“But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt. 6:33.
It is impossible for the carnal mind to take hold aright of the work of God. In every thought, word, act and motive, self and interests connected with self-interest continually crowd to the surface and clamor for the ascendancy and for the preference.
Business or pleasure or both claim the first place; and the Bible and the truths it contains are put off and slighted or entirely set aside. The morning of the day and the morning of life are far too precious in the view of practical men, to be spent in the service of God. Wait, say they, till the work of the day is over; or wait till age shall come with its harvest of wealth and honor; then we will see to this matter.
But the words of Christ do not admit of any other meaning; we must do his work first of all. In this age of general apostasy, these important words of our Saviour are understood and appreciated by few; and few practice them in all things.
First of all, seek those things which tend to the honor of God and the salvation of men; then those things which are secondary, as food and raiment (see the context), shall be added unto you—shall be added, not may be added, unto you.
The above text is from the “Sermon on the Mount,” as it is called, which extends over the whole of the fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters of Matthew, and is all of general application, and is not confined in its sense to any class of teachers, but is applicable to all the followers of Christ. God will not accept of a secondary service. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, is the absolute command of God, in the Old Testament and in the New.
It is the misfortune of the present age, that Christianity is professed by many, and is possessed by but few. The Babylon of the Apocalypse has stood up before the world for more than thirteen centuries, and has set the world an example of formalism, which it has not failed to learn. The kings of the earth and their subjects have imbibed largely of the spirit of the papacy; and although they have thrown aside allegiance to the temporal power of the popes, yet the wine of Babylon (its tendency to formalism) is at this very time doing its stupefying, intoxicating work upon the whole so called Christian world.
So general and widespread has been the influence of the papal church upon the Christian world, for so long a time, that it may be doubted if there is one person in ten thousand at the present time, in all the domains of Christendom, whose character is not affected more or less by influences flowing directly from Roman Catholicism; and the very tendency of everything peculiar to the papal church is to lessen the honor of God and to exalt the honor of man.
The influence of the papal church has ever been to turn these words of Christ in an inverted order, and to say, Seek first the honor of the creature, the interest of the papal see, and the holy mother church: take care of these first; and then, as far as is possible, do the works of God. Such has been the influence of the papal church, for thirteen centuries—yes, for thirteen hundred years, she has sat upon her throne, and with all the authority of an empress, she has emphatically said by her example and by her acts and her words that she was to the church as God; and instead of seeking first the kingdom of God, the honor of God, she has sought the honor of herself, and has made the honor of God wholly a secondary thing, or has put it off altogether.
Reader, is this a matter to be applied to the papal church alone, and its members? Are not we, yes, you and I, stupefied and intoxicated in a greater or less degree, by the wine of Babylon, which we have sipped. True, we approve of Luther and the Reformer, but did they wholly recover themselves from the effects of the papal errors? Let history reply.
The reformation was but a beginning in reform. Christianity, as it came from its founder, and as delivered by the apostles to the church, was a glorious system; but it has been terribly mutilated by its professed friends. Now, what do we behold? Do all seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness? Is not the position of the reformed churches at this time a burlesque upon this command of our Saviour?
Seek first the vanities of earth, seek for wealth, for learning, pleasure, and honor; then seek for the kingdom of God, upon the bed of death, or when age has laid upon you its weight of sorrow and care, weakness and imbecility,—this is the silent voice of the many whose example gives law to society.
Thus Christ’s command is inverted; thus he is disobeyed and dishonored. A formal, lifeless Christianity lies like an incubus upon the nations, and few are aware of its deadening effect upon all. Attempts to rise from this terrible stupor are like the attempt of a man in a fit to rise and assume the life and grace of healthful, buoyant youth, while the pallor of death whitens his ghastly features; or, they are like to the symptoms of the partially drowned man, as he begins to recover from the effect of being too long separated from his natural element, the vital air.
But, thank the Lord, there have ever been, and still are, those who seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and such have ever testified that all other necessary things were added unto them.
The example of all good men proves to us the certainty of this promise. The patriarchs and prophets and the good of ancient times, all found a supply in God. In the time of want, succor was at hand; whether it was a nation, it was supplied by the manna; or a single prophet, the raven brought him a daily supply. Our Saviour, by a word, fed five thousand at once.
But he would lay peculiar stress upon seeking God first of all. This is the great object of life; this is first and infinitely most important of all things,—to love our Creator, and serve him with joy and gratitude of heart; to study his will and his ways, to walk carefully in his statutes, to keep in view the Saviour, who died that we might have pardon in his blood, and to have continually with us his Spirit to sanctify us, and to lead us to God through Jesus Christ his dear Son. JOSEPH CLARKE.
“LET US WATCH AND BE SOBER.”
By John G. Matteson
Those, who truly wait for the Lord, and prepare to meet Jesus, are “the children of light, and the children of the day.” 1 Thess. 5:5. The children of the night, and of darkness, sleep. They are slumbering on the brink of the abyss of destruction. They rest securely at the base of a burning mountain whose fiery, seething billows are about to pour forth without warning at any moment. They hasten on merrily over the smooth ice which is undermined by strong currents. They are sailing with song and music over the turbulent waters of life’s ocean, and pay no attention to the threatening clouds which darken the horizon, or the quick lightning-flashes which portend the coming storm. The mouth of hell is opened widely beneath to swallow them up, the snares of death are all around them, but they know it not. Satan has caught them; sin upon sin is weighing them down with heavy chains, but they make no effort to get loose. The servants of God lift up their voice like a trumpet. The watchman cries aloud, Flee, flee from the sins of Babylon! but they are not moved. The warning voice of the last message of mercy is sounding; but they slumber on securely in sin and unbelief.
Oh! what terror will be manifested, when the thunder of the judgment-day wakes up all the children of darkness. Then it is too late. The sun of mercy has set. The longsuffering of God is past. They chew their tongues for pain. The plagues of the last day have come upon them. They blaspheme the God of heaven, but repent not of their sins. Behold, how they sink down with terror in hopeless destruction! Hark, what cries of distress, as they go away in outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth! All the children of the night are hastening on to this terrible end. The great day is coming upon them like a thief in the night. For when they shall say, peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, and they shall not escape.
But the children of God are not in darkness. They do not sleep as do others. They watch and are sober. This proves that they are the children of light. And every one who will hear the word of the Lord, and the warning to flee from the wrath to come, and receive Christ as his Lord and Saviour, can find room among the children of light. For God has not appointed us unto wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is now high time to awake out of sleep. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Rom. 13:12. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying, but in the Lord Jesus Christ. Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. Eph. 5:14. Awake to righteousness and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. 1 Cor. 15:34.
Dear reader, do you watch with the children of light? or do you sleep as do others? Have you put on the whole armor of God: the breast-plate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation? How long will you halt between two opinions? If Baal is God, serve him. But if the Lord is God, serve him. Serve him with all thy heart, and with all thy strength. Behold, how the fields are white for the harvest! Do you serve the Lord of the harvest? Will you not to-day give your heart to the Lord? Come, go with us to the goodly land. Trust in your Saviour. Love him who loved you first. Serve and worship him alone. The day of grace is nearly past. Will you bend your knees and your heart before the Lord now? Then he will be gracious unto you, and save you in the name of Christ. JOHN G. MATTESON.
Rev. Dr. Arnot on Excitement and Total Abstinence
EXCITEMENT.—Rev. Dr. Arnot, having been charged with “excitement” when speaking on total abstinence, has replied:— “People need not tell me that I am excited on these questions. I know that I am. I should be ashamed before God and man if I were not. There is more in the public houses of Glasgow to stir the spirit of a minister than all that Paul saw at Athens. In my ministry, I meet the horrid fruits of these whiskey shops. I see men and women perishing in the pitfalls. The number of victims is so great that it overwhelms me. My brain is burning, my heart is breaking. The church is asleep and the world too, and they are hugging each other. I am weary with holding in; I must cry. I would rather be counted singular in the judgment of men, than be counted unfaithful in the judgment of God.”
Love to God Shapes Itself into Obedience
By F. W. Robertson
NOTHING can be love to God which does not shape itself into obedience.—F. W. Robertson.
ILLINOIS
Roscoe.
Our late quarterly meeting at Roscoe was good. The elder, Bro. Bowen, now living at Durand, was present to aid my brother and me in the services. Four times we assembled to hear the word of the Lord, once to pray with and for each other and the cause, once to celebrate Jesus’ ordinances, and twice to transact business. On first-day, Apr. 15, I spoke to a large concourse of people, assembled in the M. E. church to hear with reference to the death of Sr. Phebe Wood. The Master granted freedom, and I trust good was accomplished.
At our business meeting, S. B. pledges were renewed and increased, and $77.01 was placed in my hand to remit to our State treasurer. This is right, brethren; but, there is a larger amount that should follow this to the treasury. Let it come, friends, from every quarter in our Conference. When I ask you, “How many tents should Illinois endeavor to use this season?” your reply is, “as many as we can support.” This is a correct answer; but, whence comes this “support”? From the church treasuries. Therefore I ask, will our S. B. treasurers see to it that all redeem their pledges? Pay up, pay up, PAY UP.
Now come back to Roscoe, a moment, till I gladly say to you, two were baptized, and ten united with the church. The Lord is exceedingly good, and I intend to serve him “while I have any being.”
G. W. Colcord.
Leroy, McLean County.
We commenced a series of meetings in the C. P. church of this place on last Thursday evening. About one hundred were out last evening, and all seem favorably impressed so far. This town has about 1,400 inhabitants, and only one church is now sustained. We hope for good results. Pray for us.
B. F. Merit.
C. H. Bliss.
SOUTHERN FRANCE.
By D. T. Bourdeau
When we wrote our last report we were near Neuchatel, Switzerland. There we had a good meeting with Bro. Andrews and some of our Swiss brethren and sisters. We were thankful that Bro. Andrews had so improved in health as to be able to accompany us to Paris and to this place, to assist in matters to which we have already alluded in previous reports. Though the main difficulties relative to the distribution of tracts and public speaking were not removed, yet important objects were gained, and Bro. Andrews' counsels and instructions were appreciated.
When we left for this journey, an important victory had been gained, and during our absence Mrs. B. succeeded in holding the ground we had taken. After our return, we had the privilege of speaking once more to the people, who had invited us to occupy their hall. Three speakers were then sent for to oppose us. We met them one night, and defended the truth till near midnight. They were enraged because they could not accomplish their object, which was to regain those who were inclined to follow the truth. Their rash and wicked course toward us made the breach still wider, and gave us the sympathies of many. Sunday another preacher from L’Eglise Libre (the Free Church), who had always opposed the Darbyists, was added to the list. Herod and Pilate made friends. At the close of the forenoon meeting we were rashly ordered out of the hall, that the whole force of our opponents might be brought to bear upon the elder of the church, to persuade him to give up the Sabbath. But the effort was in vain. The elder was more than a match for them all. He stood like a giant for the despised Sabbath of the Lord, combining prudence with firmness and dignified manners. The abuse he received led several to leave the hall, weeping, and as they passed by us they either kissed us or gave us a warm shake of the hand.
At 3 P. M. another meeting was held. We were present. Our elder was also present, but was gagged when bringing out strong points. We could only look on, and pray that God would bring in confusion by leading some one to stand for his law. God heard prayer. The minister of L’Eglise Libre, with great prudence, defended the law of God. We responded, Amen, from grateful hearts, and our opponents were defeated without our assistance; and thus closed this meeting. The man who defended the law of God promised to read our journal with candor.
Yesterday the brother who has taken a stand on the Sabbath, with three others, was excluded from the church, not on account of immoral conduct, but for the following reasons: (1) that he had offered me the communion (when all desired to have me join with them in this ordinance, and bade me God speed); (2) that he had visited families with me; (3) that he had sent our works to several of his friends. The elder had in a manly manner justified himself for pursuing this course.
We have been engaged day and night in visiting and speaking to small companies. The law permits us to speak to nineteen persons besides the members of our family. The elder who has embraced the truth has been a teacher for thirty-five years. His wife has also taught with him. He was the principal speaker of the Friends in this city, and is widely known as an upright man among his people. He now proposes to aid me, and test his calling to act as colporteur, and preach among us, asking the privilege of accompanying me for awhile, to learn the truth and our ways more perfectly. I have set forth our principles on the subject of young preachers, and as I see in him humility and moral stamina, I venture, with proper counsel, to give him a chance to help me in the work; for I have to do the work of two men on many occasions.
My health is better than it was when the battle commenced in this city. But oh! the greatness of this work! Infidelity and coldness reign in the church; the battle must be fought on baptism, and we have to meet serious restrictions of cruel and oppressive laws gotten up to favor the Romish Church. But our trust is in God. We shall aim to do those duties that lie the nearest to our path, and trust God for the future.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Rue du Parc, No. 10, Valence, France, Apr. 4.
PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW YORK.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
MONDAY, April 9, Bro. Reynolds and myself came to Port Allegheny, in the edge of Pennsylvania. This is a very mountainous region. The truth was preached here many years ago, and a good little church once organized.
At this place was the scene of Eld. Fuller's corrupt career. The exposure that followed, involving others in his ruin, discouraged and scattered this church. Strange to say, they were never visited by our people afterward, but left to go all to pieces. They soon gave up their meetings; some apostatized, some moved to other parts. Several years afterwards, the Seventh-day Baptists came in, and undertook to help them. As they had no prospect of any other help, they were persuaded to form themselves into a Seventh-day Baptist church, although every one of them was as thoroughly Adventist as ever before. But for the last year or two they were again left by them, and everything was in a very discouraging condition.
This winter one of our brethren, J. G. Saunders, by earnest solicitation, went there and held a series of meetings. The old friends of the cause were revived, backsliders were reclaimed, and a good number of new ones embraced the Sabbath, and were converted to God. Bro. Saunders requested me to come, and help him. Tuesday night we found their large school-house crowded full. I spoke on the messages. Wednesday, the house was full all day, and also in the evening, and I spoke three times. We rehearsed the history of the cause in New York, and in that section, stated what we were doing now and our hopes for the future. I then called upon all present who were Seventh-day Adventists to rise. Except one, all who observed the seventh day promptly arose to their feet. They said that they had always been Seventh-day Adventists, were still, and always should be.
Two-thirds of those present either belonged to no church or to some of our own churches in other localities; hence we thought best to organize the church there. Thirteen united. Others will unite soon. A very few who had united with the S. D. Baptists did not unite with us as yet, though there is no reason why they should not, as they are as thoroughly Adventists as any of the rest. However, all will meet together the same as before.
After speaking a short time on s. b., they promptly pledged $75.00 per year. Bro. Saunders was elected and ordained elder of the church. One was baptized. Thus this church is now in working order again. There are between thirty and forty S. D. Adventists within a dozen miles of this place. Bro. Reynolds remains here a couple of weeks to look up these scattered brethren, and to assist further in getting things in order. If proper labor is bestowed in this section, I believe that we may see our cause strong here once more.
Friday evening, Apr. 13, I began meetings at Portville, in Cattaraugus Co. They were held in a fine, large school-house, which was well filled at every meeting. There appeared to be a real, deep interest. I spoke six times, besides holding business meetings. A small church had been organized here, composed of those who had moved from other places. Others have moved in lately. The blasting influence of Eld. Fuller's life had blighted and nearly destroyed the cause in this neighborhood. But still most had been faithful to the truth, though their numbers were small. Some had moved away, some had backslidden, and some had joined the S. D. Baptists, as they have a large church near here.
Our meeting was an excellent one. The brethren and sisters all took new courage. Four were baptized, and united with the church, and three others came from the S. D. Baptists, two of whom had formerly belonged to us. They found that they could not feel at home among those who were not Adventists, and this was very sensible. Quite a number more will unite here by letter, as soon as they can get them from their churches where they belong. There is now a company of twenty-five or thirty Sabbath-keepers here, enough for interesting meetings and a strong church. To the shame of our ministers who have visited this church time after time, we found that there was no record of the church. We gathered up the facts as best we could, elected a clerk, and now hope to have things in order. Bro. Welch was elected and ordained elder of the church.
The brethren pledged liberally on their s. b. according to their means, as most of them are poor. Their pledge is $118.00 per year, besides the one-third for T. and M. Bro. Hall stays here a week to complete the work. There are now three fully organized churches in Cattaraugus county numbering in all about seventy-five members. There are quite a number more who have not yet united. The s. b. pledge for the three churches is $500.00, besides the one-third. I regard this as a rich field of labor, indeed, as good as I know of in the State. With very few exceptions the brethren are intelligent, respectable and an honor to the cause. There are no church trials to divide the brethren, and all are anxious to see something done. And something must be done for the cause in that section. Two tents ought to run in this part of the field this summer. Bro. George Ballou and D. B. Welch are now giving a course of lectures in this county. Bro. Reynolds will commence lectures immediately. We hope to see a general turnout to our camp-meeting.
We request the presence of every member of the Allegheny church at our meetings at Niles Hill. All who want letters to join elsewhere must be at that meeting.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
NEW YORK.
Parma.
Our report is most encouraging. The Methodist minister, spoken of in my last report, came on with several of his brethren, and succeeded in confirming the believers and satisfying others that Sunday-keeping has no foundation in the Bible. He was present to hear my reply, after which he made some remarks calculated, as he thought, to destroy the force of all that I had said. But when he had closed, the resident physician, an English gentleman of more than ordinary intelligence and ability, arose and said he thought the time had come when an expression of some kind was due with reference to what they had been listening to, and requested those who had been favorably impressed with Eld. Whitney’s preaching to rise up, when the audience sprang to their feet en masse, as if electrified. Only two or three kept their seats, and when the contrary expression was called for not one got up.
The leading merchant, another fine English gentleman, closed his store on Friday night, and bore a good testimony in our meeting Sabbath, which was one of the best meetings I have ever attended. Another gentleman who is prominent in the community as a counselor at law, and who has been a backslider for many years, wept freely, and spoke with some feeling. There are now about twenty keeping the Sabbath, and others are very hopeful.
The Baptist evangelist is still waging his warfare upon us; but, like a horse struggling in the mire, every effort gets him deeper into difficulty. He preached on immortality yesterday morning, and I replied to him last evening, with freedom, before a good house. Perhaps I ought to say in justice to the pastor of the Baptist church, that he is not in sympathy with the course they are pursuing toward us. Opposition is strong and bitter on the part of some, but is not general.
S. B. WHITNEY.
Pine Meadow, in Orwell, Oswego Co.
I commenced labor here Apr. 1st. An interest to hear had been awakened by the judicious missionary labor of Bro. E. C. Hoxie; so we began with a full house, and the attendance has continued excellent for a country place, our congregations ranging from forty to sixty. We have examined the prophecies, and the Sabbath in part. Three have already taken their stand, others are in the valley of decision. Pray for us.
M. H. BROWN.
NEBRASKA
Dodge County.
THE first Sabbath and first-day in this month I held meetings with the friends of the cause in this county. Omens of reform and advancement here are of an encouraging nature. A church of sixteen members was organized, composed of Americans and Danes. Brn. Anderson and Midaugh were chosen and set apart to the office of elder and deacon. Others are keeping the Sabbath, who, I think, will be added to this company.
The 14th and 15th inst. I spent with the Stromsburg church, it being the time135of their quarterly meeting. Three were baptized, and added to the church.
CHAS. L. BOYD.
Table Rock.
SINCE I closed my meetings at Humboldt, I have been holding meetings at this place. Quite an interest is manifested. We hope for good results. The good work is progressing in this part of the field. Calls for help are coming from all directions. Have courage, brethren. Be in earnest. Watch unto prayer. God will prosper his cause, and send more laborers to help us.
M. WING.
COME TO JESUS.
By St.
Broken-hearted, weep no more!
Hear what comfort He hath spoken,
Smoking flax who ne’er hath quench’d,
Bruised reed who ne’er hath broken:—
“Ye who wander here below,
Heavy laden as you go,
Come, with grief, with sin oppress’d,
Come to me, and be at rest!”
Lamb of Jesus’ blood-bought flock,
Brought again from sin and straying,
Hear the Shepherd’s gentle voice—
’Tis a true and faithful saying:—
“Greater love how can there be
Than to yield up life for thee?
Bought with pang and fear and sigh,
Turn and live!—why will ye die?”
Broken-hearted, weep no more!
Far from consolation flying;
He who calls hath felt thy wound,
Seen thy weeping, heard thy sighing:—
“Bring thy broken heart to me,
Welcome offering it shall be;
Streaming tears, and bursting sighs,
Mine accepted sacrifice.”
—St.
MICHIGAN
By E. P. Daniels
I began my labors at Jerome four weeks ago. The attendance has been regular and unbroken. The petition for the Congregational church was rejected on the ground of its heading, viz., “Petition for a course of lectures.” However, on the 13th inst., the same church was occupied by the Moscow amateurs, in the presentation of the pleasing and popular drama entitled “The Last Leaf,” which entertainment concluded with a farce. How consistent! yet how very significant! “More the lovers of pleasure than the lovers of God, having the form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”
Within the limits of five miles, there are now forty-five trying to keep the law of God. Most of these are in regular attendance at the Sabbath meeting, and take part in the Bible-class. Among these there are nine converted from infidelity and spiritualism, who are now happy in the hope of eternal life through obedience toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. I have good reason to believe that this number may yet be increased by further labor if performed judiciously. There are respectable and intelligent farmers in this community, who are in full sympathy with present truth, and who, I believe, will one day identify themselves with this people. Pray for the work in this part of the harvest field. E. P. DANIELS.
BELFAST, IRELAND.
A letter received from Bro. Johnson, of Belfast, Ireland, says, “You have no notion of the stir amongst the people in this northern part of Ireland on these great questions. Our ordinary preachers seem to know nothing of such things. This is the gist of the whole matter: if those men will not preach and teach God’s truth, he will just set them aside, and find men that will.”
“The clergy stand still on the one side, and the reading, thinking people on the other. The people are much surprised that the clergy are reticent on such momentous and all-important subjects. The whole cry of the clergy is, ‘More sustentation;’ and that of the people is, ‘More information.’ . . . The great Eastern question is the question of the day. It is an important one for England. Turkey, I think, will come up for judgment; and the old men in Rome next.”
Uses of Affliction
By Chas. B. Reynolds
When under trial, sorrow, or affliction, how very precious is the sympathy of loving hearts! how soothing the assurance that those we love, realize the depth of our grief, comprehend the sorrow that rends our hearts, and the bitterness of the cup we have to drink, and entertain for us compassion, fellow-feeling, and pity. Genuine sympathy is to the human heart like the warm spring rain to the earth, softening, melting, and quickening all that is good and beautiful. Afflictions do sometimes come upon us as the penalty of wrong doing; but it is not always so. “Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans because they suffered such things? I tell you nay.” Our blessed Master was himself “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.”
We should seek to learn God’s purpose in our trials, sorrows, and afflictions. Instead of always being signs of wrath, they are more often proofs of love, intended to reform and educate, to prove us, show us ourselves, develop our faith, incite in us a spirit of sacrifice and a desire to attain to a higher, purer, and holier life. Bereavement, trial, and sorrow, come suddenly upon us. We start back appalled. Why is this great affliction permitted to come to us? Oh! we cannot see what is before us, as does our loving heavenly Father. He sees our peril, how all unconsciously we are nearing the treacherous quicksand that will engulf us. He in mercy sends the dark shadow of sorrow across our path, that we may pause, examine where we are, realize our danger and the necessity of changing our course, and seek his sustaining hand to help and guide us. In prosperity and joy we are most apt to forget, to wander from, the Lord. Sorrow and affliction drive us to him; for then we realize he is indeed our only hope and refuge.
But beyond and above all this, God has a design of mercy to others in every afflictive stroke that falls upon us. We need experience in trial, affliction, and bereavement; for it is actual experience which alone can fit us to be true, sympathetic messengers to the sorrowing. We need ourselves to taste the cup that we may know the bitterness which makes our friend shudder. How can we unlock the heart closed by misery and despair, without the sacred key which personal suffering alone can give. Does relentless death snatch dear loved ones from our embrace, numbing our hearts with anguish? Oh! it is pitiful, very pitiful, so hard to bear. But shall we not thenceforth enter the chamber of sickness with more gentle tread, with more tender pity administer the cup of consolation, with more of willingness try to bind up the poor, bleeding, mourning heart, with more real sympathy mingle our tears with those of the bereaved ones, beside the coffin and the grave? Does the cruel grip of poverty pinch us? Will it not give us needed, actual knowledge of the sufferings, privations, and temptations of the poor, learn us to be more forbearing, and spur us on to more active benevolence?
Is our way dark, shadowed in gloom? Do we grope for a time in a maze of doubt, perplexity, and error? This is indeed to be deplored. But will it not compel us to seek the promised heavenly help and wisdom, cause us to reach up, that we may find the loving, outstretched hand which alone can help us, hold us, guide us? And shall we not in remembrance of our own weakness and wayward wandering be more patient with those who are in error, and redouble our endeavors lovingly to lead them to the light of truth? And oh! most cruel, hardest of all to bear with patience, do those we have befriended, loved, regarded as our dearest friends, turn and rend us? Do we meet cruel suspicion, jealousy, and injustice from those who most owe us love and gratitude? Will it not draw us nearer to that Friend that sticketh closer than a brother, to Him who has promised he will never leave us nor forsake us? As we bemoan the cruel injustice and ingratitude toward us, will it not enforce upon our attention our own unworthiness, cause us to humble ourselves before God, and redouble our zeal and diligence in seeking to do his holy will? Sorrow, trial, and affliction come upon us, perhaps, even when we are making the most earnest efforts to do every duty in his fear. Why, oh! why is this? God in his word gives us the answer, tells us just why; and the reason cannot fail to bring light and hope and peace to every sorrowing, chafed, or restive believer in his love. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Cor. 1: 3, 4. Look up, then, sorrowing hearts. Look unto Jesus, and be lightened. “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened; and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Ps. 34: 4–7.
God permits trouble, then he comforts, so that we may be drawn out of self, be made to feel for, become able and willing to impart hope and comfort to sorrowing hearts around us. Blessed teaching! Who would not be willing to suffer for the sweet power which only thus can be communicated to us? Sympathy, oh! how precious! Shall we not rejoice in hope, and be patient in tribulation, since God permits us thus to attain to walking in the footsteps of Jesus, to be filled with his gentle, tender, loving spirit, to learn obedience by suffering, and thus be fitted to fulfill the mission of compassion, to bear each other's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ, to gain the plaudit, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
CHAS. B. REYNOLDS.
MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA.
By G. V. Kilgore
Six more souls have embraced the truth of the fourth commandment, and declared themselves servants of Jesus. A Dunker preacher is one of them. These all live near to the company that embraced the truth last year under Bro. Robert Kilgore's labors. May God give them courage to make a full surrender to him. Bro. P. E. Ferrin helped in these meetings.
G. V. KILGORE.
MILTON PLANTATION, MAINE.
By R. S. Webber
I HAVE been laboring here about five weeks. Six have embraced the truth, and others are almost persuaded. I shall remain here with them until I am sure I have done all that I can to promote the truth.
R. S. WEBBER.
WISCONSIN
Vernon County.
Bro. E. M. Crandall writes that at Hillsborough, where he preached twice, the people took tracts freely, and one family believe the truth. One sister near Trippville, who had never made a profession, embraced the truth.
Couillardville.
I came to Couillardville, Oconto Co., Feb. 21. Gave ten lectures twelve miles from this place, in Bro. Bradley’s neighborhood, where there were but three Protestant families. Had to close the meetings because the house I lectured in belonged to a Catholic, and he forbade having any more meetings in it. One family, however, embraced the truth. Came back to Couillardville, and gave a course of lectures. One week ago, the Methodist minister gave a discourse against the Sabbath. I reviewed him Sunday evening, and we feel that God gave the truth the victory over error. I have begun another course of lectures two miles from this place. Six signed the covenant at Couillardville. Have established Sabbath meetings and a weekly prayer-meeting. Pray for the work here. Marshall Enoch.
TEXAS
By A. B. Rust
To-day has been a good day for the friends at Deckman. Twenty-four Sabbath-keepers were present at our meeting, and harmony prevails. The interest to hear is deepening. We believe that many will yet embrace the truth. I have just received a letter from a man some forty-five miles from here to whom I sent the SIGNS. He has now commenced to keep the Sabbath; and he says he has let others have all the reading matter he has had, and that many are interested by reading. A. B. RUST.
MINNESOTA
Bro. H. F. Phillips is at present engaged in a discussion with a Restorationist preacher at Dundas.
KANSAS
BRO. LAMONT reports tolerably good meetings at Osage City. Not much outside interest.
TEXAS
By A. B. Rust
We are sure that very much can be done in this new field in getting the truth before the people by missionary work, and we must try to get that kind of reading before them that they will read. I find in my travels that the SIGNS is read everywhere I hand it out. The people are anxious to get it. I believe we can do more good with it than with tracts. The T. and M. workers of Texas ought to have fifty copies of the SIGNS to distribute. We must wake up on these things.
The brethren in this new field are mostly poor, and in the past have paid liberally in the cause; but, dear brethren, we must not stop now. This field is a large one, and we must all pull together. Very much can be done through the T. and M. work to open the way for faithful men to preach the truth. It rejoices us to know that the interest to hear about this truth is on the increase in this State.
We would say to the scattered brethren in this State, we want you to take hold of this work. Write to me, and let me know how you are getting along in the truth and in the T. and M. work, and what the interest is where you live, what tracts you want, &c. We expect much good to be done in this field this summer, and we want the help of all. In union there is strength.