We have often seen the builder engaged in erecting structures of various kinds; and while he is thus engaged, if we should ask him if he was following some plan or pattern, or simply following his imagination, without any plan or rule of action to guide him, he would probably think that we were very ignorant of the manner of building. Or, if he was trying to accomplish something without a rule, we should consider him as entirely unfit for the position which he occupied, and should look for his purposes to meet with an entire failure.
So the formation of a perfect character can never be accomplished without some rule of action, and some pattern to imitate. The only one we have, and the only one we need, is Jesus of Nazareth. If we imitate him, and follow his example, we shall not fail of forming characters that will pass the test of the Judgment. How important, then, that we study his life, and “walk even as he walked.”
We have also an unerring rule by which to try our lives, even the law which “is holy,” and “just, and good.” By this rule we must walk, if we would follow the Pattern. As the truth finds us, we are in a rougher condition than the material which the builder selects for his purposes. When the rule is applied, defects appear which were not seen before. This proves the necessity of a rule. It is by this rule that we are to be judged, to see whether we are fit material for the heavenly building.
To the young I would say, Commence now, if you have not already, to form a character which Heaven will approve. Now is the time, while your hearts are susceptible to the truth, to begin this great work. Don't delay, thinking there is time enough yet. The greatness of the work demands our immediate action. In our own strength, we can do nothing; but if we engage in the work with earnestness, being decided to obey the truth and walk in the light, strength will be given us to fully overcome and perfect holiness in the fear of God.
When we do all on our part, the Lord will do for us that which we cannot do for ourselves. Oh! that we may act well our part so that we “may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
The question with us should be what course can we take to best glorify God, and cast a right influence on the side of his truth. We profess to believe solemn and important truths, and unless our lives correspond with our profession, we exert an influence against the truth, though we may not be aware of the fact. “Our influence affects some one” whether we realize it or not. How important, then, it becomes that it be all for good. The Lord give us help to put away our sins, and grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth that others seeing our good work may “glorify our Father which is in Heaven.” D. A. ROBINSON.
S. ELMER
By S. ELMER
Brevities.
We read in Revelation respecting the prophecy of that book, “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Query for Universalists: How can they have a home in the city if they have no part there?
If we tell infidels who believe not in the inspiration of the Bible, how exactly the prophecies have been fulfilled, they will tell us that it only happened so. Then may not the remainder happen to be fulfilled?
While we read in God's word that all his commandments stand fast forever and ever, is it reasonable to suppose the fourth commandment has ever been changed or abolished? It is always safe to be on the sure side.
S. ELMER
Sabbath Law in Iowa.
A correspondent of the Jefferson (Iowa) Bee, writing from the capital of that State, gives the following item. We thank Iowa, and cannot but contrast her liberality with the refusal of Pennsylvania to grant a similar right to Sabbath-keepers:
“For the Saturdayists.—The House also passed a bill in reference to the opinions of the Seventh-day Baptists, changing the time of holding the annual school meeting from the first Saturday to the first Monday, in March. Under the old rule, these people were cut off from a participation in such proceedings, for the reason that the meeting occurred on their Sabbath day.”—Sabbath Recorder.
The Portland Discussion.
By a continued repetition of the matter, Eld. T. M. Preble is evidently deluding himself into the belief that he was grossly misrepresented by our report of the Portland discussion in 1865. He accuses that report of perverting some of his language, leaving out altogether his main arguments, and exaggerating and extolling the other side of the question. These charges have been spread over the country in circulars, and reiterated in papers. Being sustained by no proof, we have never deemed them worthy of notice, and should not now except on the principle laid down in Luke 18: 5.
The same outrageous charges are again repeated in the Advent Times of April 16, 1872. But does he offer a single example, or has he ever offered one, to show wherein his language was perverted, or his main arguments (?) left out altogether? Not one; and he cannot do it. What then is his proof? Why, it has since appeared that the affirmative, in some respects not at all pertaining to the arguments he used in the discussion, was at that time in a state of mind, which could properly be considered a subject of admonition on the part of his brethren; hence, triumphantly exclaims Eld. P., glad of this ghost of a pretext to dodge the issue, "the report of this Portland discussion as given by Uriah Smith was false." This is logic under difficulties! All our report undertook to give, or professed to give, was simply a plain and fair statement of the arguments used on the occasion; and that it was scrupulously exact in the whole field which it claimed to cover, we will submit to any one who was present at the debate, excepting only those who believe that the moral law has been abolished. These charges from beginning to end are unmitigated and unpardonable fictions. And to try to retire from the field under cover of these, minus all proof, and against all evidence, is the smallest kind of retreat.
We know it must be exceedingly unpalatable to the advocates of error to be obliged to look back upon a clear representation, in black and white, of their tortuous wanderings and contradictory positions. Their case would excite our deepest commiseration, were not the fault their own. But if a review of their course is painful to them, all we have to say, is, Change sides, and cease to talk the incoherent nonsense of error. This is the only way we have to suggest to them, out of their embarrassing position.
God's Word a Lamp.
By JOS. CLARKE.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Ps 119:105.
A lamp is a good thing, when in order, and well replenished with oil; but when the oil is exhausted the lamp goes out. Christ alludes to this point in Matt. 25:8. The foolish virgins cry to the wise, “Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.” God's word, attended by the influence of the Holy Spirit, enlightens the path of the wise; but the word of God, without this aid, leaves the foolish in darkness—a darkness as profound as that of the most degraded heathenism.
This truth is always present, always practical; and a man may have much religious knowledge, and yet fail of the true knowledge which David sought after when he cried to God continually for his salvation. A man's pride may be deeply wounded, yet his heart remain hard as a millstone. His head may be filled with correct principles, yet all may be so corrupted by selfishness as to make him a companion, finally, for the enemies of God.183
The lamp here spoken of, when trimmed and burning, will infallibly lead aright, yet who will realize this? Who will appreciate this principle and live accordingly? Thank God, some have done this in all ages. God has always had a people, and he has a people now; but as individuals, how few realize and practice upon this.
What a blessing a well-trimmed lamp is, in the darkness of night. How carefully you hold it lest the wind extinguish it. How careful to hold it so that its light shall fall directly upon the path just before you. How provident you are to have the necessary amount of oil to feed the cheering flame. How neat and clean is all the furniture of the light, that the greatest and clearest amount possible, may be produced. And as you pass along, how gladly you share your light with the poor benighted traveler who has none of his own, and how gratefully he accepts the assistance your light affords.
So the psalmist, and all others who have taken God's word as their light, have proceeded in their dangerous pilgrimage through this sinful world. Sometimes we find David enveloped in darkness, stumbling among the dark mountains of death; but he rests not until he finds his light and the path again; and then, oh! how carefully he guards the light he carries. How cautiously he walks, and how thoroughly he scans the way before him. Yet after all, how have wicked and foolish men exulted over the mistakes David made, while thus ensnared by Satan.
This light we need, each one for himself. Another may be well supplied with light, and may be willing to assist others who walk by his side; yet it will not answer to walk by the light of a brother. You must have one of your own.
JOS. CLARKE.
Bad Axe, Wis., May 10, 1872
By D. Downer
Wisconsin.
Since my report of April 9, I have closed my labors at Liberty Pole. The meetings there were well attended. It was truly a good time for the brethren at that place. Such as shall be saved are being added to their number, which is good proof in any church that they are in healthy condition. There have been seven additions to the church since my visit there before. A Missionary Society is now organized there.
Commencing April 28, I gave a few lectures in Newton. The house was well filled, considering the busy time of the year. Bro. Sutherland has been laboring some at Newton, and his labors have been blessed of the Lord. Several are now keeping the Sabbath at Newton, and many more have been fully convinced during our last effort there. We hope for great and good results.
May 2, went to Victory to attend their quarterly meeting. Sabbath morning I spoke from the text, “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God.” Some were benefited. Oh, that the Lord may work for the brethren at Victory. Sunday, May 5, I ordained an elder and deacon for that church.
I am happy to say that our brethren generally, in Wisconsin are growing in grace and also in the knowledge of the truth. Let me say to all the scattered brethren in this State, Do not forget the valuable lesson taught in the game of life.
I now go to Trempealeau County to visit the brethren there; then to the home of my parents in LaCrosse County, after an absence of twelve weeks. My health is poor, and I find my mental and physical powers not a little worn by constant labor. If my health does not improve by taking a little rest, I am inclined to leave the field for one or two months and engage in physical labor, studying what my health will allow, and trusting to the mercies of a kind and protecting God. I am feeling stronger in God than ever before, and more determined to live a devoted, consecrated, life. D. DOWNER.
Bad Axe, Wis., May 10, 1872
Call for Help in Indiana.
By D. F. Randolph
WE are very anxious to have Bro. E. B. Lane come and labor in our State; also, Bro. Sands Lane, and Bro. Brackett. We want them to labor with the tent in this State, and we will try and pay all of the expense.
Last Friday, our quarterly meeting commenced. It was a good time. Three were baptized. Bro. Waggoner gave some very good discourses, which I trust will do much good to settle and establish the truth in our midst.
I took the vote of the church, to know if they wanted Bro. E. B. Lane to come and labor in this State, and were willing to pay for the labor, and all voted in favor of it. I hope and pray that the Lord will send us laborers. We want the tent here. Could it be pitched in Bloomington and Bro. Waggoner speak the last six or eight days, I think it would do much for the good cause of God and stop some of the bad influences in our parts. May the will of God be done in this matter. D. F. RANDOLPH.
JUMPING THE CLAIM
By R. M. Kilgore
Homesteads.
Since the enactment of a law providing for settlers to take homesteads, many have come to this State to secure for themselves homes. By paying a small sum and living on their claim five years, they are then entitled to a deed from the government.
But any failure on their part to comply with the law before their time expires, they forfeit the whole and lose all they have done on it and what was paid to obtain it. Another party may be watching, and seeing a failure can embrace the opportunity, and that legally, too, of
“JUMPING THE CLAIM.”
He now comes in possession of all that the former had, but such as he can move away, without any remuneration whatever, simply by proving that the conditions of the law had not been fulfilled. These he must now do before he can get a clear title.
In some cases, both of these parties are building, ploughing and planting at the same time, side by side, striving to obtain evidence of their right and title to the land, and generally the latter obtains the victory.
As an example, I relate the following which was told me by a brother who lately embraced the Sabbath, giving me his experience in homesteading. After paying for his “filing papers” he built and moved on his claim. He then improved it and lived on it as his home, the full time required by law. But during this time he was one year drowned out by high water, and another, his house, stable, and hay were burned to the ground by the prairie fires. This of course prevented him from actually living on it for a short time while he could build another house. Another man taking advantage of his misfortune “jumped” his claim, wrested it from him and compelled him to leave all that he had done without compensation.
From this I have thought that a good lesson might be drawn for all those who are seeking for a “home in Heaven.”
It is often the case with those who have “put on Christ” and “have been baptized into his death” that they act as though they had already read their “title clear to mansions in the skies;” that it was no longer a matter of uncertainty, that their claim could not now be contested or their right disputed.
But this cannot be true. Although the first steps in the Christian journey have been taken, unless the last ones have been measured off, no reward will be given. There are conditions here, also to be complied with in order to make sure the inheritance. The terms of the gospel are easy, but they must be fulfilled. Our duty is to accept of the plan and not make one for ourselves. “Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven.” Matt. 7 : 21.
This teaches us that there is something for the Christian to do as well as to profess. Though it is a matter of vast importance to know that we have been “born again,” for without this no man can see the kingdom of God, John 3 : 3, yet we are informed by the divine Teacher who says, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me;” Luke 9 : 23. The crown will be placed upon the brow of him who has sought for it by “patient continuance in well doing.”
One condition upon which the exalted privilege of seeing the Lord is based, is “holiness” which the apostle exhorts us to “follow after.” Christ promises the same blessing to the “pure in heart.” If we would reign with him, the condition is “suffer.” In order to sit with Christ upon his throne and “inherit all things,” it is “overcome.” To fulfill these, our trust must be in Him who says, “My grace is sufficient.”
The apostle Peter, in speaking of those to whom are given “exceeding great and precious promises” that by these they “might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust,” commands them to do something more. “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be idle (margin) nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Pet. 1:4–11.
Many read this last verse, and many more, from the manner in which they act, I am inclined to think, believe it, as if it read: “For so an abundant entrance shall be administered into the kingdom.” This conveys a very different idea from what the apostle intended, making the way easy and the entrance wide, while Christ has said: “Strive to enter in at the strait gate” (i. e., one difficult of entrance), “for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Luke 13 : 24. But Peter’s language is that the entrance shall be abundantly ministered into the everlasting kingdom only upon the conditions, “If ye do these things.”
The Christian’s term of service is as long as life shall last. Though he may have passed through perils of fire and water, or persecution, unless he shall continue to wrestle against flesh and blood and the powers of darkness, he will fall short of the inheritance of the faithful. The crown of righteousness will be worn by those who have fought the good fight and obtained the victory over every fault. It is not enough for him to know the truth, but he must be sanctified through it. “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”
R. M. Kilgore.
Nebraska.
PRAYER FOR HELP AND PROTECTION.
By Augusta Moore
O Thou so lifted up
Beyond all pain and fears,
See where thy children grope,
Behold their woes and tears.
O, leave them not to prove despair,
But haste to make their wants thy care!
When fair Temptation tries,
With witching voice and smile,
With dear, enchanted eyes,
The senses to beguile;
When siren wiles the heart control,
Hold Thou the hands and save the soul.
In each unguarded hour,
When all the watchmen sleep,
Protect us by thy power,
From grasp and danger keep.
We trust, O Lord, in thee alone,
Thou art the only guard we own.
—Augusta Moore.
Iowa.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
APRIL 19 to 22, was with the church at Adel. Our meetings were good and encouraging, although on account of bad weather the outside attendance was small. One was expelled, and one put under censure; excepting these, I found the little company united, pressing forward, and growing strong in all the message. One who had lately embraced the truth was added to the church by baptism. An elder was ordained, and then we celebrated the ordinances. I left them much encouraged.
April 25 to 30, at Peru. It rained most of the time I was there, so that it hindered our meeting much; yet most of the church got together on the Sabbath and Sunday. Here also, an elder was chosen and ordained, and then we celebrated the ordinances. All took a ready and active part. All who have united with the church are settling into the work, and growing strong in the truth. There is no discord among them; but all seem to be of one mind, and to love each other. Some who did not take a decided stand, and an active part, have fallen off entirely. This was to be expected. We organized S. B. to the amount of $158.
May 1 to 5, at Osceola. Roads being bad, and the season late, but few came from abroad excepting the Woodburn church who were nearly all out; but all the brethren here promptly attended all the meetings. Tuesday and Thursday evenings I spent in instructing them in practical duties. We had two good, solemn social meetings on Sabbath and Sunday, and most of the time I enjoyed good freedom in preaching the word. The outside attendance was good as it always has been here.
One more took a decided stand on the truth, and several made a determination not only to keep the Sabbath, but to give their whole hearts to the Lord. This rejoiced us. Four were added to the church, and then Sabbath noon, nine were baptized into the truth. It was a beautiful day, and a lovely spot; and a more solemn baptism I have seldom seen. The Spirit of God made some shout for joy.
Among those baptized was Bro. Glunt, many years an elder in the Disciple church. He had baptized many in the same place where I now baptized him. After this, he was unanimously chosen and then ordained elder of the church. I feel a great nearness to this dear brother and his good wife whose hearts and interests are wholly in the work.
This church seems to be wholly united in strong faith in the whole message, in a willingness to sacrifice for it, and in a tender love for each other. As long as they maintain these things they will be a strong church.
Sunday night, I took the cars on my way to Minnesota. Thus closes my labors for the present in Iowa, after a stay of three years. How many tender ties, how many sacred associations, I have formed here in those years. And even the very trials and sorrows, the dark hours and disappointments, have only served to attach us more closely to these friends and places. It is not without a struggle and many tears that I break away from these strong attachments to go out and pass through the same things again in new fields. But this is our lot till our blessed Lord shall come; and for his sake and the love of souls we can do it. But the glorious day of glad deliverance is drawing nigh. For this we hope, and weep, and pray. My courage in God and the truth is good. Brethren, we still expect your prayers. D. M. CANRIGHT.
Ottumwa, Iowa, May 6, 1872.
New England.
By P. C. Rodman
From Feb. 15 until March 12, gave some twenty-five lectures in Ludlow, Mass. Congregation averaged about twenty-five or thirty, until sickness kept some away who appeared interested. We had some hope that two or three families would turn to the Lord and obey the truth, but only one person has decided, so far, to keep the Sabbath. Bro. Kellogg and wife were comforted and strengthened in the truth. We hope others may yet turn to the Lord in that place, and prepare to meet our soon-coming Saviour.
Gave two lectures in Jenksville. One on spiritualism was listened to with deep interest. The Methodist minister expressed himself much pleased, saying that the lecture had helped his mind in regard to the subject very much, and made some passages of Scripture plain that before he knew not how to understand. He subscribed for the Health Reformer, and the congregation took all the works we had with us on spiritualism. He gave me an earnest invitation to come again.
I arranged Systematic Benevolence with the few Sabbath-keepers in this vicinity, and they proposed to hold meetings as often as every two weeks.
March 11, reached my home in Rhode Island. Found my family in usual health. Thank God for his care over us.
From the 15th to 25th, held meetings at Curtis' Corners to the encouragement of brethren and sisters there. The brethren in Green Hill manifest confidence in the work, and a determination to hold fast, with but few exceptions.
April 8, in Westerly. Brethren here have held no meetings since Bro. and sister White were here, having no convenient place to hold them. They have now a comfortable place, and have started meetings. I met with them several times and they appear to be of good courage and decided to persevere. They meet every third-day evening, and on the Sabbath, having covenanted together to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and hold up the truth of the second coming of Jesus.
April 20 and 21, attended a good quarterly meeting at Lafayette. The meeting of the tract society was interesting, and reports encouraging. Continued here until the 24th, visiting friends, holding in all six meetings.
May 3, came to South Lancaster to attend quarterly meeting. Reports in the tract society show that the work is progressing in nearly all parts of the Conference. Stopped here until the 13th, trying to comfort and encourage the brethren; and I am pleased to report improvement with nearly all since last quarterly meeting, and still a disposition to improve. Satan has tried hard to destroy this church, but in drawing near to God they take the way of safety.
P. C. RODMAN.
South Lancaster, Mass., May 3, 1872.
Among the Danes.
By John Matteson
From Raymond, I went to Chicago, where I stayed two weeks and held nineteen meetings. We have here a very convenient and pleasant house for meetings in the new chapel. Number of attendants in the meetings averaged sixty. I obtained here ten subscribers for Advent Tidende. Four were added to the church, which now numbers thirty-three, and three were buried with Christ in baptism. The blessing of God rested upon us in this solemn ordinance, and when we, on the evening of the first day, gathered to celebrate the death of our divine Lord, we were much encouraged by the Holy Spirit. Three brethren from Oakland were with us. Bro. Mo has fallen asleep. He was the first of the Scandinavian brethren in Chicago, who commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. He rests in hope of a better resurrection.
The house and lot have cost the brethren about $2,000. On this they have paid $831.00, and are in debt for the rest. They decided to unite with the Wisconsin Conference, and chose a delegate to attend it. I proposed that they ask of the Conference the privilege of keeping their S. B., $264.00, for the first year, to help pay their debt; but they voted to use their S. B. exclusively to sustain the missionary work. They feel thankful that the truth has been brought to them, and wish to do all they can to help in this important work.
I remained with the brethren in Poy Sippi one and a half weeks. We had some very interesting meetings in this place. Eight were added to the church, and six baptized. Bro. Jeppe Nielson, formerly Baptist elder, was unanimously chosen and ordained as local elder of this church. He has preached some in this neighborhood, since he embraced the truth, to good acceptance. They now number forty-three members. Their S. B. pledged for next year amounts to $56.72. Most of the brethren are poor in this world, but we trust that they will strive to be faithful and obtain a crown of glory when Christ shall appear.
From this place I went to Neenah, where I held meetings ten days, until May 3. Attendance varied from forty to one hundred. A small church was formed here of eight members. One was added, and another decided to keep the Sabbath. They have pledged about $30.00 S. B., and desire to unite with the Conference. Others are convinced of the truth, but hesitate to obey. The friends here are very kind and liberal to us. Bro. O. A. Olsen has assisted me in my labor with good acceptance, and went from Neenah to Ft. Howard in company with Bro. J. Nielson, to try to labor there.
I am now at home, working for our dear paper. I have spent seven weeks with the Danish churches, and in that time twenty-three have been added to the church, fourteen baptized, and some others embraced the commandments. I have obtained twenty subscribers for the paper. May the Lord continue to bless in this good work. JOHN MATTESON.
Busseyville, Wis., May 8, 1872.
Quarterly Meeting of the New England Missionary and Tract Society.
By Stephen N. Haskell; M. L. Huntley
AGREEABLE to appointment, the N. E. M. and T. Society met at South Lancaster, Mass., May 5, 1872, at 9½ o'clock, A. M. After the opening of the meeting, remarks were made by Eld. Haskell relative to local organizations, and the importance of directing missionary labor in a proper manner. The report of the last meeting being called for, was read and accepted. After some remarks, the report of missionary labor during the last quarter was read, which showed that the distribution of publications had been about as follows:—
Reports received, 68. Libraries supplied with Life Incidents, Life of Bates, and Bible Sabbath, 78. Total distribution of tracts and pamphlets, 58,292 pages. New subscribers obtained and copies furnished, REVIEW, 13; Instructor, 56; Reformer, 74. Number of sick visited, 100; families, 125. Members added during the quarter, 15. Whole number of members, 153. The R. I. district report was read, showing the total distribution of tracts and pamphlets in that district to have been about 19,050 pages. Number of sick visited, 29; families, 47. The Vigilant Missionary Society reported 125 letters written and 57 received. Tracts distributed, several thousand pages.
The financial report showed the standing of the society to be as follows:—
WIDOW AND ORPHAN FUND.
Cash on hand Feb., 1872, $93.77
Received on donations, 8.72
Total, $102.49
Paid for board, &c., $23.00
Cash on hand, 79.49
Total, $102.49
DELINQUENT FUND.
Cash on hand Feb., 1872, $0.52
Received on donations, 84.75
Total, $85.27
Paid on periodicals, $77.45
Cash on hand, 7.82
Total, $85.27
TRACT SOCIETY.
Cash on hand Feb., 1872, $111.36
Rec'd for membership, 15.00
“ “ donations, 312.28
“ “ sale of books, 8.75
“ “ widow and orphan fund, 93.77
Total, $541.16
Paid for publications, $193.25
“ “ periodicals, 77.45.
“ “ widow and orphan fund, 23.00
Incidental expenses, 23.93
Cash on hand, 223.53
Total, $541.16
The benefit of districting Conferences was then considered after which a committee of three was appointed to re-arrange, and further district the New England Conference. Bro. A. W. Smith, T. Gould, and C. K. Farnsworth, were named as said committee. Personal reports being called for, brethren from R. I. and other parts of the Conference responded by interesting remarks and such items of experience as showed the importance and beneficial results of missionary labor. Adjourned to 2½ P. M.
At 2½ P. M., the Society met again. The committee on districting the Conference reported as follows:
District No. 1, to embrace Rhode Island and the eastern part of Connecticut.
District No. 2, Boston, Dartmouth, Lancaster, Haverhill, Mass., Manchester, N. H., and North Berwick, Me.
District No. 3, New Ipswich, Blakeville, Peterboro, Greenfield, and Wilton, N. H.
District No. 4, Washington, Cornish, and vicinity.
They also recommended that Bro. A. F. Ball, of Washington, N. H., be appointed secretary of this district, and sister F. A. Buzzell of New Ipswich, N. H., secretary of district No. 3. The church at Amherst, N. H., not being represented was recommended to join district No. 4.
The report being accepted, each item was acted upon and received a unanimous vote in the affirmative.
The propriety of buying the South Lancaster camp ground was discussed and highly recommended, nearly four hundred dollars being pledged for this purpose, should it be thought advisable to buy it. The subject of an Educational Society was then introduced, and the wants of our people in this respect was laid before those present, when quite a number of shares were taken. The health and dress reforms also received considerable attention, and a uniformity in dress was strongly recommended.
S. N. HASKELL, Pres.
M. L. HUNTLEY, Sec.
Useless Adornments.
By Susan D. Huff
I HAVE often wondered if some of our professors of religion ever thought of their vow to renounce the vain pomp and glory of the world! What is “pomp”? Our dictionary makers tell us one of its definitions is “exterior show,” and “vain” means “worthless, empty, unsatisfying;” therefore, “vain pomp” means worthless, unsatisfying, exterior show. Does not the fanciful decoration of the person with flowers, feathers, ear-rings, finger-rings, chains, crosses, bunches and humps of dress goods, so arranged as to leave one to conjecture whether the wearers are deformed naturally or artificially, come under the head of “worthless, exterior show,” “vain pomp”? If so, when our sisters, with all these trappings, approach the table of the Lord, is he pleased to meet them, and does he manifest himself to them in “the breaking of bread” while they are breaking their baptismal vows? Oh! my sisters, think how many suffering ones around you might be relieved by the money lavished on unnecessary adornments; and then, if you can, ask God’s blessing on your decorations. Do they make you more Christ like?—Do they make you more meek and lowly? Did you ever see one “poor in spirit” thus bedizened? Can one who bestows so much thought on dress give sufficient attention to the improvement of mind and heart? These are, in my opinion, questions that should not be lightly passed over. I have often thought of the reply made years ago by one of our old preachers to one of his members who asked him if her “bonnet was too gay.” “Indeed, sister, I don’t know; go and ask Jesus.” Tears filled her eyes as she said, “I know it is too gay with these feathers; I can’t wear it.” My dear sisters, you who have power to prevail with God, will you not pray, with all your faith, that the Holy Ghost may so come upon the Church that all the tinsel and frippery may vanish from our midst, and that all our members may clothe themselves in “modest apparel which becometh women professing godliness”? It won’t do to go to the self-sacrificing Jesus, who left us an example that we should tread in his steps, and ask to be excused for worldliness because we live in an age of progress. He changes not; his word shall not pass away, and he said, “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Where there is no love of the world, there will be no conformity to its ridiculous and silly fashions, that, it would seem, are invented to test the length to which some will go in foolish extravagance.
The most devout and holy men and women, of all ages, have been uniformly simple in dress, manners, and speech; and where there is a love of display, it seems to me to be owing to a weak head, or an unconsecrated heart, or both. I would not wound, needlessly, the feelings of any one, but the words of the most naturally gifted, have very little weight with persons in general, when they are uttered by one adorned with gold or pearls or costly array or finery of any description. May God hasten the day when our women shall bring their jewelry, not to be “melted for a golden calf, but to send the bread of life to those who sit in the region and shadow of death.”—Mrs. Susan D. Huff.
Meditate Upon the Promises of God
MEDITATE upon the promises of God. The promises are flowers, growing in the paradise of Scripture; meditation, like the bee, sucks out the sweetness of them. The promises are of no use or comfort to us till they are meditated upon. For as the roses hanging in the garden may give a fragrant perfume, yet their sweet water is distilled only by the fire; so the promises are sweet in reading over, but the water of these roses—the spirit and quintessence of the promises—is distilled into the soul only by meditation.
The incense, when it is pounded and beaten, smells sweetest. Meditating on a promise, like the beating of the incense, makes it most odoriferous and pleasant. The promises may be compared to a golden mine, which then only enricheth, when the gold is dug out. By holy meditation we dig out that spiritual gold which lies hid in the mine of the promise, and so we come to be enriched. Cardan saith, there is no precious stone but hath some hidden virtue in it. They are called “precious promises” (2 Pet. 1: 4). When they are applied by meditation, then their virtue appears, and they become precious indeed.—Watson’s “Saints’ Spiritual Delight.” A. D. 1657.
A HYMN.
FATHER! before thy gracious throne
With humble hearts we bend;
Grant that we each in thee may own
A faithful Guide and Friend.
Whate’er our hearts of mortal ill
Thou mayest ordain to know,
May we, resigned unto thy will,
All murmuring forego.
Help us to serve thee as we ought,
With reverence and love,
And may each deed, and word, and thought,
Tend to our home above.
Oh, may we triumph over sin,
And break temptation’s chain,
While foes without and foes within
Assail our souls in vain.
Through changing scenes of joy and woe,
As pilgrims here we roam;
While broken ties of friendship show
That earth is not our home.
Were death and change unknown to us,
Our hearts would never rise;
’Tis in thy wisdom, Lord, that thus
Thou leadst us to the skies.
Help us to consecrate to Thee
The talents thou hast lent,
Help us mid trials sore, to be
Strong, patient, and content.
And when the path of life is trod,
Our toils and conflicts o’er,
Grant us in mercy, O our God,
To love and serve thee more.
—Sel.
The Bloom of Age.
A GOOD woman never grows old. Years may pass over her head, but if benevolence and virtue dwell in her heart, she is as cheerful as when the spring of life first opened to her view.—When we look upon a good woman, we never think of her age; she looks as charming as when the rose of youth first bloomed on her cheek. That rose has not faded yet; it will never fade. In her neighborhood, she is the friend and benefactor. In the church, the devout worshiper and the exemplary Christian.—Who does not respect and love the woman who has passed her days in acts of kindness and mercy—who has been the friend of man and God—whose whole life has been a scene of kindness and love, a devotion to truth and religion? We repeat, such a woman cannot grow old. She will always be fresh and buoyant in spirits, and active in humble deeds of mercy and benevolence. If the young lady desires to retain the bloom and beauty of youth, let her not yield to the sway of fashion and folly; let her love truth and virtue; and to the close of life she will retain those feelings which now make life appear a garden of sweets—ever fresh and ever new.
Perseverance.
PERSEVERANCE is a virtue much talked of, yet but little appreciated. What might be accomplished in the material world, if people would only put perseverance at the helm! Who is there who has not felt this in his or her experience?
How many times when we are all alive to the beauty of good deeds, we yearn to perform them, we resolve that hereafter we will be more vigilant, more faithful in the performance of our duties; but the glow of our feelings dies out because the little virtue above mentioned is not practiced, and we fall back into our old way of acting on the impulse of the moment, and not according to our highest conviction of right.
How often we feel the ability to perform something with the talents given us, and we promise ourselves that we will rouse and try to make the most of our gifts! But the enthusiasm passes, and lack of time or energy prevents our carrying out our plans, and when we next review ourselves we feel unmixed regret at our lack of perseverance.