larger churches do not act the part they should here. God has been crowning feeble efforts in this direction with a measure of success. It has been gratifying to meet with precious souls who have come to a knowledge of the truth by reading. The meeting at Wolcott, at which we held the district and State quarterly meeting, was considered as among the best ever held in this place, except larger gatherings. The director aims to breathe the spirit of courage into the people, and there has been some important work done by himself and some of the old hands in the Wolcott church in helping others into the truth. They had awakened an interest at Green River (six miles from W.), by visiting, and by our publications, and holding meetings. Two had commenced the observance of the Sabbath, and two more committed themselves in favor of it at this meeting. I went to that place last week and held two evening meetings, remaining over the Sabbath. I think we may safely count five here in all, who have started to keep all the commandments of God. The interest on the Sabbath question here was raised by a few minutes’ conversation which one of our brethren had with one of these friends at the Methodist camp-meeting at Morrisville, last August. The presence, words of instruction, of hope, and good cheer, of our aged brother, Eld. A. Stone, gave life and interest to the Wolcott meeting. He walked much farther to meet with us than many young men would feel they could. Our brethren in the State have voted to take five thousand Health Almanacs. Let these be judiciously distributed, and none can tell the amount of good they may accomplish. Irasburgh, Vt., Nov. 14, 1876. Systematic Benevolence Pledges for 1877
By H. A. St. John
DEAR BRETHREN: The time draws near for the arrangement of s. b. for 1877. Will the new year begin and find any of your pledges unpaid? I hope not. Make earnest effort to pay your vows. Systematic Benevolence treasurers, kindly but faithfully labor to secure a completed work, pledges all paid, and s. b. books square. We are hopeful in the matter. We are hoping and praying for a revival of the cause of the Lord among his people in Ohio, on the basis of Mal. 3:10. H. A. St. John. WHAT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WOULD LIKE.
—Father Hecker, in one of his addresses in New York, said: “The Catholic Church numbers one-third the American population, and if its members shall increase for the next thirty years as for the thirty years past, in 1900 Rome will have a majority, and be bound to take this country and keep it. There is, ere-long, to be a State religion in this country, and that State religion is to be Roman Catholic.”—Christian Press. Letter from R. A. Stewart in Colorado
R. A. Stewart lives in Jefferson Co., Col., on Bear Creek, ten miles above Morrison and twenty-two from Denver. He says, “If any of the brethren or sisters want to come here for rest or health, my door is always open.” He also says, “I think that if some of our ministers would come out here and try, some good might be done in this new State. I do so long to hear some one preach the truth.” CONFESSION AND DECLARATION OF FAITH.
By Angie M. A. Cornell
A FEW days since, I was conversing with a dear brother and sister just from the East, and they were telling me about the good camp-meeting they had attended in New York, when the sister remarked that very many did not understand how I stood with reference to spiritualism; and she thought it would be well for me to define my position in the Review, that all might know my true standing. My own judgment acquiesced in this suggestion; and, by the help of the Lord, I will endeavor to tell you what are my present views and feelings with regard to that which God’s people look upon as a most stupendous error and delusion. As to how I came to believe it, I will merely say, that in a time of great trial and darkness I was thrown under its influence; and, gradually, almost unconsciously, I imbibed its sentiments, until the light of present truth grew dim, and lost its clearness and beauty in my mind. But I never endorsed many of the doctrines of spiritualism, and some of them were always repulsive to me. I ever retained my former ideas of the personality of God, his special providences, &c., which they wholly discard. Among the Adventists, I had been accustomed to union, harmony, and order; but, in the ranks of spiritualists, I found the reverse of all this. There was confusion and contention, some apparently glorying in it. When I found there was no hope for any better state of things, but, on the contrary, that it rather grew worse, I became tired and disgusted, and finally ceased to attend their meetings almost wholly. I stood thus for about a year, holding scarcely anything167 in common with them, except the doctrine of spirit communion; and, during this time, I was thrown more or less into the society of God’s people, and the Lord was impressing my mind and affecting my heart with the truths I had formerly esteemed so precious. And so, gradually, as I had been drawn away from the truth, has God in his great mercy led my wandering footsteps back to the true fold and Shepherd. From my childhood, I was blessed with pious parents, and I could never wholly forget their fervent prayers and songs of praise around the family altar, in which we all united. The memory of these followed me, and ever had a restraining influence over me. And though these loved ones now sleep, and I often sadly remember that they had no hope for me when they were laid away to rest, yet, through the mercy of God, I do have some hope that I may be among the first to greet them as they arise, and that together we shall magnify the wonderful love and mercy of God in snatching me from the snare of Satan. God can read the heart, and he knows when to inspire hope, and when to speak forgiveness to the trembling soul, sick of sin and earnestly desiring to return once more to its Father’s house. I am greatly indebted to my dear sister in the flesh and her companion for their timely words of encouragement and sympathy, and their prayers, which helped me much in my warfare with sin and error. There are others also whose memory I shall ever bless for their good words, which gave me fresh zeal and courage to press my way through the darkness, and not rest until I should know that God accepted and owned me as his child, and I could feel that I had the seal of his forgiveness. I feel sad and sorrowful when I remember how I have wounded God’s cause, and grieved and troubled his people, many of whom were very dear to me; and I have never ceased to esteem them. I rejoice to-day in the blessed assurance that I do enjoy God’s pardoning love and mercy; and may I not hope that his dear people will also forgive my wrongs and errors, and pray that I may from henceforth be strong to resist evil, reject error, and cleave to the truth? I have sought the Lord and his mercy with many prayers and tears, and with humble penitence; and, during the past year and a half, I have had some most precious experiences, tokens of God’s favor, that seem of more real value to me than all this world could bestow. To define my position in brief, I would say, I do most unqualifiedly renounce spiritualism, believing it to be the work of Satan to lead astray, deceive, and destroy. While I accept the Bible as God’s word divinely given, and would cling to it as my guide through the perils of these last days, Jesus, as the world’s Redeemer and our loving, pitying Saviour, never seemed so precious as now. Truth, as believed and taught by Seventh-day Adventists, I most heartily endorse; and I am deeply interested in its advancement. And I am striving to get ready for the coming of Jesus, which I feel is very near. May I hope for your prayers, that I may make earnest, thorough work in forsaking the wrong and doing the right, that the city’s pearly gates may not be closed against me when the redeemed shall be gathered home, but that, being washed from every sin in the blood of the Lamb, I may find with them an abundant entrance into the heavenly city. DALLAS, OHIO.
By T. M. Steward
After taking down our tent, I labored on as the way opened till it seemed best to let the people rest. Then I visited families; and, although they are slow to move, yet they are reading and thinking about these things. Some have sent for the SIGNS. Last Sabbath I was at Antioch, and had a good meeting. One more was baptized. There are some thirty-five Sabbath-keepers in that place. Others are reading. I think the truth has taken a firm hold of many in this vicinity. The way is fairly open for future labor. Pray for me. In hope and with courage, T. M. STEWARD. REPORT OF LABOR.
By C. H. Bliss
I commenced a course of lectures about two weeks ago in the Sugar Grove school-house, about six miles west of Henry. The weather, part of the time, has been bad. Farmers are also in the midst of corn pickings; yet the attendance has been good from the first. A part of the time, more are out than can get seats. There is no organization here of any kind; and, if the Lord will favor us, I hope for good results. Henry, Marshall Co., Ill., Nov. 13, 1876. Dist. No. 1: J. W. Lucas, J. G. Benton, Elsie M. Gates, and H. W. Cottrell. Dist. No. 2: A. M. Mann, B. B. Francis, E. C. Penn, and Emma M. French. Dist. No. 3: R. A. Underwood, Wm. Chinnock, Emma J. Bane, and Arvilla Lampson. Dist. No. 4: James Rowe, Irwin Edgerton, A. A. Hutchins, and M. E. Guilford. Dist. No. 5: J. J. Boardman, J. B. Gregory, F. H. Clymer, and M. T. Olds. Dist. No. 6: Wm. F. Cross, J. O. Young, C. G. Daniels, and T. F. Eames. The above are designated as canvassers, to make a specialty of THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES and the HEALTH REFORMER, clubbing them with the new “Way of Life,” Sunshine Series, &c. “Drafted, are we?” Oh! no, no! only selected, and urged to prepare to enter the field at once, or obtain a substitute. We have selected such as we hoped could and would leave home to do the Lord’s work. The way is open just the same for any others who may feel a burden of the work. We have placed first on the list in each district the director, who will have an oversight of the work, and through whom all the business will be done. Any others in the several districts who wish to engage in the work should report themselves to the directors, who will assist them in obtaining the necessary outfit. Do you say that you cannot make the sacrifice, that you must needs labor for the support of your family? In reply we would say that arrangements will be made to take this out of the way of efficient, consecrated workers. If possible, the canvassers must be obtained at any reasonable sacrifice on the part of the T. and M. Society and Conference. Do you inquire how to go about the work? Read the REVIEW carefully, and appeal to your director for definite instructions. Directors will order through the president, “Way of Life,” “Sunshine Series,” Receipt Books, &c., as their agents need. Come, brethren, let not this good work lag for want of men. Think of the love of God in sending you eternal truth. Think of the value of these precious truths to yourselves. Think of the multitudes groping in darkness all around. Think of the short time to labor, and the awful day of wrath in the near future. Think how these periodicals may prove a blessing to your fellows, both here and hereafter, and with these great thoughts filling your souls, go forth with prayer and zeal to sow the good seed of the kingdom. WHO WILL BE THERE?
By Horace Graham
When our earthly life is done,
When our onward race is run,
When all worldly hopes and pleasures
Perish with its hoarded treasures,
Shall we meet beyond the portal
Of the heavenly kingdom fair?
Shall we greet our friends immortal,
Glorified and happy there?
Shall we meet? Will life's frail and rocking boat,
That will hardly keep afloat
On time's ever-shifting water,
Reach the home of Him that bought her?
Shall we, shall we, ever enter
The fair haven of that shore,
Where ne'er comes the chill of winter
And the dwellers sin no more?
Shall we gain Heaven? Of our dearest friends below,
Who've been called from earth to go,
Who, oh! who, will be in Heaven
When the crown of life is given?
When the fair immortals meeting
Round the vernal tree of life,
Each exchange a heavenly greeting,
Free from woe, and pain, and strife,
Oh! who will be there?
—Horace Graham, in Missionary Worker. Battle Creek, Mich., Nov. 9, 1876
By H. A. St. John
THE roads were very bad, nevertheless our meetings in this district were all well attended. We were sorry, however, not to see more of our brethren from distant parts of the district. Much sickness in the Bowling Green church has crippled the missionary work in this district. The director has not been able to get around among his brethren, which is very necessary to the success of the good work. Directors should make diligent effort to circulate among their brethren, in order to promote a continual growth of interest in the missionary work. When this kind of work is neglected by the director, there will ever be a lack of efficiency and interest. We have an order for 1400 almanacs for this district. We were sorry not to find any one who could promise to make a specialty of obtaining subscribers for THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES and other periodicals during the winter months. Yet we are not without some hope and assurance that this important work will not be entirely neglected in this section. Eld. T. J. Butler was with us here, and assisted in the preaching. Some actions were taken by the church in their business meeting, which, we humbly trust and pray, may work for the good of the church. We hope these meetings will be the beginning of better days to this large church. If they will strive together for the faith of the gospel, and earnestly seek one another's good, the Lord will make them a mighty power to our Conference in disseminating the light of truth. H. A. ST. JOHN. Battle Creek, Mich., Nov. 9, 1876
WE commenced meetings at Farmer’s Valley, Oct. 21. Found the little company that had embraced the truth at the tent three weeks previous all faithful, keeping up their meetings, Sabbath-school, and Bible-class. As there are but few of them, and they are only five miles from Leon, I advised them to unite with that church. Gave the same advice to the few in Sparta. Oct. 31, we commenced meetings at Benjaminville, four miles north of Tomah, and continued one week. Although it was a rainy time, we had a good hearing. Sinners were converted; three were baptized; two united with the church. Bro. Young, director of Dist. No. 15, was present, and received ten members to the T. and M. Society. The Lord helped me much in presenting many of the plain, practical truths for this time; and the best of all, the brethren and sisters received it in meekness, with a lively determination to regulate their lives accordingly. Bro. King was appointed leader of their meetings for the time being, and Bro. Albert Calkins deacon. We formed very pleasant acquaintances, and became very much attached to all these dear brethren and sisters, who show so much attachment to the Lord and his truth. We earnestly pray that God may greatly bless them with the spirit of perseverance to the end. MT. VERNON, KAN.
By J. Lamont
This meeting closed Sunday night, Nov. 12. The outside attendance was good. The brethren appear to be strengthened. One was added to the church by baptism. Nov. 3-5, I spent with the church at Stromsburg. This church has been engaging quite actively in the tract and missionary work, and some of the fruit of this labor is even now being seen. One family of Methodists have lately commenced to observe the Lord’s Sabbath, this being the second Sabbath they have ever kept. Five were received into the church and the ordinances of the Lord’s house were celebrated. In company with Bro. Shultz and the director of this district, I visited the David City church. Two were taken into the church. The ordinances were celebrated; and a T. and M. Society was organized. There is an interest to hear in the surrounding country, where, on a very short notice, the school-house was well filled with attentive listeners, by whose request I spoke to them again on first-day evening. An excellent field of labor opens before the T. and M. workers. May God give them sheaves to gather into the Heavenly garner. CHAS. L. BOYD. Stromsburg, Polk Co., Neb., Nov. 15, 1876. GREENWOOD CO., KAN.
By Smith Sharp
A short time before we closed our meeting at Eureka last spring, having a few days of spare time, I went to a school-house some ten miles away from Eureka and held a few meetings, but, as the weather became very bad, and I could see no special interest, I closed, not expecting that anything had been accomplished. That was in March. I heard nothing of the results until August, when I received word that a few had embraced the Sabbath, and sent a petition signed by thirty-three of their neighbors requesting more meetings. I came back three weeks ago and commenced a course of lectures. I am now through the prophecies and the Sabbath question. Several are convinced and acknowledge the truth, but whether any more will obey or not remains to be seen. Last Sabbath and Sunday I was with the Eureka church. It was a profitable meeting. Several arose for prayers for the first time. It has been very difficult to do anything during the excitement of the close of the political campaign. SMITH SHARP. SOUTHERN NEBRASKA.
By M. Wing
Since my last report, I have visited several churches in the northern part of the State, and held meetings with them. I joined Bro. Boyd in a series of lectures at Blair. I also attended our camp-meeting at that place. After its close, I held a few meetings about five miles north of Blair. The interest did not justify a protracted effort at this place, and I returned to Humboldt, where I remained about three weeks. Some interest was manifested, but owing to the excitement about election but little could be done. On the evenings of Nov. 10 and 11, I spoke to good audiences at Pawnee City. I commenced meetings first-day night at Jonson Creek school-house. Quite an interest is manifested. PLYMOUTH, OHIO.
By Emma M. French
I HAVE been requested to report the condition of the cause at this place. In numbers, we are the same as in July, when Bro. Steward left us. We have Sabbath meetings whenever the weather is favorable. Expect to organize a Bible-class soon. We meet with much prejudice, but little open opposition. Pray for us. Appeal to Vermont Brethren on Missionary Work
By Charles P. Whitford
TO OUR BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN DIST. NO. 1, VERMONT.
As I have of late tried to do something in the missionary work, and also to interest others in the same, my mind has been much exercised on account of the coldness and indifference manifest on the part of some who should be earnestly engaged in the service and work of God. From week to week the REVIEW comes to us containing stirring articles on the importance of circulating our periodicals, and especially THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, which is just now struggling in its infancy to become a self-supporting paper. Our brethren everywhere are appealed to, to become subscribers of this worthy sheet, and then to try to interest those to take it who need to understand the truths with which its pages are filled every week; and yet, notwithstanding all that has been said and written, comparatively nothing is being done toward this worthy object. I have so many times solicited our brethren to subscribe for this paper without success that I have become well-nigh discouraged. Men and women all around us are in a perishing condition for the want of just such light and truth as this paper has to present, and yet we are so far asleep to the dangers to which the world are exposed that we make little or no effort to save them from the wrath to come. I fully believe that very many of our professed Sabbath-keepers are in a condition to be spewed from the mouth of the faithful and true witness. It does seem to me that if any one longs after the living God, and hungers and thirsts for righteousness, the truth for our time will never grow so old and stale that the weekly visits of the REVIEW and SIGNS will not meet with a warm and welcome reception as they come to our homes filled with the glorious and cheerful tidings that Jesus is soon coming again. But it is a sad thought to me that there are those among us professing to believe the last warning message the world will ever hear is now going forth, and yet taking more interest in a common secular newspaper than they do in those which are published with an especial reference to shedding abroad everywhere a knowledge of the present truth,—little or no interest in our periodicals themselves, and less to interest others. Brethren, is not such a state of things sufficient cause for sadness to those who have the cause of God at heart, and earnestly desire its advancement in the world? My heart aches at times in view of the apparent coldness that is manifest on every hand. As for myself, I feel like striving to inherit eternal life, even at the expense of everything else. This world with all of its charms is nothing to me in comparison with an inheritance in that city for which Abraham looked. I feel a thirsting and longing for the glorious, immortal kingdom. I am fully determined to discharge every known duty in the fear of the Lord, to do what I can to spread the light and truth to others, and thus clear my skirts from the blood of perishing souls. Your brother, choosing to suffer affliction with the people of God, HEARKEN! GET ONE
By H. A. St. John
The health reform has done for me more good than I can tell,
And when its blessings I would see, they like a mountain swell.
The HEALTH REFORMER carries round these blessings to all men,
And each reformer should feel bound its blessings to extend. The truth that points the way of life, and warns of dangers near,
That helps us in this mortal strife, is truth all should revere.
Oh! who can speak the matchless worth of truth in fairest lines!
Such truth you'll aid by sending forth THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES. FAMILY PRAYER.
By Emma M. French
Perhaps a few words on this subject will not be amiss. For some time past, but especially since I commenced keeping the Sabbath in July last, I have felt that family worship was a duty; and the burden of the duty seemed to devolve upon me. I tried to think otherwise; that I was mistaken; that the Lord did not require me to bear so heavy a cross; but every time I kneeled in prayer that duty was presented before me, and the blessing of God was in a great measure withheld. I endeavored to frame some satisfactory excuse, but failed. I had made arrangements to canvass for the periodicals, and while I was asking God to bless my attempt at missionary labor, I was made to feel that my efforts would not be crowned with success, that my labors abroad would not be acceptable unto God, while I failed to be a true missionary at home. My mouth was stopped. I realized how vain were all excuses; how useless to try to serve God, and yet neglect known duty. I was dumb before the Lord. Since that time, I have been trying to perform this duty, and I am helped of God. I write now because I know of others who are standing where I stood. O brethren and sisters, hesitate no longer. Do not, I implore you, neglect so important a means of grace. God cannot bless you as he would, while you neglect it; and you cannot expect his approving smile. The cross is heavy, I admit; but his grace is sufficient for us. Let us honor God by believing his word, by trusting his promises, and by letting our light so shine that others may see our good works and glorify him. Pray for me, that I may go forth in the strength of the mighty God of Israel, and that success may attend my labors. It is somewhat remarkable that at this late day it should be necessary to remind any educated person, especially one who assumes to refer in a public address to topics connected with New England history, that the names “Pilgrim” and “Puritan” are not interchangeable, and that the Pilgrims were not persecutors. Especially is it strange when the perverter of history is a bishop, and the address in which the wrong is done, a sermon. We are not much surprised when a congressional jester points a sneer at Massachusetts, with the assertion that the Pilgrims burnt witches on Boston common. But a bishop cannot be suspected of sneering nor of a willingness to distort facts for a purpose. He ought, one would suppose, to avoid with unusual care the risk of misstatement incurred by any one who ventures to speak or write on a subject of which he is ignorant. Yet Bishop Stevens, of Pennsylvania, in his discourse at the consecration, some time ago, of the Protestant Episcopal bishop of Massachusetts, a discourse addressed to the descendants of both Pilgrims and Puritans, fell into the grave mistake of confounding the settlers of Plymouth, known in our history as the Pilgrims, with those of the Massachusetts Bay colony, who were ecclesiastically of that branch of the Church of England known in the Old World and in the New by the name of Puritans, and accusing the former of intolerance and persecution. Mr. John A. Goodwin, of Lowell, could not allow these errors to go uncorrected, and therefore in a letter to the bishop he gives him a lesson in New England history to the following purport. The Pilgrims were originally of the sect of Separatists, or Brownists, and they, or the most of them, lived in Yorkshire, England, near Scrooby. They refused all connection with the Church of England and were bitterly persecuted. Under the lead of John Robinson, Brewster, and Bradford, they escaped to Holland, and lived for some time there. Becoming dissatisfied with the bigotry of their fellow Separatists, they left them, and formed the first church of the denomination of Independents. Fearing the evil influences of Holland for their children, they embarked for America, and before landing at Plymouth they drew up and mutually subscribed a form of democratic government. For seventy years they maintained a separate government and were recognized as a distinct colony. They were remarkably tolerant of differences of religious opinion, and, as all histories agree, they did not persecute any one for conscience’ sake. The Puritans were the founders of the Massachusetts Bay colony. They belonged to the Church of England, but after their arrival at Salem, determined to form a church organization of their own. They did persecute Quakers and Baptists, and their government, both in matters ecclesiastical and civil, was much more severe and intolerant than that of the Plymouth colony. Probably Bishop Stevens will not repeat his mistake, but other people will continue to make it, for the distinction between Pilgrims and Puritans is one which it seems impossible for persons otherwise decently well informed to understand or remember.—Massachusetts Spy. SECTARIANISM IN THE ELECTION.
In the State of New York, and especially in New York city and Brooklyn, it is reported that the Catholic clergy have openly and unitedly given their influence to the Democratic party; the parochial societies have been turned into Tilden clubs; and even Cardinal McCloskey is said to have attended the conferences of the Democratic leaders. In the October elections, it is no secret that the Democracy relied upon the united support of the Romish Church, and received it. We have now before us a copy of a circular which is being distributed among faithful Catholics in Indiana. It has stamped upon it the figure of a large cross; below are the names of the Democratic candidates, Tilden and Hendricks; and underneath these is the injunction: “All Catholics are earnestly urged to go to the polls and vote for these candidates. They are friends of the church. Remember the date of the election, Tuesday, Nov. 7.” We submit that if sectionalism in politics is bad, sectarianism is worse. The facts which we have cited go to show that the Democratic managers are counting not only on arraying one section against another, but one religion against another, and that it is finding in the Roman Catholic Church a willing and powerful ally. Not long ago the Catholics attempted to carry an election in New Jersey by a similar alliance with the Democracy, and the indignant sentiment of the people defeated them by an overwhelming majority. It is a mistake to suppose that the church can intrude itself upon national politics with any better success. In a country which designs to keep church and State entirely separate, it is not likely that we are going to submit to the control of a church whose civil despotism, wherever it has gained it, has been of the most crushing and arbitrary sort. Our system of government says to all churches, Catholic and Protestant, Hands off! The time has not come yet when the American people will submit to be governed by priestly machinery, or permit the control of their affairs to be vested in the Church of Rome. Such endeavors to coerce voters by bringing the power of the church to bear upon them can affect only such as are very weak and pliable, while the dangers involved in such churchly domination will stimulate American freemen to show their condemnation of it.—Boston Journal. “WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.”
He who would hear from the lips of the Master these words of approval must fulfill the conditions which they express, namely, good and faithful service. Said Jesus to the young man, “Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is God.” Not that it is impossible for the human heart to partake in any degree of that goodness which is of God, but that he is the great fountain-head, from which every created intelligence receives that divine grace. There is much of the so-called goodness that often passes for genuine, but when tested by the Spirit and word of God is found labelled, selfishness. The goodness of God is unbounded, and as we partake of his holy character we shall reflect that divine grace; then, and not till then, will faithfulness take deep root, spring up, and bear fruit to the glory of God. We may deceive ourselves and others, but God, never. The Judgment will reveal every man's case as it is. The Well-done, will not be said to those who are seeking the honor of the world, nor to those who labor merely for the reward promised to the true child of God, but to him who, counting not his own life dear and conferring not with flesh and blood, labors for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. To him it will be said, “Well done, good and faithful servant, . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”—Missionary Worker. PRAYING FOR WHAT WE DON'T EXPECT.
I was once staying with a gentleman, a very religious kind of a man; and he began the day with a long prayer, that we might be kept from sin, that we might have a Christ-like spirit and the mind that was in Christ Jesus, and that we might have the love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost given unto us. A beautiful prayer it was; and I thought what a good man he must be! But about an hour after, I heard him hallooing and scolding and finding fault with everything and everybody. When I came into the house with him he began again. Nothing was right, and he was impatient and quick tempered. “It is very provoking to be annoyed in this way, Daniel. I don't know what servants in these times are good for but to worry and vex one with their idle, slovenly ways.” I did not say anything for a minute or two, and then I said, “You must be very much disappointed, sir.” “I thought you were expecting to receive a very valuable present this morning, and I see it has not come.” “Present, Daniel?”—and he scratched his head, as much as to say, “What can the man be talking about?” “I certainly heard you speak of it,” I said, quite coolly. He was getting angry now, so I thought I would explain. “You know this morning you prayed for a Christ-like spirit, the mind that was in Jesus, and the love of God shed abroad in your heart.” “Oh! that's what you mean, is it?” and he spoke as though that was nothing at all. “Now, sir, would you not be rather surprised if your prayer was to be answered?—if you were to feel a gentle, loving spirit coming down upon you, all patient and forgiving and kind? Would you not be quite frightened, and come in and sit down in a faint, thinking you must be going to die, because you felt so heavenly-minded?” He did not like it much; but I delivered my testimony, and learned a lesson for myself too. We should stare very often if the Lord was to answer our prayer.—Daniel Quorum and his Religious Notions. This is a characteristic more precious than silver or gold. It is great for endurance, never utters any complaint when persecuted on one hand or the other. “Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Jas. 1:4. We must have it to make perfect our ways. May it work in us perfect and pure lives. Job, the patient patriarch, has left us a wonderful life-record; and Jesus said of some that they brought forth fruit with patience. Let us all have it, that we may bring forth fruit for the kingdom. Patience! thou jewel of inestimable value, possess, oh! possess, my soul, until I shall behold dear King Jesus, and reign with him where love and peace shall have no need of patience. J. F. Bahler. THE MAJESTY OF BIBLE PRECEPTS.
There is no weakness in them. No one of them is emasculated by the modern prefix, “try.” The Bible says, “Cleanse your hands ye sinners, and purify your hearts ye double-minded.” “Cease to do evil, learn to do well.” “Depart from evil, and do good.” And thus through the whole book, from Genesis to Revelation, a moral precept is never prefixed with the enfeebling “try,” now so universally common. Just think of the Bible’s saying, Try to depart from evil! Try to cleanse your hands, ye sinners! Try to speak the truth one to another! And instead of “Do not kill,” “Do not steal,” “Do not commit adultery,” suppose we had, do try not to kill, do try not to steal, do try not to commit adultery! It is time to stop recommending experimenting in morals. None of it is from above. It is all from beneath, a device from the devil to break down the force and majesty of the precepts of the Bible. That glorious book never uses the word “try” in any such connection. It knows nothing of experimental morals. “Try” is never properly used except where a failure may be justifiable. A failure in morals never was, and never can be, justified.—Baptist Union. Why Children Need Sunshine at Home
MANY a child goes astray, not because there is a want of prayer or virtue at home, but simply because home lacks sunshine. A child needs smiles as much as flowers need sunbeams. Children look little beyond the present moment. If a thing pleases, they are apt to seek it; if it displeases, they are apt to avoid it. If home is the place where faces are sour, and words harsh and fault-finding are ever in the ascendant, they will spend as many hours as possible elsewhere.—Sidney Smith. Obituary Notices.
By D. B. Welch
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” DIED, in Clarksville, N. Y., Oct. 26, 1876, of typhoid fever and tumors in the stomach, Mrs. Sarah J. Foster, daughter of A. M. Antisdale, in the twenty-fourth year of her age. In her last sickness, she manifested hope and faith that all was well. Discourse by Eld. W. B. Gillett, S. D. Baptist, from 1 Thess. 4:13. D. B. WELCH.