The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association was incorporated in Battle Creek, Mich., May 3, 1861. Its object is to issue “periodicals, books, tracts, documents, and other publications, calculated to impart instruction on Bible truth, especially the fulfillment of prophecy, the commandments of God, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.” Its capital stock is raised by shares at $10 each; and every shareholder is entitled to one vote in all the deliberations of the Association, for every share that he or she may hold. The Association has now a large and well-furnished Office of publication, established in Battle Creek, Mich., and employs two steam power presses in carrying on its business. A meeting of the stockholders is held each year, at which a board of trustees is elected to manage its business, and editors chosen to conduct its periodicals, till the ensuing meeting. All persons employed in the publishing department, are engaged at stipulated wages, and all profits accruing from the business, are strictly applied by the Association to the carrying out of the object of its formation, and to its charitable uses and purposes. All lovers of truth, who “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” are still invited to take shares in the Association, and have a voice in all its deliberations.
The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald.
Is a large sixteen-page religious family paper, issued weekly by the S. D. A. Pub. Association, and devoted to an earnest investigation of all Bible questions. It is designed to be an exponent of momentous and solemn truths pertaining to the present time, some of which are set forth by no other periodical in the land. The fulfillment of prophecy, the second personal advent of the Saviour as an event now near at hand, immortality through Christ alone, a change of heart through the operation of the Holy Spirit, the observance of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, the divinity and mediatorial work of Christ, and the development of a holy character by obedience to the perfect and holy law of God, as embodied in the decalogue, are among its special themes. And while it will endeavor to present impartially both sides of all important questions, it has a definite theory to teach, and hence will not devote its space to an indiscriminate and aimless mass of conflicting sentiments and views.
Regular price, $3.00 per year, or $1.50 for a volume of 26 numbers. On trial for six months $1.00. No subscriptions taken for less than six months. To the worthy poor—free, by their reporting themselves and requesting its continuance, once in six months. The friends of the Review are invited to earnest and unceasing efforts to extend its circulation.
The Youth’s Instructor
Is a monthly sheet, published as above, and designed to be to the youth and children what the Review and Herald is to those of riper years. You who wish to see your children instructed in the great truths which so interest you, will here find a sheet in which these things are set forth in a plain and interesting manner, free from the popular fables and errors of the age. It should not only visit regularly every youth and child who professes to be a follower of Jesus, but should be taken and read in every Sabbath-keeping family. Don’t forget the children. See that they have the Instructor. Terms, 25 cts. per year in advance.
The Health Reformer.
This is the title of a monthly health journal, “devoted to an exposition of the laws of our being, and the application of those laws in the preservation of health and the treatment of disease.” It is an earnest advocate of the true philosophy of life, the only rational method of treating disease, and the best means of preserving health. Practical instructions will be given from month to month relative to water, air, light, food, sleep, rest, recreation, &c. Health, its recovery and preservation, is a subject of world-wide interest, whatever may be a person’s tenets in other respects; and to this the Reformer will be exclusively devoted. Edited by H. S. Lay, M. D., Managing Physician of the Health-Reform Institute. Terms $1.00 in advance for a volume of twelve numbers. Address Dr. H. S. Lay, Battle Creek, Mich.
The Sabbath Question
Is becoming a theme of wide-spread and absorbing interest. To those who wish to give the subject a thorough investigation, we recommend the History of the Sabbath. As a work setting forth a connected Bible view of the Sabbath question, its history since the175Christian era, and the different steps by which the human institution of the first day of the week has usurped the place of the Bible institution of the seventh day, it is unsurpassed by any publication extant. Between two and three hundred quotations from history are given, to each of which is appended a full reference to the authority from which it is taken. It is replete with facts and arguments which challenge denial or refutation. Other works on this subject, from the penny tract to the largest size pamphlet, will be found noticed in our book list. There is no other Bible subject upon which a more extensive misunderstanding exists, than upon the Sabbath question. Circulate the books, and spread abroad the light on this subject.
The Second Advent.
The works upon this important subject to which we would call especial attention, are, The Prophecy of Daniel, The Sanctuary and 2300 Days, and The Three Messages of Rev. xiv. The first gives an exposition of the plain and thrilling prophecies of Daniel ii, vii, and viii, showing from the course of empire that the God of Heaven is about to set up his kingdom. The Sanctuary question is the great central subject of the plan of salvation, and yet there are but few, comparatively, who have any acquaintance with it. It gives a new interest to a great part of the Bible, leads to an intelligent view of the position and work of Christ as our great High Priest in Heaven, completely explains the past Advent movement, and shows clearly our position in prophecy and the world’s history. The three messages bring to view present duty, and future peril. All should read these books, and ponder well their teaching.
Immortality through Christ alone.
We call the special attention of the reader to the subjects of the nature of man, his condition in death, and the destiny of the wicked. More than ordinary importance attaches to these subjects, at the present time. We would confidently recommend to all a thorough reading of the work by H. H. Dobney entitled, Future Punishment, as advertised in our book list. The reader will find it a work exhaustive in its investigations, and remarkable for its candor, and the strength and clearness of its reasoning. Which? Mortal or Immortal? is a lower-priced and more-condensed work on the same subjects. While “The End of the Wicked,” and the one, two and three cent tracts may be found sufficient to awaken interest with those who would not commence with larger works.
Packages of Tracts.
For the convenience of those who may wish to purchase books for general circulation, we have put up assorted packages of tracts in two sizes, which we will send post-paid at 50c., and $1.00, respectively.
The 50c. package contains Sabbath Tracts Nos. 1, 2, and 3, End of Wicked, Mark of Beast, Sin of Witchcraft, Objections to Second Advent, answered, Death and Burial, Positive Institutions, Much in Little, Truth, Preach the Word, Law by Wesley, and Miscellany.
The $1.00 package contains The Three Messages, Which, Mortal or Immortal? Prophecy of Daniel, Saints’ Inheritance, Signs of Times, Seven Trumpets, Celestial R. R., Perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts, Scripture References, Wicked Dead, Sabbath by Elihu, Infidelity and Spiritualism, War and Sealing, Who Changed Sabbath, Seven Reasons for Sunday-keeping Examined, Institution of Sabbath, Thoughts for the Candid, Appeal to men of reason, Personality of God, Seven Seals, and Time Lost.
Those who order these packages, save their postage. We cannot too strongly urge upon all the circulation of our publications, books and papers. Many, now rejoicing in the truth, can attribute their first interest to these things to these silent preachers; while in some instances they have opened the way for the formation of well established and flourishing churches.
Our Book List.
—THOUGHTS ON THE REVELATION, a volume of 328 pages, containing the entire text of the book of Revelation, with Thoughts Critical and Practical on the same. A new and harmonious interpretation of the prophecy. Cloth, $1.00, weight 12 oz.
—THE HISTORY OF THE SABBATH, and First Day of the Week, showing the Bible Record of the Sabbath, and the manner in which it has been supplanted by the Heathen festival of the Sun. pp. 342. Cloth, 80c., weight, 12 oz.
—FUTURE PUNISHMENT, by H. H. Dobney, a Baptist Minister of England. An elaborate argument on the destiny of the wicked; with an Appendix containing “The State of the Dead,” by John Milton. Cloth, 75c., 16 oz.
—SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. I; or, the Great Controversy between the forces of Christ and Satan, as shown in Vision. pp. 219. Cloth, 50c., 8 oz.
—SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. II; or, the Experience and Views of E. G. White, with Incidents that have occurred in connection with the Third Angel’s Message. pp. 300. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz. Volumes I & II bound in one book, $1.00, 12 oz.
—SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. III; or, Facts of Faith in connection with the history of holy Men of Old, as shown in Vision. pp. 304. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz.
—SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. IV; or, Facts of Faith continued, and Testimonies for the Church. pp. 220. Cloth, 60c., 8 oz. —SABBATH READINGS; or, Moral and Religious Stories for the Young, from which the popular errors of the age are carefully excluded. pp. 400. In one volume, cloth, 60c., 8 oz. In five pamphlets, 50c., 8 oz. In twenty-five tracts, 40c., 8 oz.
—HOW TO LIVE, treating on Disease and its Causes, and all subjects connected with healthful living. An important work. pp. 400. Cloth $1.00, 12 oz. In pamphlet form, 70c., 10 oz.
—APPEAL TO THE YOUTH: The Sickness and Death of H. R. White; with his Mother’s Letters. Excellent instructions for both youth and parents. Cloth, 40c., 8 oz. Paper, 20c., 2 oz. Without likeness, 10c., 2 oz.
—THE BIBLE FROM HEAVEN; or, a Dissertation on the Evidences of Christianity. 30c., 5 oz.
—BOTH SIDES: A series of articles from T. M. Preble, on the Sabbath and Law, Reviewed. 20c., 4 oz.
—SANCTIFICATION, or Living Holiness. Many common mistakes on this important subject, corrected. One of the best works ever published on this subject. 15c., 4 oz.
—THE THREE MESSAGES of Rev. xiv, especially the Third Angel’s Message, and Two-horned Beast. 15c., 4 oz.
—THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL; or, Immortality the Gift of God, and the State of Man in Death. 15c., 4 oz.
—WHICH? MORTAL, OR IMMORTAL? or, An Inquiry into the Present Constitution and Future Condition of Man. Third Edition. 15c., 4 oz.
—MODERN SPIRITUALISM: Its Nature and Tendencies. The History condemned from the mouths of its own advocates. Third edition, revised and enlarged. 20c., 8 oz.
—THE KINGDOM OF GOD: The Time and Manner of its Establishment. A Refutation of the doctrine called, Age to Come. 15c., 4 oz.
—MIRACULOUS POWERS. The Scripture testimony on the Perpetuity of Spiritual Gifts, illustrated by Narratives of Incidents that have transpired all through the Gospel Dispensation. 15c., 4 oz.
—APPEAL TO MOTHERS, on the Great Cause of the physical, mental, and moral ruin of many of the Children of our time. 15c., 3 oz.
—REVIEW OF SEYMOUR. His fifty “Unanswerable Questions” on the Sabbath Question. Answered. 10c., 3 oz.
—THE PROPHECY OF DANIEL. An Exposition of the Prophecy of the Four Kingdoms, the Sanctuary and the 2300 Days, Dan. ii, vii, & viii. 10c., 3 oz.
—THE SAINTS’ INHERITANCE, shown to be the kingdom under the whole heaven, in the Earth made New. 10c., 3 oz.
—SIGNS OF THE TIMES, in the Moral, Physical, and Political Worlds, showing that the Coming of Christ is at the Door. 10c., 3 oz.
—THE LAW OF GOD, its Observance from Creation, its Immutability and Perpetuity, proved from the testimony of the Old and New Testaments. 10c., 3 oz.
—VINDICATION OF THE TRUE SABBATH, by J. W. Morton, late Missionary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church to Hayti; with a Narrative of the Author’s Personal Experience, of thrilling interest. 10c., 3 oz.
—REVIEW OF SPRINGER, on the Sabbath and Law. 10c., 3 oz.
—BAPTISM, Its Nature, Subjects, & Design. 10c., 3 oz.
—THE COMMANDMENT to Restore and Build Jerusalem. A conclusive argument that it is to be dated from the 7th year of Artaxerxes, B. C. 457. Just the book for these days of wild conjecture on the prophetic periods. 10c., 2 oz.
—THE SEVEN TRUMPETS: An Exposition of Revelation viii and ix. A New Edition, thoroughly revised and enlarged. 10c., 2 oz.
—KEY TO THE CHART. An Explanation of all the symbols illustrated upon the Prophetic Chart. 10c., 2 oz.
—THE SANCTUARY, and 2300 Days of Daniel viii, 14; its Cleansing and the time of its accomplishment. 10c., 2 oz.
—THE CELESTIAL RAILROAD, a most happy exposure of the inconsistencies of popular religion. A new edition revised, and adapted to the present time. 4c., 1 oz.
—THE SABBATH OF THE LORD: A Discourse by J. M. Aldrich. 5c., 2 oz.
—THE END OF THE WICKED. 5c., 1 oz.
—MATTHEW XXIV: A Brief Exposition of the Chapter, showing that Christ is at the Door. 5c., 2 oz.
—MARK OF THE BEAST, and Seal of the Living God; showing how we may avoid the one, and secure the other. 5c., 1 oz.
—THE SABBATIC INSTITUTION, and Two Laws; showing when the Sabbath was Instituted, and the plain distinction between the Moral and Ceremonial Laws. 5c., 1 oz.
—BIBLE STUDENT’S ASSISTANT: A compend of Scripture References on Important Subjects. 5c., 1 oz.
—AN APPEAL for the Restoration of the Sabbath. An Address from the Seventh-day to the First-day Baptists. 5c., 1 oz.
—REVIEW OF FILLIO, on the Sabbath Question. 5c., 1 oz.
—MILTON, on the State of the Dead. 5c., 1 oz.
—EXPERIENCE OF F. G. BROWN on Second Advent. 5c., 1 oz.
—SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE, An Address, &c. 5c., 1 oz.
—THE SECOND ADVENT: Sixteen Short Answers to Sixteen Common Objections. 4c., 1 oz.
—SAMUEL AND THE WITCH OF ENDOR; an exposition of this remarkable portion of Scripture, showing the state of the dead, and the sin of witchcraft. 4c., 1 oz.
Tracts in Other Languages.
—LIV OG DÖD: “Life and Death;” a work in Danish, on the Nature of Man, the Saints’ Inheritance, and the Destiny of the Wicked. 280 pp., paper cover, 40c., weight 12 oz.
—THE BIBLE STUDENT’S ASSISTANT, in Danish. A work on the plan of the Assistant in English, containing scripture references on a variety of subjects, adapted to the Danish Bible. 5c., 1 oz.
—FORTY QUESTIONS ON IMMORTALITY, in Danish. 2c., 1 oz.
—THE SABBATH, Its Nature and Obligation, in German. 10c., 2 oz. The Sabbath, in Holland. 5c., 1 oz. In French 5c., 1 oz. In Danish 10c., 1 oz.
—AN EXPOSITION of Dan. ii and vii, in French. 5c., 1 oz.
One-Cent Tracts.
—THE SEVEN SEALS: An Exposition of Rev. vi.
—THE TWO LAWS. The Distinction shown between them.
—PERSONALITY OF GOD. A popular error disproved.
—THE LAW of God, the Ten Commandments by John Wesley.
—APPEAL to Men of Reason on Immortality.
—THOUGHTS for the Candid on the Nature of Man.
—STATE OF THE DEAD, Brief Thoughts. Author unknown.
—TIME LOST; or Old and New Style Explained.
—THE HEAVENLY MEETING; a thrilling rhapsody on the joy of the saint as he first meets his Saviour and the heavenly host.
Two-Cent Tracts.
—GEOLOGY AND THE BIBLE; or a Pre-Adamic age of our world doubtful; showing that no true claims of Geology are against Bible facts.
—SUNDAY-KEEPING. The reasons for it examined and refuted.
—THE SABBATH: The time of its Institution.
—THE SABBATH: A stirring Argument by Elihu.
—INFIDELITY and Spiritualism, shown to be of like character.
—WAR and the Sealing, an Exposition of Rev. vii.
—WHO CHANGED the Sabbath? Roman Catholic Testimony.
—PREACH THE WORD: An Argument for the Sabbath.
—DEATH AND BURIAL; or, Scriptural Baptism.
—MUCH IN LITTLE: A Collection of Choice Extracts on eternal misery.
—TRUTH.
—POSITIVE INSTITUTIONS; their Nature and Claims.
Three-Cent Tracts.
—THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY, popular objections to this scriptural doctrine briefly considered. This thorough little treatise removes in a masterly manner the difficulties supposed to lie in the way of the resurrection of those identical matters that goes into the grave.
—THE LAW of God, By H. H. DOBNEY, England.
—JUDSON’S LETTER ON DRESS: An appeal to the female members of the Christian churches of the United States.
—SCRIPTURE REFERENCES. Same as B. S. Assistant without cover.
—MARK of the Beast, and Seal of the Living God.
—SPIRITUAL GIFTS: An Argument to show that the Gifts set in the Church, 1 Cor. xii, Eph. iv., &c., were to continue to the end of time.
—THE WICKED DEAD: A thorough and Scriptural Exposition of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.
Charts.
—THE LAW OF GOD on a Chart of a size to be used by Preachers, varnished and mounted, $2.00.
—THE PROPHECIES of Daniel and John, illustrated upon a Chart, to be used by Preachers, varnished and mounted, $2.00. The two Charts with Key, $1.00. The two printed on cloth, with Key, $3.00. The two on cloth without rollers, by mail, postpaid, $2.75.
—SMALL CHART. A Pictorial Illustration of the Visions of Daniel and John, on paper 20 by 25 inches. Price 15c. by mail, postpaid.
Postage.
The law requires the prepayment of postage on books as follows: Bound Books, four cents for each four ounces or fractional part thereof; Pamphlets and Tracts, two cents for each four ounces or fractional part thereof. In the foregoing list, the weight of each book is given in connection with the price; and all who order books can estimate the amount of postage required, which should invariably be sent with the order, in addition to the price of the books. Thus, two 2 oz. books can be sent for the same postage as one; or four 1 oz. books for the same postage as one, two or three of the same kind and so on.
Address.
All communications in reference to the Publishing Association, the Review, Instructor, and any of the foregoing books, should be addressed to J. M. Aldrich, Battle Creek, Mich. All business pertaining to the Western Health Reform Institute, or Health Reformer, should be addressed to Dr. H. S. Lay, Battle Creek, Mich.
Form of Bequest.
Important bequests are frequently lost to the Association through informality. Those who wish to will property to the Association to be devoted to the spread of the truth, should adopt the following form of bequest:
“I bequeath to my executor (or executors) the sum of ———dollars in trust, to pay the same in——days after my decease, to the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association, located in the city of Battle Creek, Michigan, to be applied by the Trustees of that Corporation, to its charitable uses and purposes.”
Three witnesses should state that the testator declared this to be his last will and testament, and that they signed it at his request, and in his presence and in the presence of each other.
Increase of Insanity.—The English papers are commenting earnestly on the alarming increase of insanity within a few years. The number of insane in England has increased twenty-one per cent. in five years, and in France the case is still worse, the number of the insane having increased forty per cent. in the same period, while the population only increased two per cent. The statistics show that insanity is also on the increase in the United States, and doubtless from the same cause as in the old world, the intense strain upon the mental organization required by our modern ways of doing business, and answering the demands of society. The superintendent of one of our lunatic asylums testified before the Legislature last winter, that the advance of insanity was largely due to the increasing use of intoxicating liquors. But is not the use of stimulants merely one of the preliminary steps to insanity, instead of the cause of it, which lies far back, in the constant tension on the brain of man demanded by our high-pressure civilization? If our reformers would look a little deeper, their conclusions would be more valuable, and their efforts more successful.
—What must be the state of religion in Russia? or what kind of a Heaven are the priests of the Greek church expecting, seeing the plain declaration stands upon the sacred record, that no drunkard shall inherit the kingdom of God? An exchange says:—
“There is a wide field for teetotal missionaries in Russia, and the first converts should be the priests of the Greek church. They drink fearfully and continually. On the patron’s day the priest is bound after mass to take saint’s icon, and bear it from one end of the village to the other, entering into each cottage, blessing the inmates with the icon, and drinking one, sometimes even two glasses of brandy to their health. The consequence is, that by the time the procession is over, the priest, his deacon, and choristers, all of them dead drunk, are put upon a cart together with the icon, and taken back to the parsonage by the soberest among the peasants, or still more frequently by some of their wives.”
Anti-Sunday Movements in Chicago.
The Germans of Chicago, opposed to Sunday laws, held a meeting in the Opera House, Aug. 17, at 8 P. M., to give expression to their sentiments on this question. After a number of harangues from different ones, the following resolutions were passed:
Resolved, That the Sunday and Temperance questions are not simply questions of personal like or dislike, but stern questions of principle, concerning civil and religious liberty.
Resolved, That the Constitution of the United States entirely ignores the idea of a State Church, and no State is privileged to pass a law which will compel the individual citizen to recognize any one day as sanctified because certain religious organizations see fit to do so.
Resolved, That the Declaration of Independence guarantees to us the pursuit of Happiness, so long as we do not thereby injure our fellow-citizens, and that no legislative body can deprive us of the privilege of selecting our own day to enjoy therein certain things which are lawful.
Resolved, That our experience in our old Fatherland in the matter of intermeddling of Church and State, has been such that we will not quietly tolerate their introduction into this, our adopted country.
Resolved, That we, who gave good proof of our loyalty to this Union during the recent war, also possess a positive right to make known our wishes at the ballot-box.
Resolved, That we most positively object to the self-assumed conclusion that because we are not inclined to become willing slaves in the yoke of the Puritanical nation of Sunday, we are therefore ungrateful children of our adopted land.
Resolved, That we also positively reject the idea that an adopted citizen has only the privilege of devoting his knowledge, muscle and life to his adopted country, and has no right also to exert his influence upon its customs, and endeavor to shape an influence that may soon govern the entire world.
Resolved, That, for these many reasons, we intend to enjoy the Sunday with our families in our usual way, and that we intend to partake of that which a God, more kind than the fanatic, has vouchsafed to us.
Resolved, That we will not deny others who differ from us the privilege of enjoying the Sabbath as they may see fit, and furthermore, we will do all in our power to see them protected, so long as their customs do not infringe upon the fundamental principles of universal freedom.
Resolved, That we firmly stand as one man by these declarations, and that no party considerations shall lead us to endorse a platform or vote for a man whose course will be in the least doubtful on these cardinal points; and we hope and believe, that in case such old fogyism should be inscribed upon the banner of either of the present political parties, that a new party of freedom will arise, to which we will join ourselves, and which will take up the question of personal liberty, so nobly vindicated by the abolition of slavery, and that will not set us back into a darkness and thralldom of soul more abject than the slavery of the body.
The resolutions were adopted amid uproarious and prolonged applause, after which the meeting adjourned.
—A circular issued by Messrs. D. Appleton & Co., states that since the first appearance of Webster’s Elementary Speller, some thirty-five years ago, not less than 40,000,000 copies have been printed. Its actual sales during the past year were over 1,596,000 copies—equal to 5,131 copies per day for the 311 working days in the year, or 513 per hour, allowing ten hours per day—making an average production of eight and a half complete books per minute, or one every seven seconds.
Obituary Notices.
By Mary Patrick
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
EDWARD HENRY, son of Jerome and Abby Benson, of Rochester, Minn., aged 9 years, departed this life the fifth day of last June. Having received permission to go in bathing, he with three other boys went into the water; but Edward ventured too far into the deep and rapid current, and was carried down stream. His companions dressed themselves, and taking the clothes of the lost boy carried them to his mother, thus breaking to her the heart-rending news of the sudden death of her sprightly boy. The body was found about noon the next day.
He was generally a good boy, and obedient to his parents, regretting any wrong action. The parents mourn for their child; but not without hope.
MARY PATRICK.
We hope our brethren will give particular attention to Bro. Walker's appeal in another column for means to prosecute the work on the new building at the Health Institute.
We have arrived at a point where funds must be furnished immediately, or the work must stop. We believe our brethren have that interest in this work that they will not suffer it to be hindered for want of means.
We have already made a good beginning on the building; the greater share of the materials are bought and paid for; competent builders are on the ground and have the work in charge; and now shall we, for the want of a few thousand dollars to erect the building and finish off a part immediately, as Bro. W. proposes, be obliged to abandon the enterprise? We cannot afford to do this. Time, in this cause, is worth too much. The Institute is now full of patients, and plenty more are ready to come, just as soon as we shall be ready to receive them.
We therefore earnestly hope and pray that a prompt and hearty response will be given to our call for means, that the immediate wants of the cause may be supplied.
J. M. A.
A SHORT SEASON AWAY FROM THE INSTITUTE.
By A. S. HUTCHINS
Having taken treatment at the Health Institute about eleven weeks, I obtained permission from Dr. Lay on the 9th inst. to be absent a few days, thinking perhaps a change of this kind and a chance to ride more might prove no disadvantage in my effort for health.
This time, I spent with the brethren and friends in Newton and Burlington, in this county. I was very happy to renew my acquaintance with Christian friends here, and also to form new acquaintances.
The Monthly Meeting on Sabbath the 10th, at Newton was a good one. Bro. Byington spoke on the importance of order in the service of God. He dwelt on the duty and benefits of attending regularly to secret prayer. The instruction on this point the brethren and sisters from different churches seemed to prize highly.
I spoke a while, as I had strength, on suffering with Christ and the reward of the overcomer, to be given when Jesus comes. My heart was cheered by the sweet testimonies of the brethren and sisters, and I feel to thank our heavenly Father for this good privilege with those who are striving for victory in the Christian warfare. I also feel grateful for the meetings which I enjoyed with the church at Burlington.
I returned yesterday in as good health as when I left. It is a pleasure to be again with the dear afflicted friends, who have come here to make use of the means to which God in mercy has directed our attention for the recovery of health. This is a school which I highly prize, and one in which I hope to receive much benefit.
*A. S. HUTCHINS.
*Health Institute, Battle Creek, Aug. 20, 1867.
“If it [the Sabbath] yet exists, let us observe it according to law. And if it does not exist, let us abandon the mock observance of another day for it. ‘But,’ say some, ‘it was changed from the seventh to the first day.’ Where? when? and by whom? No man can tell. No, it never was changed, nor could it be, unless creation were to be gone through again: for the reason assigned must be changed before the observance, or respect to the reason, can be changed!! It is all old wives’ fables to talk of the change of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day. If it be changed, it was that august personage changed it who changes times and laws ex officio—I think his name is DOCTOR ANTICHRIST.’”—A. Campbell.
The above reasoning is good. But yet, the author held that the Sabbath is abolished. Why could he not have seen the fallacy of this, by the same sort of reasoning? Thus: Where, when, and by whom was the Sabbath abolished? No man can tell. It could not be abolished, unless creation should be abolished; for the reason assigned for its institution must be abolished—the creation must fail, and the creative work be no longer worthy of commemoration—before the observance of its memorial can cease.
Would it not have been much better, in discarding the change made by Dr. Antichrist, to have returned to the original institution, than to renounce the institution of the Creator of the universe, with no more authority than the Man of Sin had for the change?
R. F. COTTRELL.
THE TENT IN MAINE.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
ANOTHER week has passed, and the interest has steadily increased. It has been raining almost every day, yet we have had full congregations. On Sunday we put up more seats, but they were soon more than filled. They came from miles around. This is a new country and a good opening for the truth. Calls are coming in from all around for meetings. We feel much encouraged. Pray for us.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Athens, Me.
THE GAME OF LIFE,
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Or Christian and Satan Contending for the Mastery.
In the Boston Museum, there is a representation, in wax figures, of “The Game of Life.” A chess board rests upon a tomb stone. On the right side of this sits Christian in deep study, with his head resting on his hand, looking on the chess board. On the left stands Satan watching Christian with a sharp, piercing look. They are playing at a game of chess. In the background stands Christian’s angel looking on with mournful countenance. On the board are small figures in different shapes representing different passions and virtues. On Satan’s side the figures are, first, the king, representing Satan himself, second, is the queen, voluptuous pleasure. His officers are six vices, as follows: Indolence, anger, pride, falsehood, avarice, unbelief. On man’s side of the board is, first, the king, representing himself, second, his queen, religion. Man’s officers are six virtues, namely: hope, truth, peace, humility, innocence, love. Satan has just removed peace of mind from the board and places himself there. Man has removed anger and one doubt and placed his soul on the board.
And thus the game proceeds,—Satan endeavoring to remove Christian from the board. He tries to get truth off and introduce falsehood. If he can get pride on the board he is then at liberty to remove humility. He tries hard to introduce unbelief and thus remove hope from the board. Christian is trying equally hard to keep love, peace of mind, &c., on the board, and to remove doubt, anger, pride, and falsehood. The contest appears to be a close one, and it is doubtful which will gain the victory. If Satan is shrewd enough to get all his figures on the board, and Christian’s off, then Christian will lose his soul. But if Christian can get his figures on the board and Satan’s off, Christian will save his soul, and Satan will lose his game. The guardian angel watches the game with intense interest and anxiety.
Now this to my mind is a very forcible illustration of the Christian warfare. The Christian must conquer and eradicate from his heart all anger, pride, avarice, unbelief, love of pleasure, &c. In their stead he must cultivate truth, humility, love, prayer, innocence, hope, and such like. Satan opposes this work and seeks every opportunity to lead man into pride, avarice, love of the world, falsehood, deception, &c., and thus the warfare goes on in man’s soul, while angels anxiously watch the result. Every time that the Christian neglects prayer, indulges in doubt, yields to covetousness, pride, love of the world, anger, or anything that is evil, he is defeated and Satan gains the victory. If he does not succeed in overcoming these things, Satan gains a final victory, and man loses his soul. I hope that I shall not soon forget the impression made on my mind by beholding this illustration. Reader, how is the game between you and Satan progressing?
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Boston, Mass.
LIFE'S BALM.—God over all! How the tired heart falls back upon this, like a babe on its mother's breast. No rebuff there! Ah! were we not so childishly impatient, were we willing to wait His time, instead of demanding our own imperative now! Could we sleep sweetly, and trust Him for the waking. Be the sky bright or cloudy, could we only trust! Ah! many a hard lesson must we learn, many a rebellious tear choke down, many a despairing “why hast thou forsaken me?” stifled, ere we can learn that sweet, tranquil lesson, “God over all!”
Appointments.
By D. T. Bourdeau; Geo. I. Butler; James M. Santee; P. C. Rodman
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
The Lord willing, we shall hold meetings in Iowa as follows:
Laporte City, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, Sept. 3 and 4; Marion, Sabbath, Sept. 7; Knoxville, Sept. 14 and 15, Sandyville, Sept. 21 and 22.
D. T. BOURDEAU,
GEO. I. BUTLER.
The next Quarterly Meeting of the S. D. Adventist church at Gridley, McLean Co., Ill., will be held Sept. 7 and 8. Meeting to commence with the Sabbath.
JAMES M. SANTEE, Ch. Clerk.
No providence preventing, I will meet with the brethren in Kensington, Conn., Aug. 31st and Sept. 1st. Pleasantville, N. Y., Sept. 2nd, and over following first-day. Abington, Conn., Sept. 14th and 15th.
P. C. RODMAN.