Earlier text: THE INTRODUCTION OF FIRST-DAY OBSERVANCENOT KNOWING.
By Mary Martin
We are told in regard to the “father of the faithful,” that, being called of God, “he went out not knowing whither he went.” The sacred historian does not tell us how he was situated at that time. It was evidently ere life's sun had reached its meridian, and when he was enjoying, perhaps, all that heart could hope or desire, with plans all perfected for the long bright years to come. God calls. Is it to be a wearisome way? Will there be a resting place? Where does the road terminate? He sets forth on his journey “not knowing.” Who may tell the anguish inseparably connected with those words? Until feeling find expression in language yet unknown, its depths shall remain unfathomed. Lot, in selecting a tarrying place, made choice of a section “well watered:” pecuniary interests were the first consulted. Not so with faithful Abraham. His first thought, the first work of his hands, was to build an altar and call upon the name of the Lord. Each time the providence of God indicated a pathway diverging from the one whose windings had become familiar, he must place his hand in that of Omnipotence and go on “not knowing.” See him toiling up the mountain side with the intended sacrifice. Had he only known the finale this example would never have been placed on record for us. The agony he there experienced is left unwritten—our language is too meager; but an angel's pen has taken note of all. Can you measure it? Have you ever stood by the bed of the dying whose life seemed a part of your own? As the breath came shorter, fainter, your own timed by extreme sensibility to correspond, till when one ceased the other had to be recalled? It was all, yes, all your humanity could endure. How would it have been had the heavenly mandate gone forth that, with your own hand, you must sacrifice that life? Well earned the title “father of the faithful;” but oh how unworthily we bear the name of children! Dr. Judson, whose name is ever dear to the true missionary, possessed a spirit of faithfulness akin to that of the patriarch Abraham. Alone upon the treacherous waves he searches for truth, and when it is found decides that God must be obeyed, even at the sacrifice of every earthly friend or hope. We admire the look of implicit trust expressive of the little child's confidence reposed in a parent, as the upturned face, unquestioning, sanctions that which is most dreaded because father or mother think best. We are commanded: “Be ye followers of God as dear children.” Faith is not sight, but one step out beyond the precipice whose furthermost edge is the boundary line circumscribed by human vision. God, in his infinite wisdom, veils all the region beyond. We hear many say, Had I known the trials which were before me, I could never have lived to endure them; and many more whose close shut lips reveal naught of the internal fires which are gradually consuming the life, testify that it was infinite love as well as wisdom, which called them forth “not knowing.” The chastening rod falls. None need tell us it is a serpent, for its venomous sting is felt in our inmost souls; but, looking beyond its unsightly proportions, we see the Father's hand; and pressing it to our lips, saying, “Thy will, not mine, be done,” transforms it into a branch of budding beauty. Almost faithless, we ask for what we scarcely expect, and awaken to hide with shamefacedness and humility as the blessing we desired, but hardly dared hope for, comes gently down. The pen of inspiration, after recording, in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, the wonderful examples of faith never to be surpassed in succeeding ages, adds: “Of whom the world was not worthy.” No doubt there were robes of royal purple and crowned heads then; but Heaven draws finer distinctions than mortals know, and “those who wandered about in sheep-skins and goat-skins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented,” shall stand high on the roll of honor when earth's proudest dignitaries have long been forgotten. If the thought of that sublime old-fashioned faith overawes us now, how shall it be when the Master comes in to view the guests? When these earthly mists receding
Leave us with the Lord alone,
In his kingly garb, not pleading
Then before the Father's throne,
We shall see, as now we cannot,
And shall know as we are known.
Shall we quail beneath the sentence
Of the great Jehovah's Son,
Or accept in joyful silence,
Those thrice blessed words, “Well done”? THE TRACT AND MISSIONARY WORK.
By George I. Butler
The recent announcement in Bro. Canright’s article that the president of the General Tract and Missionary Society was intending to visit the different Conferences, to instruct and encourage in this important branch of the work, was a source of great joy to me. I am sure this is a move in the right direction. It augurs well for the prosperity of this important enterprise. Its wisdom has been proved in the past; for in those Conferences where Bro. Haskell has labored considerably to instruct in the missionary work, we have seen much more accomplished than elsewhere, and in New England most of all. It is reasonable to suppose that those who have had experience in a given work, and those who have felt deeply its importance, can help inspire a measure of that interest in others. We know Bro. Haskell has felt specially called out in reference to the tract work. God has blessed his labors in it. We know this is a most important enterprise, and that the times are propitious for a great increase of effort on the part of all our people. However we may differ as to modes of working, and as to what is the wisest course in details, we all agree that the end is most important. Those who have attained the greatest success can surely instruct those who have had a less degree. I have no doubt much more would have been accomplished in the West during the past two years in the tract work, could our people generally have had the instruction the president of the General T. and M. Society is qualified to give. But now, since the General Conference has made renewed efforts at its last session to perfect the Tract and Missionary organization, it seems especially consistent for us in the West to make a general advance, and to welcome to our midst the president of the General Tract Society, and listen respectfully to his suggestions. It becomes me to speak modestly of other Conferences; but in regard to Missouri I wish to say, We need, and greatly desire, the help of Bro. Haskell. The tract work there needs a general overhauling; and we want to take a new departure. There is a great field and a good field in which to spread the precious rays of light. The work is rising there, and it is a good time to strike in. We hope to hear from Bro. H. soon, as to when he can meet with us. Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Nov. 7. THIS IS THE LORD'S DOING.
By R. F. Cottrell
More than a quarter of a century ago a few souls had faith to believe, from the harmonious fulfillment of prophecy, that the time had come for the fulfillment of the last warning message to mankind, which had been foretold in prophecy in the beginning of the gospel age. Rev. 14:9-12. The truths which they held were extremely unpopular. The world and the churches were unwilling to hear the doctrine of the soon-coming of the Lord, and the Lord's Sabbath was despised as a Jewish institution: the people having so long trampled it under their feet, would not listen to an argument for its restoration. In short, everything stood against the truth, and the feeble band of those who believed and proclaimed it. Nothing looked more wild and visionary to the people in general than the belief that this work is the especial work of God for our time. But despite prejudice and opposition, the work has gone on and increased, so that its present proportions are like the stately oak compared with the acorn. And yet it is onward. Soon it will assume still more gigantic proportions. The message will swell, as we believed, into a loud voice, only to die away with the close of human probation. This work is not to be attributed to human power. “It is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” How solemn the thought that this last message is doing its fearful work! How awful the responsibility laid upon all to work in the Lord's harvest till the last sheaf is bound, “And joyfully borne from the harvest ground.” Awake, my soul, to the duties of the present hour! R. F. Cottrell. NO PLACE.
By R. F. Cottrell
In describing the destruction of the great image which Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream, which was a symbol of the kingdoms of the world, it is said that it became as the chaff of the summer threshing floors, and the wind carried it away, so that there was no place found for it. This is a figure of complete destruction. The kingdoms exist no longer; for they have been broken to pieces and removed, so that they are to be found in no place. They are no longer kingdoms, and they exist nowhere. In like manner the destruction of the ungodly is described. “For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.” To be, means to exist. They shall not exist. Where can they be found? Nowhere. They have no place in the universe of God. Search as much as you will, and as far as you can, and it cannot be found. It does not exist. Like burning fat, the wicked have consumed into smoke. They exist no more, and their place cannot be found. Ps. 37. CAN WE KNOW THE DAY?
By R. F. C.
It is said that it is impossible to find the day of the Sabbath. If this is so, of course you cannot keep it. Then who is to blame if we do not keep it? Not ourselves surely. No one is to be blamed for not doing what he cannot do. Now who believes in God, believes he commands us to keep his Sabbath, and yet believes he has left it by his word and his providence so that we cannot obey his commandment, because it is impossible to find the day? I do not believe in, nor worship, such a god as that. If this is a true description of God, it is no wonder you do not care to honor him by keeping his Sabbath. But if God is not of this character, you can keep his Sabbath, and you ought to do so. Make sure on which party the fault lies, before you come to the Judgment. R. F. C. NEWBURYPORT, MASS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
The other day I received the following letter from one of the brethren at Newburyport. We left about fifteen keeping the Sabbath there when we took down the tent. We visited them a few times; then matters at Danvers and elsewhere pressed so urgently that I had not visited them for two months. It rejoices us greatly to find they have done so well alone. I quote from the letter as follows:— “We are prospering finely. The Lord is with us, so we cannot help prospering. We had the best meetings yesterday that we have had since we formed our little band. Eight came to visit us, and three of them have decided to keep the Sabbath with us. One old gentleman walked five miles to meet with us. We also had an Adventist preacher with us from over the river. He gave us some good advice, and said he was investigating the seventh-day question. “I received the tracts safely, and hope they will be the means of aiding us to gather new additions to our little flock. When you come down again, please bring three or four hymn books of some kind. We begin to find out that we want hymn books with Scripture in them; for we don't like to sing about an immortal soul, when it is not Bible. We are all in good spirits, and feel that our Father hears our prayers.” Yesterday I visited them, and found them all strong in the faith, and growing in the knowledge of the truth. They have hired a little hall, where they have regular meetings three times a week. Six have embraced the Sabbath since we came away, and this without any preaching. Others are much interested. We now go back there to labor a couple of weeks. At Danvers, where the interest is so extensive, we find that it requires a great deal of work to keep everything moving along properly. Our Sabbath-school now numbers one hundred and eighteen. The attendance on preaching Sabbath afternoon is generally about one hundred. Not all of these, however, keep the Sabbath. Sunday our hall is full. A very few who made a start are drawing off. This is nothing strange where there are so many. Others are coming in, and all are settling down firm in the truth. We had another baptism to-day. Our meeting-house will be plastered this week. I feel well rested up again, and we are all of good courage. EDGEFIELD, TENN.
By S. Osborn
We set the tent in Edgefield, and commenced meetings Oct. 18. Continued several evenings, but on account of the damp weather, the attendance was not large; so we struck our tent, intending to go to Kentucky . But we had been here long enough to get some acquainted, and the people sent a request for us to stay and continue our lectures; they would help pay for a hall, and a family offered us three rooms in their house, free. To-night we commence meetings in the hall. We were made glad, a few days ago, by a visit from Bro. G. K. Owen and wife, who have come to labor in the South. May God bless them. We tremble in view of the greatness of the work in this place; but we trust in God, and ask the prayers of all who love the cause in the South. S. OSBORN. Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Portland, Oregon, Oct. 21. For the last week I have been assisting Bro. Van Horn in meetings in Portland and East Portland. The Lord gave freedom to his servants, and edge to his truth. We were favored with good weather and attentive audiences. During these meetings a few more have taken their stand to obey the truth. The Sabbath-keepers of Portland and East Portland have now secured a hall for meetings at the corner of Fourth and I streets, East Portland, where meetings are159 to be held each Sabbath at 11 A. M., and prayer-meetings each Tuesday evening. We start to-morrow morning for the Conference at Walla Walla. After our return Bro. Van Horn designs to follow up the work in this vicinity, to give permanence to the cause here. Lemoore, Cal., Oct. 25. Bro. J. L. Wood reports good meetings with the Lone Oak church. He has assisted them in organizing a Sabbath-school and in getting into working order. Since camp-meeting the cause of present truth has seemed to take new life. Several have commenced to keep the Sabbath. Bro. W. is holding meetings in a school-house about one mile from the camp-ground. The interest is quite good considering the location. HEAVEN ANTICIPATED.
By L. E. Milne
The time is short!
How sweet the thought—though weary, faint with
toil,
And tossing to and fro with earth’s turmoil—
The end is near! The years roll on,
And soon, oh soon! the bright glad morn will come,
When Christ shall call his faithful children home,
To wear the crown. Away with fear!
Let worldlings scoff and turn with pride away,
I’ll onward press; dear Lord, be thou my stay,
Then I’ll not faint. If God approve,
Then I’ll rejoice. Though Satan’s hosts assail,
Through Christ, my Lord and King, I shall prevail,
And reign with Him. Rejoice! rejoice!
He comes and tarries not. Oh! sing for joy,
Ye saints; let sweetest notes your tongues employ,
And sound his praise! Let faith grow strong!
Those beauteous mansions will soon be mine;
With the King in beauty I soon shall shine,
And be at rest. SWITZERLAND, AND ALSACE, GERMANY.
By D. T. Bourdeau
I attended the Swiss Conference held in the city of Bienne, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. My object was to ascertain the state and wants of the cause in Switzerland, that I might know how to shape my labors in my present field. I ascertained at this meeting that though the stagnation in the watch business, caused by the troubles in France, the Turco-Russian war, &c., had brought distress and want into several Sabbath-keeping families, yet the greater portion of our brethren had been prompt in meeting their pledges for the support of the cause. From this meeting I went to Bâle, where I spent about one week in helping Bro. Andrews to prepare to join me in the work in new fields. I found sister Aufranc in the last stages of dropsical consumption. Her peace is made with God, and she is fast ripening for her change. On this trip I visited the few friends who embraced the truth in Alsace, Germany, a little more than a year ago. I found them firm in the truth, prompt in paying their S. B. pledges, and willing to put forth still greater efforts to disseminate the truth. I supplied them with tracts, and waited upon them in the celebration of the ordinances. I had purposed to commence at once my work in new fields; but in view of great discouragement brought upon most of the Swiss companies of Sabbath-keepers by peculiar and perplexing trials, I held meetings at two points on my way home. The Lord greatly blessed his people, and many drooping minds were raised above their discouragements. At these points we attended to the ordinances, which, because of these trials, had been neglected for quite a length of time. On this journey I made it a point to visit isolated Sabbath-keepers in different villages, and to see what Les Signes des Temps was doing to prepare the way for preaching. I have found at least four fields that are now waiting for the living preacher. As the appointment at Newark for Oct. 5-9 was for Bro. St. John, and I had done all I could to secure for him a cordial reception, there was considerable disappointment with many that he was not able to fill it. The meetings were profitable, yet not so largely attended, we thought, as they would have been had not the county fair and State election been at that time. Some good substantial ones have taken hold of the truth there, and we expect more will do so. A good Sabbath meeting was reported after I left. I greatly regretted the unfortunate circumstances under which the series of meetings were held in Newark. The weather was not pleasant, and the tent was very poor, affording no sufficient protection from storm. The friends in Ohio need to bear in mind the condition of their tents, and the necessity of timely action in reference to next year’s labor. By direction of the Committee, I went to North Bloomfield. Some of the members of this church live at quite a distance, yet there was a general gathering, Oct. 13, 14. Most of them embraced the truth when I labored there in 1863; some in 1864. Quite a number have moved away, and are now holding up the light in other places; and some faithful ones have fallen asleep. It is gratifying to consider that very few who embraced the truth in North-eastern Ohio in the years above named ever turned away from it. This meeting was a happy re-union after a long absence; preaching was well received, and the social meetings were good. During the week following I visited some other places. In Geneva I found three sisters who have stood faithful for thirteen years, though away from church privileges, and sometimes sorely pressed with trials and opposition. One also in Madison whose faithfulness and labors are esteemed by all. My visit to North Madison was especially gratifying. Bro. Gates, who left the work in Newark on account of sickness, continued to decline and appeared to be falling under quick consumption, already on the verge of the grave. But prayer was continually made in his behalf. Several days before I visited him his cough suddenly ceased, and he began to recover. His sister said it seemed to her that somebody was praying for him. Since that time he has been steadily improving. Truly God is good to his waiting people. The 20th and 21st I was again in N. Bloomfield. Some difficulties had troubled this church for a long time, which had proved very perplexing. After a careful examination of the records of the church, the true state of the case appeared, and we trust relief has now been brought to them. They seemed to take hold with new courage. We hope they will bear in mind that where difficulties have long existed, the members and the officers must unite their efforts to restore harmony and order. They need to bear in mind the instruction of 1 Peter 5:1-8. We have delayed this report to submit our views of the case to the Conference Committee. PEORIA, TEXAS.
By R. M. Kilgore
Since my last report, our meetings have been interrupted by bad weather, for nearly a week; but the interest is unabated. A large number still have ears to hear, and many are yielding their hearts to the influence and power of the truth. Yesterday (Sabbath) was a good day for us. Over a hundred were present, and took part in the Sabbath-school and Bible-class. After preaching, a social meeting was held, during which the Spirit of God came into our midst in power, and all present were affected to tears. When we called for those who were seeking God and desired us to pray for them, over twenty came forward. And when we asked all those who had made up their minds to make a new start to serve God by keeping all the commandments, the Sabbath command with the rest, to arise to their feet, seventy-five grown persons stood while we counted them. Among the testimonies borne were the following expressions, uttered with eyes well watered and with trembling voices: “I thank God that this tent was ever pitched here at Peoria.” Another: “I have been trying to serve God for forty years; but I can now praise the Lord for a new and brighter light than has ever before shone upon my pathway.” Another: “I shall now try to serve God better than ever before.” Another: “I want to tell what these meetings have done for a worldling. Before this tent came here I was an infidel, and had no faith in religion. Since I have heard Bro. Kilgore’s preaching here, from time to time, I have wanted to throw my arms around him. I have found what I have been seeking for all my life. I am now determined to serve God.” Another, who has been a profane man, said, as he came forward for prayers, “I have made up my mind to make a start to serve God. I have been a servant of the devil. I want now to be a child of God.” Another said, “These meetings have caused me to make friends with one to whom I had not spoken for seven years. I have been a professor during the same time. I thank God for the truth.” Subscriptions are in circulation for the purpose of building a meeting-house. Many of the citizens are subscribing quite liberally, and are determined that the house shall be built. A building committee is to be appointed to-night. To-day, Eld. Tennison (Disciple) speaks in opposition to the truth. I have announced a review. We remain here another week with the tent. After the quarterly meeting at Cleburne, I expect to return to strengthen the things that remain here. Myself and family are enjoying, at present, a good degree of health. We expect to winter here. Our address will be Peoria, Hill Co., Texas. R. M. KILGORE. GROTON, N. Y.
By S. B. Whitney
During the past week, the continued wet weather, and a temperance interest recently started, have affected our attendance somewhat; but there is deep interest on the part of some, and our meetings still continue. Have just introduced the Sabbath question, which is very favorably received, and we still hope for good results. Nov. 2 to 4 I spent with the little company at Knowlton, where Bro. Tenney held a few meetings one year ago. I held six meetings. Three decided to take hold of the truth, and made a public profession. There is now a company of ten keeping the Sabbath. They are preparing to build a meeting-house, which they need very much. Sturgeon Bay.
By Ole Andres Olsen
I have held ten meetings at Sturgeon Bay. One was baptized, and two united with the church. The brethren and sisters here have their hearts in the work, and are ready to take hold of the T. and M. work with earnestness. To-morrow I go to Fish Creek. O. A. OLSEN. I closed meetings at Elm Grove school-house, Oct. 24, after delivering twenty-three lectures. This was my first work alone. There was a good interest throughout, and I enjoyed much of the blessing and help of God. I feel that some good was done. Although no new ones are keeping the Sabbath, all seemed convinced, and quite a good vote was taken in favor of the Sabbath. This can hardly be called a separate work from that at Greenwood under Bro. McCoy, as it is so near that most of my audience was made up of those who had attended there. The four who took their stand with us there testify to having been strengthened and more firmly established by attending at Elm Grove. Union school-house, five miles south-east of Oskaloosa, was in waiting for me, as some friends who were anxious to hear had secured it. I commenced work here Oct. 25, with good attendance, and the interest has steadily increased. Sunday night the house was more than filled; extra seats were carried in, and then some remained standing during the entire service. The Lord is giving me good liberty in presenting these blessed truths. Pray for this work. Geo. B. Starr. BROOKS CO., GA.
By C. O. Taylor
I filled an appointment in the northern part of this county on the third Sunday in October. I had spoken there once a month during the summer. From the first there has been much interest to hear. I spoke several evenings. Some kept the next Sabbath for the first, I think others will keep all the commandments. I have received many packages of papers from friends. I know the reading matter is doing good, but how much good I have no way to tell. All, with but one exception, speak well of the REVIEW and SIGNS. One man said he had tried to find some fault, but could not. The papers are read by one family, and then sent to another several miles away. One gentleman who takes the SIGNS sent several copies to his brother. He became so much interested that he did not stop to read them all, but came seventeen miles to attend the meeting. He would have stayed during the week, but was teaching and could not leave his school. He wants the paper sent to him, and will pay for it. The brother and his wife are keeping the Sabbath. This is their first step in seeking the kingdom of God. I can use all the back numbers of our periodicals, and all the tracts, &c., that friends will send. They will be read by many with as much interest as you read the paper weekly. Bro. Hutchins' plan is a good one. Send by freight, and you can send four times the amount with the same expense. Several have asked by card and letter if they should send back numbers of REVIEW and SIGNS, tracts, &c. Yes; send all you have to spare. We want all kinds of reading matter published by our people. I will give notice when I change my address. Till then it will be Quitman, Brooks Co., Ga. C. O. Taylor. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” DIED, in Hazleton, Shiawassee Co., Mich., Sept. 29, Walter M., son of Doren and Ellen Warren, aged 10 years. He was accidentally shot through the bowels, after which he lived three hours. He had hope in Christ, and was waiting for baptism. After the accident he was perfectly conscious, and improved the time in leaving behind him good evidence that he will come forth in the first resurrection. The parents feel that the Lord is a present help in this their time of trouble. MARY VAN HORN. DIED, in Palo, Iowa, Oct. 22, 1877, of brain disease, Herschel A., son of H. I. and R. D. Booth, aged 2 years, 8 months, and 18 days. Funeral services by a Presbyterian minister. Lesson: Cor. 15: 24-58. Text: “Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.” We rejoice in the hope of meeting him in the resurrection of the just. H. I. BOOTH. DIED, of quick consumption, while visiting at Shefford, P. Q., Oct 22, 1877, sister Jane M., wife of Andrew Blake, of South Stukely, P. Q., aged 27 years, 6 months, and 5 days. Sister Blake and her husband accepted the doctrines of S. D. Adventists a little more than a year ago, and were baptized. She was a worthy member of the Bolton and Stukely church, and gave every possible evidence that she was accepted of God, and that she will have a part in the resurrection of the just. Funeral discourse by the writer. Text, Rom. 5:5. A. C. BOURDEAU. MISSIONARY ITEMS.
By E. J. B.
In a missionary letter received by a member of the V. M. Society at Battle Creek, from a preacher in Stewart Co., Georgia, the writer says:— “The last paper I received [THE SIGNS of Oct. 4] contains an article from Mrs. E. G. White on the ‘Youth of Christ.’ As I read it to-day, it filled my soul with joy. I was also interested in the article entitled, ‘Biblical Institute,’ which gives so much information on the second and third chapters of Revelation. Some of the people talk of sending for some of your tracts, also for the SIGNS.” Another received from Haywood Co., N. C., says:— “I received the papers you sent, and was pleased with their general religious tone, though I do not feel that it would be right for me to call in question the propriety of the Christian world’s keeping the first day of the week as the Sabbath.” But the writer adds: “I confess I have some doubt of the propriety of the change at the start.” This is a good admission. If the publications sent out do no more than to convince people that there is no propriety in the change of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week, they will at least prepare the way for the living preacher. And even should the individual never listen to the proclamation of the truths of the third angel’s message, who may tell what shall be the result of the seed of truth thus sown in his heart? We know that the truth is powerful. It will find its way to the hearts and consciences of the honest. “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” E. J. B. THOUGHTS FOR THIS TIME.
By Jos. Clarke
How time hastens his course! Here we are in the autumn of 1877. More than thirty years have passed since the third angel began to sound his warning notes. This solemn message is now heard in the earth to its uttermost bounds. Before many nations, and tongues, and peoples, it is going forth, sustained and hastened on by divine authority and power. Some of the early friends and lovers of these sacred truths are sleeping in the dust, soon to awake in rapture and glory; others are toiling on in faith, and hope, and love; and though often in weariness and painfulness, yet they never doubt or falter or waver. The impress of time has furrowed their faces, but faith and hope have kept them bright and clear and hopeful. The cause is onward. New and younger friends enter the lists, and volunteer in the great work. The battle cry is heard, and the armies of God are on the march. New recruits become tried and faithful warriors in the fight, and push the battle to the gate. For many years this work has been pursued with ever-enduring zeal, and now it appears that the hand of God is put forth in power. The enemy is put to flight before the hosts of the Lord; and angels that excel in strength beat back the wily foe and increase the power of the people of God. The cheering reports from missionaries in Europe are inspiring and hopeful. The thought that in the land of the early Reformers, and even in the very localities where the apostles and early Christians stood up for the truth, and where they gave up earthly hopes, earthly prospects, and even life itself, for Christ,—that in these very countries God is raising up friends for the truth by means of self-sacrificing missionaries, is a consideration full of interest, especially to those who have witnessed the rise and progress of this message. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Prussia, Italy, Switzerland, France, already hear the notes of the last merciful message to the human race,—a race that has been accustomed to shut eyes, ears, and hearts to the voice of God, and which does not become better by age or experience, but is everywhere fast ripening for destruction. But, thank God, there are a few here and there whose hearts are not wholly callous to the voice of the truth for the last days. In all these countries there are a few who have not bowed the knee to Baal, and who love God and long for his salvation. Such, while they mourn over the sad prospect lying before an apostate church and a sin-ruined world, lift up their hearts to God in joy as the truth, clearly and distinctly proclaimed, explains all their anxious doubts, calms all their fears, and enlightens their darkened minds. Men of all languages and climes become one people at the touch of the Holy Spirit, by whose power the truths of the three messages are proclaimed. They feel that the end of all things is close at hand, and that soon the last trump will sound, when the whole family of God will assemble around the great white throne, where all the various divisions of language and nationality will melt away, and all the past will be forgotten in the blazing light and glory of full salvation. Christ’s serried ranks need courageous leaders. “Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child!” Ill fares the army whose captains are cowards. The rank and file fight well when the leaders know no fear. “Faintheart” makes a bad general. The holy army needs Bunyan’s “Greatheart” at its head. A great soul is ever a tower of strength. Such have the demeanor of invincibility. The single presence of Napoleon Bonaparte with his soldiers was declared to be equal to an army of twenty thousand men. What a tremendous moral power was this! Peter was a bold leader. When he faltered, others faltered. When he stood firm and bold, others stood thus also. Consecrated ability, indomitable commandership in one man is a host. Martin Luther’s words alone were said to be “half-battles.” Every one was born of prayer. Every one was baptized in tears. The errors of a thousand years, routed, fled backward before them. Oh, for more Luthers to-day! Courage! The Lord is at the front guiding his vast army. Your place is not in the rear, nor out of the line of the column. Stand by the leader. Laggards fall out of the ranks and are gobbled up by the enemy. Cowards slink back to the rear, shirking responsibility. Under the King’s banner, and beneath the shadow of his wings, there alone is safety. You hear a sharp warning, “The Philistines be upon thee!” and your trusty blade is ready for the onset. The grace of holiness gives self-possession. You dare to do right, to be true, to speak the truth. You engrave your mark on mind. You are remembered. “Stand fast.” When Pompeii was exhumed where did the diggers find the Roman sentinel? They found him standing at his post, where his captain had placed him, with his hand still grasping his weapon. No threatening heavens, no quaking earth, no lava stream, nor ashen rain, could shake his soul or fright him from his post. There, after a thousand years had rolled away, he was found. A thousand years may roll over the saint’s lowly grave, but the angels will find him, and eternity will admire him. Only stand where the King wants you, and if you die, die in the army. With such all is well forever and ever. Courage! To this grace add cheerfulness. The blues are catching, so is good cheer. To every soldier the order has gone forth from the Captain’s lips, “Be of good cheer.” Dare you disobey your superior? Dump that cart-load of borrowed burden. It is contraband in the Lord’s army. You are not required to carry it. Rejoice! Timid Peter sinks looking at the waves. The waves are adamant under his feet when he looks at the great Master. Courage and hope give the sanguine and positive mind. You feel at ease. These are elements of strength, builded on faith in God. The positive soul is a power. Sanguine of success, you powerfully influence others. The weak and halting catch your courage. Truth is true, and there is nothing so true as truth. Speak it as if you believed it. God wants you positive as a prophet, gentle as a woman, firm as a rock, and bold as a lion. Courage! Your faith, your zeal, your sacrifice, your courage may not be found unto praise and honor in this evil age, but they will at “his appearing.” “I will” accomplishes wonders. Every working flock of two or three should be a nursery of warriors. Brave souls, brave words, brave deeds, train others to bravery. Devils watch for your halting. The world’s great criticising eye is upon you. Sloths and drones are not wanted: workers are. We are to sit down in eternity: we can therefore afford to stand up in time. Neither stars, nor sun, nor oriental skies shine brighter than will the winner of souls, the wise and faithful saint, in eternal day. O child of God, the issues of life and death are in thy hands. Carve out for thyself an immortal name, or die at last and forever. —D. T. Taylor, in Bible Banner. THE SOUTH AS A FIELD OF LABOR.
By C. O. Taylor
It is one part of good religion to give credit to whom credit is due. I wish to say for the South that I find the people very kind and generous. There are some exceptions, of course. There are some narrow-minded, bigoted persons, who can see only self, but generally it is not so. A real Southerner, a Southern planter, is one of the most benevolent, generous-hearted persons one meets. You are welcome to his home, and there is nothing too good for you. They are stronger than Northerners in their affections, and also in their hate. The bad feeling toward the North that has lingered in the breasts of some, is fast dying out under the present administration. I look upon the South as one of the most interesting fields of labor in the message: not that so large a number, perhaps, will believe the truth, but those who do receive it will be firm. There are many honest, God-fearing men and women scattered all through the South, who will receive the truth when it is clearly presented. I find many who are wondering how it is that the Bible says the seventh day is the Sabbath, when nearly all are keeping the first day. The same is true with regard to other things not taught in the Bible, but believed by the churches. Tents, tracts, books, and men to carry forward the work, are wanted. It looks as though some would be raised up in the South to preach the message. The people will sometimes listen an hour and a half or two hours, and then say they could sit longer.