FOR some length of time I have felt desirous of saying a word through the REVIEW, concerning this institution, its present management, and its wants. It has been my lot the past season to be in Battle Creek considerably, and to be quite conversant with the working of things at the Institute; and I am happy to say that my mind has been very favorably impressed in regard to its present management and the work it is doing. I confess there have been times in the past when I could not say as much as this, being rather slow, and, withal, a little suspicious of certain influences which have been connected with at least some of the health institutions of our land.
There has evidently been a great improvement in this institution within a very few years. This has been more and more manifest, as it has come2nearer to the condition indicated in the light originally given concerning it. And we fully believe every particle of that testimony will be vindicated, as the agents connected with the management of the Institute carry out what the Lord has said concerning it.
When we contrast the present prosperity of the Institute, as shown by the last annual report, with the state of things manifest several years ago, the friends of health reform have great reason for gratitude to God for his blessing upon it, and also to those who have labored to bring things into as favorable a condition as they are. That there is a great field of usefulness open before this institution, we cannot doubt. To cure the sick, relieve the afflicted, and care for suffering humanity, has ever been regarded as in the highest degree a beneficent work. Such works as these are mentioned by our Saviour as being a distinguishing mark between the good and bad when the great separation takes place between the sheep and the goats. In a pre-eminent sense should our Institute be a place where such principles are exemplified. Neither does the fact that those who are able to do so give of their means to pay for their treatment, thus enabling the institution to fill a larger field of usefulness than it otherwise could, go to show that this should not be a really benevolent institution. While such are cared for, others must be who are not able to pay anything toward the care they receive.
When the blessed principles of love such as distinguished the Saviour of sinners animates the hearts of officers, physicians, and helpers, in the Institute, then will an influence be felt by patients, whether rich or poor, such as money cannot pay for or procure, and which must leave its impress upon believers or unbelievers. This spirit should and will characterize the institution when it becomes what the Lord would have it, and then it will certainly be, not only a source of relief to bodily ailments, but sick souls will find also a healing influence, which will cause them to rejoice with an unspeakable joy.
There are many health institutions in our land, which are doubtless doing a great and good work so far as the curing of disease is concerned. The true principles of the healing art, as carried out in the hygienic system, can be made available by infidels, spiritualists, and others, whose theological views are terribly perverted, and physical health may result from the use of such means. And I have no doubt that Satan, who is ever on the alert to take advantage of all circumstances by which he may cast an influence to destroy souls, has in some instances connected with the noble principles of health reform influences very detrimental to true spiritual growth—principles at war with the Bible and God's holy truth—and, while those in distress from bodily sickness were recovering physical health, their religious health was being undermined. It is very natural that those whose pains are being alleviated should gain confidence in those who are benefiting them, and should be in a favorable position to imbibe any opinions they may present before them in that condition. Satan knows this, and has no doubt taken advantage of this avenue to the human mind and made impressions which will result in eternal ruin in many instances.
In this age of skepticism we cannot be too watchful of influences which break down faith in God's word. While Satan is thus engaged taking advantage of truth connected with the treatment of disease, shall God's servants be less mindful of these influences? Shall they leave this field unoccupied? Our Institute is the answer to this question. It is believed that, even so far as the recovery of health is concerned, where the blessed influences of religion prevail, they must, through their power upon the physicians and helpers and the soothing and healing influence of the Spirit of God upon disordered nerves, discouraged hearts, and perverted imaginations, work most favorably. Heaven is a place of health, and all influences connected with it tend healthwise.
We are most thankful, then, that there is one health institution in our land where these principles are being carried out, at least measurably; we expect they may yet be fully. Having abiding faith that God is in this truth, and believing health reform to be an important branch of it, we firmly believe in its triumph. And, from the great progress made in the last year or two, we expect the good result will be reached, and that the Institute will exert a powerful influence for the recovery of the sick and in favor of religion. From personal acquaintance with those connected with it the past season, I feel certain they are trying to carry out these principles, and I believe the prospering hand of God has been upon their efforts. The friends of health reform have great cause for gratitude under God to Bro. and sister White for the interest they have taken in this institution. They have planned and toiled for its benefit, often against adverse influences, and its prosperity of late is witness to the correctness of their plans in respect to it.
The number of those converted to the truth while receiving treatment should be a weighty evidence of God's willingness to use this institution for the furtherance of his cause. We think the time has now fully come when many of our people should lay aside their suspicions concerning the Institute, and see the hand of God in its establishment.
There might have been some excuse for this a few years since, when things stood as they did, but they are excusable no longer. There is a great, a noble field of usefulness before it, if we make it what it is fast becoming, an Institute where God is honored, and where the suffering are ministered unto with Christian love and sympathy, and in accordance with the true principles of the healing art. Let us all rally to its support, morally and pecuniarily, and unite our efforts with those who have labored with faithfulness in the time of its trial, and not stand looking on with suspicion at their earnest efforts for its prosperity.
A few words in reference to its pecuniary condition may be appropriate here. As the reports have shown, the Institute has been rapidly paying off its indebtedness of late till it is nearly free from debt. This has been brought about by careful management, by economy, and by those connected with it manifesting a spirit of sacrifice and of faithfulness. This result is very gratifying indeed to those who have its interests at heart. The indebtedness to which I refer as having been mainly liquidated, consisted of notes and accounts against the institution, and had nothing to do with shares that had been taken by its patrons. It is well known that when these were first raised one prominent inducement held out to get people to take shares by those who had the matter in hand, was that large dividends would doubtless be paid on stock. By this means many individuals who had a little means at their command, which perhaps was their main dependence for a living (it certainly was in some cases), put it into shares. When it was seen to be best that it should be a benevolent institution instead of a money-making one, many of those who had taken stock gave up the idea of receiving anything back, and cheerfully donated it to the institution for the good of the cause and humanity. But there were quite a number who had been induced to take stock as I have said above, who could not afford to do this without absolute distress to themselves and those dependent on them. There were several thousand dollars in the amount of such cases who could not reasonably be asked to donate their stock. In some cases which have come under my knowledge real privation has resulted from the loss to them till the present time of that means which was put in as I have described. And the question has been how to relieve such cases.
The superintendent, directors, or anybody else, have no legal right to take of the funds invested in the institution to pay back these shares. No provision is made in the law authorizing such institutions for any such course of procedure. Neither would it be proper for them to take of its regular earnings, which are necessary for its ordinary business, to do it. Under these circumstances the perplexities of the superintendent have been great while receiving many letters, from those who have really needed these means, to refund the amount of their shares. While he would have been most glad to do this he was not properly authorized to do it, and thus, as I know in some cases, real want has been the consequence. Now the way relief may be obtained is to have the friends take additional stock in the Institute, and as this is paid in it can be used to take up the stock of such persons, and they receive back the money they signed under a wrong idea, and these cases be helped out of their trouble, and the institution built up. Several thousand dollars ought to be raised in this way. Our ministers should solicit the taking of stock. Our tract societies also should care for this branch of their work. And whenever there are those charitably disposed, and who wish to know where means are needed in the cause, let them know that the Health Reform Institute needs their means. There are many who have come into the truth within the last few years who have never taken hold in these things as our older brethren have. Our ministers should everywhere encourage them to lift in these important enterprises. The Institute must be a success. Its interests are of great importance. Shall we not relieve it and its officers from all embarrassments, and thus help the cause and humanity.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Centerville, Kan. Dec. 17, 1872.
The Most Remarkable Event of the Eighteenth Century.
By John Nevins Andrews
The Youth’s Companion of Nov. 7, 1872, has the following article concerning the memorable “dark day.” In the judgment of the editor of that paper, it was “the most remarkable event of the eighteenth century.” He estimates it only from a secular standpoint. Of how much deeper interest is it to us who believe it to be in fulfillment of the Saviour’s words: “The sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light”?
J. N. Andrews.
The Dark Day.
“The most remarkable event of the eighteenth century, at least in the line of the mysterious and unaccountable, was the ‘dark day’ in 1780, May 19. The Boston Journal, in an article respecting it, says:—
“‘The phenomenon has never been explained. Dr. Tenney, in 1785, wrote to the Historical Society that the ability of the mind had endeavored to present a cause; but, said he, you will agree with me that no satisfactory solution has yet appeared. In similar language, wrote Dr. Noah Webster in 1843. The theory of some that it was smoke and ashes from forest fires then raging, was disproved. No fires in the forest could have been sufficient to spread a dense cloud over the whole of New England, and even some parts of the Middle States. It came too suddenly, with no wind to carry it from one point to another. It was a darkness that settled down over an area of more than 300,000 square miles at the same time.’”
“The following extracts from the account in the Journal represent the effect of the awful occurrence on man and beast:—
“‘And the brute and feathered creation seemed puzzled and agitated. The birds ceased to fly, and hid themselves in the branches of the trees. As the darkness increased, they sang their evening songs as they do at twilight, and then became silent. Pigeons on the wing took to the shelter of the forest as they do at night. The whippoorwill, as if it were truly night, cheerfully sang his song through the gloomy hours. Woodstocks, which are night birds, whistled as they only do in the night time. Bats came out of their hiding places, and flew about. The fowls marched solemnly to their roosts, as they do only at nightfall, and after cackling for awhile over the mystery of so short a day, became still. Cocks crowed, as is their custom at nightly intervals, and the early breaking of day. Frogs peeped their evening concert, and dogs whined or howled, and ran away as on the approach of an earthquake. The herds of cattle on New England’s thousand hills sought the shelter of the shed or barn-yard, lowing as they came to the gate, and sheep huddled around the circle with their heads inward—the invariable token of apprehended danger.’”
“‘The Connecticut Legislature, then in session at Hartford, found themselves deprived of daylight at about 11 o’clock A. M., and were obliged to adjourn; only one man dissenting. This strange darkness covered all the tract of country from Northern Canada to Pennsylvania, and from Nova Scotia to Lake Champlain (besides hundreds of miles out to sea), and lasted from 9 A. M. to 3 P. M., coming on again in the evening and totally blotting out the stars.’”
What Is Coming?
By R. F. Cottrell
Many see that signs are ominous of some great event. Scripture prophecies and the present state of the world make it evident. Some that have been backward to believe that we are in the last days, begin to admit that some remarkable event is at hand; but still there are various opinions with respect to what is about to transpire. Some think it is the conversion of the world; others, that a great change in religious faith is about to take place. It is certain that a great religious change is taking place. The professed Christian world are gradually going over to spiritualism, which is the prevailing form of infidelity.
Our only reliable light is the light of Scripture prophecies. Without this light, no one can tell, with any ground of confidence, of any future event. And since the signs given in prophecy are all that show that we are on the eve of great events, these prophecies alone can inform us of what is coming. Hence the answer to the question, What is coming? is, Just what the prophecies say is coming.
The sequel to these prophecies will be literally fulfilled, just as those prophecies have been fulfilled thus far. The great day of God is before us. It is the close of probation and the day of wrath. The Lord Jesus is coming to save his people, and destroy his enemies. These things are plainly spoken, and will certainly come; therefore there need be no doubt concerning the stupendous events which are about to come. The word of the Lord will be fulfilled. It has not failed in its predictions, and will not.
R. F. Cottrell.
Failure of Justice.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
IMMORALITY and general wickedness were to be signs of the end. Matt. 24:37-39; Gen. 6:5. The prophet particularly specifies the failure of justice and truth just before the Redeemer shall come to Zion. He says: “Therefore is judgment far from us, neither does justice overtake us.” And again: “And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.” Isa. 59:9, 14. He then says that the Lord saw this and was angry at it; that he put on his garments of vengeance, and the Redeemer came to Zion, &c. Verses 15–20.
Every one at all conversant with public affairs must see that such is the present condition of things in our day. The following from a leading journal of the land is as good a comment on this text as could be asked:—
“THE FAILURE OF JUSTICE.”
“In ancient times, places specially consecrated by religion, as churches and the like, were sometimes set apart as sanctuaries for criminals. Within their precincts, even the traitor or murderer was safe alike from private vengeance and from the law. So it not unfrequently happened that the church became literally a den of thieves.
“We have among us a similar case. We have an institution sacred to men's minds as the guardian of society, but which is becoming a shelter for society's worst foes. That institution is the law.
“The Jewish ‘City of Refuge’ shielded the accused from private vengeance till he could be dealt with by an impartial judge. But the perverted copy of this, the mediæval ‘sanctuary,’ gave absolute immunity to whoever remained within its walls. In like manner, the civil law has aimed, by a hundred devices, to guard the accused person against the effects of passion and prejudice; but, in our communities, it has overdone its work, and constantly shelters the culprit from justice itself. The law is becoming the protector of crime.
“A few days ago, a peculiarly atrocious murder was committed in this city. The universal comment of the public was, that the murderer would, of course, escape punishment; and this, though to present appearance the crime was wholly without extenuation, either in the immediate circumstances, or in the murderer's previous character. But the public has learned by experience what to expect in such a case. It foresees, at every stage of the legal proceedings, loopholes arranged as if the express aim of the law was the prisoner's acquittal. It foresees the selection of a jury by the qualification of stolid ignorance. It foresees the probable foisting upon such a jury of some preposterous theory of insanity, and their bewilderment by endless medical jargon. It knows that the witnesses will be badgered, and insulted, and tortured, in a way to distort, quite as much as to clarify, their evidence. It knows that, under cover of a technical plea of insanity, or self-defense, or what not, the dead will be aspersed, and a maudlin sympathy for the supposed wrongs of the murderer be aroused; that a thousand technical confusions will be wrapped round the case; that the judge must follow principles of law constructed to favor the accused; that the final decision of the thrice-tangled question must be made, not by clear judicial minds, but by twelve men of less than average intelligence; and that only their unanimous agreement can convict the prisoner. Above all, the public, taught by experience, foresees as the probable issue of the whole, the ultimate acquittal of any murderer who is rich enough to employ skillful counsel.
“Not even with the process we have described, do the prisoner's chances end. During the trial, his lawyer will probably raise a host of technical exceptions to the judge's rulings. If the verdict is adverse, he will obtain a stay of proceedings until these exceptions can be passed on by a higher court. If that finds any flaw in the decisions of the first judge, a new trial is ordered; the same list of chances is again open to the prisoner, and the process may be repeated indefinitely.
“The same daily paper which records the murder of O'Neil by King contains two other items which illustrate this last point. We read that the supreme court has ordered new trials in two well-known cases, on the ground of exceptions taken by counsel and now sustained by this court. The first case is that of Rosenzweig, accused of being the chief criminal in a ‘trunk murder’ that shocked the community more than a year ago. This man had, in spite of the law's delays, been convicted, receiving the light sentence of seven years' imprisonment. He is now to receive a second trial. We do not pronounce on his guilt; we simply note the fact that, on secondary and technical grounds, absolutely indefinite chances of escape are offered to those against whom there is the heaviest moral presumption of guilt.
“The other case is still more noteworthy. There are in this city a class of desperadoes, individually well known as habitual criminals—not pickpockets and such small fry, but burglars and assassins—who go most of the time scot free. Such a one is ‘Reddy the Blacksmith,’ who may fairly be called a habitual murderer. Every few months, he furnishes the reporters with a paragraph by some outrageous assault; yet he walks the streets of New York as freely as Rob Roy did the Highlands. A less eminent gentleman of this fraternity, known as ‘Dutch Heinrich,’ whose specialty is robbery on a large scale, was, by some strange accident, convicted a few months since of the theft of some bonds, and sentenced to ten years' imprisonment. In this same paper—the New York Herald of Nov. 19—we read that in this case, too, a new trial has just been ordered. Apparently, Mr. Heinrich may not unreasonably hope to be soon restored to his congenial haunts and pursuits.”
If the escape of great criminals through the meshes of the law were highly exceptional, it might be set down to the necessary imperfection of human affairs, and to the law's wise leaning to mercy's side. But, in this city, and to some extent throughout the Union, such escapes are not exceptional; they are characteristic. The public expects King to escape punishment because it remembers how many other murderers have recently escaped; because the great criminals of the ring have thus far gone unpunished; because, in a word, our legal machinery has been proved wholly inadequate to deal with the crimes that are most dangerous to society.”
D. M. CANRIGHT
Christian Love.
By C. A. Osgood
The true disciples of Christ are “taught of God to love one another.” This love is of such a peculiar character that it attracts the attention of unbelievers. Said our Lord, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples because ye have love one to another.” By this love, we know ourselves that we belong to Christ, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” The nature of this love is described by Paul in 1 Cor. 13. Let us give attention to some things that he says concerning it. He says charity, or love, suffereth long. Fathers and mothers will labor hard and long for the good of their children because they dearly love them. When they are sick, they will watch over them and attend to their wants with untiring diligence, night and day, until they recover, though the time be very long. They will deprive themselves of rest and many comforts for the good of the sick one. Love moves them to do and suffer these things. The child may not appreciate what is done and suffered for his good. The child may be peevish, and appear ungrateful, yet the parental love, which is deep rooted in the heart, does not grow cold, so the parents keep on laboring and suffering for the beloved one.
So, true Christian love, deep-rooted in the heart, suffers long. Although our brethren and sisters are imperfect, though some of their ways are not pleasing to us, still love will make us bear with them a long time; it will lead us to labor long and hard to do them good, and to pray most earnestly for their growth in grace, and their eternal salvation. Though they should wander far away from God, love will move us to go after the lost sheep and bring it back.
Love is kind. It does not exhibit itself in harsh and unkind words, uttered in unkind tones of voice, attended with forbidding features of the countenance. No; but in kind words, uttered in tones of gentleness, and in deeds of kindness. Though duty calls us to reprove the erring brother, the reproof is given in love, not to reproach or abuse the erring one, but to do him good; to reclaim and save him. Love envies not. Love rejoices when others prosper. Love cannot hate. We wish those we love to prosper. We want them to excel in every good work. When pure love reigns in our hearts we are not troubled because others become richer than ourselves. We are not troubled because our brethren are more honored than we are, or because they can sing, or pray, or preach, or write, better than we, or exert a more extensive influence, and so are able to do more good.
Love is not puffed up. True love does not make any one proud or haughty. It does not make even the best feel that everybody should honor and serve them; but leads them to imitate the Saviour, who came not to be ministered unto, but to minister to others.
Love never faileth. Faith will, by-and-by, be lost in sight, and hope in glad fruition, but love, deep and pure, will swell the bosoms of the redeemed through the everlasting age. In the renewed earth, this love will pervade every heart, appear in every feature, move every lip, and appear in every action. Love will be the glory of the world to come. Let us then labor to cultivate and perfect this grace now. Let us love one another with pure hearts fervently.
C. A. OSGOOD.
Shelby Co., Iowa.
By John Matteson
I AM still holding meetings in this county, eight miles north of Fairview, where I first commenced. Here is a large grove, called Bowman's Grove, thickly settled. We have a comfortable school-house for meetings. This used to be a great place for meetings, but during the last two years the interest in religion has died out. There is a small Methodist class left. The weather is quite fair, roads good, no snow. Attendance at our meetings from forty to ninety. The people listen with good attention. I have been here a little more than two weeks. Some have decided to keep the Sabbath. Still it is uncertain how large a company of believers can be raised up here. By the help of God, I will continue to labor on in hope.
There is also a little Danish settlement here—ten or twelve families. I have commenced meetings with them, and they seem to be willing to hear. Thus I have eight or nine meetings a week. This, and writing for the Danish paper besides, gives me enough to do. There are still other places in this county, settled by Americans and Danes together, where the people are desiring to hear. It seems, therefore, to me, to be duty to remain here for some time. Praying for the blessing of God to rest upon his servants and cause in all its departments, I remain,
Yours truly,
JOHN MATTESON.
Harland, Iowa, Dec. 15, 1872.
Erie Co., N. Y.
By Chas. B. Reynolds
The political excitement preventing any interest at Aurora, sought a new field of labor. Commenced meetings in a Methodist meeting-house, at Abbott's Corners, Oct. 6. It was fifteen miles from any Sabbath-keeper. The people had never heard of the truth. They were Universalists, or acknowledged skeptics; the majority were destitute of all interest in things of the Bible, never attending religious meetings except on funeral occasions. The interest to hear increased as the meetings progressed, and had become large, when the epizootic and unfavorable weather set in, and prevented the attendance of very many who had become much interested. Nearly all who did attend admitted the truth. Many confessed their infidelity and skepticism removed. A few embraced the truth. Organized a Bible-class.
Left, Nov. 8, for Lancaster. Returned, Dec. 5, and found Satan making powerful efforts to root out good seed sown. Strove to strengthen and encourage the feeble ones. Used every effort to obtain a building to hold another series of meetings within a few miles of this place, but in vain. This is much to be regretted. Felt discouraged, yet trust in the overruling providence of God, well assured that in his infinite mercy and wisdom he will bless and strengthen those who faithfully endeavor to do his will. Strength is not to be found in numbers, but in the help of the Lord.
Left this place the second time with feelings of deep regret, having enjoyed some very precious seasons during our labors. Went there a perfect stranger, doubtful of finding shelter, unless we sought it at the tavern, but found kind, hospitable, loving friends. Even those opposed acknowledge that good has resulted from the meetings. The people have awakened to the fact of the divine inspiration of the Bible, and the need of searching its sacred pages.
Dec. 11, returned home to seek needed rest, and decide on a new field of labor. Address, North Parma, Monroe Co., N. Y.
Chas. B. Reynolds.
SUBMISSION
Since thy Father's arm sustains thee,
Peaceful be;
When a chastening hand restrains thee,
It is he.
Know his love in full completeness,
Feel the measure of thy weakness;
If he wound thy spirit sore,
Trust him more.
Without murmur, uncomplaining,
In his hand
Leave whatever things thou canst not
Understand.
Though the world thy folly spurneth,
From thy faith in pity turneth,
Peace thy inmost soul shall fill,
Living still.
Like an infant, if thou thinkest
Thou canst stand—
Childlike, proudly pushing back
The proffered hand—
Courage soon is changed to fear,
Strength doth feebleness appear;
In His love if thou abide,
He will guide.
Fearest sometimes that thy Father
Hast forgot?
Though the clouds around thee gather,
Doubt him not.
Always hath the daylight broken,
Always hath he comfort spoken,
Better hath he been for years
Than thy fears.
Therefore, whatsoe'er betideth,
Night or day,
Know his love for thee provideth
Good alway.
Crown of sorrows gladly take,
Grateful wear it for his sake,
Sweetly bending to his will,
Saying still—
To his own the Saviour giveth
Daily strength;
To each troubled soul that boweth,
Peace at length.
Weakest lambs have largest share
Of the tender Shepherd's care—
Ask him not, then, “When?” or “How?”
Genesee Co., Mich.
By S. H. Lane
At the time of my last report, I was laboring in the township of Mount Morris. Since then, I have introduced the Sabbath question. The result has been favorable.
The Methodists have a strong influence in the vicinity. The minister, from the first, has opposed our positions on the Sabbath question, Nature of Man, and Second Advent. He has given six discourses against said positions, to which I have replied.
I have labored in the neighborhood most of the time for the last eight weeks. The people have been interested from the commencement of the meetings. The congregation has nearly filled the school-house each evening. The result is that many have become quite familiar with the truths of the third angel’s message, who, a few weeks since, were unacquainted with them. Twenty in the neighborhood are now keeping the Sabbath. A meeting for each Sabbath has been established, and a leader appointed. Have disposed of quite a quantity of publications. Obtained eight subscribers for REVIEW. The calls for labor are very numerous, and the people seem anxious to hear. Feel much encouraged to labor on in the cause. Hope to keep humble, that God may crown future labor with success. S. H. LANE.
Woodland, Cal., Dec. 18, 1872
By M. E. Cornell
California.
At present, I am too busy to report much, even if I had anything of interest to say. The entire charge of the meeting-house enterprise at Woodland has fallen upon me; and, help being scarce, I have to work night and day with my hands. The house is inclosed, and will be ready to occupy in about four weeks. I am glad to see it go ahead, at any sacrifice to myself. Labor and affliction are good for the soul. If red-wood slivers in the hand would answer the place of a “thorn in the flesh,” I might hope for some benefit, but these are the least of my troubles. It is self that is to be crucified, that the new man may be put on.
I believe I have begun the work in good earnest. For several years, this work has been neglected. A few faint efforts have been made, but there has been a lack of perseverance. Now it must go thorough if it takes the right eye and hand.
All the way along, thorns and briers have been springing up in the heart’s garden. Over past weakness and mistakes I grieve much. But I now set out anew. All is to be new. The old half-heartedness and blindness must pass away.
My soul thirsts after God, and yields every idol. A genuine conversion and new experience, I must have. I think of it, and labor for it day and night. God in mercy gives me the burden, and I cry out for God, the living God. Oh! when shall I come and appear before God! I would be glad of the prayers of any, that strength may be given me till the work be done. I know that nothing short of an entire consecration to the work will fit me to take part in this holy work, and I thank God that I desire it with my whole heart.
“Henceforth, let no profane delight
Disturb this consecrated soul,
Possess it Thou who hast the right,
As Lord and Master of the whole.”
In due time, if the Lord will, I hope to report progress; for, though cast down, I am not discouraged—I never rejoiced more in the prosperity of the cause than now. The work goes bravely on, and may the Lord speed it gloriously. M. E. CORNELL.
Woodland, Cal., Dec. 18, 1872
Missouri Meetings Close With Sabbath Vote and Bible Class
By James Hackett; Joseph Lamont
Missouri.
We have just closed a series of meetings at this place, of five weeks’ duration. The attendance and interest was good throughout. A test vote on the Sabbath resulted unanimously in favor of the Lord’s Sabbath, not one voting in favor of Sunday. The Lord has blessed his truth. Three of the leading class in the place have taken a stand on the truth, and several others are convinced of duty. The Lord help them to obey.
There being some commandment-keepers here, we organized a Bible-class. Eight have covenanted to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and sustain Sabbath meetings. Others promise to meet with them.
We have visited and conversed with the people, removing some objections. Obtained three subscribers for REVIEW, and one for Reformer. The people are well pleased with the health reform, and some are commencing to live it out. Others would subscribe if they had means.
JAMES HACKETT,
JOSEPH LAMONT.
South Bend, Dec. 18, 1872
By O. A. Olson
Wisconsin.
Nov. 6, started for Trempeleau County. Met with these few scattered brethren near Trempeleau, on two Sabbaths. The Lord blessed in our meetings.
Had meetings in two places in the county, among the Scandinavians, but without success.
Dec. 6, commenced meetings in Hixton, Jackson Co. Have, up to this time, held thirteen meetings. The Lord has blessed the word. Eight families have voted to keep the Sabbath. They are all Norwegians. The Advent name had hardly been heard of among them. O. A. OLSON.
South Bend, Dec. 18, 1872
Richfield Center, Mich.
By Edwin R. Jones; M. B. Miller
WE arrived here Thursday, the 12th. Have a very good house in which to hold meetings. It is 30x40 ft., and will seat about two hundred. The people are composed quite largely of Free Methodists, who manifest a good interest in our meetings. There are three of them who preach, living in the place. Spiritualists are few.
EDWIN R. JONES,
M. B. MILLER.
Tract and Missionary Department.
By P. Z. Kinne; B. L. Whitney
N. Y. & Pa. T. & M. Society.
The quarterly meeting of the N. Y. and Pa. T. and M. Society was held at Adam’s Center, Dec. 8, 1872.
The meeting was called to order by the President, and the minutes of the last quarterly meeting read.
The Secretary’s report for the quarter just closed was then read as follows:—
No. of families visited, 456; No. pp. tracts and pamphlets distributed, 115,846; value, $14.80; Reviews distributed, 322; Reformers 202; Instructors, 94; new subscribers for Review, 27; Reformer, 231; Instructor, 121.
Thirty new subscribers were added to the Society during the quarter, making a total membership of 499.
Donation to T. & M. Society. $96.77.
“ “ Delinquent Fund, 122.70.
“ “ Widow and Orphan Fund, $42.25.
The office of Vice President being left vacant at the annual meeting, Bro. J. M. Lindsay was elected to fill the place.
Bro. E. B. Gaskill, through Bro. J. M. Lindsay, tendered his resignation as Treasurer of the Society, and Bro. T. H. Lindsay was appointed in his stead.
It was voted that Chemung and Steuben Counties, N. Y., and Tioga Co., Pa., now known as Dist. No. 11, be changed to Dist. No. 9, and that the counties of Chatauqua and Cattaraugus, N. Y., and adjacent brethren in Pa., known as Dist. No. 9, be changed to Dist. No. 11.
Several interesting and encouraging incidents in the experience of those who had been engaged in the circulation of tracts were related where good fruits were already seen as the result of prayerful and earnest effort.
The Hygienic Book Fund was considered, and $307.25 was pledged by those present.
The brethren and sisters separated with feelings of encouragement, and a determination to carry on the work more earnestly than ever.
P. Z. KINNE, Pres.
B. L. WHITNEY, Sec.
The Prophet Elijah.
By P. L. H.
A CORRESPONDENT writes, “Please harmonize Matt. 17: 12, 13, with John’s gospel, chap. 1: 21.”
The passages referred to read as follows:
“But I say unto you that Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.” Matt. 17: 12, 13. “And they asked him [John the Baptist], What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.” John 1: 21.
The conflicting idea in these two passages is very evident; for Christ says that “Elias had already come,” and “the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist,” while the language of John the Baptist himself plainly denied that he was Elias.
The Jews understood, from a prophecy in Malachi 4: 5, that Elijah was to come personally before the Messiah should appear. They expected he was literally to come from Heaven. It was in this sense that John denied that he was Elijah; but that he was the prophet prophesied of, he did not deny; for he said immediately after, in the twenty-third verse, that he was the one sent to prepare the way for the Lord.
In regard to the prediction concerning Elijah by the prophet Malachi, Albert Barnes says: “By this was evidently meant, not that he should appear in person, but that one should appear with a striking resemblance to him; or, as Luke expresses it, ‘in the spirit and power of Elijah.’” Luke 1: 17.
The work which Elijah was to do before the coming of the Messiah was to “restore all things” and prepare the way for his advent. He was to be the instrument of bringing about a reformation among the people, and correcting in some degree their false idea of the Messiah, thus preparing the way for his coming.
Just such a work John accomplished. Before his coming, the people held erroneous views in regard to the advent, and were very worldly in their objects and expectations. He wrought a great reformation among the people, corrected their false ideas in some measure, preparatory to their reception of the Messiah.
In thus doing this work in the spirit and power of Elijah at the time predicted, John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy, and was the Elias that was to come, as Christ declared, although he was not Elijah himself, as he properly denied. P. L. H.