Earlier text: Bearing FruitWestern Tour.
By James White
At eleven A. M., June 1, we reached our western home at Washington, Iowa, and remained twenty-four hours, when we took the train for the Knoxville Camp-meeting. When we reached the ground, we were disappointed in meeting so large a gathering of brethren and sisters. Sabbath afternoon, we spoke upon mutual obligation, to a very attentive congregation. The subject took a strong hold of the people; and when we set before them the duty of all our people to help build up our institutions located at Battle Creek, they were ready to respond liberally, as will be seen by the report of that good meeting given by Brn. Canright and Littlejohn. We were sorry to learn from these brethren of the treacherous course of some in Missouri, who received us with Christian courtesy when we were with them last autumn. From us these persons learned our true positions when we were with them, and they recognized us as the servants of God. Some of their number confessed with tears their opposition to Mrs. W., and the hard speeches they had made while in ignorance of her work and the spirit with which she labored. Mr. Goodenough has been among them, and has affected a change in their feelings toward us and the people we represent; so that when the General Conference sent Elds. Canright and Littlejohn to hold a camp-meeting among the Sabbath-keepers of Missouri, this faction showed their real position in warring against the body of Seventh-day Adventists generally, and Eld. White and wife in particular. This they did in the circulation of a deceptive work at the meeting, in which the writer labors to point out serious defects in our Christian character. When we were in Missouri, we labored to do away the prejudice which separated Sabbath-keepers in Daviess Co. We succeeded, and left them united. We parted in union and love. They acknowledged us the servants of God, and heartily bid us, God speed. We preached to them the several points of present truth, as far as we had time, and did not urge them to believe this or that. We did not ask them if they believed that Mrs. W.’s special views were of God, and much less did we urge them to believe them. And until they should drink in, and manifest, a spirit of war against these views, neither would their silence nor profession of faith upon the subject, make any difference in our feeling toward them. And we know that we speak the views and feelings of our people upon the subject. It is not Seventh-day Adventists that are pressing the people upon this subject. They believe in the perpetuity of spiritual gifts. They believe that the spirit of prophecy has rested upon Mrs. W., and that she is called to do a special work at this time, among this people. They do not, however, make a belief in this work a test of Christian fellowship. But, after men and women have had evidence that the work is of God, and then join hands with those who fight against it, our people claim the right to separate from such, that they may enjoy their sentiments in peace and quiet. While we commend the decision of the brethren in Missouri in separating from those who, while acting under a profession of union, were in a more secret way laboring against them, we do sincerely hope that we may yet meet some of them, at least, standing on the same ground on which we and they stood when we affectionately left them last fall. In the providence of God they have had an opportunity to hear for themselves, so as to be left without excuse. If they now follow those who are at war with the body of Sabbath-keepers, instead of being instructed and helped by those who have done them good, and nothing but good, and now feel the deepest interest in their prosperity and the cause around them, we cannot help them. Our people in Missouri cannot help them. And while we cherish feelings of sympathy and pity for them, on account of the deceptive power of Satan that is brought to bear upon their minds, we feel called upon to say that the history of a few years past shows that those who deliberately and determinately wage war with the work of the Holy Spirit, in the face of clear light, cannot be reached. Judging from the past, we conclude that they must run their career, shorter or longer, as may be, till they come to naught. God blesses his people most, and prospers them best, in doing the work he has called them to do. The leaders of factions, whose greatest objection to the sentiments of the body generally, is in relation to the perpetuity of spiritual gifts, and the manifestation of the spirit of prophecy among us, would be gratified in calling us from our work to meet their opposition. They are doing little or nothing to lead men to the truth. They have no reason to believe that they can build up their cause by converting men and women to the truth. Their only hope of adding to their numbers, and building up their cause, is in causing divisions among our people, and in leading some of them to doubt in regard to fundamental points of doctrine. They generally begin with the subject of the gifts; and they succeed best by using smut and blacking, attacking the reputation of Mrs. W. and her husband. And notwithstanding “their stock in trade” of old falsehoods may have been shown up forty-nine times, they will repeat them with as much confidence and delight as if Satan had coined them but yesterday. As for Mr. Carver’s pamphlet, we have read it with feelings of painful regret that a man of his ability, and his knowledge of the facts in the case, should so deliberately set himself about the work of deceiving the reader. Three things have kept us from noticing his work: first, its limited circulation; second, not wishing to give it notoriety by calling attention to it; and third, a want of time. But if our people in any locality are annoyed with its influence, and regard its apparent candor dangerous to deceive, while the unscrupulously false statements of the writer are calculated to mislead, we will see that the matter has that attention that will set it in a proper light. But what seems most astonishing is, that these men will repeat with all apparent confidence that Seventh-day Adventists are crumbling and dwindling in numbers and influence, when at the same time they know that they are uttering falsehoods. We have nothing to boast of; but by the grace of God, Seventh-day Adventists never were so firmly united, and so prosperous, as at the present time. The circulation of the REVIEW, which is a very correct indication of the state of the cause, has had a permanent increase during the last eighteen months of one thousand. Prosperity attends every department of the work, and a brighter day the cause never saw than the present. Our statistics give no real idea of our standing. We are so singularly scattered that but a portion of the believers are represented in the reports of the membership of our churches. And the numbers given are affected very much year after year by the fact that in some cases, a number of churches have not entered into the number, not being reported. There never has been a time when union of sentiment, and harmony in energetic action, existed among us as it does at the present time. Our camp-meetings have a strong influence to produce this happy state of unity. And at these grand, annual gatherings, Mrs. W.’s testimony is received by the brethren, and respected by the crowds that assemble on such occasions. This state of union and prosperity is seen in the fact that the growing interest, calling for a wider circulation of our periodicals, and of our publications generally, has so far increased the work in our large two-story printing house, as to make it necessary to duplicate it, and build another the same in size and style, the present summer. And for this one object, the brethren at one of their two camp-meetings in Iowa this season, June 5, 1871, pledged the sum of $2,000. It is evident that God’s providential hand is in this work. Providence is his supervision over angels, men, and devils. It must needs be that heresies should come, but woe to that man by whom they come. We should not be as anxious to close the mouth of the heretic, as to speak and act right in the fear of God in reference to blighting heresy. Something of this kind is as important to the church of Jesus Christ as the sink is important to the good house-keeper’s kitchen. Let the people of God keep at the work, and let those whose very existence depends upon contentions and distraction do the work permitted them to do. Our work is to teach the truth, and in our lives to honor the truth, and when it will best serve the cause, expose the deceptive efforts of those who would sow seeds of discord among us, that we may save the honest from deception and ruin. God lives and reigns. Error may for a time blind the eyes of the honest, and the deceptive power of error may for a time hold them in bondage; but in due time God will deliver the sincere seekers for truth. Dr. Wm. Russell is a happy illustration of this fact. Satan took advantage of the unfavorable circumstances under which this dear brother was placed for a time, on account of the wickedly selfish course of some who were prominent actors in the cause at Battle Creek, and Dr. R. was overwhelmed with doubts for a time. But, thank God, he has seen the deceptions of those who would mislead him, and is now happy at his post at the Health Institute at Battle Creek, sharing the confidence and love of the people of his choice. Yes, God lives and reigns, and he will work to his own glory, and for the good of those who love him. In company with Brn. Canright and Littlejohn we left the Knoxville camp-ground the 6th, and came to Monroe, and spent one day with Bro. and sister Canright, and friends. There we enjoyed rest, and shared the delicious fruit and products of Bro. C.’s newly cultivated, extensive fruit and vegetable garden. If the people will but put forth a well-directed effort, they may in a short time enjoy an abundance of most delicious fruits, which, with reformers, will very gracefully take the place of swine’s grease and the like. On the 7th, Brn. Canright and Littlejohn came on with us to our home in Washington where we write. We enjoyed a day with them here, when they left on the 8th for the Illinois Camp-meeting. May God bless their labors in that meeting. In consequence of hoarseness, much neglected writing that should be done, and not being fully instructed in regard to the route to the Illinois meeting, we decided to remain here one week, and be rested for the La Porte, Iowa, Camp-meeting. Washington, Iowa, June 9, 1871. Report of the Missouri and Kansas Camp-Meeting.
By Dudley Marvin Canright; W. H. Littlejohn
May 22, we arrived at Civil Bend, Missouri, to attend the Conference. We found a very beautiful location for the camp-ground. The new tent was pitched, and all necessary preparations were promptly made by the brethren there. Most of the time the weather was favorable. The Sabbath-keepers in these two States are very much scattered, the churches being hundreds of miles apart. The brethren generally are not wealthy, and the failure of the crops for a couple of years leaves them in quite straightened circumstances. Hence the attendance at the meeting was very small—no one being present from Kansas, and only a very few from other parts of Missouri. However, we tried to do the best we could under the circumstances. The few friends of the cause present, manifested a commendable zeal and willingness to labor and sacrifice for the cause as far as they were able. Our social meetings were quite good, especially our closing one Monday morning. The Spirit of God was present, hearts were moved and tears flowed freely. Two were baptized. Though the circumstances were perplexing, yet we enjoyed freedom in speaking the word, and our minds were clear as to duty there. Had the real condition at this place been known by the General Conference, the camp-meeting would not have been held here. It will be remembered from Bro. White’s report that he and sister White visited this place last fall and labored hard to help unite the Sabbath-keepers here. There were a few who were not in harmony with the body on all points. It was thought that they had been prejudiced by unwise labor among them, and that with proper explanation and a correct understanding of our people and their work, these objections would be removed and the Sabbath-keepers here would be united. An effort was made to that effect. It seemed at the time to be satisfactory and successful. All met and held their meetings together. For a time, things moved on in harmony, till this spring, Eld. Goodenough of the Hope of Israel party visited them, staying several weeks. We are informed that he took advantage of the union that had been formed by the Sabbath-keepers, came into their meetings, and publicly expressed nothing but friendship and love for the Seventh-day Adventists, but at the same time used every means in his power, privately, to destroy their confidence in the work, and prejudice them against Bro. and sister White. This he did by false statements, and by garbled extracts from our publications. Those who had been formerly opposed to us, received his statements greedily and with the utmost confidence, without seeking information or explanation from us. They supported Eld. G. in all his labor, and threw all their influence against the body of Seventh-day Adventists, although outwardly professing friendship all the time. These took little or no part in preparing for the camp-meeting; yet when our meetings commenced they were on the ground and expected to enjoy the benefits of them. They watched every opportunity to privately talk with our friends who came from abroad, and furnished them with Mr. Carver’s recent work, and prejudiced them against our people. They did this, and at the same time publicly professed a great desire to be united and labor in harmony with us. We could have no confidence or sympathy with such work, and plainly told our brethren so, and because we did not with open arms and with confidence receive them as brethren, and invite them publicly to take part in all our business proceedings, they professed to be very much injured and grieved; but our minds were clear and we felt the blessing of God in taking the position we did. Either this is the work of God or it is not. If it is not, we will give it up. If it is, we can have no fellowship or co-operation with those who spend their whole energy in opposing, misrepresenting, and tearing it down. Of all enemies of the truth, those are the most to be feared who, professing to be friends, use our confidence to destroy us. These men have now had a fair chance to inform themselves, to become acquainted with this people and this work, and to be informed in regard to the nature of it. After all our friendly efforts to help them, they are more bitter than ever. There is only one course left; that is, complete separation from them. D. M. CANRIGHT,
W. H. LITTLEJOHN. Iowa Camp-Meeting.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Wednesday, May 31, we went from Monroe to the camp-ground, fourteen miles. A good location was well fitted up, and many friends were already on the ground. Thursday, other tents came in till there were some twenty-five tents pitched in a large circle, the big tent completing the circle. The stand and seats were arranged inside the circle. Everything about the camp was kept neat and orderly during the whole meeting. Wednesday afternoon, there was a heavy rain which gave some a thorough wetting; with this exception, the weather was dry and pleasant all through, though rather warm some of the time. Between four and five hundred brethren and sisters were present, being a good representation from all the churches in southern and western Iowa. Probably it was the largest camp-meeting we have yet held in Iowa. All seem to be hopeful and strong in the work. The efforts made in this State to divide and scatter the people of God have not only utterly failed, but have resulted in establishing the work more firmly than before. Each year several new churches are added to the Conference. On the whole, we regard the cause in Iowa as being in a healthy condition. For this we feel very thankful to our God. Meeting began Thursday morning with preaching. From this on, the time was well filled up with sermons, prayer meetings, social meetings, prayers in the tents, &c. No special excitement of feeling was manifested at any time, yet there was a deep and solemn feeling among all on the ground. Excepting Sunday, the preaching was mostly practical, and solemn appeals were made to sinners and backsliders. Sabbath morning, about seventy-five came forward for prayers; and on Monday, others came to seek the Lord. Before closing we enjoyed a sweet season in baptizing seventeen souls, most of whom had made a start at this meeting. Sabbath morning, we were made glad by the arrival of Bro. and sister White, who were detained till this time. They both spoke several times with their usual freedom, and their testimony was well received. We were glad to hear their encouraging words respecting the Health Institute, the Publishing Association, and other branches of the work. As an evidence of their love for, and confidence in, this part of the work, and those who manage it, the friends promptly pledged about $3,000 for the Institute and Association. God is using these institutions as a mighty power in spreading his truth; and all who love the message will do all they can to sustain them. On Sunday, there was a good attendance from without, and the word spoken by Bro. and sister White was well received. They both had good freedom. Many of the Sabbath-keepers in this section having lately embraced the truth, had never heard them. We think that their visit will result in much good to these friends. Thursday morning our meeting broke up, and Bro. and sister White, Bro. Littlejohn, and others came with us to our home in Monroe, where we enjoyed entertaining them till the next day. Then we came on with them to their home in Washington. While waiting at Ashland for the cars, we went out on the bank of the Des Moines river, and there under the shade of a great tree we partook of our hygienic dinner with a relish which health reformers only know. But now our camp-meeting is closed; its work is done; its record is made; our tents are struck; and again we are scattered to our homes to resume the stern duties of life! How rapidly the events of life are passing, and the Judgment is drawing on! Are we improving these opportunities so as to be prepared for that solemn test? May the Spirit of God keep fresh in our minds the important truths we have just heard, and aid us to live them out, that we may be saved by them. The Providence of God.
By John Nevins Andrews
WHAT a wonderful thing is God's providence. It watches over us every moment of our lives. It orders all our changes for us in infinite mercy. If we stand where God can lead us, it will clearly indicate and guide us in the path of duty. If we do acknowledge him in all our ways he will direct our paths. There is no safer guide in questions of duty than the opening providence of God. But what a necessity on our part to seek him. How ought we to walk with fear and trembling before him if we hope that his hand will, in every thing, direct us. Surely the providence of God is but the constant watch care of Heaven over those who seek to honor God. And if we may have this, we can well afford to renounce all the vanities of earth for such an inestimable blessing. God knows the proud afar off. But the meek he will guide in judgment and he will teach them his way. God will do wonders for us if we will but walk before him in such a manner that it is consistent for him to do it. J. N. A. Standing in Our Own Light
Most of the shadows that cross our path through life, are caused by our standing in our own light. Report of the Missouri and Kansas State Conference.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
THE Conference of Missouri and Kansas, according to appointment, held its second annual session at Civil Bend, Mo., at 8 A. M., May 28, 1871. Conference opened with prayer by Eld. Canright. In the absence of the president, Eld. Littlejohn acted as chairman pro tem. Eld. D. M. Canright was chosen secretary pro tem. Delegates were then called for, and the Conference was duly organized for business. Voted, That we invite all members present in good standing in S. D. A. churches of Missouri and Kansas to take part in the business of the Conference. Scattered brethren from unorganized bodies were also invited to take part. Voted, That Elds. Littlejohn and Canright be invited to act with us in the business of the Conference. Voted, That the Chair appoint an Auditing Committee of three, whereupon, J. H. Mallory, Wm. Evans, and J. L. Stewart were appointed as that committee. Voted, That the Chair appoint a Nominating Committee of three. J. Snyder, J. M. Gallemore, and T. D. Brackett were appointed as said committee. Church reports being called for, several were read, showing the following results:
Organized churches, 4
Membership, 103
Gain from last fall, 8
Unorganized bodies, 8
Numbering, 88
Whole number of Sabbath-keepers, 191
Several other bodies were not represented at all.
Ordained ministers, 1
Licentiates, 4 The Treasurer’s report was as follows:
Amount rec’d during the year, $83.50
Paid out, 14.65
Balance on hand May 28, 1871, 68.85
S. B. as reported pledged for the coming year, 253.92 Voted, To renew the credentials of Eld. H. C. Blanchard, and to renew the licenses of T. E. Morey, J. H. Rogers, and J. H. Cook, and also to grant a license to L. D. Santee. Adjourned to call of the Chair. Met again at 4 P. M. Prayer by Eld. Littlejohn. Report of the Auditing Committee accepted. The Nominating Committee presented the following report:— We recommend that the Executive Committee consult with the Gen. Conf. Committee, and with their advice appoint a President for the coming year. We recommend for Secretary, Wm. Evans, Hamilton, Mo.; for Treasurer, J. H. Rogers, Altavista, Daviess Co., Mo.; for Executive Committee, H. C. Blanchard and J. H. Cook. The report was accepted and adopted. Adjourned. Third session at 6 P. M. Prayer by J. H. Rogers. The subject of purchasing a tent was taken up. After considering the matter, $269.00 were subscribed for it, and the following resolutions were passed respecting it:— Whereas, In our judgment, the interest of the cause in Missouri and Kansas Conference demands the purchase of a tent for the use of those who shall preach the message within its limits, therefore, Resolved, That as the one in which we are convened is every way what we could desire, we obtain the same for this purpose. Whereas, Those present have pledged the sum of $269.00 for the purchase of said tent for the Missouri and Kansas Conference, therefore, Resolved, That we earnestly request the friends in other portions of Missouri and Kansas to raise the remaining $135.00 to finish paying for the tent. Resolved, That J. H. Rogers and J. H. Mallory be a committee to attend to all matters pertaining to the purchasing of the tent, to whom all subscriptions and donations may be sent. Resolved, That we as a Conference will assume the responsibility of collecting for the Publishing Association all matters of account due it for the REVIEW, Reformer, and Instructor, from persons within the limits of the Conference, and that we select the following persons to act as a committee for this purpose: Wm. Evans and J. H. Cook. Resolved, That we earnestly request all the churches and scattered brethren and sisters in Missouri and Kansas, to immediately pledge what they are able to give on Systematic Benevolence for the cause the coming year, and that they report the amount to the Secretary. Resolved, That we express our confidence in the work of the third angel’s message, Rev. 14: 9–12, and those whom God has raised up to carry it forward. Resolved, That we express our gratitude to the General Conference for the laborers sent us from time to time, and that we desire them to still remember us and send us help so far as is possible, and to still exercise a watchcare over the cause in this Conference. Resolved, That we tender our thanks to the General Conference for the labors of Elds. Littlejohn and Canright in our camp-meeting and Conference. Moved, That the doings of this Conference be published in the REVIEW.
D. M. CANRIGHT, Sec. pro tem. REMARKS. We wish to call the special attention of the friends in Missouri and Kansas to some points in the above report: 1. The cause in this Conference is now young and weak, and all need to learn and gain an experience in order to use to the best advantage what strength we have. We must not despise the day of small things. 2. As a large number of the Sabbath-keepers are unorganized, and even scattered one and two in a place, these must not, therefore, shirk responsibility and neglect to assist in bearing the burdens of the cause. Iowa and Nebraska.
By George I. Butler
My last report reached to April 6. April 6 to 13, I was at home. Held meetings with the church Sabbath and Sunday; also a business meeting in which the hand of fellowship was withdrawn from several and other cases taken up. From April 13 to 24, I was with the church at Richland, and held meetings nearly every evening, besides Sabbaths and Sundays. It was a very busy time, and our congregations were not so large as we had hoped to see. Sunday, April 23, I reviewed a sermon preached last winter by Eld. Doud, Baptist, on the life and death question which had made some stir in the community where our views had not been presented. The house was well filled day time and evening when I spoke on the resurrection of the body, which Eld. D. had denied. The effect was excellent. Also had a business meeting, and arranged Systematic Benevolence, chose delegates to Conference, &c. The little band here seem strong and united, and I believe others will be added to their number. April 28 to May 3, I was at Brighton. Had the privilege of meeting our dear Bro. Littlejohn here who came down with the friends from Washington. He greatly assisted in the labors of the occasion. Quite a number attended from abroad, and I trust our meetings were very profitable to the church. Two were baptized, delegates were chosen, and Systematic Benevolence was arranged for the ensuing year; two were disfellowshiped, and matters of a peculiarly perplexing nature were investigated, and through the assistance of Bro. Littlejohn, I trust were satisfactorily arranged. Sabbath and Sunday, May 6 and 7, was at Mt. Pleasant. Held a business meeting Sunday in which one was disfellowshiped and other cases examined. Systematic Benevolence was arranged for the ensuing year, delegates to the Conference elected, &c. May 10, started for Nebraska and western Iowa to remain and labor till time for preparation for the camp-meeting. Failing to make connections, I did not reach the place of meeting till Sabbath afternoon, May 13. I was very happily surprised to find a schoolhouse full of Sabbath-keepers gathered together, all much rejoiced at my arrival. Some of them had come over thirty miles and had not heard any preaching or attended an Adventist meeting for a long time. But their hearts were in the work. It was quite refreshing to my spirits to see so much zeal and interest manifested by all the friends here. Through the occasional labors of Bro. S. Myers and Bro. Jefferson Bartlett, and a short call from Bro. Morrison over a year ago, some thirty have embraced the truth. These with ten or fifteen who have moved from other churches, constitute quite a company for this new country. They have manifested a commendable zeal in keeping up regular Sabbath meetings on both sides of the Missouri river, as well as monthly meetings where all get together. Evidently the Lord has blessed them. I labored while among them to bring to bear upon their minds those important principles of practical religion, without which, a theory of the truth is of little value, I trust with good results. I went to Nebraska at the request of the General Conference Committee to organize the friends of the cause there. After proper preliminary labor, I organized a church of twenty-seven members on that side of the river. It is called the church of Decatur, Nebraska. Bro. Moses D. Clark, formerly of Illinois, was elected elder, and Bro. J. L. Jordan, clerk. Systematic Benevolence was organized to the amount of $175.00, which, considering the circumstances of nearly all, was very liberal. From what I can learn, I judge there are good openings for labor in different places. I baptized nine on the west side of the river. I then came to the Iowa side, and after proper labor, organized a church of fourteen members, and baptized five. There will quite a number more join hereafter, who could not be present on account of the hurry of the season. Bro. Jefferson Bartlett was elected leader, and Bro. John D. Hughes clerk. It took the name of the church of Ottawa, Iowa. Systematic Benevolence was organized to the amount of upwards of seventy dollars. Bro. Bartlett was elected delegate to the Conference. This closes my labors in this section. I feel an interest for these souls who are struggling under difficulties of no ordinary character to uphold the standard of truth on the border. I hope they will ever honor their profession, and that God’s blessing may rest upon them. Grand Junction, Iowa, May 25, 1871. Essex Co., N. Y.
By S. B. Whitney
The good work is still progressing here, especially at Vermontville. Twelve or more have decided to keep the commandments, and last Sabbath we had our first Sabbath meeting, which was a very good one and seemed to be enjoyed by all. Others for whom we have strong hopes, are on the point of deciding. Some of these have been waiting to hear what the Methodist minister had to say. He took up the subject yesterday, and we are to reply this evening. His effort was weak, and made but little impression. The Lord blesses in trying to be faithful, and this I want to be more and more. The 14th, I received intelligence of the death of Bro. Henry Hilliard’s only remaining son, with the request to attend his funeral. Feeling it duty, I hastened to the afflicted family, to sympathize with them as best I could. His loss is a dreadful blow to them, but they mourn not without hope. Having a great burden of anxiety for the friends here, I returned as soon as possible and found the interest apparently as good as when I left. Bloomingdale, May 29, 1871. It is to the moral character of the Son of God that we wish particularly, now, to direct our attention. We arrive at the knowledge of his character by noting what he said and what he did. “By their fruits ye shall know them.” He was submissive to his Father’s will—in other words, he was obedient. “I must be about my Father’s business.” “I came not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me.” Such was his oft-repeated language, and such the principle that governed his life. Once, and once only, he faltered. ’Twas on the dark night of his betrayal. Prostrate he lay on the cold, damp earth, in the garden of Gethsemane. Alone he prayed—nay, it was agony! “He sweat as it were great drops of blood.” “The spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak.” From the great deep of his agonized spirit went up the voice of supplication, “Father, may not this cup pass from me?” “If it be possible, let it pass!” It was but for a moment. In an instant the great controlling principle of his life resumed its wonted sway. It nerved him for the conflict. It lifted him above the horrors that surrounded him, and enabled him to exclaim in the strength of a mighty triumph, “Nevertheless, not my will, but thine, O God! be done.” He was unselfish. Every motive that prompted him, every feeling of his heart, every action of his life was devoted to the good—to the happiness of others. He willingly exchanged the wealth of Heaven for the poverty of earth, the palace of his Father, God, for the stable where oxen fed, the throne of the universe for the manger of Bethlehem, the crown of glory for the crown of thorns, the adoration of angels for the scoffs and bitter taunts and revilings of heartless men and malignant demons. All this he did and suffered for no selfish end or object, but solely for the good of others—for our good. He was zealous. Moved by a mighty motive—the elevation, purification, and glorification, of a sin-polluted and death-doomed race—he was earnest and indefatigable in the prosecution of his mission: To convert a race of polluted, miserable, and dying mortals. Animated by such a purpose as this, he put forth all the energies of his nature for its accomplishment. He shrank from no hardship; faltered at no difficulty; trembled at no danger; shunned no labor; avoided no sacrifice that was necessary for the consummation of an object so grand and beneficent. He was courageous. We speak not now of what men usually call courage—a proud and reckless disregard of danger—a spirit which prompts its possessor to rush headlong into the deadly breach, and “seek the bauble reputation even at the cannon’s mouth.” We speak not of this, but of that moral bravery which walks forth “thrice207 armed” in the conscious rectitude of its intentions, and in the strength of a high and holy purpose, to do battle for the RIGHT. Such courage he possessed in a super-eminent degree. And it manifested itself on all proper occasions. In every emergency of his eventful career under whatever of trial or of temptation he was placed, he boldly, yet meekly, maintained his integrity; he steadily pursued the path of duty. He redressed wrongs, exposed error, and rebuked sin in the lordly, as well as in the lowly; in the titled dignitary, as readily as in the humble poor; in the priest, as well as in the private individual; in prince, as well as in the peasant. His moral courage was negative, as well as positive. It enabled him to do, but it also enabled him to bear. While it nerved him for action, it also nerved him for suffering. While a high degree of courage is often required for the prompt and faithful performance of a stern duty, in the face of bitter opposition, a still higher degree is requisite for the patient endurance of suffering when duty so demands. In this passive courage, this courage of endurance, oh! how brightly shines the character of the Christian’s Leader and Deliverer. “He patiently bore the contradictions of sinners against himself.” He meekly submitted to the insults of those he came to bless. “When reviled, he reviled not again.” When the crown of thorns was plaited, he meekly bowed his head to receive from the hand of malice the cruel mockery of his just pretensions to royalty. When spit upon, he gently wiped the insult from his face. When his back was bared for the cruel scourge, he uttered no word of complaint. When his strength gave way, and his steps tottered under the burden of the cross they compelled him to bear, no murmur escaped his lips. When he hung upon the tree—while the heavens grew black with amazement at the inhuman malice of his murderers; while the earth trembled and shook with horror at so fearful a crime; while the rending rocks and bursting graves testified their abhorrence and thundered forth their rebuke against the cruelty and injustice of his foes, he lifted his dying eyes toward Heaven, and in the sweet tones of pity, compassion, and love, prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” He was merciful. His labor was a “labor of love.” “He went about doing good.” He wiped the tear from pale sorrow’s eye, and poured the balm of consolation into the bosom of distress. He gave sight to the man born blind, that he might gaze on the sweet face of a mother whose tender love had watched over him in his darkness and in his helplessness. He gave hearing to the deaf one, that he might drink in the music of a loving father’s voice. He caused the lame to leap with joy and gratitude. He made the tongue that had been dumb, vocal with praises. He lighted up a smile on the pale sad face of the widow of Nain, bereft of her only son, by commanding the monarch of the tomb. “To give the dear boy’s features
To his mother’s gaze once more.” He wept at the grave of Lazarus, while he dried the tears of the orphaned sisters, restoring their dead brother to their joyful embrace, by breaking the chain that bound him in the prison of death. Such is the character, feebly sketched, of the Author of our holy religion. Reader, will you study his history as given by his inspired biographers, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John? Will you fill out this very imperfect sketch from your own reading and reflections? And then will you draw your conclusions in regard to the nature of that system of mercy and of salvation which he has given to the world? Will you embrace it? Will you give it your influence, your life, your all? Will you recommend it to others? Above all, will you earnestly seek to secure for yourself the high boon which it promises to all who sincerely embrace it, and faithfully practice its precepts, the boon of everlasting life?—Western (Cal.) Evangelist. Hymns for Devotional Hours.
By Edward Knowles
Oh! for a purer love and life
Than ever yet have been in me;
When grace shall end the warring strife
That keeps my soul, O God, from thee. Thine is a nature pure and just,
And cannot even look at sin;
And I am humbled in the dust,
When I reflect what I have been. But the dead past is swept away,
And with the present I must do;
God, give grace equal to my day,
And shut the world out from my view. Kindle afresh the rising zeal,
And melt my soul, till tears shall start
And sinners all around me feel
The warm pulsations of my heart. Report from Bro. Byington.
By John Byington
SUNDAY, April 23, I left the family of sister Althouse in the morning, and came four miles to Castleton, where I spoke on the subject of the Bible Sabbath. The previous Sunday, a Methodist preacher spoke here on the so-called Christian Sabbath. It was a new place for present truth. Good attention was given. I then rode some twenty-three miles to Battle Creek, and heard Bro. Cornell’s discourse on spiritualism in the evening. Sabbath, the 29th, I was with brethren in Johnstown. A few here are maintaining weekly meetings. Bro. Kinsley is their leader. May 6–9, I was with the church in Genoa. This was their quarterly meeting. We had the ordinances with them. The school-house where Bro. Littlejohn last winter spent six weeks in a course of lectures, was well filled on first-day. I exhorted them to faithfulness to the truth spoken to them by this faithful brother. I visited most of the families of this church, and felt freedom with them. The 13th, by sister Kelsey’s request, we met with the Newton church in Leroy, at her son’s house. The 23d and 24th, we had a two days’ meeting in Parkville. Brethren from Colon church were with us. Though but few and much scattered, they sustain a Sabbath-school and regular Sabbath meetings. They hope for better days. Sunday evening, I met with the brethren in Brady. They must make greater efforts to overcome than they are now making, or I fear they will be left behind.