p. 182 | Review and Herald, Vol. 43, No. 23. (5/19/1874)

Visions and Prophecy.

By George Ide Butler

HAVE THEY BEEN MANIFESTED AMONG SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS?

(Continued.)

We next notice Paul's words in Eph. 4: 7–13. “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

Here the same subject of the gifts is under consideration. They were bestowed when he ascended, and are the same things that we have been investigating. The gifts mentioned in this testimony are five in number, viz., apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. He next states the object for which they were given, the perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, and the edifying of Christ’s body, the church. He next states the length of time they were to continue. “Till we all come into the unity of the faith.” These are all important points and have a great bearing upon the subject of our investigation.

We next inquire whether any of these gifts are generally recognized as being in existence at the present time. Evangelists are quite numerous. There are pastors in every church almost, and as to teachers, there is no lack of them. Indeed Paul says they should “heap to themselves teachers.” These all exist in our age. But how is it in regard to “prophets” or those who have “visions”? Our opponents tell us all these were confined to the apostolic age. This scripture plainly tells us they were given for the same purpose, and to continue the same time as the rest. Five classes of gifts were placed in the church to bring about certain objects. Who has the right to say that part of them were confined to the first age of the church while the rest were to continue till the close of time? Paul plainly teaches no such thing.

The moment we admit that a portion of these gifts were designed to continue, we are logically obliged to admit that all were designed to continue, when the proper conditions exist. Does not the body of Christ need edifying now? Do not the saints need perfecting in the nineteenth century? Never was there a more imperfect lot of saints than in our own time. Christ placed five classes of gifts in the church for the purpose of accomplishing these objects. We see the work needs to be accomplished as much as ever, and yet we are told that some of those gifts are not needed now. Did not our Saviour know what was necessary as well as our popular theologians? There is not a text of scripture that shows a portion of these gifts were to continue, while a portion were to be withdrawn.

We argue precisely the same in regard to the length of time they were to continue. The apostle says these gifts were bestowed “till we all come into the unity of the faith, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” “Till” is an adverb of time. It states the length of time a thing is to continue. The apostle Paul pointed forward from his own time into the future for this to be accomplished. In the fifth verse of this chapter he says there was “one Lord, one faith, one baptism,” in the Christian church when he wrote, while Christians of different sects claim some four or five baptisms now and several hundred faiths. If Paul looked forward into the future for the unity of the faith to be reached, most certainly we have not come to it yet. This scripture plainly shows the perpetuity of spiritual gifts till the close of earthly probation.

There is often a query raised upon this scripture: What about apostles? If you prove in this manner that prophets or those who have visions were designed of God to continue in the church, then the same line of argument will prove that apostles were. Very well, unless the argument can be shown to be defective, let it prove what it will. The common opinion is, that there were only just twelve apostles, and these were to be confined to the first age of the church. But the Bible plainly teaches the contrary.

The word apostle signifies “one sent with commands or a message.”—Greenfield. In the ministry of Christ, he saw fit to choose just twelve. But the office was not confined to just those persons originally chosen, for upon the apostasy of Judas, Matthias was set apart to fill the vacancy. “And the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Acts 1: 26. Neither was the office confined to just twelve, for Paul and Barnabas are expressly called apostles. They were first solemnly set apart to the work for which God had called them. Acts 13: 2. And as they went forward in this work, the inspired record says, “Which, when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes and ran in among the people,” &c. Acts 14: 14. Paul is many times called an apostle. Christ himself is also called an apostle. “Consider the apostle and high priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.” Heb. 3: 1. And in the original, others are called so. “Yet I supposed it necessary to send unto you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger.” Phil. 2: 25. The word messenger in the original is “apostolos,” the very word from which apostle is translated. Paul therefore called him an apostle. When Titus, and the “brother whose praise was in all the churches,” and others, were sent to Corinth to attend to things there, Paul speaks of them as follows: “Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow-helper concerning you; or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.” 2 Cor. 8: 23. Read connection. In the Greek, the word messenger is the one from which the word apostle is always translated. Paul associates Silvanus and Timotheus with himself, in writing the first epistle to the Thessalonians, and expressly calls them apostles. “Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have used authority [margin] as the apostles of Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess. 2: 6.

From these plain facts, it will readily be seen there is no warrant for confining this office to just those twelve persons originally chosen. As the term signifies “one sent with a message,” it seems properly to refer to those specially raised up, and sent out by the providence or Spirit of God, to act a leading part in his work. It is evidently the highest office in the church, for in Paul’s enumeration of the gifts, he says, “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” 1 Cor. 12: 28. When he says, “first apostles,” he must refer to authority or position. Neither is there any intimation that these were designed to continue only for a brief period. On the contrary, the connection plainly intimates they were designed to continue with the church. And in Eph. 4: 11, Paul expressly states that apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists, and teachers, were placed in the church for the same object, and to continue the same length of time.

It is also objected that the word “prophets” used in this scripture does not necessarily mean any more than one who teaches, or speaks to edification. We reply that it could not be used in this scripture in that sense, for then it would mean just the same as the word “teachers,” which is used in the same verse. That would be simply tautology.

We have before shown that a prophet is one who has visions. “If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision.” It seems plain that this objection is of no force, and that the apostle in classing “prophets” among those gifts given to the church meant those supernaturally endowed. The original word used here is “prophets” which is defined by Mr. Greenfield to mean in the New Testament “a prophet, a person divinely inspired, to whom God reveals future things and events.” The word is used in a great many places in the New Testament and never is it applied to a person unless speaking under the impulse of a supernatural power. When a false prophet is spoken of, it may refer to those pretending to a supernatural influence, but then it is generally applied to those acting under a Satanic influence. But the true prophet, such as is mentioned in the text, is always one divinely inspired. And this inspiration, as we have seen, comes through vision, and Paul in this scripture teaches that it is one of the gifts which was designed of God to be perpetuated in the church till probation closes, when the proper conditions exist.

We next call attention to 1 Cor. 12 and 13. The apostle begins by saying, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.” Then the subject is not one of small importance. Spiritual gifts were not to continue merely a brief period. They were worthy of a lengthy notice in the canon of inspiration, designed for the universal church till time should close. Paul continues in verse 4: “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” He teaches, then, in the plainest terms that the one Spirit promised by the Saviour to his people, which fell in such power on the day of Pentecost, was the agency through which every one of these gifts was manifested. This will be very plainly evident as we proceed. Verse 7 and onward: “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another, the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another, faith by the same Spirit; to another, the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another, the working of miracles; to another, prophecy; to another, discerning of spirits; to another, divers kinds of tongues; to another, the interpretation of tongues. But all these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”

This scripture is sometimes quoted by spiritualists as favoring their blasphemy and demonology. They could not quote a more unfortunate passage in the whole Bible. For, instead of speaking of spirits (plural) of dead men, which are supposed to cause the manifestations of spiritualism, the apostle emphatically states that the one Spirit of God is the author of the gifts here mentioned. Every miracle brought to view in the Bible, every prophecy spoken, was through the agency of the Holy Spirit. Every manifestation of this Spirit, whether in the conversion of a soul to God or in raising a dead man to life, is a supernatural manifestation, outside of, and beyond, human power. They are miraculous to all intents and purposes. These only differ in degree. When a man denies the existence of spiritual gifts this side of the question, to be consistent he should deny the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in these days; for that is the very agent through which all the gifts are brought to man. If the agent through which these have been wrought is admitted to be still among men, and operating upon them, how can we deny that it may produce the same result that it did formerly when the proper conditions are met? This agent has not grown weaker with years, has it?

The Christian world virtually admits that some of these gifts yet exist in the church. Whenever the minister is to preach, he first bows down and pleads with God for wisdom to present his truth aright. He asks for knowledge of the divine word. He pleads for more living faith in his own heart and those of his people. Either he is mocking God with empty words, and has no expectation that he will hear him, or he believes the Holy Spirit will make impressions upon his heart and their hearts. In doing this, then, he admits that the Spirit does work a supernatural effect above human power, and that three, at least, of these gifts are measurably in exercise in our day. Thus he acknowledges that the gift of wisdom, the gift of knowledge, and the gift of faith, are still in the church.

But what about the gift of prophecy which was to come by the agency of the same Spirit? That was confined, it is said, to the apostolic age. What authority has any man from the Bible to thus draw a distinction between these gifts, and say that some are perpetuated in the church till the present time while some were taken from it eighteen centuries ago? There is not a single word of Scripture that conveys such a thought. The moment we admit that a part of these continue, we are logically compelled to admit that the others may continue when the proper conditions are met. The only reasonable way to escape this conclusion is to deny the operations of the Spirit altogether.

After comparing the body of Christ with the human system, the apostle notices this subject of spiritual gifts further as follows: verse 28: “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”

All Christians admit that the church was fully organized when the apostle wrote these words, and we have no intimations in the Scriptures that it was the design of God to change its internal arrangement till the end of time. Christ instituted the very order of things he wished to continue till the end. In the passage above quoted, the apostle tells us that God “set” or placed these several gifts in the church. Among these are found several miraculous powers. They were placed in the church. Where is there any record of their being taken out of it? There is no evidence of their being placed there merely for a limited time, but the language plainly shows this was God’s permanent arrangement for his church. Among these gifts “prophets,” or those who have visions, are included. All denominations must admit that some of these were to continue. “Teachers” are mentioned, “governments” and “helps” are spoken of. We could not get along without these. Every church has them. Part of these gifts, then, are perpetual. When we admit that, we virtually admit the perpetuity of spiritual gifts. No man is authorized by the Bible to divide between these, and say a part were to continue, and a part were to terminate with the apostolic age. God placed them all in the church. Who shall take them out?

Says the objector, Why, then, are they not now seen manifested? How did they get out of the church? We answer, They got out just as the Sabbath of the Lord did. When the church apostatized so far that it put the commandments of men in place of the commandments of God, and set up a heathen institution in place of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, then the Lord withdrew his Spirit in a large measure from the church, and these gifts were not all manifested. The man of sin is responsible for this apostasy. God could not consistently bless those who chose the traditions of men in place of his own holy law.

The “mystery of iniquity” began to work in Paul’s day, and was developed more and more until there was scarcely a semblance of similarity between that which called itself Christianity and the church as established by Christ and his apostles. The former was a miserable compound of heathenism and Christianity, in which the former so largely preponderated that the result was little less than a counterfeit. The humble religion of Jesus of Nazareth became merged into proud and haughty Catholicism. In this age of the church there was but little spiritual life, and the gifts were not seen manifested.

As has been clearly shown by Mr. Wesley and others, miraculous powers were often seen in operation in the first and second centuries. And since the Reformation, when Christians have most nearly approached primitive purity and devotion, these powers have been seen in limited exercise. There are many illustrations of this statement in early Methodism and in other churches when most devoted. See pamphlet called “Miraculous Powers,” published at the REVIEW AND HERALD Office, Battle Creek, Mich.

Having shown that these gifts went largely out of the church just as soon as some of the commandments of God were trampled upon, we should reasonably expect when those were once more observed, and the church should seek God devoutly, that these gifts would be seen again. This we believe and will prove to be true at the proper time.

The apostle continues, in the last verse of chap. 12: “But covet earnestly the best gifts. And yet show I unto you a more excellent way.” This shows certainly that these gifts were something to be greatly desired. But, says the objector, there was something more excellent than these gifts, and the apostle shows that the time was coming when prophecy would cease. We readily grant that that love which suffereth long and is kind, which envieth not, and rejoiceth in the truth, which beareth all things, and endureth all things, is a grace of more importance than all others; that we must possess this precious grace or all our profession of religion will be of no avail. But because love is valuable, this does not prove the other to be worthless; for Paul tells us expressly to desire it.

We admit also that the time will come when prophecies will cease, and when there will be no necessity for the manifestation of spiritual gifts. The whole question to settle is when they were designed to terminate. Let the apostle settle this. Chap. 13: 8: “Charity never faileth; but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face; now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.”

We are very glad that the apostle speaks so explicitly in regard to the time when these gifts were to cease. He says they shall cease. We believe his statement. When will they cease? He says, “When that which is perfect is come,” that which is in part, viz., prophecies, tongues, &c., shall be done away. Have we reached the perfect state yet? Is our age, with its multitude of sects, its schisms, divisions, and apostasies, the “perfect” when compared with the apostolic? We think not. That perfect state of which the apostle speaks will come when death, and sin, and evil, and the curse, are abolished, and the faithful will enter upon their great reward. Then, indeed, we shall “see as we are seen, and know as we are known.” May God pity us if we have reached the perfect state. Here we see grave-yards and funeral trains, exhibitions of mad passion and every kind of iniquity. These last days are described by this same apostle to be of special peril. Certainly, then, we must look to the future for the perfect state. We are authorized, then, to expect “prophecies” or visions still when the conditions are met and it shall be for God’s glory to give them. The time has not come when they were to cease. This text is absolutely decisive upon this point of the perpetuity of spiritual gifts in the church. We may still “desire spiritual gifts” and that “we may prophesy.” Paul in this scripture has told us that God hath “set” or placed these gifts in his church, and that they are to be done away when “that which is perfect” has come, and when “we see as we are seen, and know as we are known.” If they are done away then, they certainly had not been before.

GEO. I. BUTLER.

(To be Continued.)

The Goodness of God.

By Jos. Clarke

“O! how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee.” Ps. 31: 19. The goodness of God is a subject to which there is no limit. While the murmurer is murmuring against God, his goodness continues on, like the ocean waves, forever and forever.

Sin has blighted man's fair domain, Satan has erected his throne in the midst of Adam's beautiful inheritance, and the once noble race of man, has fallen almost as low as the rebel angels, and everywhere God is blasphemed; but above the confusion, the war and the carnage, above the wail of sorrow, and want, and woe, and pain, we hear the ceaseless song of nature, everywhere singing in sweet harmony, with her countless voices, God is good.

At the creation of the universe, the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy; but when man fell, their harps were hushed in sorrow for a time. Again, as the plan of redemption was published, the song of angels was resumed, and in more joyous strains, and with nature they echoed the rapturous song, God is good.

We may be burdened each with his little load of care, regret, and anxiety, we may be tossed upon the ocean of apparent uncertainty, where life is expiring all around us, and our little barks may seem frail and dangerous, yet if we make God our refuge, we too shall join the angels' song, and cry with rapture, God is good. Jos. Clarke.

Letter from Denmark.

By N. S. MÆLKJØR; John Matteson

Yesterday I came home from a long journey and was much rejoiced to find the Advent Tidende for March; for this journal is very precious to me and full of blessings. It contains such valuable doctrines and at the same time uses every opportunity to warn against sin, to point out the necessity of thorough repentance and of living faith and a holy life, that we may prepare for the coming kingdom. Especially have I become interested in seeing that the principal burden of this journal is to present the holy commandments of God unchanged, the Sabbath with the rest. I discover that we have long wandered in darkness relative to this important subject. Alas! how we have abused and disregarded the precious law of God in exchanging his commandments for the doctrines of men.

The Lord be praised that he has borne with my ignorance and unbelief so long and not cast me away, but has at last given me an opportunity to learn his holy will. It is now clear before me as the sun at noonday, that the great Creator himself has blessed the seventh day and appointed it to be the Sabbath for his people throughout all generations; and that the Scriptures nowhere teach that God has changed, much less abolished, his holy Sabbath. Since the beginning of this year, I have therefore remembered the Sabbath day to keep it holy.

I am also much rejoiced to see that God's waiting people scatter so much light on the prophecies. The nearness of the second advent of our Saviour cheers my heart, strengthens my faith, increases my love, and quickens the blessed hope. Your zealous labor to scatter rays of light on this important subject has supplied a want in our midst which has been long felt. My Baptist brethren very seldom touch this important subject. It is well known that they pass by the prophecies, and especially the Revelation, in a certain cautious way, as though they were afraid to be burned. And I speak nothing but the truth when I affirm that I have learned more concerning the meaning and fulfillment of the prophecies from a few copies of Advent Tidende (only eight numbers), than from eighteen volumes of Den Danske Evangelist (the Danish Baptist monthly).

I am no longer a member of the Baptist church, but think, by what I have learned from your publication, that I have fellowship with my dear brethren beyond the great ocean. I desire to obtain a good supply of all your Danish publications, and also some Swedish, to sell and scatter in this country. I will send the pay as soon as they are sold if you can wait so long. With much love, I remain your brother in Christ. N. S. MÆLKJØR. April 4, 1874.

The writer of this letter has been an active preacher and colporter among the Baptists in Denmark for many years. I am acquainted with many of his friends in this country, who testify that he is a talented and pious man. I have corresponded with him for some time past, and find that he understands the Danish language well and is a good penman. Our Danish brethren in Neenah have sent him books and tracts to the amount of $5.00 to commence with. I have learned of two other families in Denmark who have recently embraced the Sabbath. One of them worked on the public highway, and had to give up his employment in order to keep the Sabbath. This is no small thing in that country, where thousands of the laboring class work hard, and yet they cannot supply their families with sufficient food. Nevertheless, the Lord will take care of his people, bless his truth, and move his own cause forward to prepare a people for the coming of the Lord. J. MATTESON.

Among the French in Kankakee Co., Ill.

By D. T. Bourdeau

At the date of my last report, I was speaking to large audiences in the First Presbyterian church in this place, which I had consented to occupy at the repeated request of two trustees and one of the local elders. I spoke in this church for over a week, and had appointments out for all this week, and over next Sunday. But last Tuesday night, at the close of my discourse, and after the people had left, the preacher called the local elders, the deacons, and myself aside, and informed me that I could occupy the house no longer. The reason assigned was a fear of division and of seeing another church raised up in the place.

The preacher said I had not taken advantage of the liberty granted me to work against their church, and that all had been pleased and interested. I replied that I had left my hall reluctantly and at their urgent request; that I had come to unite the people on the message of Christ's near coming, and preach a thorough preparation to meet him; that this message was as timely as was that of John the Baptist at the first advent, and was world-wide in its application, and was not sectarian, i. e., of a nature to build up a party or sect for personal aggrandizement, and at the exclusion and sacrifice of truth, etc. I then asked the privilege of speaking in the church once more, not to disappoint the people, who expected to hear me the next night on the subject of the Restitution, and that I might appoint for the hall. This privilege was refused me. Of course my congregation was small the next night, and the prospect seemed dark. But there has been a strong reaction in our favor with our friends, and I spoke to a fair audience last night. God helped. A number wept.

It is now a very busy season, and my health has been feeble this spring. But I wish to trust God more fully, do my duty, and leave the result with the Lord. I also expect some will obey the truth. Pray for us. D. T. BOURDEAU.

St. Anne, Ill., May 8, 1874.

Michigan.

By John Byington

SABBATH, April 18, I was with the church in Matherton. Two were baptized. Our meetings were interesting.

The 25th, I was at Oceana, in the school-house near Bro. Green's. Bro. West has removed, the meetings having been held at his house about three years. We had with them the Lord's supper.

May 2 and 3 were good days with the church in Wright. Early Sabbath morning, brethren came in from Ravenna, where a new church has been lately raised up, also from Walker where Bro. C. Russell has been laboring the last winter. From these new places brethren gave encouraging testimonies. The church in Wright are becoming more awake, and there have been several interesting conversions with them of late. On first-day, I baptized ten, and though I have age and infirmity to depress, I received no harm from going into the water. To God be all the praise for his great goodness to us. J. BYINGTON.

The True Missionary.

By H. F. Phelps

NOTWITHSTANDING several have spoken about this indispensable little sheet, I still have a desire to add my testimony. Four numbers have come to hand, been read and re-read, and some read the third time. It cost me just fifty cents. I have got my pay in full already—yes, more. It cannot be estimated in dollars and cents. I would not do, without it; I could not think of it; I had rather go without a meal now and then to pay for it. I am sorry to learn that its circulation is so small. Brethren, allow me to say to you that it really seems to me you have sustained a fearful loss. Many plead hard upon times—no means. Oh! that we had more love for the cause of truth. Oh! that it might be more than meat and drink to do the will of God. Do we realize the meaning of these words, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God”?

This paper is filled with words of truth—words of courage, of counsel, of instruction, words from the pens of those whose very souls are swallowed up in this glorious cause of truth. We, who have the last message of mercy to a dying world, we, who see the abyss, the fearful abyss to which this world is hastening, we, upon whom such fearful responsibilities rest, can poorly afford to lose any means by which we can become efficient laborers in the vineyard of our Master. Are we awake? I fear we are not. Yet all who do not receive and read the True Missionary are losing one of the means, and a very important one, to help us on, and show us what we can do, and where we can

lift to the most advantage. May God help us to awake.

“In God we put our trust, In him we know no fear, Come, saints, your heads lift up, And see redemption near.”

H. F. PHELPS.

Pine Island, Minn.

RESTS

By Mary A. Wiswell

“There is no music in a rest, But there is music's making;” For melody is best expressed By pause and re-awaking.

The skilled musician strikes the keys ; His sweet voice joins in singing ; He seeks not perfect harmonies In tones forever ringing ;

But marks the “rests” that lie between With pauses full and rounded ; And clearer where they intervene Succeeding notes are sounded.

God writes the music of our lives In strains of rare completeness ; From him the melody derives Whatever it has of sweetness.

The Grand Composer orders all According to his pleasure, And makes life's changes, great and small, Complete the rhythmic measure.

He writes it plainly—every line A tender benefaction ; And still we murmur and repine At “rests” of forced inaction.

Faith sees how, in His love sublime, With patience unabating, A loving Father marks the time Of all our weary waiting ;

And how our notes, made sweet and strong, Where discord cometh never, Shall swell at last the angel's song, Forever and forever.

—Mary A. Wiswell.

Bowling Green Village, Ohio.

By E. B. Lane

CLOSED meetings here April 5, 1874, after continuing about nine weeks. The attendance has been good, considering storms and muddy roads. About twenty have embraced the Sabbath since these meetings commenced. They have procured the Congregational church for their Sabbath meetings, and occasionally meet with the Bowling Green church about two and one-half miles from there. The two congregations make a large gathering and all take a deep interest in the work. At our last meeting in the village ninety-two testimonies were borne in seventy-three minutes.

The young people's prayer-meeting has met some discouragement, but is now prospering. At a recent one, about forty were present, and thirty-seven testimonies borne. God's blessing was with them, and his Holy Spirit theirs to encourage them.

E. B. LANE.

Sigourney, Iowa.

By R. M. Kilgore

MARCH 19–31, I spent with the church, and found the members much awakened by efforts they had put forth themselves, previous to this, in a series of prayer-meetings, and as a result of these efforts several were led to make a start in the service of God, and they also were prepared thereby to take advance steps themselves. While we endeavored to set before them duties of a practical nature, and the necessity of walking out on all the reforms connected with the message, we were encouraged to see a willingness to take that course which is so well calculated to separate the true child of God from the world. Here I was more convinced that the health and dress reforms sustained an inseparable relation to the third angel’s message.

The brethren and sisters were encouraged and strengthened by this effort, and were led to rejoice in witnessing another, a lawyer of the place, take his stand with the people of God.

The friends here will accept our thanks for their kindness to us during the sickness of myself and family. May God bless this church. R. M. KILGORE.

New Haven, Ohio.

By A. A. Hutchins

I COMMENCED meeting in New Haven, Huron Co., March 19, and closed May 3. Notwithstanding opposition from a large class of spiritualists, as well as from others, we were encouraged to see quite a number embrace the truth, who will meet regularly for worship. During these meetings I have often felt the blessing of God resting upon me, for which I feel to humble myself and be more faithful for the salvation of souls.

A. A. HUTCHINS.

New Haven, Ohio, May 5, 1874.

Tennessee.

By R. K. McCune

THE cause of present truth in this State is slowly spreading, and I very frequently hear from persons who fully acknowledge its claims, but are not altogether persuaded to live up to them. The tracts and papers circulated from our little band have waked up many sleeping Christians, but nearly all seem afraid to launch out without a preacher and meetings.

At this place (near Carter's Creek), the Christian minister has offered us his church to hold meetings in, and several have expressed a wish to hear a preacher and investigate the subject. This portion of the country is thickly settled, and I have no doubt but a course of lectures here would result in much good.

The little flock organized at Edgefield Junction, though somewhat scattered, are all holding on and battling with error as well as they know how.

Our prayer is that God in his mercy will soon send us a preacher for this State.

R. K. McCUNE.

Notes by the Way.

By H. F. Phelps

SCATTER the seed. Sow by the side of all waters. We cannot tell whether shall prosper this or that. When I was about to leave home I put a few tracts and papers in my satchel where I could easily get them, for I was quite sure I should find some good opportunities to give away a few, in a journey of fifty miles. I had gone but a little way when I was overtaken by a young man who asked me to ride. I accepted the offer. He proved to be a Norwegian of education and refinement, and a teacher of the English as well as his own language, but not a professor of religion. Little by little I introduced the truth. He listened with attention. Said he had heard of the Seventh-Day Adventists, and wished to learn something of them. We soon separated. I gave him a copy of the Advent Tidende. He said it was just what he would like to see. I also gave him a few tracts. He received them thankfully. While traveling in the stage, the conversation turned upon the six days of creation, so I gave a copy of “Geology and the Bible.” In Lake City, I left a copy of our papers and a few tracts on the reading table of the hotel, also left a few tracts in the public library. On board the boat while crossing the lake, the passengers read with apparent satisfaction, and a few tracts were taken. One lady subscribed for the Instructor, saying it was just what she wanted for her children.

In this way I tried to scatter a little seed. May the good Lord bless the effort, and may it spring up to bear fruit unto eternal life. One man remarked that he saw nothing objectionable, as yet, and would like to keep the REVIEW which I gave him permission to do. Little by little, and the work will be done.

H. F. PHELPS.

Maiden Rock, Wis.

Letter from England.

We have just received a letter from a young brother in England, from which we extract the following interesting particulars:

Two years ago I left England for America. After being there about nine months I was led by curiosity to inquire of one of the members of your church in Brookfield, N. Y., concerning your distinctive doctrines, when he offered some explanations and also lent me the book entitled “Which? Mortal or Immortal?”

I was converted among the Wesleyan Methodists in England, at the age of fourteen, with whom I remained a member until I went to America. I began to preach at the age of nineteen years (three years since), and continued the work in America, so that at the first I regarded the doctrine with something like horror. Notwithstanding I read the book and compared it with the word of God, and I need scarcely tell you that my former views received a thorough shaking.

I procured several of your minor publications upon the subject, and the consequence was that I fully and joyfully embraced it.

I fell sick, and one of the S. D. A. brethren practically manifested his charity by taking care of me and treating me as his own son in a land of strangers.

I had to return to England to recruit my health. Of course I did not leave my new-found truths behind me. However, I did not publicly avow them, but recommenced to preach among the Wesleyan Methodists. Eventually they requested me to offer myself, and they cordially recommended me at the last quarterly meeting of their circuit, for their ministry. I am now engaged as hired local preacher, and if I comply with the recommendation, I shall have to be examined in London next month by Rev. Morley Punshon. If I should pass that, I should be subjected to a literary one in July, and succeeding there, should have to go to the college for three years.

I have been endeavoring to conceal my views upon this subject for this long time, and have succeeded; but how can I violate my conscience when I am asked plainly to give my views upon it? And I am sure that I shall be; and the consequence will be that I shall be rejected, not only by the ministerial brethren, but I shall, I apprehend, be like Jesus when “they all forsook him and fled.” But if it is truth, God’s truth, I have no fear. I’ll dare to be true, daring not to be otherwise.

I have formed an acquaintance with the village schoolmaster. I lent him the books to read; he is convinced. If he should openly avow it he must forfeit his situation and future hopes in that line, as it is in connection with the Established Church. I also lent them to a local preacher in the village—a very intelligent man. He also is convinced. I went out to him one day while he was at work in his garden to tell him the dreadful feelings that had passed through my heart while reading on eternal torments in one of our popular systems of theology, and before I could fully state my case, he took the precedence and told how he had just before been constrained to leave his work and hide himself and weep upon the reflection of the endless torment of his fellow-creatures who should fail of the grace which he had received. I thought it something remarkable that such feelings should possess us both at the same time, unknown to each other. I lent him some of your other publications, and he told me last evening the reading of them made him feel that he knew nothing of Scriptures.

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