Earlier text: DON'T GIVE LIQUOR TO CHILDRENElohim, Singular or Plural.
By M. B. Lichtenstein
The form of this word, ELOHIM, has led many to suppose it includes the Trinity of the Godhead, viz., the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; I therefore thought of giving a brief criticism on this word as to its original meaning, whether singular or plural. Those who have studied etymology are well aware that most words now in use were formed by onomatopœia; that is, the formation of words in such a manner that they shall imitate their sense; as buzz, crash, roar, etc. The Hebrew may unhesitatingly be called the first language, and originated in the garden of Eden; or, as all admit, at least, it originated with Heber, Gen. 10:21; it is certain that the whole language was not complete at either time; but kept on increasing its words in accordance with the necessity of its usage. Hence, things animate or inanimate that were unknown in the past, we now suffer the loss thereof, and are obliged to form our own words to things coming up anew. As of railroad (MASLOOL BARZEL), iron path; the nightingale (SHEERATH LAYEEL), night singer, etc. Since we arrive at the conclusion that this is the origin of words, let us now try to find out what about ELOHIM. This word also belongs to onomatopœia; if we should throw off the last syllable, IM, from ELOHIM, and leave it ELOH in the singular, we can see at a glance that its sound does not imitate the majesty, power, strength, judgment, intended; whereas if we affix IM to ELOH and sound it ELOHIM, the sound thereof does positively indicate majesty, power, strength, judgment; the true nature of God. ELOHIM, is really the singular term for God, as is shama-IM, for heaven, and cha-IM, for life. Its so-called singular form, ELOH, is only used in poetical style and in the later Hebrew. The Value of a Good Conscience
A GOOD conscience is better than two witnesses—it will consume your grief as the sun dissolves ice. It is a spring when you are thirsty—a staff when you are weary—a screen when the sun burns—a pillow in death. Indiana Tent Meetings at Michigantown Amid Storms
By S. H. Lane; E. R. Jones
At the time of our last report, we had given at Michigantown, Clinton Co., fourteen discourses. Since that time, we have held meetings when circumstances would admit. The weather has been very stormy since we pitched the tent. We have been here nearly six weeks, and we can safely affirm that the tent has been wet one half of the time. We have encountered some severe storms. The fourth of July, just before the commencement of the Sabbath, this portion of the country was visited with as hard a storm of wind, rain, and, in some localities, hail, as has been known for several years. Trees were torn up by the roots, and in some places, houses were unroofed. The tent was blown down. Through the protection of the Lord, we were not injured, nor was the tent damaged in the least. Evening after the Sabbath, and first-day morning, assisted by kind friends, we were enabled to pitch the tent and resume the meetings. The congregations have been large, considering the busy period of the year. We have given thirty-eight discourses. Have received much opposition from the ministers of the Christian denomination. Three discourses have been given against the positions we take concerning the Kingdom and Sabbath. These discourses were given in such a manner as to displease a large majority of the people who listened to them, and the result has been to make the people more friendly to our positions. We have held three Sabbath meetings. Have experienced some of the blessing of the Lord, and hearts have been reached. Fifteen have, by a rising vote, publicly declared their determination to keep the Sabbath. Others are interested, and we look for some more to take a decided stand. Have disposed, thus far, of twenty dollars' worth of books. We remain here one week longer, and then expect to pitch the tent at Rossville, in this county. We hope that success may attend the effort. We ask an interest in the prayers of God's people. C. STODDARD
By C. Stoddard
My last report left me at Locke. June 14 and 15, visited the church at Genoa. Found this people still holding on in the good work. They had been earnestly praying that the Lord would direct and bless the labors of his messenger, that good might be done. The Lord did direct, and we received his blessing. All were encouraged to press on with better cheer, finally to receive the overcomer's reward. June 21 and 22, met the friends at Alaidon. It being their regular quarterly meeting, it was a season of much interest, so much so that they had been earnestly praying the Lord would make it a rich season of grace. Our social, ordinance, and prayer meetings were what might be expected, good. There was one added to the church by baptism. The young in this church, as in Genoa, are still holding on in the good way. May the Lord have a special regard for the youth, is my heart's desire, and shall ever be my prayer to God. June 28 and 29, met the church at Hillsdale. There was a fine gathering, and a good interest manifest in all the services. The ordinances were celebrated with good effect, S. B. arranged and pledged to Conference. They need to move out in greater efforts in the missionary and tract work. The cause demands it, and they need the strengthening experience it would give them. July 5 and 6, at Ransom. Commenced labors at this place on Thursday and continued until the close of first-day. After taking care of a few little foxes that had been disturbing the vines, there came the healing balm, and we had a good, stirring meeting. Seven were added to the church by baptism, four of whom were the fruits of Bro. St. John's labors in Ohio. Three of them, the tender lambs of the flock, have lived from the labors of last winter. The ordinance was administered by Bro. St. John. Bird Lake was the place of burial, four miles distant. The day was fine, and the scene solemn and interesting. Monday morning, started for home. On my way, had an attack of ague. After a week's trial of my patience, I am feeling better. I shall try, with the blessing of the Lord, to fill up the remainder of the time from this to camp-meeting, as best I can. Southern Iowa Tent.
By R. M. Kilgore
We closed tent labor at Kellogg on the 13th because there was not sufficient interest to warrant us to stay longer. We spent three weeks laboring as best we could, giving twenty-nine discourses. Bro. Olds of Nebraska preached three times. While some are willing to concede the truthfulness of our positions, none are ready to obey; but we trust the seed which was sown may be like bread cast upon the waters. But two families were keeping the Sabbath here. Their lives, we are glad to say, have been exemplary. They bore the burdens of these meetings cheerfully, for which they will not lose their reward, if they prove faithful unto the end. We shall not forget these dear friends in our prayers; nor Bro. and Sister Baker for their hospitality which we shared. The tent is now pitched at Marengo, Iowa Co., and meetings begin to-night. This is a city of about two thousand inhabitants. The people are courteous, and we hope for good results. Our trust is in God, and we most sincerely ask the prayers of God's people. This will now be our address, Marengo, Iowa Co., Iowa. R. M. KILGORE.
July 17, 1873. Wisconsin Tent.
By D. Downer
I have been here one week. The interest to hear is increasing. The congregations average from thirty-five to two hundred. The country is new; people are very busy haying; and the first-day Adventists are holding a tent-meeting only a few miles distant. Some go there who would otherwise attend our meetings. There is, as is usually the case, some opposition by the professors in other churches. I think, however, the truth is winning the people here. I am, and have been, entirely alone; no tent-master, or any one to assist me in speaking. Bro. Sanborn will not be here till August, being detained at home with his wife. The tent is old, and badly worn. It demands my almost constant care, and would not stand a common wind storm, unless in a forest, and well protected. I am preaching nights, and three times Sundays. Dear brethren, I need your prayers, and God's help. Don't forget us at the throne of grace. This is an entirely new field. The people are a hardy, hard-working class, and if they can or will turn their attention to religion as earnestly as they have to clearing up the forests, we shall hope to see the truth established here permanently. D. DOWNER. Modena, Buffalo Co., July 20, 1873. For four or five years in the past have separated me from my Heavenly Father, and kept me in a state of doubt and fear, at times almost causing me to make entire shipwreck of my faith. But God in his infinite mercy has preserved me from such a rash step. For some time previous to attending the late Wisconsin Camp-meeting, I had been trying to humble myself and examine the evidences of our faith in a more thorough manner than I had done before for years. I believed in the perpetuity of spiritual gifts, but had for several years been in great doubt as to the genuineness of sister White’s visions. For three years, I had not cared to attend our camp-meetings; but now began to feel that I should like to join with our people in their approaching meeting, to seek God in earnest. We began to pray God to open the way, which was all hedged up in many ways, and he did so in a remarkable manner, even raising my wife from a bed of sickness in answer to prayer. While there, listening to the testimonies of God’s servants, I realized more fully than ever the terrible deception and darkness under which I have been. My mind became perfectly clear that this entire work is the Lord’s, as I listened to the most powerful and convincing defense of the Testimonies of sister White that I ever heard, and that direct from the word of God. My eyes were opening. I could scarcely believe that such language could be found in the Bible. But there it was, showing her condition in vision to be precisely the same as those to whom God gave visions anciently. The Spirit of God rested down upon Bro. Butler as he spoke, and the prejudice of that large congregation of unbelievers seemed to vanish away with mine. Oh! could I have heard that sermon years ago, it would have saved me much trial, and I should not have been left to reproach the cause of truth, and to be ashamed of my Master’s cause as I have. The truth looks more glorious than ever, and I can no longer doubt that the whole of this work is the Lord’s. I will not doubt any longer. Henceforth I will believe. I had courage and faith to believe that if I sought God with true humility of heart, he would not despise my efforts, but would for Christ’s sake forgive my sins and raise me above doubts and discouragements, and this he has done in a measure, for my faith in this work never rested on surer foundations, and the way never seemed clearer or brighter. We have tried to consecrate ourselves to God with everything we have in this life, and are henceforth resolved, by the help of the Lord, to lead humble, devoted lives to our Master, and place ourselves entirely in his hands, that he may use us to his glory, not shunning, or any longer being ashamed of, the testimonies which God in mercy and love has placed in the church. We are trying to walk in the light of the truth, and carefully live out all the reforms as revealed by the Spirit of God, not forgetting our past mistakes, or to keep low at the foot of the cross, looking forward only a little way from this, when we may be delivered from sin and sorrow, and share in the final triumph of God’s dear, united people. May we have true humility and heavenly wisdom. Chicago, Ill., 270 Sedgwick St. THE END OF ALL THINGS.
By Charlotte Elliott
“The end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.”—1 Pet. 4:7. The end of all things is at hand,
The end of each relation here—
Nor kindred tie, nor friendship’s band,
However strong, however dear,
But must at one fell stroke be riven,
Unless their roots be fix’d in Heaven. The end of all things is at hand,
The end of our probation’s space,
None then can linger on the strand,
Nor for repentance find a place.
Hark! how it sounds along the shore!
Then time shall be no more—no more. The end of all things is at hand;
The end of pain, the end of sin;
Of exile in this foreign land,
Assaults without, and strife within;
The end of Satan’s short-lived hour,
The end of death’s terrific power. The end of all things is at hand;
Yes, of our faith the end draws nigh:
Now watching, waiting, Lord, we stand,
Soon will thy glory meet our eye;
Amidst creation’s funeral wail
Thy longed-for advent we shall hail.
—Charlotte Elliott. The New Tent of Iowa and Neb. Conference.
By J. Bartlett; Chas. L. Boyd
FROM some cause, this tent did not arrive as soon as we expected; but is now here and pitched in the village of Ft. Calhoun, a small place of about three hundred inhabitants. We commenced meetings last evening. Dear brethren, pray for us, that God will bless our labors to the honor of his own cause. J. BARTLETT,
CHAS. L. BOYD. Ft. Calhoun, Neb., July 18, 1873. West Burke, Vermont.
By D. T. Bourdeau
The tent remained at West Burke, over four weeks. We held thirty-six meetings in all. Two of these were Sabbath meetings. The interest was confined to a few. Two of Bro. Litchfield’s sons started for the kingdom. May they press on in the narrow way, performing every duty, and grow up into strong men in God, that they may have a gathering influence on those around them. Yesterday (Sabbath), we had a good meeting at Eld. Cleaveland’s, West Burke. The Spirit of the Lord was with us in power. Eld. C. took a firm stand for the truth. May he and his wife be revived in the work of God, and be instrumental in gathering souls into the truth. I have settled at Burke, a retired little village, two miles east of West Burke. I shall lecture in a meeting-house in this place on Sunday, and shall spend the rest of my time until camp-meeting in attending monthly meetings, and setting things in order, as far as circumstances will permit. Then I shall be ready to labor as providence will open the way. D. T. BOURDEAU. Burke, Vt., July 13, 1873. Liberty Pole, Wis., July 15, 1873
By P. S. Thurston; John Atkinson
According to appointment, we met with the church at Kickapoo Center, Vernon Co., Sabbath, July 5; preached in the forenoon, in the afternoon the ordinances of the Lord’s house were celebrated. The meetings were continued nine days. Sixteen sermons were preached, mostly practical; two discourses on the perpetuity of spiritual gifts, one on tract and missionary labor. Re-organized T. and M. Society; received $5.82 for membership. We found the church very much on the background, and difficulty among some. We visited the brethren and neighbors, labored with them at their homes in the day-time, and preached in the evening. With the help of the Lord, we were enabled to get the difficulty settled. Confessions were made, and the Lord, by his good Spirit, came into our meeting. Truth had its desired and designed effect on the hearts of those that heard it. Sinners were convicted of sin; four were converted; five were baptized; six were added to the church; one name dropped. One brother acknowledged that his tobacco cost him twenty dollars a year. He and another brother resolved to give up this filthy habit. May the Lord bless this church, and add to their number such as shall be saved. P. S. THURSTON,
JOHN ATKINSON. Liberty Pole, Wis., July 15, 1873
Minnesota Camp-Meeting.
By John McMillan
I wish to give public expression of my gratitude to God for his Spirit’s presence at the Minnesota camp-meeting. No human instrumentality, unaided by God, could have produced such glorious results. The blessing attending the labors of Eld. Canright for the past year in Minnesota, prepared the way, and the clear and harmonious manner in which Elders Butler, Canright, and Matteson, showed our relation as a people to prophecy, removed every doubt from the minds of the brethren, and convinced the gainsayer. Probably the majority of the brethren in Minnesota, while fully believing some of the prominent parts of our faith, and standing committed on it as a whole, while they could not disprove any of it, looked upon some of the connecting links of it as rather nonessential. This was unavoidably a cause of barrenness of soul, and when these seeming nonessentials were shown, beyond a possibility of a doubt, to be indispensable in the last message to mankind, as these truths were gradually brought to bear on the mind, an unmistakable evidence lit up the countenance, and soul-felt testimonies, burning with love to God and man, compelled outsiders (who care for none of these things), to say, Of a truth, God is with you. The fruits of that meeting, the Judgment will unfold. As an occasion offered, I embraced the opportunity of conversing with many of the prominent citizens of the place, all of whom give evidence that their hearts are touched by what they have seen and heard, and they expressed a desire to be permitted to give of their substance to secure our meetings permanently at that place. Dear brethren and sisters, we who were permitted to enjoy that meeting will have to render an account how we improve and use the light we received. Will our families and neighbors be benefited by us, and so share the blessing, or will we ungratefully and selfishly hide our light till it dies for want of air? Dear friends, many of us have admitted present truth long enough; let us from henceforth feel it, and act accordingly. Otsego, Mich.
By A. S. Hutchins
I expected to leave here to-day. The interest is such, I dare not. The best meeting last Sabbath I have had in the State. Some one dozen up for prayer. Baptized two yesterday. Old difficulties in the church are moving off. Union is being restored. Good reports from old Monterey. Brethren here from there and Allegan last Sabbath. Pray for us. A. S. HUTCHINS. July 21. Isanti, Isanti Co., Minn.
By John Matteson
In this place, I have labored a week among our Swedish friends in company with Bro. Lee. There has been a good interest to hear. We have held two meetings each day, most of the time; no evening meetings. Number of hearers, from thirty to seventy. The people are busy with their hay, otherwise we would have had many more hearers. A church is organized, with fifteen members. Seven or more, besides these, are keeping the Sabbath, and there is a good prospect of many more embracing the truth in this vicinity when more labor can be bestowed. Bro. John Larson was unanimously chosen and ordained as local elder. They have pledged $44.00 s. B. to the Conference for this year, and desire to unite with the Conference. The address of the Secretary is: Andrew Norin, Isanti, Isanti Co., Minn. I have enjoyed much freedom in speaking the word among these friends. The Lord has worked among them, and they manifest such a love for the truth that we cannot but praise the Lord for his goodness to them and to us. Litchfield, Meeker Co., July 23, 1873. Letter from Sister M. J. Churchill on Camp-Meeting
Sister M. J. Churchill writes from Olmstead Co., Minn.: As I did not have the privilege of attending our camp-meeting, I felt that I was denied a great blessing; but I hope those who are able to attend these yearly gatherings will profit so much by them as to be prepared to help and encourage those who have to remain away. My mind runs back to the camp-meeting, three years ago, when I was buried with Christ in baptism. I have many times regretted that I walk so contrary to the perfect Pattern, but I feel like putting forth renewed efforts to get rid of all my sins. The Lord has been very good to me. In afflictions he has not left nor forsaken me. There are many reasons why I should love and serve him. I realize as never before that time is short, and I mean, by the grace of God assisting me, to be one that can say, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us.” Spiritualism: Mrs. Chamberlain's Speaking Medium Visit
By M. E. Cornell
Mrs. Chamberlain, a speaking medium came to Woodland and attracted some attention, but most of her positions were similar to those of Dr. Morril. The spirit operating professed to be that of some celebrated doctor, and there was considerable ability in the use of medical terms, and philosophy. Whenever the spirit referred to our position, it did so with much energy, and at times was very spiteful! Spirit. The spirit said, If you ask us to prove the immortality of the soul by the Bible, we cannot, the Adventist would gain the advantage. A well-instructed Adventist will tell you more of the phenomena than we dare tell. Why? Because they have such a grand way of accounting for it. All they have to do is to cry, “Demons, demons, forever.” Reply. The spirit seems to be very much troubled because we have “such a grand way of accounting for the phenomena.” It is grand, indeed! Taking the Bible, does give us a glorious “advantage,” and even the spirits seem to appreciate it. The Bible explains it all, and exposes the deception, and this is why the spirits are so universally opposed to it. If they could only get the Bible out of the way there would be fair sailing for them. Spirit. The man who says it is the devil, is bigoted. If God made all and called them good, where does the devil come from? You see there is no room for a devil. Reply. That same Bible explains how it was that the angels fell. They were created good, and were perfect in their way, until iniquity was found in them. They were free agents, but kept not their first estate, and abode not in the truth. There was no evil or sin until it was found in Satan. He first introduced it by his rebellion. Spirit. In a former lecture we said that we rather liked his Satanic Majesty, and some persons took fright and left the hall. Reply. They might have left the hall because they were disgusted. Spiritualists often speak in favor of Satan, but who ever knew one to speak in praise of the God of the Bible? Evidently, it is because like those who crucified Christ, “ye are of your father the devil, and his works ye will do.” This spirit, speaking through Mrs. Chamberlain, is, no doubt, one of Satan’s angels, and of course he rather likes his master. Spirit. The Bible is inferior to the Koran in many respects. Reply. The spirits seem to like the Koran best. Just what we would expect of Satan, for he is the author of the Mohammedan religion. Hence, we often hear those under spirit influence speak in favor of the Koran, but never, in favor of the Bible. Spirit. But there is no use talking to an Adventist, for they are out of our reach. Reply. Why not? Because they cannot blind the eyes of one who really goes by the Bible. In that book, we are advertised of the deceptions of Satan, and we learn the fact that all these wonders, professing to be by the spirits of the dead, are in fact the work of fallen angels under Satan. Spirit. What about the spirits that came to the Wesley family? They did act like the devil, sure enough! Were the Wesleys bad people? Reply. No doubt that was the devil’s troop assailing a good man. But the Wesleys believed they were the spirits of devils, and so declared at the time. They also thought they acted like the devil, and were prepared to resist them. What a pity that many people now do not act with as much wisdom. Spirit. Do the Adventists suppose they can find the soul—that subtle, gaseous substance that pervades all nature? It always existed. Man is a sponge, and absorbs the memorizing power of the lower animals. Life in the animal is tantamount to life in man. Reply. We have no trouble in finding the soul which the Bible speaks of, but that immaterial, “gaseous substance,” which pervades all nature, which exists as much in the aroma of the flowers as anywhere else, we are free to admit we cannot find. According to this spirit doctor, then, the soul is the memorizing power of the lower animals! So it may be that the “memorizing power” of a hog or a polecat may have become the immortal soul of some noted spiritualist lecturer. Spirit. There is one thing I have thought much of, and I will throw it out here for your consideration. It is this: Bee comb is not made by the bees, but is a natural growth the same as a plant. Reply. Then thousands of persons who have watched the making of the comb by those natural mechanics, through the glass hives, have all been mistaken! They supposed they saw the busy bees actually building up, day by day, and skilfully forming the cells all after the same pattern. But now it turns out that these latter-day wiseacres, who believe that their souls are composed of the memorizing power of some lower animal, have discovered that it is all a mistake. Bees don’t form the comb for the honey, it grows of itself! Oh! spirit doctor, what lower animal could have furnished brains for such a sublime idea? The spirit of some animal has at last found a human organism that is sufficiently developed to be a medium of such wonderful intelligence! That spirit must be highly gratified at the progress of human development! Spirit. Mind or spirit is of far greater power and knowledge in the spirit world. Reply. If we take the bee-comb discovery as a specimen, we must say they have a queer way of manifesting superior knowledge. But we regard it as a downright slander to attribute such sentiments to any human spirit, nay, we were about to say that an intelligent dog would know better. We would rather conclude it was the talk of some third-class demon, simply prating for his own amusement, or to see what fools he could make of humanity. The celebrated Dr. Spirit Demon, may even now be amusing himself over the idea that some will believe any absurdity that comes from invisible spirits. Spirit. The immortality of the soul can easily be proved by science, independent of the Bible and everything else. Reply. Spiritualists have generally claimed that the principal object of the mission of spiritualism was to convince the world of the immortality of the soul. That as it was not taught in the Bible, there was no way to establish the doctrine but by the return of the spirits of the dead. But now it can easily be proved by science. We heard the spirit’s arguments from science, and certainly we have read better arguments from science in old works written before the advent of spiritualism. So, then, it turns out that there was no need of spirits returning, for the object could have been accomplished by science, and that was in the world all the time. Condition of Religion in Germany.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
The following from the Christian Union of May 14, 1873, gives a lively picture of religion as it now is in Germany, right at the birthplace of Protestantism. This is the condition of the millions of Protestant Christians of Europe! Read this, and then tell us if Babylon has not fallen. “The little German country town where I am staying—Blankenburg am Harz—is situated in the Duchy of Brunswick, where the established church is Lutheran. Just to the south, lie Mansfeld and Eisleben. So you may say that it is close by the fountain of the Reformation. It became, in early times, so thoroughly Protestant that to-day it contains only two Catholic inhabitants. Here, then, one might expect to find German Protestantism at its best estate. “On entering the church for the first time, I was surprised to see, in a town of 5000 inhabitants and only two churches, so few at church. In the gallery were about fifty soldiers, who were detailed to go to church. Besides these, I counted thirty-six persons. Since the first Sunday, the pastor of the other church has been removed by death, and no service has been held there. But our congregation has not by this means been perceptibly enlarged. “The average has remained about the same through the summer—from thirty to fifty of the towns-people. In the last eight weeks, the soldiers quartered here have been absent on a “manœuvre,” as they call it, and without them the church appears almost empty. Six or seven old men are in their places every Sunday. The rest of the willing church-goers are mostly women. The boys in the gymnasium are obliged to go to church once in three weeks, but complain of the tyranny. It is noticeable that among willing church-goers appears hardly a single young man. The boys are, as a matter of course, confirmed when they come to suitable years. To outward appearance, they are, for the most part, confirmed in indifference to the church. “In the afternoon of every Sabbath, a service is held especially for the candidates for confirmation. It is not so well attended as the morning service. It takes the place of a Sabbath-school, an institution which is almost entirely unknown in this country. There is one Sabbath-school in Braunschweig, started by some ladies who caught the Sabbath-school spirit from England. This school has struggled forward under much opposition from the clergy, till it is now in a flourishing condition. It has not yet been able to secure male teachers. “It seemed to me a pity that the good sermons of our pastor here should have so few hearers. But I was informed that he was quite fortunate in this respect; and that the pastor in the neighboring village of Timrode has been often obliged, for want of an audience, to go home with his undelivered sermon under his arm. “Once our church has been full. The second of September, the anniversary of Sedan, was celebrated with great zeal throughout all North Germany. A part of the celebration was a church service in the morning. On that occasion we had at least 400 in the church. Then came the doctors, the lawyers, the town officers, and the aristocracy. “To the outward eye, the social element here makes more of a display than the religious. By every object of interest in the neighborhood, be it an old castle, or a high rock, or a wild waterfall, stands a hotel of some kind. It is the regular practice of the families in good society to take coffee or beer at one or another of these hotels every afternoon. If the weather is good, the question always arises: “Where shall we take our coffee this afternoon?” Social life centers around these hotels. Here the children meet for play; and here, too, the young men and maidens rejoice in each other’s company. Of course a good deal of beer is drunk at these gatherings; or, at least, what seems to an American a good deal. A steady, temperate man in this part of Germany drinks on an average four glasses a day. The people here speak of the Bavarians as beer-guzzlers, because they drink on an average seven glasses a day. In Munich, children drink beer as soon as they are weaned. The reason is that the water is not fit to drink, and beer is cheaper than milk. Here, although the children do not begin quite so early, young men often come up to the Bavarian standard of seven glasses a day; but always with the disapprobation of the parents. “Sunday is of all days the social day. All marriages, picnics, and shooting feasts, are, if possible, made to come on Sunday. On my first Sunday afternoon here, having just recovered from the shock occasioned by the almost empty church, I took a walk of some four miles into the woods to see some of the richest scenery in the Harz mountains. From one high rock I looked down and saw seven lager beer saloons, or gardens. In several of them were bands of music. And gathered about these points of attraction were, at a moderate calculation, 4,000 persons. An American unacquainted with the customs of the country, might think, Here are the wicked ones of Germany. Not so. Here are the church members who were missing at the church in the morning, as well as the few who were present. Hither also have come the pastors from the neighboring villages, for relaxation after their morning and afternoon work. “If a man should undertake to teach German children not to play on Sunday, I venture to say the majority would not understand what he meant. The older ones might take him for an American or an Englishman. But the little ones, who know nothing about foreigners, would very likely think he was crazy. “The distinction between religious and irreligious people is not so sharply drawn here as with us. Besides the matter of church going, many of the outward distinctions between church members and “world’s people,” which exist with us in such matters as dancing and card-playing, are unknown here. The pastor’s wife asked me if it was really a fact that there were people in America who held it wrong to dance? “Judged by our standard, the people here are shockingly profane. A little girl of the sweetest temper sits at the piano, and when she strikes a wrong key, says: “God!” or “Lord Jesus!” She is no more ruffled than an American girl would be when she could express her feelings with an “Oh, dear!” These expressions are not branded with the name of profanity here. What is a little comical is, that the parents will generally scold their children if they hear them say, “Donnerwetter!” which, translated, means “By thunder!” “If an orthodox New England Christian of the stricter sort were appointed to run the dividing line here between the elect and the non-elect, he would probably give it up and pronounce the whole population “medium sinners.” As far as I have seen, there are very few atheists here. It seems to be an axiom, handed down from father to son, that to suppose a world without a Creator is nonsense. This is the whole creed of many. A man who holds so much is religious. The rest is optional. The Germans ought to be apostles of toleration; for, no doubt, the great mass of the laymen think much as the dentist though who told me: “I have come to the conclusion that one religion is just as good as another.” “A New England preacher, if he were to preach here, would have to leave behind him such expressions as “Experiencing religion,” “Change of heart,” “Finding the Saviour.” The corresponding ideas are not current. The expressions would be untranslatable. “On one topic of theology are young and old zealous. Though the pastors are often to the contrary, the intelligent laymen are almost unanimous in asserting that there is no personal devil. When one notices what a prominent feature the devil plays in the German nursery tales, and how many objects are named after him here in the mountains, for example, “Devil’s Wall,” “Devil’s Bridge,” “Devil’s Mill,” “Devil’s Kettle,” it seems as if this new feeling is only a natural reaction from an excessive belief in the devil.” “While the church may be gaining a few thousands in the heathen lands, millions are apostatizing at home. Surely this does not look like the millennium at hand!” COMMON THINGS
By Clara B. Heath
They lie around on every side,
For every day some blessing brings;
We look upon them without pride,
For what are they but common things?
So common that we have not known
The loss that we should feel to-day
If they were gathered, one by one,
And hidden from our sight away. So common that we use or waste
As if they were our very own;
We sweeten this or that to taste,
And revel in our joys full blown.
We lay them down, or take them up,
No thankful thought about them clings,
We do not care to fill our cup,
Life’s golden cup, with common things. We want some rare and precious pet
That common people cannot buy;
We want the best that we can get,
No matter if the price is high.
Our birds are all too commonplace.
Bring us some foreign one that sings,
Some beauty that our halls would grace;
We’ve had enough of common things! We want the best the world affords—
Pray who should have it if not we?
We want the gold the miser hoards,
We want the pearls that gem the sea.
The world moves slow—we long to fly,
How many of us sigh for wings,
Yet we should pass them coldly by,
Were they once classed with common things. Whatever is most rich and grand,
Whatever others most desire,
We fain would hold within our hand—
To things like these our thoughts aspire.
We would have stars to light our way;
Our choice of all Dame Fortune brings;
Let us remember when we pray,
That many lack for common things. —CLARA B. HEATH, in Watchman and Reflector. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Died, in Sumner, Jefferson Co., Wis., July 13, 1873, of typhoid fever, Sherman Bickle, aged eight years and five months, son of B. G. and Ann Bickle. His sickness was very severe for about two weeks, when death relieved him from further pain. Discourse at the funeral by the writer, from Job 1, last part of verse 21, to a large and sympathizing congregation. Died, in Clarke Co., Ohio, near Yellow Springs, July 14, 1873, of lock-jaw, Mary C., youngest daughter of Isaac H. and Sarah Moser, aged 13 years, 5 months, and 9 days. She was a very great sufferer, yet without a murmur or complaint. This family accepted the present truth over three years ago. Words were spoken on the occasion by the writer to a large audience from Job 14: 1, 2. We hope that this affliction will draw them nearer to the Lord, and each other. Died, near Forestville, Chautauque Co., N. Y., of quick consumption, Bro. Oscar S. Eddy, aged 48 years and five months. This Bro. embraced the truth about eleven years ago. The last three months of his life, though in very feeble health, he was unusually devoted to missionary labor. He has left, to his mourning companion, three saddened children, and many friends, good evidence that he sleeps to be awakened by the last trump. Said he, with almost his last breath, “I am willing, and long, to go.” Died, in Woodbridge, Hillsdale Co., Mich., May 9, 1873, of spinal fever, Charles Irvin, our youngest son, aged one year and four months. Funeral address by Wm. Branch, first-day Adventist, from 2 Samuel 14: 14. If the Lord saw fit to place you in a position most obscure, or to assign to you a service the most menial, not calculated to catch the eye or win the applause, but rather the oversight and the slight, of your fellows, it would be one of the sweetest tests of the reality of your love for Him. When Morrison, the Chinese missionary, the man of God who first gave the Bible to China in its vernacular, offered himself to the directors of the London Missionary Society, as a missionary to the heathen, his appearance was so uncultivated and unpromising, that, hesitating to accept him as a candidate, they inquired if he were willing to go simply as an assistant in one of the missionary schools. “Gentlemen,” was young Morrison’s noble reply, “while the temple of Christ is building, I am willing to be a hewer of wood or a drawer of water.” In a moment, they decided that a man who so loved his Saviour, who was willing to undertake any service for Christ, was the fittest for the higher office of missionary to the heathen. They accepted him as such, and the result proved they were not mistaken in their judgment. If you love Christ, you will be willing to undertake any service your Lord and Master may appoint you. Love will make drudgery for Jesus pleasant and welcome.—Advocate and Guardian. Grace Flourishes in the Low Vale of Affliction
OUR graces, like evergreens, grow most in the low vale of affliction, even as stars are most luminous and lovely when nearest the horizon. IT is astonishing what apologies half-Christians will make for those worldly inconsistencies which would cover a true believer with the deepest humiliation.