WHAT will be the completed record of 1874, if casualties, disasters, and crimes shall continue to crowd its register to the close, as they have thus far filled it since its commencement? Compared with any preceding year, its proportional quota must be acknowledged to be more than full. Fires in the West, floods in the East, five millions of property destroyed in Chicago at one conflagration, a flourishing city in Wisconsin, nearly wiped out of existence at the same time, destructive fires raging over large sections of country parched by the drought, causing an immense loss of property; the bursting of a water-spout in Nevada, destroying a portion of a city in the mountains, with great loss of life, the bursting of large reservoirs in Massachusetts, causing terrible damage to property with a fearful loss of life, and now a terrible storm in Pittsburg and Alleghany, Pa., inundating the streets, sweeping away whole blocks of dwellings, and hurrying multitudes to a watery grave, with scarcely a moment's warning,—all these have come like horrors treading fast upon the heels of horrors. The storm at Pittsburg, it is reported, occasions the loss of nearly three millions of property, and about two hundred lives. By the flashes of lightning, horses and cattle could be seen floating in the torrent, and their cries of terror could be heard above the roar of the flood.
A similar disaster is reported from Sarnia, in Canada, and the destruction of a town by the same means in Moravia, in the Austrian Empire.
With these disturbances in the physical world, the foundations of society in a moral point of view seem to be about giving way. The agitation of the Beecher-Tilton scandal, however the matter may be fixed up in the end, can but tend to greatly loosen the restraints of morality upon masses of the people. And here comes a shameless troop of ultra spiritualists heralding with trump and drum their debauching doctrines, and publishing and boasting of their equally debauching practices. Surely there is occasion for the sighing and crying of which Ezekiel speaks when he brings to view the sealing of God's people in the last days. Eze. 9: 4: “And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.”
U. S
Reporting.
By R. F. Cottrell
EVERY lover of present truth rejoices to hear of the progress and extension of the work in which we are engaged. System is a good thing. Reports of successful labor encourage others to put forth greater efforts. How encouraging are recent reports in The True Missionary! It stimulates to renewed consecration to the work, and greater efforts in the cause of God.
The evidences of the truth are continually increasing. That this message is from Heaven, and not of men, is becoming so evident that nothing but stubborn unbelief can resist the testimony when it is fairly presented. The great work of the message is at hand. Who will have a part in this closing work? Let all resolve by the help of God to have a share. You that have backslidden and left the work, do you not wish you were back in your place? You can come back if you will make an earnest and persevering effort. But there is no time to lose. You have committed a great sin, and have got bound in darkness and unbelief. Escape for your life. God is merciful. But those who do not come to the help of his wounded cause, and that soon, will be left in outer darkness. Oh! what a destiny to those who have once known the truth to be found among its most bitter enemies at last.
But let those who love the truth take courage. Let the reports of successful labor encourage in the work, and thus increase the soul-cheering reports. Let the work go on. It will go on until probation closes. Let all try to get up and keep up with the work as the providence of God is opening the way. R. F. COTTRELL.
The Reasons Why.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
We are frequently asked what use there is in preaching the sleep of the dead, the destruction of the wicked, etc., even granting that our views on this subject are correct. What good will it do? Is it worth while to make divisions upon mere theoretical doctrines? We reply, that we preach these doctrines.
1. Because they are true; and it is through the truth that we are to be sanctified, and not through error. John 17:17; 8:32; 2 Thess. 2:13.
2. Because the word of God teaches them, and we are commanded: “Preach the word.” 2 Tim. 4:1.
3. Because these doctrines commend themselves to the reason, judgment, and conscience of men, to which we are to appeal. Isa. 1:18; 1 Cor. 11:13; 2 Cor. 4:2.
4. Because the opposite of these truths, namely, the immortality of the soul, the conscious state of the dead, and the eternal torment of the wicked, is a virtual repetition of one of Satan’s earliest falsehoods. See Gen. 3:1–5.
5. Because the absurdity of the doctrine of an endless hell has driven thousands into Universalism.
6. Because the unreasonableness and injustice of eternal torment have driven tens of thousands into infidelity.
7. Because the doctrine of the immortality of the soul is the very corner-stone and foundation of spiritualism.
8. Because the preaching of the horrors of a never-ending hell does not, as it is claimed, drive men to love God as daily observation shows.
9. Because the preaching of the truth concerning the just punishment which God will inflict upon the sinner does win multitudes from skepticism to faith in the Bible and to embrace Christianity, as we are able to testify.
10. Because the principle of interpretation adopted to sustain these doctrines compels men to make the Bible mean just the opposite of what it plainly says. Thus, when the word of God says that man is mortal, Job 4:17, it means that he is immortal; to die means to live; to fall asleep means to wake up; to know nothing, Eccl. 9:5, means to know everything; to go into the grave, Eccl. 3:10, means to go to Heaven; to perish, John 3:16, means to preserve eternally; to destroy, 2 Pet. 2:12, is to render indestructible; to be burned up, Mal. 4:1, is to be made a living salamander; the lake of fire, Rev. 21:8, means a guilty conscience, etc.
With such teaching as this, it is no wonder that the mass of the people are turning away from the Bible as a dark book. God, in his mercy to men, is lifting this cloud of error, and is causing the light of truth to shine upon the doctrines of his holy word. We rejoice for the consolation, and feel like proclaiming it to all around.
D. M. CANRIGHT, in Signs of the Times.
Spiritualism Advancing.
By M. E. Cornell
For twenty years, those who have understood prophecies which relate to the great latter-day wonders and deception of the spirits of devils, have believed and taught that modern spiritualism filled the prophecy, and that it would increase and spread in its power and influence till the end.
The clergy and men of science have quite generally ridiculed the idea, and on the other hand have predicted that it would die out. They have cried “humbug,” “odicforce,” trickery,” &c., while this masterpiece of Satan has been steadily gaining ground, until now they number not less than eight millions of converts in the United States alone. As foretold in the prophecies, it has gone to the whole world, and is preparing for the final conflict.
The kings of the earth have been visited and influenced, and it would seem that the way is all prepared for their closing wonders and miracles, which will deceive all but the elect—those who give heed to the “sure word of prophecy.”
At present it appears to have taken a new departure, and is coming into more general and favorable notice. The new phase bids fair to accomplish more than all in the past.
The following is from one of the leading dailies of the Pacific Coast—The San Francisco Chronicle:—
“UNTIL QUITE RECENTLY, science has coldly ignored the alleged phenomena of spiritualism, and treated Andrew Jackson Davis, Home, and the Davenport brothers, as if they belonged to the common fraternity of showmen and mountebanks. But now there has come a most noteworthy change. We learn from such high authority as the Fortnightly Review that Alfred R. Wallace, F. R. S.; William Crookes, F. R. S., and editor of the Quarterly Journal of Science; W. H. Harrison, F. R. S., and president of the British Ethnological Society, with others occupying a high position in the scientific and literary world, have been seriously investigating the phenomena of spiritism. The report which those learned gentlemen make is simply astounding. There is no fairy tale, no story of myth or miracle, that is more incredible than their narrative. They tell us, in grave and sober speech, that the spirit of a girl who died a hundred years ago appeared to them in visible form. She talked with them, gave them locks of her hair, pieces of her dress and her autograph. They saw her in bodily presence, felt her person, heard her voice; she entered the room in which they were, and disappeared without the opening of a door. The savants declare that they have had numerous interviews with her under conditions forbidding the idea of trickery or imposture.
“Now that men eminent in the scientific world have taken up the investigation, spiritism has entered upon a new phase. It can no longer be treated with silent contempt. Mr. Wallace’s articles in the Fortnightly have attracted general attention, and many of the leading English reviews and newspapers are discussing the matter. The New York World devotes three columns of its space to a summary of the last article in the Fortnightly, and declares editorially that the “phenomena” thus attested “deserve the rigid scientific examination which Mr. Wallace invites for them.” This is treating the matter in the right way. Let all the well-attested facts be collected, and then let us see what conclusions they justify. If spirit communication is a fact, it is certainly a most interesting one. In the language which the World attributes to John Bright, “If it is a fact, it is the one beside which every other fact of human existence sinks into insignificance.”
Robert Dale Owen, in a recent letter says:—
“All my former experience in spiritualism, favored as I have been, pales before the new manifestations witnessed by me in the course of last month. After the strictest scrutiny, with every facility promptly afforded me by the mediums to detect imposition had it been attempted, I here avow my conviction that the phenomena are genuine; that I have again and again, on more than twenty occasions, seen, heard, touched, forms to appearance human and material, and to sense tangible.”
In reference to spiritualism it has often been said, that “straws show which way the wind blows,” but here we have something greater than straws.
On this coast also it is spreading rapidly, and many men in high standing, editors and others, are known to be believers, giving the whole weight of their influence in its favor. The prophetic student and believer will make a note of this new phase, and recognize in it an ominous sign of the times.
M. E. CORNELL.
San Jose, Cal., July 23.
The Cause in California.
By James White
We are receiving cheering accounts of good quarterly meetings at different points among the churches in the absence of ministerial labor. Our people in this city have fitted a hall for meetings. We have spoken to them the past two Sabbaths with freedom. One of the California tents is at San Jose, Elders Cartwright and Cornell speakers; the other Eld. Loughborough has at Vallejo. Both have good and attentive congregations. Our people are all looking forward with hope to the camp-meeting, which will probably be held October 1–12.—J. W., in Signs of the Times.
Escape from Fire.
By James White
On the evening of the fourth of this month a fire was discovered in the Signs Office building. The fire was subdued, but while the engines were at work at a fire in Brooklyn, it again broke out. By the use of pails it was held in check until the engine reached the spot and extinguished it. By the efforts of friends not a dollar's worth of material was injured, although the fire was above us and to one side of us.
Especial thanks are due to Mr. Jas. Booth, business manager of the Transcript, who saved our type from being indiscriminately dumped from the cases and galleys into boxes and carried into the streets.—J. W., in Signs of the Times.
Our Institutions.
By R. F. Cottrell
Yes, our institutions as stewards of the manifold grace of God. They are benevolent institutions. No one is accumulating private wealth by them. The workers only have reasonable wages for their services. Those who have stock in them rejoice at their prosperity. Is the capital stock increasing? The means of usefulness is increasing. The sphere is widening, and we are growing rich—“in good works.”
As an illustration, suppose I put in $75 into the Health Institute some years ago. Since that time, suppose the capital stock of the Institute has doubled. Who is the gainer? I am. I have now $150 invested in the good work. And further, suppose I have paid $100 to the Institute for board and treatment of myself or one of my family, and one-fourth part of it was net gain to the institution. Then I have $25 more invested in the work; and if the capital has doubled since I put this in, it has now become $50. This added to my $150 gives me $200 invested in this benevolent enterprise. Surely, my wealth is accumulating.
Many are receiving benefit in bodily health, and in the knowledge of how to live to preserve health, by this means. But this is not all. Some have been converted to God also; and the day of eternity will doubtless disclose the fact that souls have been saved as the result of the working of this institution. I have a share in this. One soul saved is worth a thousand times more than all the money that has been, or ever will be, put into this institution. My wealth is increasing—I am growing rich!
Let none be envious of this institution; but rather let them take stock. If money is made, your stock will increase; and if good is done to the souls and bodies of men, you will share in the rich dividends by-and-by to be made. It is a safe investment. The bank of Heaven will not break.
R. F. COTTRELL.
War Growing More Fierce.
FROM an article in the July number of the Advocate of Peace, entitled, “The Gospel of Despair,” we take the following paragraphs:—
“‘If we are to judge of the early future by the recent past, we should expect the world to see the greatest wars that ever will have been known in the course of the next sixty years, for it is certain that never has war been greater and bloodier and more costly than it was during the last sixty years.’
“The writer’s premises are undeniable. The wars of the last sixty years have been the most stupendous and bloody and costly ever known, but in this dreadful fact do we find a conclusive proof that the nations for the next sixty years more than ever before will indulge in this ‘luxury’? Why shall we not draw just the opposite conclusion, and say war has become so fiendish, frightful, and costly, that we may expect the nations will abstain from it? We think Prof. J. R. Seeley of Cambridge, England, speaks very sensibly upon this point. He says:—
“‘War calls the more urgently to be remedied because it seems to be growing worse. Wars seem growing more frightful and more gigantic; the more victories the nationality principle wins, the nearer we seem to approach a period of energetic popular states waging war upon each other with the unrelieved fierceness of national antipathy. Had ever popular orators a better subject for their speeches? What was Catholic emancipation, what were the corn laws, nay, what was the slave trade compared to this? Would it be hard to excite a European movement against a mischief from which no one is safe, which threatens every man’s life and every man’s children’s lives, and which brings in its train not only death, but a host of other evils, some of them, perhaps, worse than death?’”
Religious Excitement in the Church
A WRITER in one of our Baptist exchanges makes these sensible remarks: “Some of your correspondents are apparently fond of letting the public know that they had a blessed meeting in their church, without any excitement. What does this signify? The New Testament narratives of revivals give us to understand that the old-time people were somewhat excited when they felt and saw the power of God. In my humble opinion, this world is the most quiet place (religiously) in the universe. We have excitement in every place but the church—here quiet, sometimes dullness and indolence, reign supreme. We are too much afraid of excitement.
The Power of Forgiveness
A WISE man thinks none his superior who has done him an injury, for he has it then in his power to make himself superior to the other by forgiving him.
Great Actions Are for Us All
GREAT men and great institutions may be beyond the most of us, but great actions are for us all.
Wisconsin.
By Ole Andres Olsen
Since I last reported, I have been trying to work for the Lord.
May 14, in company with Bro. Matteson, went to Plum Creek, Trempeleau Co., Wis. Continued meetings there until the 27th. The Lord blessed in these meetings. A church of twelve members was organized, and S. B. pledged to the amount of $45.00 per year.
The 28th, we came together to Maiden Rock. Commenced meetings the 30th. Continued until June 8. The meetings were held in several places in the vicinity and were partly in English and partly in Danish. Good interest was manifested among the outsiders to hear. Thirteen were baptized. We realized the blessing of God in these meetings. I felt thankful to God for the privilege of being with Bro. Matteson awhile.
June 8, we parted, he going to River Falls and I to return to Plum Creek. On my way there, held a meeting at Bro. Nelson's. Spoke to some Norwegians and Swedes. Bro. Phelps was having a course of meetings. They manifested some interest.
June 12, 13, at Plum Creek. Held five meetings. Baptized five. Here we celebrated the ordinances for the first time in this place. We all felt that the Lord was near, and his Spirit made our hearts tender. May God's blessing ever be with these dear friends, and it will be if they are only faithful in their duties.
The 15th, came to Lodi to help prepare the camp-ground. We realized much of the blessing of God at our camp-meeting. The solemn truths there presented are of great importance to me. It is the earnest desire of my heart to profit by them. It was very encouraging to hear of the progress of the work on the Pacific Coast.
The 25th, returned home. Held two Sabbath meetings with the church, also one quarterly meeting.
July 9, came to Riceland, Minn. From the 11th to the 18th, held eleven meetings. The 17th, Bro. Grant joined me. The Lord gave freedom in trying to speak to the people. We felt the Lord was near. There has been some discouragement here, but there seemed to be a disposition to work for harmony and union. Three united with the church, one to be baptized.
I am now on my way to Wells in company with Bro. Grant. O. A. OLSEN.
Medford, Minn., July 21.
Kankakee City, Illinois.
By R. F. Andrews; D. T. Bourdeau; Adam Rudd
We pitched our tent in this city last Thursday, the 23d inst. We had but few out to hear us at first, though we had spared no pains in advertising by scattering handbills. But our congregations have been increasing, and with an increase of numbers we see a corresponding interest. This is a beautiful city, with about six thousand inhabitants and thirteen churches. We are advertising our meetings in three English journals and one French paper. Thus far the interest seems to be confined to Americans. There are many German Protestants here. How we need tracts and missionaries for those of other languages! What the results of this meeting will be the future will tell. Some things are against us here. One is stump speeches delivered by a non-resurrectionist from the court-house steps about two years since; and the speaker did not pray in his meetings. Also a camp-meeting will be held three miles from this city in about two weeks. God must work if anything is done. We lean upon him. Pray for us.
R. F. ANDREWS,
D. T. BOURDEAU,
ADAM RUDD.
The First Angel’s Message in Sweden.
By P. Palmblad
As opportunity is given me, being less learned, to impart to my American friends and others some knowledge of this message in my native country, I write to Bro. Carlstedt in Swedish, who will translate into English what I have seen and experienced. As near as I can remember, it commenced in the fall of 1842 and continued through the winter of 1843. The first I heard of it was in the parish of Falseryd, where a little girl commenced to preach. In Sweden there was not liberty as in this country to preach, for all must belong to the Lutheran church; and if any one saw otherwise, he did not dare to reveal it, much less to try to teach others, or he would be fined or put in prison. Wherefore the Lord was pleased to use preaching through small children under age, whom the law of the State could not restrain, but who were permitted to speak freely and unmolested.
This continued about nine months. After that, it was declared by the authorities to be a disease, and they were compelled to take medicine. Some children were brought to the hospitals to be cured; but they could not stop their mouths, for they preached as long as God chose to use them as witnesses. God permitted also the weather to be uncommonly favorable that winter. We used to have very much snow other winters, but this was only cold enough to freeze up the different marshes, lakes, and rivers, so that they could be traveled over as a highroad. And the people went in masses on sleighs and afoot, when this message was much spoken of, to the places where these preachers were, who mostly were poor cottagers, as I myself also was.
After this had continued a short time, and the wonderful preaching was noised around, my wife said to me that we must go and hear what this is and means. I answered that I could not well afford to lose my time, as we would not then have enough to live on. “I know that well,” was the answer, “but what if we now stay here at home and the Judgment comes over us, when the Lord has been pleased to declare it beforehand?” I answered, “the Judgment has God declared to us in the Bible, but about the time he has said, ‘that hour and day knoweth no one.’ I think it is hidden, but if you will go, I will go along.”
This time it was a girl about six or eight years old, speaking in a cottage. We had only about three miles and a half (English) to go. I said to my wife that I could soon find out whether it was in accordance with the Bible or not. When we came to the cottage, it was filled with people. The little girl went around among the people, who asked her questions, which she answered as a child usually does. More people were flocking in, till the house was surrounded by a great number. When the last had arrived, her behavior was changed entirely, both in boldness and motions, which clearly indicated that she was moved by an invisible power, and not her own natural gifts.
She commenced to speak with a voice quite different from her usual sound, and said, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come.” After that, she continued to reprove sins, as drinking, theft, adultery, swearing, backbiting, and church-goers for visiting church with worldly business in view, instead of listening to God’s word and conforming their lives according to it. Her voice and words while speaking were so impressive that I thought the hair on my head was standing on end. Many were weeping and sighing. They were told time was given them to repent, but they must do it directly and not postpone. Many drunkards became sober men; thieves returned their stolen goods, and confessed; forgiveness was asked for wrong done, and a great awakening commenced among the people, which no preacher with learning and great gifts could have occasioned.
We went home with stricken and trembling hearts. I must take to the Bible, said I, which I thought I had studied so much, but which I had now to search a little deeper. I could hardly work the following week. I was a cabinet-maker by trade, and I stood at my bench, having the Bible on it, and as I worked, my thoughts were running on God’s word, and on the sharp reproofs and expositions of God’s word from a young and unlearned girl, who probably had not learned to read.
I used some time in studying and searching the Scriptures, and afterward another girl, in another cottage only one mile off, commenced preaching. I heard her several times. Her behavior and voice were just like the first one’s; but I soon got used to them and was not so much moved as at first. The reading of the Bible, and my desire for more wisdom to understand its teachings and what this meant, gave me quiet and power to rule my feelings. I Thess. 5:16-24, were especially good for me. The words, “Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good,” were for me a settled foundation to build on, and which has supported me ever since and given me more light in the hidden things of the Bible, until the light of the third angel’s message, which is now being preached to the inhabitants of the earth, has enlightened many, among whom I, by God’s grace, am one.
P. PALMBLAD.
Laporte, Ind.
VICTORY AHEAD.
By W. H. Blaisdell
AIR.—“The Faithful Sentinel.”
Beyond earth’s temptations and trials and conflicts,
Beyond the dark clouds that encircle us here,
We’ll meet in the kingdom with Jesus our Saviour,
His glorious presence forever to share.
Though dark is the way, and the perils are thickening,
Yet trusting in Jesus, securely we stand;
For he is our leader, he’ll never forsake us,
But bring us off conquerors safe to his land.
We’ll gird on our armor, all ready for battle,
The foe is before us, his numbers are strong;
He’s rallying his hordes to the last final combat,
The fight will be fearful, but ’twill not be long.
“The sword of the Spirit,” our weapon in warfare,
We’ll wield when the enemy comes on by storm,
While the “armor” prepared to defend us in battle,
Will surely protect us from danger and harm.
We’ll obey all the orders of Jesus our leader,
We’ll stand by the banner that’s stained with his blood;
The victory we’ll gain, all our foes will be vanquished,
Triumphant we’ll enter the city of God.
W. H. BLAISDELL.
New Hampshire.
By P. C. Rodman
From June 11 to 29, was in Woodstock and Campton, N. H. Held quite a number of meetings in each place, which resulted in strengthening those in the truth and leading others to be more favorable to the truth. One decided to take the Bible for her guide, and another decided to leave off tobacco, and wholly follow the Lord. We hope others there will obey all the truth, and believe they will if those already identified with the third message live in keeping with their faith.
In Campton, those in the message expressed themselves strengthened and comforted. There is strong opposition in Campton, but if the few there will hold fast and take a straight-forward course, we believe there are others that will yet embrace the truth who are already more than half persuaded to do so. The church there desire to come under the watchcare of the N. E. Conference.
We are now in Ipswich, Mass., and have the tent pitched. Have given thirteen lectures. Some appear interested, and we hope to see some embrace the truths for this time and keep all the commandments of God. We mean to do the best we can, and we request an interest in your prayers, dear brethren, that God may be honored in the salvation of souls. P. C. Rodman.
Ipswich, Mass., July 21, 1874.
Dowagiac, Mich.
By C. A. Russell; M. B. Miller
We pitched our tent and commenced meetings in this place, Tuesday evening, June 30. The outlook was not at all encouraging. As harvesting was just commencing, we thought it doubtful about getting a hearing in a small country town during the hurrying season. This is a place of about twenty-five hundred inhabitants; has been called the worst town on the Mich. Central R. R. Drunkenness has prevailed here to an alarming extent. There are four churches represented here: the Methodist, Baptist, Congregationalist, and Universalist; the latter being much the largest, most wealthy, and influential. Spiritualism has also a large number of adherents.
At the time we commenced meetings the temperance movement was at its height. Arrests, prosecutions, mass-meetings, &c., occurred about every day, the excitement necessarily being great. But the courage of the crusaders has somewhat flagged, and the saloons are again in full blast.
A few years ago, Elds. Himes, Mansfield, and others, held meetings here, and the people seemed to anticipate, as they thought, what they would hear, and quite generally kept away from our meetings. A few, however, have attended, manifested a deep interest, and four or five commenced to keep the Sabbath, all heads of families and persons of moral worth. A few others are interested who we hope will take their stand for the truth. Much depends upon the course of those living in the vicinity who already profess the truth.
We take down our tent this week, but one of us will remain over next Sabbath. The Baptists have kindly granted us their house for that day. The few brethren living four or five miles out of town will hereafter meet here where regular Sabbath meetings will be held.
C. A. RUSSELL,
M. B. MILLER.
Dowagiac, July 28, 1874.
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
By A. H. Hall
We held our monthly meeting in West Pitcairn the second Sabbath in June. Six came ten miles from the town of Fowler, where H. H. Wilcox had labored. We had five meetings. We have met with them once in two weeks for the last two months. The result is that seven are keeping the Sabbath there now. A. H. HALL.
Madrid Springs, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
A Brother Keeps the Sabbath
A BROTHER writes from Frankfort, N. Y., that he knew nothing about the doctrines of S. D. Adventists till last spring, when some reading matter was placed in his hands. He has never heard any of our preachers, but has been searching for truth, and is unable to harmonize any other teaching with the Bible. He is now keeping the Sabbath regardless of the opposition of the people.
Good Interest at Beloit
Bro. C. H. Chaffee writes from the North-west Kansas tent, now pitched at Beloit, Kan., a beautiful little town of about 400 inhabitants, mostly non-professors, that there is a good interest there, and they have hope of some fruit of their effort.
Is it the Spirit of Christ?
[The following communication, which has been translated for the REVIEW from our Swedish monthly, the Swensk Advent Herald, shows how the spirit of bigotry and persecution still reigns among some classes of people, and what a battle the truth will have to fight among the Swedes in this country. Let us give the mission our cordial support.]
The Swedish, Methodist ministers in Minnesota considered, at a Conference held at St. Paul in April, 1873, a question concerning what position they as a church should take toward S. D. Adventists. It was decided that they should to the utmost oppose them; and, in order to make it as positive as possible, they classed Adventists among free-thinkers, i. e., deists. This summer, they have, at their camp-meetings, fully carried out the decision of the Conference.
From Chicago Lake, we learn that a few Adventists visited their camp-meeting, where they first heard from the most noted among the ministers a general order to the people that no one should speak a word to any Adventist. When the Adventists understood that such fear was controlling the people, who, for something over a year before, walked with them, hand in hand, in the same faith, they decided to converse with such as dared to enter into conversation with them.
When the ministers noticed this, they came in greatest haste to separate the persons conversing, and threatened to arrest the Adventists if they opened their mouths to any of their people—and that within two miles of the place of meeting. One Adventist was in this way separated from his own sister.
Here in Meeker Co., at Swede Grove, where I, my wife, and some of our neighbors, visited the Swedish Methodist Camp-meeting, we witnessed the same as above-mentioned. There was one Advent sister who distributed a few tracts to different persons, and when the leading minister, Mr. G., saw this, he rushed forward in the greatest haste, snatched the tracts from the hands of the woman, and from all those he saw who had tracts in their hands, and afterward committed them all to the flames.
When this was done, I desired to say a few words, but the foreman of the camp-meeting announced, “If you say a word, four policemen will come and arrest you within ten minutes.” P. E. HANSON.
Litchfield Minn.
Faith and Works
It was an unhappy division that has been made between faith and works. Though in my intellect I may divide them, just as in the candle I know there is both light and heat, but yet put out the candle, and they are both gone; one remains not without the other; so it is between faith and works.
Tent Meeting at Dryden, Mich.
By D. H. Lamson; J. O. Corliss
DRYDEN is a small village in Lapeer County. At this place we pitched our tent June 10, holding the first meeting the evening of the following day. Circumstances have been favorable from that time until the present. Have failed to have meeting but one evening, on the account of bad weather, for the six weeks that the meetings have continued. The interest is still unabated. The numbers that have attended have reached fully five hundred at times, and the attendance has been good at all times, though in the midst now of haying and harvest. There are but one or two families in the place that have not been to the tent, almost all prejudice both in town and country having given way. It is safe to say that three-fourths of all that come assent to the truths that have been spoken.
Have held in all to date fifty-four meetings, and sold about thirty dollars' worth of books. On the last two Sabbaths, three meetings were held each day, on the last of which not less than thirty made an open profession of faith in the truths presented, the Sabbath and all. We find by visiting many more who intend to move out in this work. Nearly all say that this place was never so stirred before. We are now doing what we can to build up the work, getting subscribers for the papers, &c. God has blessed, for which we praise his name. We expect to strike our tent on Monday next.