When ancient Israel had departed far from God, having forsaken his commandments and followed Baalim, their faith in idols was put severely to the test by a famine of three years and a half duration. To their idols, in vain they appealed for rain. The earth became more and more parched, and the famine grew more and more distressing. The word of the true God by the mouth of Elijah the prophet, was out against them, and from it there could be no appeal. At length that memorable period of famine which continued three years and six months in the land of Israel, is measured off, and yet Israel is not reclaimed from idolatry. Now comes a last opportunity for the people of God to recover themselves from the snare of the devil, and to return to the true God whom they once knew, and from whom they had so grievously departed.
All Israel assembled at Mt. Carmel. The prophets of the groves, four hundred, were there, the prophets of Baal, four hundred and fifty, were there, the king and his court were there. The place was conspicuous, the scene, impressive. It was agreed that the God that could answer by fire was the true and living God. The prophets of Baal first prepared their sacrifice, and then from morning till noon, and from noon till night they appeal to their god; first by earnest entreaty, and lastly by confused and fanatical distortions. But there was no voice, nor any answer. Fire did not descend to consume their sacrifice.
Now comes the trial of Elijah’s God. After the prophet has all properly arranged, with a calm and serious earnestness he offers a simple prayer. God hears and answers. Fire descends from Heaven in the sight of all Israel, and consumes the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, the dust, and the water. And backslidden but repenting Israel, while prostrate upon their faces, rend the heavens with their earnest heartfelt confession, “The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God.” 1 Kings 18: 39.
Thus the people of Israel were brought again to acknowledge the true God, by witnessing a manifestation of his power, the bringing down of fire from Heaven to consume the sacrifice.
As I read this inspired narration, of how the true God was then made known, my mind was directed to Rev. 13:13: “And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.” This prediction relates to the two-horned beast, and cannot be far from its fulfillment; for that beast is now upon the stage of action, performing his wonders. We look for this miracle to be performed by the power of the devil, through spiritualism, in this country, before the coming of the Son of Man. In this we have an evidence of the increasing power of the devil. What once was to be regarded as conclusive proof of divinity, because beyond the power of the devil, is to be performed by Satan in these last days, to fasten the world in the fatal delusion that spiritualism is of divine origin. But those that stand in the light of truth will be prepared to reject it. Obedience to God’s holy law will be a far better evidence of acceptance with God, than to be numbered with the disloyal multitude, though they be able to bring down fire from Heaven in the sight of men. But it will be a time that will try men’s souls.
The prophets of Baal are on the increase, 2 Tim. 3:13, and soon they will reach the summit of Mt. Carmel, Rev. 16: 13, 14, when a conflict will ensue between the soldiers of the cross and the powers of darkness, the like of which has never been known in the past. But thank God for the sure promise of certain victory. The prophets of Baal will be slain, 2 Thess. 1: 8; 2: 8, and the waiting, hungering and thirsting people of God will be so filled with the fullness of the divine blessing that they shall never hunger nor thirst any more. Reader, hasten unto that day. H. A. ST. JOHN.
Letter from Bro. Griswold.
By S. S. Griswold
MESSRS. EDITORS, Dear Brethren: In availing myself of your very kind permission to write a few articles for publication in your paper; permit me to express my appreciation of the privilege thus granted, and especially as the views I shall set forth will probably not be in accordance with the views so ably promulgated by your paper. It is a noble example set by you, of that liberality which ought to obtain among all Christian periodicals, but which, it is to be regretted, is often not practiced.
What is truth? should be the inquiry of all men, but especially of Christian men; and yet, this godlike inquiry is often held in abeyance to creeds and sectarian shibboleths.
It is however of great importance that both sides of all great questions should be fairly set before the minds of the readers of all periodicals; for there is much liability of our being so biased or prejudiced in favor of our peculiar views, as not to give the opposite views a just consideration. Therefore, every seeker after truth should carefully examine the cons as well as the pros of his views.
Continued thought and patient investigation are necessary to discover truth, and especially the higher truths of being. For all truth does not lie upon the surface. Many truths lie deep in the language used to set them forth. For while language is a medium or vehicle of truth, yet language often fails to convey the true idea of truth. The letter of all languages may kill, while the spirit may give life. For as the universe is a duality, including both a natural and a spiritual element or condition, so all languages possess a corresponding duality, a natural and a spiritual meaning.
The Bible being revelations from spiritual beings of spiritual truths and facts, in order to a correct understanding of those truths and facts, it is necessary for the mind to conceive spiritual ideas of things. To ignore this, is to set aside the principles on which all language is founded. For all language has a spiritual as well as a natural meaning. Without such a spiritual meaning of language there can be no expression we can give of God or angels, and it may be questioned whether we can even conceive the idea of a God.
It was the ignoring of the spiritual meaning of language that led the Jews to reject their Messiah, and it is a similar ignoring of the same thing that is now leading so many to accept the materialism of the Second Advent, the Soul Sleeping, Annihilationism, and Resurrection of the flesh.
Painful therefore, as it ever is to a generous mind to differ from those whom we love in the Lord, and still more painful as it may be to encounter such in defence of truth, yet, no unnecessary tenderness should hinder from ever defending the truth. While therefore, I enter upon the inquiry and examination with diffidence, I hope to set forth my views in no offensive manner, but to so elevate the propositions as to at least awaken inquiry if not to convince.
In my next article I shall commence examining the first proposition: “Do the Scriptures teach the doctrine of the personal advent of Christ, or his bodily return to our earth, and if so, that such advent is near at hand?”
S. S. GRISWOLD.
WHEN IS MY TIME?
This question was asked by a bright little girl, who was fond of talking at the close of the day to a busy father. When is my time? The query will carry its own moral to every parent who reads this. Let fathers and mothers, whatever duties may seem imperative, find “a time for talking with the little ones.” Their time! Perhaps only fifteen minutes, but their time, exclusively and cheerfully. How many homes may be made brighter, and how many children counted saved, if this advice were followed?—Ex.
Monroe Co., Mich.
By E. Brackett, Jr.
After presenting the Sabbath question on which I was engaged when I wrote my last report, a Baptist minister came from Monroe City and gave one discourse against the Sabbath and law, and in favor of the observance of the first day of the week. This I reviewed the next night. The Lord gave freedom in showing the fallacy of such arguments as had been presented to put down the Sabbath of the Lord and defend a papal institution.
I continued in this place six weeks in all, speaking nearly every night. The attendance was good until the end, and the interest seemed to increase; but it was impossible to impress on their minds the need of obeying these sacred truths. This seemed to be the most discouraging feature of the meetings, yet I was led to hope on and feel that I was doing my duty in the fear of the Lord, and went from house to house to visit and pray with them. In so doing I found my soul much blessed, and a deeper interest on the part of the people than I had before realized. I found one worthy person obeying the truth, and others halting. As I could not have the church any longer for meetings, it seemed duty to leave.
I then commenced a series of meetings in the Moore school-house about three miles from this place. My health being somewhat impaired by overtaxing myself in study and labor, I was only able to continue a little more than two weeks, during which time I had to meet a great deal of opposition and prejudice. I was denied the privilege of entering one house to visit the people. A Methodist minister gave me an invitation to an adjoining district to hear him on the Nature of Man. He took the privilege of indulging in sarcasm and slang, calling me a deist, &c. He spoke again in the evening, and as I was not there, took the liberty to call even harder names than before. This disgusted the people so much that some even told him to sit down, while others left the house. Before leaving the place, I found that six or seven had commenced to keep the Sabbath, and the community at large were very anxious that I should return this fall when the farmers will not be so busy. A good field of labor is open in this county. I am now at my father's, near Marshall, to spend a few weeks, after which, Providence permitting, I shall respond to a call from Bro. Waggoner in Indiana, to go with the tent in that State. E. Brackett, Jr.
The California Tent at Woodland.
By M. E. Cornell
We have now given fourteen discourses, and the attendance has increased from one hundred and fifty to about one thousand. We have been encouraged by the marked attention from the first. It is the busy season of haying, yet there is a regular attendance from the country.
One afternoon it threatened rain, the heavens were black, thunder was heard in the distance, and it commenced to rain just before the time of gathering for the evening lecture. But so great was the interest that over three hundred came out to hear. No uneasiness was manifested because of the rain pouring upon the canvas, or in anticipation of how they should get to their homes through the darkness in the mud and rain.
Objections raised by a Methodist minister and a spiritualist lawyer, turned favorably, and the interest seems to be deepening every day and extending into the country for miles around.
A Methodist minister from Knight’s Landing came here to fill an appointment, but having only a few hearers, adjourned and came over to the tent. He was interested and remained several days and heard. Before leaving, he called on us and very cordially invited a course of lectures in his church. Since his return, we have received the following call, signed by several of the leading citizens of the place:
“Knight’s Landing, Yolo Co., Cal., May 30, 1872.
“To Messrs. Loughborough and Cornell—Gentlemen: We, the undersigned, on the part of the citizens of the town of Knight’s Landing, respectfully extend to you an invitation to visit our town, if not conflicting with prior arrangements. We would be much pleased to have you present for our people a series of sermons, to be continued at your pleasure. If this proposition be entertained by you, we would be pleased to know at what time it would be convenient for you to visit us, that we may give such notice as will ensure a general attendance. And we are, gentlemen,
“Very respectfully yours.”
Knight’s Landing is a R. R. town, and we think may be a favorable opening for a course of lectures. But the interest here is so great, that we shall probably have to remain for several weeks.
Last evening, by request, we made a public statement of our expenses, and county officials and others passed through the audience and collected $47.80. The papers give favorable notices of our meeting. We clip the following from the Yolo Democrat:—
“THE TENT MEETINGS.—Crowds of listeners have nightly attended the lectures of Elds. Loughborough and Cornell during the past week, and a great deal of interest has been manifested. The lecturers are men of over twenty years’ experience as lecturers and preachers, are close students of the Bible, which is emphatically stated to be the foundation of all their arguments, and their ideas are presented in a manner new and acceptable to the mass of their hearers. On Sunday evening, it is estimated about eight hundred persons were present, and the tent has been quite or nearly full each evening since. Some of the points advanced have been objected to, but the speakers invite questions and investigation. We shall not be surprised if replies are elicited from some of the local clergy. The meetings are to be continued on Sunday, and during the coming week, after which further announcement will be made.”
We are happy to report that we are all in good health and spirits, and of good courage in the Lord. Brethren, pray for us.
M. E. CORNELL.
Woodland, June 3, 1872.
Prospect in Illinois.
By B. F. Merritt
We have great reason to thank God and take courage in this part of the field. Never did we have more cheering prospects. The way is open for us to work in Illinois, and many willing hands are already taking hold. God has heard our prayers and is ready to bless every effort we put forth in his name.
I hail the tract enterprise with gladness. We have long felt the want of such means as this to push forward the work. It is being taken hold of with earnestness, and I have no doubt, if we faithfully do our part, God will make it prosper in our hands. It will meet with great success if the work be carried on in that way which pleases God. Brethren, let us all work, and try to please God well, by giving and doing.
“’Tis sweet to work for Jesus.”
B. F. Merritt.
The California Discussion.
By M. E. Cornell
In the World’s Crisis of March 27, 1872, the Editor tries to comfort himself and to raise the drooping spirits of his brethren, in reference to our discussion of the Sabbath question at San Francisco, as follows:
“We see and hear of special good fruits from our late discussion of the Sabbath question with Eld. M. E. Cornell. Those who were before perplexed and unsettled on the subject are now at rest, and rejoicing in the Lord more than ever. They see the beautiful harmony of the Scriptures in clearer light and greater simplicity, and read them with new delight and satisfaction. We have much reason to thank the Lord for the results of the discussion in San Francisco.”
To the candid and unprejudiced who listened to the discussion, the above is really amusing. It reminds us of the boy who whistled in the dark to keep up his courage. But this is characteristic of the Editor. He is a wonderful man. He does not fear to affirm any proposition; for he knows how to fall back on the columns of the Crisis, where he can coolly claim a victory, even when he has made a total failure.
It is the opinion of many that the above rejoicing would be more appropriate on the other side. Indeed, this had been the feeling expressed privately among our friends. And we had felt that the victory for the truth was glory enough, and we could well afford to keep silent. But the many efforts of Eld. G. to patch up his side of the question will be considered sufficient apology for our reference to the subject.
It is a little singular that our opponent should manifest so much uneasiness over the results of the discussion in the minds of the people, if he really felt that he had gained his question. Why all these references to it, if he felt that it was all well for his side? And why are his friends so troubled? In the Crisis of May 8, Eld. G. says: “We have received the following, signed by fifty persons who attended the debate: ‘To whom it may concern—This is to certify that Eld. M. E. Cornell’s last speech in his debate with Eld. Miles Grant in this city, was a series of misrepresentations of Eld. Grant’s remarks and positions.’”
When we consider that Eld. G. had the closing speech, and every chance to expose any misrepresentation, we fail to see the occasion of such a testimonial in the Crisis, published on the opposite side of the continent.
Those who heard the debate and were unbiased, well know that those thirty-seven points of Grant against the Bible and Grant against himself were strictly true. And were our friends so disposed, they could easily get double that number of names certifying to the correctness of every point of our summing up speech. We know there was no mistake, for we had the photographic report taken by Eld. Loughborough, and thus were enabled to get every point exactly right.
As to the results of the discussion, we certainly have felt that we had every reason to be thankful. Many who had been Eld. G.’s warm friends were astonished at his positions and arguments, and especially when he was driven to say, that Christ broke the Sabbath, and taught his disciples to break it! also, that the ten commandments were not a law! If he admitted the decalogue a law, it would spoil his covenant argument.7But it was clearly shown from Ex. 24: 12, that what God wrote was called “a law;” hence his main argument was a failure.
In one of his reports Eld. G. rejoices that not one of their members had gone over to the Sabbath. Why should he think it probable that they would? We did not expect that those who were left after the truth had been so thoroughly presented there, and so many of their numbers, and the most conscientious of them had come out on the truth, would be changed by the discussion, only to become more hardened in no-law-ism. For Eld. G. himself did voluntarily admit to me, and at different times to several reliable parties, that our efforts in San Francisco had taken out the best of their people, also that wherever our preachers had been in the Eastern States, they had taken out the very cream of their churches, and the reason he gave was, because they were so “very conscientious.”
Fatal admission.
But what effect did the discussion have upon our members? It confirmed every one of them. They were so “very conscientious,” that they could not give up the moral law of God. On the other hand, those who were not “very conscientious” could show a disposition to cheer a man who charged his Lord and Saviour with breaking his Father’s law!
In confirmation of Eld. G.’s statement, that the most conscientious embraced the Sabbath, we may refer to the case of Bro. D., an old ’43 Adventist, who has ever been regarded as a pillar. It was at his house that Eld. John Howell died. He heard our lectures in the tent and continued his investigation about six months. His reading, together with what he heard from the opposition, rather strengthened his conviction that the Sabbath is still binding on mankind.
When Eld. G. came, he was a regular attendant upon his lectures, and had frequent private interviews with him in reference to his convictions on the Sabbath question. He was more than willing, he was anxious to be convinced that the Sabbath was not now binding, and Eld. G. did his best to satisfy his mind that such was the case. But so conscientious was Bro. D. that despite all these opposing influences, he broke away from them all and came to our place, and made public his resolution to keep the Sabbath. The contradictory positions of Eld. G. had opened his eyes, and had settled the question in his mind.
At the close of the discussion, he came up to where Eld. Loughborough and I were standing, and handed to each of us twenty silver half dollars. We inquired what that was for. With a full soul he replied, “That means that the debate is over, and my mind is forever settled on the Sabbath question.”
From that time Bro. D. has been a constant attendant on the Sabbath and evening prayer-meetings at our place, and he appears to be one of the happiest of men. The State meeting at Santa Rosa greatly encouraged him, as it did many others. He stated that he had been connected with several reform movements, and had been all through the Advent movement from the first, but he had never before heard so many testimonies (eighty spoke in about sixty minutes) in quick succession, and all so intelligent and in such perfect harmony and humility. And he saw such harmony in all the business of two days, there not being a single dissenting voice in the whole time, as he had seldom witnessed before.
Looking over the notes of the three discussions I have had with Eld. Grant, I find that he has changed his positions several times, and that each time, he has been more and more confused; and I am greatly in hopes that we may soon meet again, and have a verbatim reporter, that both sides may be published in the World’s Crisis and the ADVENT REVIEW. Then all of both parties can see for themselves who it is that makes the contradictory statements.
M. E. CORNELL.
Woodland, Cal., June 3, 1872.
TO BE LIKE JESUS.
By Mary E. Guilford
To be like Jesus is our aim;
He is our pattern and our guide,
Oh! may we glorify his name,
And ever in his love abide.
To be like Jesus, lowly, meek,
A life well spent in noble deeds,
The good of others always seek,
Always attentive to their needs.
To be like Jesus, self deny;
To bear the cross, despise the shame;
To aid the helpless when they cry;
By word and deed the truth sustain.
To be like Jesus, full of love,
Of sympathy, and tender care;
Pointing earth’s wearied ones above,
And all life’s blessings with them share.
To be like Jesus, watch and pray;
Like him, life’s burdens meekly bear;
With patience tread the rugged way,
Nor murmur at the toil and care.
To be like Jesus, free from sin,
Our lips ne’er stained with words of guile,
Thus, may we hope life’s crown to win;
Thus day by day enjoy his smile.
To be like Jesus, when at last
Life’s fevered dream and strife are o’er,
All suffering, sorrows, trials past,
We stand redeemed on Canaan’s shore.
MARY E. GUILFORD.
Castalia, Ohio.
Wisconsin: Meetings at Hazel Green and Mukwonago
By C. W. Olds
Wisconsin.
My last report was given at Hazel Green, February 22. Since that time, I have held fifteen meetings in this place. Congregation quite small most of the time, the ministers of the place secretly working against the truth. Some here became much interested, yet no one fully decided to obey. One subscribed for the REVIEW, and four for the Reformer. May the Lord give them to see the importance of obeying all of God’s commandments.
March 12, arrived home after an absence of twelve weeks, with feelings of thankfulness to God for his goodness. After remaining at home two days I went to Mukwonago, Waukesha Co., to find a place to hold meetings. The Congregational meeting-house was offered me. Commenced meetings the 20th, and continued until the last of April, holding in all twenty-four meetings. Congregation not large, yet some became interested, and a few decided to obey. Three subscribed for the REVIEW, and one for the Instructor. From this place I returned home to stay a few weeks, and then I expect to labor again in the great harvest field as the way may open.
Brethren, pray for me that God may give me wisdom in this message. C. W. OLDS.
Report from Bro. Matteson.
By John Matteson
MAY 4 to June 6 I remained at home, where I spent most of the time in preparing manuscript. I wrote 202 pages foolscap, which are equal to so many pages print in tract form, and prepared 142 pages, making in all 344 pages; beside reading proof and corresponding. This leaves me more at liberty to labor again in preaching. I attended twenty meetings during the same time and preached six times.
On the 25th, I attended a Conference of our Seventh-day Baptist brethren at Utica. Here was a large assembly of Sabbath-keepers—I should judge about two hundred—and a number of ministers. I had a pleasant interview with them and expressed to them the fraternal feelings of our people.
June 1 and 2 was the time for our quarterly meeting at Oakland, which was well attended by brethren from other churches. I feel encouraged and enjoy union in this church. May the Lord continue to bless until we may obtain the reward of the overcomer.
June 7-9, I had five meetings in Chicago. The brethren manifest a good degree of interest in the truth, and there is still a prospect of gaining more, although the enemy is hard at work all around to hinder.
I remain a few days in this place to attend to the publishing of some tracts, and then return to Chicago. From there I intend to go to the camp-meeting in Wisconsin if the Lord is willing.
JOHN MATTESON.
Battle Creek, June 12, 1872.
Illinois Camp-Meeting.
By R. F. Andrews
This meeting was held May 30—June 4, on a beautiful spot in Sugar Grove, on the premises of Mr. Reed. Owing to the scattered condition of the friends of the cause in this State, our meeting was not as largely attended as we desired. There were nine tents on the ground beside the large one and the provision stand. We were made glad by the arrival of Bro. and sister White and Bro. Littlejohn in the afternoon of the first day of our meeting. Their preaching was solemn and searching, and the Lord set it home to the hearts of the hearers by the influence of his Holy Spirit. Much prejudice has been removed, and the people of God, greatly cheered and strengthened. On Sabbath afternoon we had a most precious season. Over twenty of the youth and children came forward for prayers; and as their cases were being presented before the Lord, his special blessing rested upon us all.
A heavy rain on Sabbath and first-day morning prevented the people from without from attending. Immediately after the rain had ceased on first-day, and while it still looked as though we might have more, over one thousand people congregated on the ground and gave excellent attention to two discourses, one each from Bro. and sister White with half an hour’s intermission between them; and in the evening Bro. Littlejohn spoke in the large tent to an attentive congregation. The anxiety to hear these servants of God was great. May the Lord by his Holy Spirit water the seeds of truth that have been sown, and cause them to take root in the hearts of those who heard, and bring forth fruit unto eternal life.
On Monday morning the Conference voted to have Bro. G. W. Colcord ordained to the work of the ministry. At half past ten, Bro. White delivered a discourse on the occasion; and never did the reward of the true minister, and his faithful wife, appear so desirable. After the discourse, Bro. C. was duly set apart to the gospel ministry by prayer and the laying on of hands. The Lord let his blessing graciously rest upon us all. We all felt that the Lord was drawing near, and that it was good to be there. A Missionary and Tract Society was organized for the Conference.
Union and harmony prevailed throughout all our business sessions; and one thing that gratified us all very much, was, to see so evidently the hand of God, in sustaining and giving physical strength, to his weary and worn servants. May the Lord let his blessing still attend them, and make their labor ever effectual to the building up of his cause.
It is no more than justice to the church at Aledo, to acknowledge the assistance they rendered in preparing the grounds, and the hospitality they manifested during the meeting. Their course on this occasion has demonstrated that they have a lively interest in this cause, and united them more closely to our hearts. May the Lord abundantly bless, and ever keep them in the love of his precious truth, and may they abound more and more, in every good work. We took down our tent Tuesday afternoon and pitched it in Aledo. Have had three meetings already. Brethren, pray for us and for the prosperity of the cause of truth.
R. F. ANDREWS.
Aledo, Ill., June 9, 1872.
The Tent-Meeting in Kansas.
By George I. Butler
This meeting was held according to appointment, nearly fifteen miles west from Lawrence, Kansas, near the church of Big Springs, organized last winter by Bro. Lawrence. It closed last night. The attendance until Sunday was quite small, consisting mainly of the church and the few friends who had come in from other places, and there were but few of these. Sunday, we had a fair congregation for a country place. We were disappointed in not seeing more in from abroad; but there has been so much wet weather all through that Conference, and everywhere in the West for that matter, that a large turnout could not be expected. The farmers are very much behind with their work; indeed, there is much land that has not been plowed yet because of the rain.
Bro. T. J. Butler gave three discourses. I gave six. Our social meetings were interesting seasons, and on the whole, I think good was done. Those who did come in from abroad, some of them quite a long distance, expressed themselves as well paid for their trouble. Five were baptized, among these Bro. Butler. We were glad of the privilege of burying this dear brother with his Lord in baptism. Bro. B. seems determined to start from the bottom and lay a good foundation, and make thorough work. We were much rejoiced to see the determination manifested by him to cast himself into the work once more with his whole heart, and we expect to see a good growth as he labors with the tent this summer in company with Bro. Lawrence, to bring souls into the truth. May the Lord bless and encourage him abundantly by giving him many souls as the fruit of his labors. We were much pleased to see the zeal manifested by the little church of Big Springs to bear burdens in the cause, separated as they are so far from any other churches. We feel that it gives good ground to hope the Lord will bless them by adding to their number.
When we reached Lawrence, on our way to the meeting, we found three teams waiting to take us and the tent through the mud to our destination. It is always encouraging to see a manifestation of interest in those for whom we labor. We formed some very pleasant acquaintances there which we trust will be perpetuated in the kingdom of God. This meeting closed our series of tent-meetings in the Kansas and Missouri Conference. We trust they have been profitable to the cause there. We see no reason why there may not be a good advance made this year in the Conference if the two tents are permitted to run as recommended. We expect to see such an advance if all take hold and do their duty. May God help forward the good work.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Fairfield, Iowa, June 3, 1872.
Illinois Missionary and Tract Society.
By W. H. Littlejohn; B. F. Merritt
At our recent camp-meeting at Aledo, a meeting was called to organize a Missionary and Tract Society in this Conference.
Assembled at half past ten A. M., June 3, 1872. Bro. Littlejohn in charge of the meeting. Prayer by Eld. G. W. Colcord. Instructive remarks relative to the enterprise were made by Bro. Littlejohn when it was
Voted, That we form a Missionary and Tract Society.
B. F. Merritt was selected Secretary pro tem.
Persons being called for to form a body, sixty names were given, each pledging one dollar. Fifty-four dollars were paid in.
After some remarks by Eld. White, the Constitution adopted by the Michigan Tract Society was read and adopted.
Voted, That a committee of three be appointed to nominate officers and suggest the districts of State.
Eld. G. W. Colcord, B. F. Merritt and Eld. T. M. Steward were appointed said committee.
SECOND SESSION, 5 P. M. Bro. Littlejohn in charge. Prayer by Eld. Steward.
The report of the nominating committee was read and accepted.
The following officers were elected for one year. President, Eld. R. F. Andrews; Vice-President, J. R. Whitham; Secretary, Luther Newton; Treasurer, W. O. Dungan.
The committee reported the following districts, and nominated the following persons as Directors of the districts in which they severally reside. The report was accepted and adopted.
1st District, Stephenson and Jo Daviess Counties; Director, Thomas Brown.
2d District, Winnebago and Boone Counties, including also Chicago; Director, G. M. Bowen.
3d District, LaSalle, Livingston and McLean Counties; Director, J. W. Marsh.
4th District, Whiteside and Mercer Counties; Director, W. O. Dungan.
5th District, Peoria and Knox Counties; Director, Benj. Sweat.
6th District, Madison and Macoupin Counties; Director, Wm. Penniman.
7th District, Clark, Wayne, and Coles Counties; Director, M. Kittle.
Adjourned to the call of the President.
W. H. LITTLEJOHN, Chairman.
B. F. MERRITT, Sec., pro tem.
Be Short.
By Christian
LONG visits, long stories, long essays, long exhortations, and long prayers, seldom profit those who have to do with them. Life is short. Time is short. Moments are precious. Learn to condense, abridge, and intensify. We can bear things that are dull, if they are only short. We can endure many an ache and ill if it is over soon; while even pleasure grows insipid, and pain intolerable, if they are protracted beyond the limits of reason and convenience. Learn to be short. Lop off branches; stick to the main facts in your case. If you pray, ask for what you believe you will receive, and get through;—if you speak, tell your message and hold your peace; if you write, boil down two sentences into one, and three words into two. Always when practicable avoid lengthiness,—learn to be short.—Christian.
Significant Items.
INCREASE OF INCENDIARISM.
The number of fires which have occurred in this country during the last few months, and indeed during the past year, is quite unprecedented, and the loss by them has been great, almost beyond estimate. Every day adds to the record; the New England dispatches in Monday’s Journal alone containing accounts of sixteen different fires. The report of the National Board of Underwriters, just published, shows an increase in fires of 40 per cent since the old National Board expired. The strange and alarming increase points to something more than increased carelessness and negligence; it indicates unmistakably an increase in the crime of incendiarism. Every fire which occurs should have a prompt and thorough investigation of its probable cause; and every person found guilty of incendiarism should receive the utmost penalty of the law. Only so can the public be secured from these cowardly miscreants, whom long immunity from punishment has rendered bold.
NATIONAL WEALTH AND CHRISTIAN GIVING.
The Methodist suggests, without answering, the question as to whether the liberality of the Christian church has kept pace with our national prosperity. The point is an interesting one, and church statisticians can, if they will, throw much light upon it. The Methodist says: “Great as is the charity of the times, it may well be doubted whether it is comparatively as large as is supposed. The growth of our means would almost make us believe that it is relatively less. For example, the superintendent of the last census shows that in 1850 the amount of property, real and personal, in the country, was $7,000,000,000; by 1860 it had advanced to more than $16,000,000,000; by 1870, to $30,000,000,000. No other nation ever saw recorded growth or aggregate wealth like this. In ten years it much more than doubled. In twenty years it much more than quadrupled. All this advance has been made, let us remember, in about two-thirds of a generation.”
The important question now is, has the liberality of the American church grown during these twenty years in such proportion? It is worthy of the most careful study of our religious financiers. The correct answer would be one of the best, the most crucial tests of the allegation so often re-iterated by Free-thinkers, that Christianity is now in actual decadence in America.”
THE EARTHQUAKE AT LONE PINE.
The latest files of California papers give the following extracts from a private letter to a member of the relief committee, which illustrates the terrors of the recent earthquake at Lone Pine.
“My Dear Sir: Since your departure, we have had continuous earthquakes during intervals of an hour or so. Further destruction has not been caused, but our people are suffering, a great number having lost their all. Contributions have come in from Cerro Gordo and Swansea to the amount of about $1000, and Belshaw has promised more.
“For the moment we have relieved our people with flour and other necessaries. Do your best, Colonel, for you know the extent of our damages, and rest assured that you will have the thanks of this community. While writing this, we have had two strong shocks, and I am getting nervous.
“Colonel, we have both been soldiers, but I acknowledge that I am a coward in an earthquake. Such a continuation of shocks—probably 700 in three days—has never been heard of in ancient or modern times. We are demoralized; but your Committee will stand by as long as Providence will permit. The whole valley has been moved to the southward fourteen feet. During the night we have continuous reports like a dozen parks of artillery being fired, but without shocks, and a moment afterward, we would literally tremble in our boots. We will report proceedings from day to day.
“Yours truly, R. S. GOLDMAN.
“P. S. A shake closes.”
—Boston Journal.
The Safer Course.
By I. Sanborn
WHILE in conversation with a spiritualist, recently, upon the subject of God's law, he remarked to me that if the position of Seventh-day Adventists is wrong, the spiritualists' plan will save you. True, said I; but if what we believe is true, as it must be according to the Bible, what will become of all the spiritualists and those who oppose these truths? Why, said he, they will be forever lost. Then, said I, which of us have chosen the safe side? He replied, Seventh-day Adventists. Then said I, Come thou and do likewise. So I say to all others, Will you venture to transgress any part of the law of God through the instruction of the church to which you belong, as did the Pharisees of old, and still claim that God will save you, notwithstanding he positively refused to save those who, in Christ's time, did no worse than you are doing now? I. SANBORN.
FAITH IN GOD.
By Martha Baker
I know that thou art faithful, Lord;
That o’er thine own thou hast a care;
That, though the waiting seemeth long,
Thou wilt not disappoint their prayer.
For thou a faithful few hast had,
Through all the ages dark and long,
Whom thou hast helped through sorrows sad,
Because their faith in thee was strong.
Then let us ever faithful be,
Each at our post our duty do,
Leaving the consequence with thee;
For thou wilt surely bring us through
To that blest land where waits our crown,
Where tears and groans and struggles cease,
Where we shall lay the armor down,
To share the victor’s reign of peace.