Review and Herald, Vol. 33, No. 9.
DEATH, SIN, AND THE LAWPage 1
Earlier text: DEATH, SIN, AND THE LAW“SEE HERE, OR SEE THERE.”
By John Nevins Andrews
“And they shall say to you, See here; or, See there; go not after them, nor follow them. For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of Man be in his day.” Luke xvii, 23, 24. “Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth; behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matt. xxiv, 26, 27. It is a very common remark when men are invited to listen to the Advent faith, that we are commanded not to follow the Lo heres, and the Lo theres. So men set the whole matter aside with this single answer, and seem to think they have well disposed of a very unpleasant subject. But is there any propriety in such an answer? That depends on one simple test. If the Advent message turns men from the revelation of Jesus in the clouds of heaven as the lightning shining from the east to the west, and sends them into the desert, or the secret chamber, then it is exactly such a Lo here as our Lord has warned us of. But this is not the case. The personal revelation of the Son of God in flaming fire in the clouds of heaven, is the Advent hope. Take that away, and Adventism is gone. When our Lord therefore bade his disciples shun the Lo heres, and Lo theres, that they might cleave to this great object of hope and expectation, he really made the Advent hope the one thing to which we should cleave, and warned us against all these systems that present a substitute for that hope. The Shakers inform us that the Saviour came about 100 years since in the person of Ann Lee; and they bid us to come to them to see the kingdom of God. The Swedenborgians have introduced the New-Jerusalem state, but it has nothing that satisfies our longing hearts. The coming of Christ and the resurrection are disposed of much to their satisfaction; but it does not answer our wants at all. “We wait yet another to come from above.” The Oneida Community teaches that Christ came at the destruction of Jerusalem, which is to them good news. So they have set up a kingdom in which there is indeed no Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but one in which death reigns, and for the excellent reason that sin and the Devil reign there also. The Spiritualists have found an excellent substitute for the coming of the Son of God. You can witness in their secret chambers the manifestation of familiar spirits, and if you are disposed to follow them, you can accept this in the place of the revelation of the Son of God as lightning from the heaven above. The Mormons invite us forth into the desert to witness their kingdom of God. But for two excellent reasons we shall not go. 1. We believe in the moral law. 2. We love the blessed hope and glorious appearing of the Son of God. We cannot follow these Lo heres, or Lo theres. They are like Theudas and Judas that arose in the days of the first advent. Acts v, 34-37. Our hearts are filled with longing desire to see that same Jesus, and we shall wait till the opening heavens reveal him. WHAT IS THE JOY OF OUR LORD?
By Dudley Marvin Canright
At the last day, Jesus will say to all who have been faithful, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matt. xxv, 14–30. They are to share with him in his joy, and this is granted them because they have been faithful, and have done well. Jesus suffered all that he did that he might have this joy for himself and for others. “Who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame,” &c. Heb. xii, 2. What was this joy that was set before him, for which he endured so much? It must be something that he did not possess before, or else he would not have had it set before him as an object to be attained by suffering. Then it was not immortality, for he had that before; nor health, nor riches, nor honor, nor holiness, nor the blessing of God, for all these he possessed before. He was the only begotten Son of the God of all the universe. He lacked nothing of all these things. There was something beyond all these that led him to endure the cross. Jesus saw man lost, hopelessly lost. By suffering, and dying, and interceding for man, he could save some from destruction, and bring them to purity, happiness, and immortality. Could he do that, what joy, deep, full, and unspeakable, would fill his great and benevolent soul as he looked over the multitudes saved by his sufferings? Here would be joy more sweet than all else. This, I think, was the joy that was set before him, and for which he suffered so much. Angels will share this joy with Jesus, for they too have aided in the great work of saving men. Heb. i, 13, 14. They have acted an important part in the work of salvation, and they feel the deepest interest in seeing men saved. They partake in this joy of their Lord even now. “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke xv, 10. So at last, Jesus will say to those who have done well, “Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” How can they do this? As they see others saved through their efforts, or example, or suffering, they will feel the same joy that fills the heart of their Lord. Their joy will be one. Paul so understood it when he wrote to his brethren—his children in the Lord—“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” 1 Thess. ii, 19. So will it be with all the saints. If in all the hosts of the saved there should be one selfish soul who had passed his life in caring and providing for self, without doing others good, or seeking to save them; one who had never sacrificed to help69 others and aid them in overcoming—if there should be such a one, how could he enter into the joy of his Lord? It would be impossible. His heart must forever be a stranger to the joy that fills the heart of Jesus, the angels, and the saints who have “done well.” To be able to enter into that joy then, we must enter into the sacrificing and laboring now. God help us to realize this now. Would we lay up joy to ourselves in the future life, we must do good to others here, we must follow the example of our Lord who went about doing good. D. M. CANRIGHT. REPORT FROM CALIFORNIA.
By D. T. Bourdeau
During the past four weeks, I have been laboring in Petaluma, and have endeavored to raise the believers in practical piety, preparatory to entering upon church organization. Bro. Loughborough has assisted me in this work when not engaged in defending the truth in Windsor. I have considered this part of the work as having an important bearing on the prosperity of the cause in California, and have greatly desired to see it so executed that it can have the sanction of the great Head of the church. If we start this work aright, we have something to build upon, something to represent and exhibit the truth, and attract others to the message, epistles read and known of all men, lights in this dark world, and waymarks to the kingdom. And we have the promise that this spiritual building will increase. Others, in seeing our good works, will be led to glorify our Father who is in Heaven. But if this work starts wrong, if those who come out on the truth, embrace it only nominally and formally, without being converted by it, then will they fail to represent the cause of truth, and others will not be attracted by the truth, but will be turned away from it by those who profess it, and the glorious cause, that we profess to love, will be hindered, and souls will be lost, who might have shone forever as bright orbs in the kingdom of God. This throws a great responsibility on the preacher. But he cannot do the whole work. Paul may plant, and Apollos may water; but God must give the increase; and the church must co-operate with God. They must cleanse themselves, that the Spirit of God may dwell in them, and work for them, and through them. And this building that is being erected must pass through the winds and tempests of these last days, which are represented by the apostle as perilous: 2 Tim. iii, 1, etc. Satan will make dreadful attacks against it. He has come down in wrath, knowing that his time is short, and will bring the combined powers of hell and earth to bear against it, to demolish it. How important, then, that we build on a sure foundation, and that we build aright. How important that we overcome all our sins, in order to pass through the time of trouble without a Mediator, and to be without spot and blameless at Christ's coming. We are safe only as we put away our sins, and draw near to God. Satan may annoy us, but he cannot harm us if we do that which is right. He knows this, therefore he is constantly striving to have us deviate from the right, and to hinder us in putting away our sins, that he may have avenues by which to reach us. He works by rule. The closeness of the work of preparation to meet the Lord is not only seen in the many passages of Scripture which warn us, and exhort us to a state of thorough consecration to God with reference to the coming of Christ, and the day of the Lord, but it is also clearly illustrated in the preparation enjoined on ancient Israel to meet Jehovah at the promulgation of the law on Sinai, and then to enter into the land of promise. They must repent thoroughly of their sins, and reform. They must cleanse themselves physically as well as spiritually. And is God less particular now than he was then? Can we meet the Lord when he comes in the glory of the Father, and with all the holy angels, without cleansing ourselves of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit? without overcoming those habits that are injurious to both body and mind? Will God change the wrong habits of those who shall never taste of death, but shall be translated alive to the heavenly Canaan, without their co-operation? Those who have this rich promise held out for their encouragement, have a work of self-denial to do; and they can well afford to perform it with cheerfulness. And in view of this great work, when we are about to formally unite in church fellowship to help one another in carrying out the principles of the message, we feel it our duty to raise up the standard of holiness, that they may understand the work that is before us. Not that we would intimate that we must be perfect in order to organize. The leading object of organization is to help in perfecting the church. But as we enter into simple organization we should do it with such a sense of sacredness and thoroughness of the character of the work for these last days, as will help us to start aright, and as will follow us in overcoming till we shall reach the pinnacle of perfection. We cannot, we dare not, lower the standard. It must be exalted in love, and we would affectionately and patiently invite our brethren and sisters to rally around it. If we were to yield the truth on one point to gratify some, the way would be opened to yield on another point to gratify others, and what would become of the truth? What would become of the special work of preparation to meet the Lord at his coming? And would we be any better for having the truth, even if we retained it? We would be even worse than those around us who have less truth than ourselves. We are happy to be able to report some progress here in the right direction. The brethren and sisters generally are growing stronger in the truth. Some are designing to move forward in the ordinance of baptism, and some are overcoming the use of tobacco, tea, and coffee. May God help them in this noble work. They have our sympathies and our prayers. We would not censure them; but help them. Some have a battle before them; but they will obtain a rich experience in fighting it, if they fight wisely and in the strength of the Lord. They will learn a lesson of self-denial and self-control, which will be of great benefit to them in future conflicts, when they will be called upon to suffer privation. What a blessing then not to be slaves to unhealthy, unclean, and expensive habits. What a blessing to have learned the art of drawing strength from God by living faith, to overcome, that when almost everything is against them, they may live by faith. We are now in the midst of the rainy season, and the roads are very bad, so that some of those from the country do not meet with us often. The rainy season here is hard on those who have a tendency to lung complaints. But we would trust in God. We are thankful for the assistance from the brethren East, in point of means, and especially that we share in their sympathies and prayers. The Lord is also raising us true friends in California, who, though few in number, manifest a willingness to sacrifice for the truth. As a family, we are trying to consecrate ourselves more fully to the Lord. Bro. Loughborough left on horseback this morning to commence a series of meetings in a school-house on Santa Rosa Creek, sixteen miles from here, and between this place and Windsor. I expect to join him to-morrow. D. T. BOURDEAU. Petaluma, Cal., Jan. 31, 1869. REPORT OF MEETINGS AT PARIS, IOWA.
By M. E. Cornell
The interest of this meeting has been affected by protracted meetings in different directions, and also by the almost constantly muddy roads. The winter proves an unfavorable one for lectures in new places. Thirty-four lectures have been given here, and above twenty are keeping the Sabbath. Among the number are a Baptist minister and his family who appear to be taking hold of the work right. Regular meetings are expected on the Sabbath at the Disciple meeting-house, in Paris. We have been repeatedly urged to organize a society, but we thought best to leave the practical matters and organization to others to be accomplished in due time. By urgent request, we give a few lectures at the school-house at Tallyrand, a village three miles distant. The good work is still going on at Brighton. Our enemies there prophesied that, when the preachers left, the interest would die out quickly; but instead of this, they are having a continued revival, and several have started in the service of God since we left. This is encouraging. Now how important that those who profess the truth should be careful to maintain good works, and not bring a reproach on the cause they love. In this let every one show the same diligence, and thus walk together in harmony and love. Paris, Iowa, Feb. 10, 1869. REPORT FROM IOWA.
By George Ide Butler
My last report left me at Pilot Grove, Jan. 1. Since that time my labors have been with our churches in the northern part of the State, holding from six to ten meetings weekly. We had six meetings with the Pilot Grove church besides a communion season. The meetings were solemn and heart-searching. Confessions were made with tears. There was a general attendance of the church, and also from Washington. I was glad to see more than the usual number of outsiders in, such as do not generally frequent our meetings. These gave good attention, and it seems not too much to hope some will fall in love with the truth, and embrace it. This is the largest church of our people in the State, and there are hopeful signs that it may still further increase if the members walk in the light. Our communion season was a solemn one. The melting Spirit of the Lord was present. Since leaving there we hear good tidings that the work is still onward. Jan. 5, met with the scattered few at Iowa City in the evening. We had a private room as full as could well be seated, and good attention was given. The friends here, most of whom are sisters, seem still determined to hold on, and make an effort to go through. They do not have many chances to attend meetings, and many of their circumstances seem discouraging. They appeared very thankful for the privilege of hearing the word spoken. Sabbath and Sunday, Jan. 9 and 10, attended meetings at Lisbon. There was a general attendance of the three churches of Lisbon, Marion, and Anamosa. We had five meetings, in which we trust some good was done. Our object was not to preach to tickle the ear, but to bring out those things that would search the heart and cause us to examine ourselves closely in view of the word of the Lord. While some seemed deeply affected, and gave evidence of its effect being lasting, it was with sorrow that I observed others apparently as careless a little while after the meeting as before. I am constrained to admit that there is quite a large class being developed among us upon whom the most searching, cutting truths scarcely take a perceptible effect. They attend the meetings, but seem not to be made better by them. They hear things that would once have caused the deepest seriousness when they first embraced the truth, but now they have no feeling. What can be done to arouse this class, and cause them to see themselves as God sees them? May the Lord help us to be faithful. Monday following the meeting, we made a sled upon which we loaded our wagon and so went forward prepared for all weather. At Marion, I met with nearly two rooms' full of interested listeners, on the evening of Jan. 12. One or two loads came from Lisbon, 14 miles, and quite a number were in who do not believe with us. The brethren at Marion very much need a house of worship. Many others would come in and meet with them if their meetings were not held in private houses. There seem to be omens of good at Marion in spite of the difficulties in the past. The brethren are seriously contemplating the building of a house of worship, but they are not numerous nor wealthy, and the effort required will be great. Met with the church at Laporte City, Jan. 16, 17, and held seven meetings. There was a good attendance from abroad of scattered brethren, among whom were Bro. William White, formerly of Northern New York, and Weatherwax, of Olcott, N. Y. The latter joined the Laporte City church. We are always glad to meet these scattered brethren who do not have the privilege of meeting with those of like precious faith70 very often. Their interest in the cause of present truth seemed good. Our meetings were solemn and spiritual. This church also needs a house of worship very much, and some are thinking seriously of building one. I believe the time has come that good might be done in Laporte City had our brethren a meeting-house, and could a course of lectures be given in it. Could the house be built the lectures should be forthcoming. As an item which might be of interest to some of our people I would say, Eld. Wm. H. Brinkerhoof, who formerly labored in this cause as a minister, but who has lately opposed us to some extent, has resumed the practice of law. He resides in this place. He has given up preaching, for the present, at least. In the evening of Jan. 19, spoke to the few in Fayette. On account of the appointment not being generally known, and a free lecture upon Phrenology being given that evening, there was a slim attendance. There are eight or nine Sabbath-keepers here who feel very much disappointed that another course of lectures cannot be given them at present. The work has never seemed to be completed in Fayette, and probably good could be done if a thorough effort could be made. I hope that time may yet arrive. I reached home, Jan. 20, after an absence of nearly seven months. Stayed in Waukon two weeks, and held in that time thirteen meetings, and should have held three more, but the weather being so very stormy it was thought unadvisable. This church is probably ahead of any in the State in experience. They have heard much truth in the past, but with some I fear it has not had a "savor of life unto life." Coldness and apathy are observable in a portion of the members. I was rejoiced, however, to see a breaking down before the Lord on the part of some far on the background. Oh! I hope it will be lasting. I feel greatly attached to the members of this church with whom I have spent so many years of my life. And I tried to labor for their good with earnestness, hoping if we are not permitted to enjoy each other's society much in this world, we may in the better one to come. There were encouraging omens in some who have been wandering in darkness for a time; some reason to hope they were getting into the true pathway, which caused me much gratitude. How good the Lord is to us all to have patience with us in our blindness. Truly he is merciful and compassionate. While at home I disposed of my farm. I think it probable I shall locate further south so as to be more centrally situated. My family remains at Waukon till May or June. I hope to be able to do more good in some other locality, as Waukon is situated entirely away from the majority of our churches. It is quite a sacrifice, however, to part with old friends, and run the chances of locating in a land of strangers. May the Lord direct to that place where most good can be done. Feb. 4, reached Elgin, and spoke to quite a fair-sized audience upon the signs of the times. They gave good attention. The truth has been presented here partially years ago, and there is a strong desire to hear further upon it. It is one of those places where I have intended to labor as soon as I could get any spare time. But when there are calls in every direction, many more than one can fill, the prospect for labor there does not seem brilliant. Truly the harvest is great, but the laborers few. Feb. 6 and 7, I met with the brethren and sisters at West Union. The friends were also up from Elgin and Fayette. We had very solemn meetings, the Lord giving some freedom in speaking the word. Our meetings closed with much solemnity. Tears filled many eyes. May its effects be lasting is my prayer. On the whole I feel encouraged by my labors during the past five or six weeks. While I see a great work to do I have some evidence that the Lord is willing to help the weakest and most unworthy of those who will give their whole energies to the discharge of their duties. This we can do if we will. All of us can do this. It is reasonable that we should do it, prompted by the principles of love, when so much has been done for us. We are only required to use the talents God has given us. Only responsible for those. I feel like giving the few I possess wholly to him. Laporte City, Iowa, Feb. 9, 1869. REPORT FROM RICHMOND, MAINE.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
We have already reported some of our meetings at this place. We were shut out of the meeting-house which was held by the first-day Adventists; so we have had our meetings in a school-house. The attendance was not large, as those opposed stayed away and kept away as many more as they could. Still there were some twenty-five who attended quite regularly, though often our congregation was smaller than that. I believe that nearly every one who attended any length of time confessed that we had the truth on the Sabbath. Quite a number of them were professed Adventists. As they saw the truth and something of the preparation necessary to meet the Lord, they said that they were not prepared for his coming; they needed converting all over, &c. Yet they would not move out and take a stand on the truth and lift the cross. So we had to hold on week after week when they were all convinced of the truth. One thing, however, stood in their way besides the cross: An Advent-ministerial Conference was appointed to sit here Jan. 12. Most of the Advent ministers of Maine were to be here. All of course expected that the subject of the Sabbath would come up then, and perhaps there would be a discussion, or something of the kind. So they did not wish to commit themselves till they had heard both sides. So we waited and attended the Conference. The business sessions came first, and as no one objected, we attended all through. What shall we say of what we saw and heard? We will state a few facts, though not near all that might be said. There were about seventeen ministers present. Paul says, Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1 Cor. i, 10. Jesus prayed that his disciples might be one even as he and his Father were one. Jno. xvii, 22. Isaiah said that the watchmen should “see eye to eye when the Lord shall bring again Zion.” Chap. iii, 8. Here were the professed watchman of God claiming to be preparing a people for the coming of the Lord, the event which Isaiah mentions. Of course we would expect that unity, harmony, and oneness of judgment would prevail among them, and that contentions and strife would be all laid aside. But alas! for the Advent name, it was just the opposite. Scarcely a question was raised during the three days, upon which there was any harmony or agreement among them. Some were in favor of church organization, and as many were opposed to it; some thought that the Maine tent had been rightly managed, and as many thought not so; some thought that they were going on unto perfection, and others thought they were going back to creeds and formalism, the same way that the old churches had gone before them. Some thought it best to take one course, and some another. Finally four declared that they could go with such work no further, and so withdrew from the Conference. Whoever is right in the matter, one thing is manifest; viz., that they never can secure order and unity in the action of their ministers or churches. Confusion is their inevitable lot: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” They seem not to have the least idea of obeying the apostle’s injunction, “All of you be subject one to another.” 1 Pet. v, 5. By no means. Each one claims to be “God’s free man,” and to have a perfect right; as one minister often expressed himself, “to run his own thinking machine!” They call this gospel liberty; we call it anarchy. We pray to be led in a better way. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” In their social meetings we were sorry to see them take the same course to throw out against the law which others so often do against the mortality of man and the sleep of the dead. We often hear the believers in the soul’s immortality get up and say, “I thank God that I have got a soul,” “I believe a man is better than a brute,” &c. What is this said for? To insinuate that the opponents do not believe that a man has a soul, or is any better than a brute. Adventists always deny the charge and say that it is an unjust and an uncandid insinuation. But here we saw them playing the same game themselves. One would get up and say, “I thank God that I have got a Saviour to save me. I believe in Jesus Christ. I do not expect to be saved by my good works!” Another says, “I do not expect to be saved by the law, but by faith,” &c. What was all this for? Why, to insinuate that we do not believe in Christ; that we expect to be saved by the law and not by faith. This we say is an unjust and an uncandid insinuation. They know better, or ought to know. We do not expect to be saved by the deeds of the law. Christ is our only hope. Yet we do not think that we are therefore at liberty to break the law. Saturday evening Elder Williams in his sermon on the plan of redemption, took up the law and the covenants, and of course labored to show that we are no longer under the ten commandments, as they were abolished at the cross. He said that they were given to Adam in Eden. Adam transgressed them and hence came under the sentence of death with all his posterity. They were given to the Jews at Sinai as the civil constitution of that nation, and then all their other laws grew out of them as by-laws, &c. Sunday morning Eld. Carr spoke on the two covenants. The ten commandments was the old covenant. It was made at Sinai and not with the fathers. It had its origin there. Eld. Williams said it had its origin in Eden. Of course he and Eld. Williams agreed exactly, with the slight difference of about 2500 years between them! Well, it is often a good plan to have a variety so that all tastes can be gratified! Seventh-day Adventists were often accused during the meeting of making a hobby of the Sabbath and of losing sight of the coming of the Lord. We deny it. But what of the other Adventists? During this whole meeting not one evidence was presented showing that the coming of the Lord was near; not one fact that would convince an unbeliever, or that even faith could lay hold of; nothing about the work of preparation necessary to meet him in peace. Take those who have listened to the ministers here in Maine for years and they are almost totally ignorant of the prophecies and of the signs of the times. Come to talk to them about the prophecies and they are as ignorant of them as those who are not Adventists. These ministers say that they believe the Lord is coming, but there is neither proof nor conviction that goes with it. There is no Advent faith or testimony in them. They have lost their whereabouts and are in the dark and confusion. At the close of the meetings we requested the privilege of reviewing the two sermons in the meeting-house, where the people might all come and hear; but it was not granted us. So we gave out to review them in the school-house. Not only did they shut their house against us, but they would not come and hear their positions reviewed. Thus they took the same course which they have so often and so severely condemned in others. The lock-and-key and stay-away arguments were the only ones they could use safely. Some of them, however, did use a more shameful argument than this; they went around in private and tried to poison the minds of people with slanderous reports about Sabbath-keepers. This is always the last resort of those who can not oppose the truth with argument. May the Lord judge between them and us. When the house was refused us it made many of the people indignant at them. Bro. Waggoner enjoyed a free time in reviewing them, and the people listened with candor. We think it will do good in the end. The next Sabbath we had a good meeting, and a number took their stand on the truth. We see in the Crisis they report the cause generally in a healthy condition! Those who know the state of feeling among the ministers, the spirit of strife and contention prevailing, will know how to judge of this report. But it is not likely they are all aware of the condition they are in; they are blinded by rejecting the truth. While they talk much of the coming of the Lord, they have no realizing sense of the perils and troubles which will precede the advent, nor of the preparation necessary to meet the Lord. May the Lord in mercy keep the honest, true-hearted Adventists from such a distracting influence, and bring them to the unity of the faith, and to keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. From Bro. Giles.
By E. P. Giles
At our Monthly Meeting, held at Tompkins, Feb. 6, we had a good attendance. All seemed encouraged to press forward, try to overcome, and be prepared for the trials that are coming, and be watchful lest at any time we be found off our guard, and be led astray by the enemy. As it is some time since we have heard from Bro. and Sr. Holland, we would request them to report, either in person or by letter, at our next Monthly Meeting to be held at Jackson first Sabbath in March. REPORT FROM BRO. BLANCHARD.
By H. C. Blanchard
My last report closed with Dec. 8, 1868. I continued my labors in Woodburn until Jan. 20, 1869. Have held some sixty-two meetings. Have made about the same number of family visits. Fifteen or twenty have commenced to keep the Sabbath. I have partially organized a church, Bible Class, and Sabbath School. There was a very strong underhanded opposition by the Methodist and Congregationalist denominations. They united in their meetings, talked hard about me, because I did not attend their meetings, said much about charity, universal brotherhood, that all Christians should unite together, &c., &c. I went one evening to give them a chance to manifest some of their union spirit. The minister in charge invited persons all around me to take part in the meeting, but said nothing to me, nor to Bro. P. nor Bro. S., a Methodist who is very nearly persuaded to embrace the present truth, who occupied the same seat with me. Bro. S. has treated me with much kindness and hospitality, which will account for their slighting him in their so-called union meeting. But this is no new thing. Jason of old received Paul and Silas into his house which brought down the frowns of the Pharisees upon him. See Acts xvii, 5-8. Eld. C., Methodist, preached a discourse against the Sabbath and in favor of the first-day in one of their meetings, which I reviewed the next evening. It resulted in favor of the truth. A Disciple preacher delivered a discourse against the Sabbath which I also reviewed. I think this will result in much good. He treated me with Christian kindness, made some concessions, and freely offered the Sabbath-keepers the use of their meeting-house. I trust he may yet acknowledge the whole truth. There is quite a number of the members of the Disciple church that have embraced the Sabbath. Wednesday morning, the 20th, I started for home, where I arrived safely on Thursday, finding all well. I am very much worn with incessant labor, and need rest. Shall rest about one week, then commence a protracted meeting in Princeville, and continue as long as the interest will warrant. Thanks to the friends in Woodburn for their kindness and hospitality toward me. My stay at Bro. Penniman's has been very pleasant. They have done all in their power to make me comfortable. I am happy to say that their course before their neighbors has been very commendable. They have lived alone here some two years, and have well recommended the truth by their godly example. I still desire the prayers of God's people. H. C. BLANCHARD. Princeville, Jan. 29, 1869. REPORT FROM BRO. WAGGONER.
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
For the present my post office address will be Skowhegan, Maine. I shall not be much in Skowhegan if my health will permit me to labor, but I can more readily have letters forwarded from that place. Bro. Canright has returned to Massachusetts. There were several reasons for this step: My health is such that it is not safe at present to engage in constant labor; a heavy, driving snow storm came on, suspending meetings; we had no special interest raised in any place, and no opening that would warrant an extra effort under such circumstances; and his mind had been much exercised in regard to the sickness in his family. I think in my condition I can do more by attending Monthly Meetings, and looking after the interests already raised in other places, than in any other way. In regard to the sickness of which I spoke in a recent note, it might be of interest to give brief extracts from papers to show its nature and prevalence. The Portland Press, calls it the “Influenza Epidemic,” and thus describes it. “It is different from the usual influenza, inasmuch as it affects the liver as well as the mucous membrane of the nostrils and throat. It usually commences with vomiting, the head feels very much swollen, and the liver is more or less congested. The patient has chills, and is in quite a high fever, and in some of the cases sore throat accompanies the other symptoms. It lasts about a week, but leaves the convalescent very weak and with a sensation of fullness about the head that only wears off with time.” The Farmer, of Augusta, says: “In this city the complaint is universal. Hardly a family has escaped it, our schools have been largely reduced in attendance, and in some of our workshops business has been almost entirely suspended in consequence.” Such is the information from every part of the State from which I have heard. Its fatality, however, is mostly confined to old people, among whom it has proved very fatal. Supposing it to be a slight ailment I continued speaking right along, and in consequence my throat is left in a very bad condition. I hope, however, that a few days of rest may overcome it all. Since writing the above I have filled an appointment I had out for Sunday evening, 7th, and am satisfied I have gone beyond the bounds of prudence in speaking. My interest in the success of the work here has been very great, and as others have been slow to act on their convictions, I have felt constrained to continue my efforts. From the effect produced by my last discourse, I fear my entire recovery will not be so speedy as I anticipated. I shall try to labor with proper caution, and so regulate my course as to best serve the cause under the circumstances. Kendall’s Mills, Me., Feb. 10, 1869. A FEW FACTS ABOUT THE SABBATH.
By S. N. Haskell
The Sabbath of the Lord is mentioned in the Bible one hundred and forty times; eighty-one times in the Old Testament, and fifty-nine times in the New, more than two-thirds the number of times it is mentioned in the Old Testament. The Old Testament including the Psalms, contains eight hundred and twenty-nine chapters, while the New Testament contains only two hundred and sixty. Discount forty-nine chapters in the Old Testament for the shortness of some of the Psalms, and we have only one-third the amount of reading in the New Testament, while the Sabbath of the Lord is mentioned two-thirds the number of times; or in other words, one-third more number of times in the New Testament in the same amount of reading; while the first-day is mentioned but eight times in the New Testament, and six of those eight refer to one particular first-day. The other two times in which the first-day is mentioned is only incidental, once as a business day, and once, as a day on which an evening meeting was held, yet there are thousands who conscientiously think that first-day observance is taught in the New Testament. S. N. HASKELL. Meaner for God than the Devil.
A GENTLEMAN of wealth who had been much addicted to frolic and sports, was converted, and became a member of one of our congregations. This congregation had adopted the ad valorem principle, as a means of defraying its expenses. In a few months, after this gentleman's conversion, the deacons waited on him in order to make their assessments; knowing that he was rich, and that his proportion of the expenses would amount to a pretty handsome sum, they feared that he would not be willing to bear it, and their demands might give him serious offense, and prove an injury to him. Hence they approached their business with some trepidation and great caution. At first he was at loss to ascertain the reasons of their apparent diffidence. The deacons, perceiving this, became, of course, more explicit. The gentleman was surprised. “What on earth,” said he, “do you mean? Did you suppose that I would be unwilling to pay my full proportion? When I was a man of the world, and united with others in a scheme of pleasure, I would have deemed myself a mean man had I not paid my full proportion of the expense. Go to the assessor's book, and put me down for my full proportion of the expenses of the church. Do you think that I intend to be a meaner man now, since I have become a servant of God, than I was when a servant of the Devil?” EVERY parent, like Adam, represents a race; and his righteousness or unrighteousness shall bless or curse his descendants. The Review Is Our Preacher
By R. A. Frink
Sr. R. A. Frink writes: About one year and a half ago we commenced to keep the Sabbath. We never have regretted, but only wish we had begun sooner. My husband was the first who presented the truth to me. I have never heard a sermon; the REVIEW is the only preacher we have.