The Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 16.
IS THE END NEAR?Page 1
Earlier text: ANTINOMIANSINFLUENCE
By Robert F. Cottrell
Cast a pebble into the midst of a pond. A small portion of the water will at first be agitated; but the wave set in motion will spread over the surface till it reaches the shore in every direction. So it is with the influence we cast. A wrong action or position does not cease its effect at once, but its influence continues to be felt. We cannot tell how much harm may be done by one wrong act, small and unimportant as we may view it. Our influence should tell in favor of the cause and work of God. The gathering message is doing its work, to bring the remnant of the people of God into unity, and so prepare them for translation into the kingdom of God. The influence of believers in this truth should tell toward this object—the unity of the people and work of God. But when we fail of this, and set in motion a wave of influence subversive of this end, and tending to create and foster distrust and doubt, the evil done cannot be computed. The Judgment alone can reveal it. How careful then should we be, to do nothing against the work of God. And wherein we have erred, and exerted an evil influence, no time should be lost in taking measures to counteract it. We are naturally too slow to see and properly appreciate this. This has been the case with me. But I desire to confess my faults and clear my own soul. I intend by the help of God to give the weight of my influence, be it more or less, to the upbuilding of the cause of truth and unity. And I exhort all to do the same. Do you love the cause of God, and desire to aid in the work of salvation? Be in haste to correct your faults, counteract every evil influence, and take a decided position with the truth and work of God. The sooner this is done, the better and the more acceptable to God. Be entreated to leave your doubtful thoughts and make speedy and thorough work. LOCLE, SWITZERLAND.
By D. T. Bourdeau
Last week we reported that the willingness of the brethren in Locle to receive help, and their faithfulness in the missionary work, had led us to comply with their desire that we should give a brief course of lectures in Locle for the benefit of the public at large, before leaving for Bâle. We had thoroughly advertised, and as the result our hall was well filled. We have held meetings in Locle less than two weeks, and at least eight persons have decided to obey the truth. Among these is the first teacher of the college, the person I referred to in my last report. His good wife and one of his sisters have also taken their stand in favor of the commandments. We expect that others will obey, and that there will yet be a large church of Christian Sabbath-keepers in Locle. The prosperity of the cause in Europe will depend largely on publishing our works in the different languages. We rejoice in the prospect of a publishing house owned and controlled by our people, well supplied with presses, turning out the truth in all the languages of Europe by millions of pages, according to the plan of the General Conference. Will Bro. White soon join us in this important work, and give us the benefit of his experience? In many respects we have a harder field to labor in than we had in America, yet, from the reception we have met in Switzerland, we have formed a favorable opinion of the European people, and we cheerfully resolve to spend our energies and means to aid in pushing forward the cause of present truth among the French-speaking nations of Europe and Africa, till the Master shall release us. May we never bring disgrace upon the cause by a lack of consecration and by leaning to our own understanding. We desire to work in the order of God, and in harmony with the counsels of our brethren. Locle, Switzerland, March 27, 1876. THE GENERAL CONFERENCE.
By R. F. Cottrell
In spirit I was present, though not in person. I expected to be cheered by the report from it; and am not disappointed. It is truly cheering to one who has for more than twenty years been witnessing the rise and progress of this work, believing it to be the work of God in fulfillment of prophecy, to see the present aspect of the spread of the truth among “many peoples, and nations, and tongues,” and to see that our leading men are of good courage in devising means to carry forward the work in a manner to correspond with its magnitude, as it is opening before us in the providence of God. I am thankful that there is nothing to discourage those that have faith in God, and have the spirit of that unity, which the last gathering message so evidently requires. The humble believer will gladly hear and heed the watchword, Go forward. No honor can be greater than to be humble enough to engage heartily to build up this cause and take a part in it till its close. I ask for nothing higher than a humble share in this work; and I hope so to consecrate myself to God, that I may be endowed with power from the Spirit of God, to do the very work he would have me to do. My courage is good, my confidence in the work undiminished, and the sweet spirit of unity with the chosen servants of God brings peace and joy to my heart. R. F. COTTRELL. During the five years ending December, 1875, says the New York Times, there were two hundred and eighty-one homicides committed in the city of New York. Some of them were premeditated, many of them were unprovoked, and a large majority were utterly without palliation. Nevertheless, out of all this appalling number of man-killers, the perpetrators who suffered death were only seven. Only twenty-four were sent to prison for life. And reviewing this dreadful list, we discover that more than one-fourth of the criminals were never brought to trial at all. Some of them escape, and are never followed up and arrested. A few have ended their own worthless lives after they have committed crime, and more evade detection. These are in hiding to this day. Possibly some of them, variously disguised, return to their old haunts and live securely in the belief that “the thing has blown over.” God’s Desire Does Not Save All
If men perish, though God is not willing they should; if he wishes them to repent, and yet they do not; if he has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, and yet the wicked die;—then the simple fact that God desires the salvation of all men does not prove that all men will be saved. ROSSIE, N. Y.
By Henry H. Wilcox
Came to this town in November, and commenced a series of meetings. Labored mostly in two school-districts. From twenty-five to one hundred and twenty were in attendance. The desire to hear the word increased until the interest became very general. Have met with but little opposition. One Methodist minister in my absence gave out that he would prove from the Bible that Sunday is the Christian Sabbath, or he would step down from his high position as a Christian minister. Before my return he made the attempt. A friend took notes, and I reviewed him with good liberty. His effort was a failure. The people generally think he has stepped down; for, up to the time of my leaving, he had not filled an appointment, giving us the entire field. Honorable people, not a few, believe we have the truth. Hope they will obey before it is too late. Nine or ten expressed a determination to keep the Sabbath. Have sold a few dollars' worth of books. Received twenty subscribers for our periodicals. Bro. A. H. Hall was with me one week, and assisted in speaking and visiting. Eld. B. L. Whitney visited the place and preached three times. Shall return to them again as soon as the roads become settled. OHIO T. & M. STATE QUARTERLY MEETING.
By H. A. St. John; M. E. Underwood
The Ohio Tract and Missionary Society held its second quarterly meeting for the present year with the church at Clyde, April 1 and 2, 1876. Meetings of Friday evening and Sabbath were solemn and profitable. The evening following the Sabbath was spent in considering matters pertaining to the interests of the T. & M. work. The reporting system was explained by the President, who spoke of the importance of so studying the blanks, and considering our duty to God and our fellow-men, that we would put forth an effort to fill them each quarter. System and promptness in donating quarterly for the support and advancement of this work was recommended, and (I think) favorably considered by those present, as an opportunity to present offerings to the Lord, and a wise precaution to avoid the necessity of making heavy pledges from time to time to meet emergencies. Let all our brethren and sisters who are members of the T. & M. Society carefully guard the dimes and dollars, during each quarter, keeping in mind the item, “By Donations,” found on each blank. Let our T. & M. treasury be well filled by the quarterly sacrifices and offerings of those who love this good work. And while we keep in mind this item, and labor to bring our offerings to the Lord quarterly, let us remember that every other item that constitutes our blanks should share our attention, and be filled every time so far as possible. Business meeting of T. & M. Society convened at the hall at 10:30 Sunday morning. Opening exercises as usual, after which the report of previous meeting was read and accepted, followed by the reading of reports from the various districts, which showed the following results:— No. of families visited, 436; No. of letters written, 218; No. of new subscribers for REVIEW, 16; INSTRUCTOR, 52; REFORMER, 18; SIGNS, 81; total, 167. No. of periodicals distributed, 953; No. of Almanacs, 1,340; tracts and pamphlets, pages, 145,006. The following is a statement of the membership, reports, and donations of the various districts:— | Districts |
Membership |
Reports |
Donations |
|---|
| District No. 1 |
16 |
16 |
16 |
| “ “ 2 |
37 |
18 |
18 |
| “ “ 3 |
30 |
20 |
7 |
| “ “ 4 |
61 |
38 |
23 |
| “ “ 5 |
68 |
40 |
30 |
| “ “ 6 |
16 |
16 |
3 |
It was voted that Ashland County be transferred from Dist. No. 2 to Dist. No. 4. Voted, That some person be appointed to write an essay to be read at our next quarterly meeting. Voted, That the State secretary write the essay for the next meeting, giving the rise and progress of the Society from its organization. Adjourned to call of President. THE TRACT WORK.
By Joseph Clarke
It is exceedingly interesting to note the progress of the third angel’s message from its rise to its present strength and power. It is nearly thirty years since Eld. James White, and a few associates, began the work of scattering the light upon the commandments of God and faith of Jesus. At that time, one person carried the weekly paper from the printing office to the post-office in a satchel; now, how great the work! It seems a clearly proven fact that Eld. White’s labors in this direction have been abundantly owned and blessed of God. We need not dwell upon this subject; the prosperous state of the Battle Creek and Oakland publishing houses attest the fact that God’s hand is in this work. But how shall these publications, prepared with such care and skill, find their way to all the world? Within the past few years the Tract Society has arisen, and the work of Eld. S. N. Haskell, and others, has been greatly blessed of God, in this direction. Some of us who have a long time been endeavoring to work in this cause, giving a tract here and a paper there, without any well-digested system, have a feeling as though our old way was good enough, and we do not like so well to keep a record of every little tract given away, and then report every three months. We are like some ancient warriors who preferred fighting on their own account, from behind a tree or a stump, as they could best manage it, and then retreat when they thought best to some other cover, from which they might contend in a skirmishing kind of way. But to make any headway against an organized foe, it is necessary to organize, and work in concert. We find system and127 order work wonders in any cause;—why not use these agencies in God’s good work? The Tract Society brings the good distributor in close brotherhood with the rich man who perhaps has not so good ability to distribute tracts; thus one furnishes means, and the other works in visiting and in distributing tracts. The Tract Society furnishes the printed page at wholesale prices, and, by its extensive influence and membership, scatters the light evenly over the world; and by the experience and ability of its leaders, it is able to instruct its members in the wisest ways of doing good. The man who works alone is more exposed to the enemy’s guns, and often he may spend much time and labor to no account, or at least may find his work nearly fruitless; but in association with the hosts of the Lord, he will find results to be victory and peace. All may work in harmony and union. The carnal mind is ever at cross-points with God; the new man is in harmony with the work of God. Let us then seek for a whole consecration of heart to his work. When shall I ever be at rest,
From sin and care set free?
When shall I join the good and blest,
Where none can trouble or molest,
And my Redeemer see? When shall I on Mount Zion stand,
A crown of life to wear,
And join that holy, happy band,
Whose tears are dried by God's own hand,
And dwell forever there? When He who is my life appears,
Descending from on high,
Then, freed from all my doubts and fears,
I'll reign with him a thousand years
In mansions in the sky. O weary heart, with care oppressed,
That morning soon will dawn;
He knows thy longing heart's behest
And he will give thee perfect rest,
When all thy work is done. Then, with the glorified above,
My thankful heart I'll raise
To Him who by his death did prove
He loved us with undying love
In songs of grateful praise. Berkshire Center, Vermont. CHATAUQUA CO., N. Y.
By R. F. Cottrell
Have commenced meetings in a field entirely new. Have had three meetings with good congregations and good interest. Have a home with Bro. and Sr. Carpenter, who were converted under Bro. Matteson's preaching in the West, something like two years ago, and soon returned to this their native place. I ask prayers for the success of this mission. My P. O. address is Watts Flats, Chatauqua Co., N. Y. SINCE I have been laboring in this part of the Province, and some have decided to obey the truth, many have expressed their desire that some one of the five preachers that hold meetings in this place and vicinity should make an effort to support the Sunday institution, either in giving some lectures on the subject in our hearing, or in having a public discussion with me on the Sabbath question. Many have thought for months that we might have the truth; but they kept back from obeying on the ground that they wanted to hear on both sides of the question. They could not get one of these ministers to meet us. The preachers were asked if they would be willing to converse with us on the subject at their own dwellings. Two of them said they would talk with us if we would call on them. I spent nearly a whole day with a Methodist preacher at his dwelling; I spoke much on the subject of the Sabbath, but he did not run the risk of saying a word upon it. The other preacher who agreed to visit with us was a Baptist. A friend went two miles with me to his house to hear us talk on the subject. But, lo! when we were there, though he was very free to talk on other subjects, I had to do all the talking on the Sabbath question. While an Adventist preacher was holding a meeting, and was palming off, at a high rate, his no-law and no-Sabbath views, I happened to go into his meeting just as he was saying in his sermon that our faith was such that we could only proselyte, and that we had no conversions of sinners. But as soon as he saw us he changed his tactics, and we heard nothing more from him about the law and Sabbath. At the close of his discourse, I met his misrepresentations against us, and spoke about thirty minutes on the two laws and the Sabbath, to counteract what he had said against our views. But the time has come—the people are all awake—they have found a debater. The preacher is coming to meet me next Sunday. I am not in favor of holding discussions; but the people demand it, and I have agreed to affirm that the seventh-day Sabbath of the fourth commandment is binding upon God's people in this dispensation by divine authority. The Bible alone will be the man of our counsel—our text-book. Pray God that he may give strength and wisdom in holding up and defending the truth. Knowlton, P. Q., April 4, 1876. COMMENCED meetings at Weister Creek in the United Brethren meeting-house on the 3d of March, and have continued four weeks. The weather and going were very unfavorable most of the time, yet our congregations were good and the interest increased all the time. Several families have already commenced keeping the Sabbath, and many others are convinced that what they have heard preached is the truth. As the roads are bad, I have closed my meetings indefinitely, except the Sabbath meetings. Will still meet with them on the Sabbath, and visit among the people till the roads settle, and then I will commence another series of meetings. This is a large, promising field. The people for miles around are nearly all Americans from Ohio, and seem to listen to the truth with much candor. I now expect to pitch the tent within a few miles of this place as soon as the weather is warm enough, as I think I see enough to do in this section to keep me busy till camp-meeting. My P. O. address, until further notice, will be Dell, Vernon Co., Wis. Have closed meetings at Farmer’s Valley. Twenty who were strangers to the Lord’s Sabbath before these meetings commenced have signed the covenant. Fourteen are heads of families; six are children. A Sabbath-school and meeting have been organized, in which a love, as well as a theory of the truth is manifest. Family altars are erected where the voice of prayer was never before heard. Notwithstanding the closeness of money twelve dollars were raised, without my knowledge, and presented to me, for which I extend the thanks of the Conference to the donors. A general interest is awakened, and calls are being made for miles around for a living minister to present this message. Surely the fields are ripe for the harvest. Sutton, Clay Co., Neb., April 2. EUREKA, KANSAS.
By Smith Sharp
Since my last report I have been following up the interest at Eureka and holding a few meetings at school-houses near; but as the weather has been very unfavorable, and the streams past fording, much of the time I could do but little. Bro. Stevens left to go to a new place as soon as we were through our public lectures, and although we had seen but little accomplished we felt that this was an important place, and we would be justifiable in spending more time in trying, if possible, to get a little company of Sabbath-keepers. Ten have commenced to keep the Sabbath since we came. These, with those that were keeping it near here, make sixteen that have signed the covenant, and pledged themselves to sustain meetings and Sabbath-school. The Disciples kindly granted us the use of their church building for all of our meetings, free of charge, and offer it for Sabbath meetings and at any other time when they are not using it. We have sold between $15 and $20 worth of books, obtained a few subscribers for the REVIEW and INSTRUCTOR, and left them with a promise to visit them again soon. I feel the deepest interest for the prosperity of the cause. During the past two months I have formed pleasant associations, which I trust may be renewed in the kingdom of God. Others will embrace the truth if those who represent it will do their whole duty and live near to God. Brethren and sisters, be faithful. SMITH SHARP. Bloomfield, Kan., April 6, 1876. [THE following letters were received by Bro. James Sawyer, of this Office, who translated them for the REVIEW.] WOLLSJÖ, SWEDEN, FEB. 7, 1876. DEAR BROTHER: I will state how your publications are received here. Some read them readily and acknowledge the truths which are taught in them, especially what pertains to the Sabbath. Farther than this they have not gone; yet I believe there will be fruits here in time. Have your people decided upon any one yet to come here? I met a teacher three weeks ago to-day who asked me if I was continuing to read the American papers. I answered heartily, Yes! He said he had obtained a letter from his brother in America, in which he warned him to take care of the false doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventists, for they intend to send a preacher to Sweden. You see there is nothing new under the sun. The old serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, keeps men in darkness. They are so drunken with the wine of fornication that it is almost impossible for them again to be made sober. They have covered themselves with a self-made vail of righteousness, which they neither can nor will take from their eyes. They have made a covenant with death, and with hell are they at agreement. Isa. 28:15. But what use of painting before you this scene? You knew it before. Let the peace of the Lord be with you.
J. E. DEAR BROTHER IN CHRIST: May God's peace be with you, and may he bless your work. His people shall be rewarded when the great Prince cometh. Some say, “My Lord delayeth his coming,” and are following their own imaginations. These are perilous days; for many profess to be servants of God, while they are hearers of the word only. They are deceiving themselves. When their attention is called to the commandments of God, the cry is: “We are not under the law, and if we are under the law then we lose Christ.” This is truly a time to put on all the armor. “If God be for us, who can be against us?” When the HAROLD was first sent us, it was said that it must be sent back again; for it was Antichrist. One, however, had courage to send for the paper when he found that it was free to the poor. I borrowed some of the papers, and after reading them awhile found that I stood on a wrong foundation in respect to God and his word. As soon as I became enlightened in regard to the commandments and obtained grace to accept the promises of God, my heart went out for others, that they might also receive the same light. There are now five families that meet on the Sabbath to read from the Bible, converse, and pray. We hope others will join us soon. I have great reason to thank God for the good which has been done by means of the HAROLD. One family in particular were sunk in darkness and indifference respecting God's word. I visited them a few times with the paper, and conversed with them. They are now happy, and the Bible and prayer are precious to them.
N. T. C. “BABYLON IS FALLEN.”
By JACOB WILBUR
I am more and more convinced that the popular time-serving churches of our day are mentioned prophetically in the Bible, and that the language found in Rev. 14:8, and placed at the head of this article is now emphatically true. Every child of God within the pale of such religious organizations should know it and “come out” as all are plainly told to do in chapter 18:4. The following extract, taken from the Gouverneur Times, published in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., is significant, showing how the churches with their ministers join in with the world in fun and frolic. At a spelling-school in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., “a committee of three ladies were chosen to decide who was the homeliest man—and their united decision placed the Rev. R. J——, D. D., of Richville, N. Y., in possession of the prize, whereupon he was named as a committee to pick out the handsomest woman. After passing once around the room, he put on his ‘spectacles’ and went again, amid the hearty laughter of all present, and the prettiest looks of many anticipating fair ones. “And true to the taste of all old men, the Dr. selected a young lady, and the exercises closed by a promenade between them. The Rev. Dr. representing one extreme, and his fair companion representing the other, walked side by side, making a pleasant and interesting finis.” I will only add that the Rev. D. D., mentioned above, opposed the work of proclaiming the “third message” last winter, and made a statement in public (on a funeral occasion when I was not at liberty to make any reply) that we had no Sabbath in this dispensation, and he could find a good many passages of Scripture where Sunday was called the Lord’s day. West Hoosick, N. Y., April 4, 1876. Scolding is mostly a habit. There is not much meaning to it. It is often the result of nervousness and an irritable condition of both mind and body. A person is tired, or annoyed at some trivial cause, and forthwith commences finding fault with everything and everybody in reach. Scolding is a habit very easily formed. It is astonishing how soon one who indulges in it at all becomes addicted to it and confirmed in it. It is an unreasoning and unreasonable habit. Persons who once get in the way of scolding always find something to scold about. If there is nothing else, they fall to scolding at the mere absence of anything to scold at. It is an extremely disagreeable habit. It is contagious. Once introduced into a family, it is pretty certain in a short time to affect all the members. People in the country more readily fall into the habit of scolding than people in town. Women contract the habit more frequently than men. This may be because they live more constantly in the house, in a confined and heated atmosphere, very trying to the nervous system and the health in general; and it may be, partly, that their natures are more susceptible and their sensitiveness more easily wounded. The proper remedy for the habit, if formed, is to experience an endowment of that divine love shed abroad in the new heart by the Holy Ghost, the characteristics of which are that it “is not easily provoked,” “thinketh no evil,” and “beareth all things.”—Bible Banner. THE DAY IS AT HAND.
By H. Bonar
My night is far spent, my day is at hand. The wilderness is nearly traversed; Canaan and Jerusalem are almost within my view; the summits of the everlasting hills are already appearing. What manner of person, then, ought I to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hastening unto the coming of the day of God! I must press forward; and so much the more as I see the day approaching; I must be consistent and heavenly-minded, so walking worthy of my calling, and setting my affections on things above. For what have I, who have a crown in prospect, a kingdom in reversion, to do with the vanities or pleasures of this poor and passing world? My eye is above; my treasure is in Heaven: shall not my heart be there also? If I am in Christ, I must seek to be like him, and to follow him more and more closely, as the night is hastening to an end, and the day about to break. If I am in sorrow, I shall call to mind that weeping endureth but for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. If I am in comfort, I must see that this prosperity which God has given me is making me a holier man, and a more self-denying worker for Him who loved me and washed me from my sins in his own blood. If I am poor, I shall rejoice that my day of wealth is just at hand. If I am rich, I shall take this gold which my Lord has given me, and lay it all at his beloved feet. Mine must be no half discipleship—no service of two masters—no divided heart. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. What remains of this brief life of mine must be given wholly to the Lord.—H. Bonar. QUARTERLY MEETING OF N. Y. & PA. T. & M. SOCIETY.
By B. L. WHITNEY; E. H. WHITNEY
This meeting was held at Ulysses, Potter Co., Pa., March 25 and 26. Owing to the circumstances, and the fact that the district in which the meeting was held is not centrally located, the attendance of directors was small, but all the districts furnished reports, and the attendance of the brethren in the locality was good. The following is the report of labor for the quarter:— Whole number of members reporting, 156; No. of families visited, 811; No. of letters written, 275; No. of new subscribers for REVIEW, 18; INSTRUCTOR, 122; REFORMER, 176; distribution of periodicals, 2620; pages of pamphlets and tracts distributed, 305,025; No. of copies of SIGNS subscribed for during the quarter, 540. Rec'd on membership, $4.00
“ by donations, 157.36
“ on book sales, 89.82
“ “ widow and orphan fund, 10.00
“ “ periodicals, 274.80
Total, $535.98 Quite a number of those to whom the VOICE was sent last year were reported as having subscribed for the REVIEW or the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and several were reported as having embraced the truth from reading the VOICE. A good degree of courage is manifested on the part of the members of the Society, and special efforts will be made during the coming quarter to increase the circulation of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES and REFORMER. B. L. WHITNEY, Pres.
E. H. WHITNEY, Sec. THE T. & M. LOOKING-GLASSES.
By H. A. St. JOHN
The demand for these, in Ohio, during the last three months has been quite good. Some districts in the State returned to the State quarterly meeting one of these “Reports of Labor” for every member of the Society in the district. This is just as it should be. When every member shall have learned to report quarterly, according to the rules of our organization, we shall then feel that one important step has been made in the direction of efficiency. One district that made no report at all the first quarter came forward nobly the second quarter, presenting a report from every member; and what was better still each report represented a donation; that is, every member made a donation. Every district was represented, and each did well. It seems to me that we cannot be otherwise than profited by a frequent examination of ourselves in the light of the T. & M. Looking-glass, and as we seat ourselves at the end of each three months before this mirror to make out our report of labor in the Lord’s vineyard, we do certainly bring three months of our life in review. Let the demand for these mirrors increase, and let each director see to it that each member has one upon which to represent his labor every quarter. We are much encouraged in the good work; for progress is manifest. H. A. St. JOHN. WALK IN THE LIGHT.
By Mary L. Brown
[The following article was written for “The Gleaner,” and read before our Tract and Missionary Society at Adams Center, N. Y. Mary L. Brown.] “Walk in the light, so shalt thou know
That fellowship of love,
His Spirit only can bestow,
Who reigns in light above.”
God calls upon us as his followers to walk in the light. As he is the light of the world, so are we the children of light if we walk in his footsteps; but if we follow not him, we become the children of darkness. And again, if “we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Oh, the unspeakable privilege of being cleansed from all sin! This preparation of heart will only be attained unto by overcoming everything unholy, impure, and wrong, in the sight of God; and we are able to do this by keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Shall not the thought of standing without fault before the throne of God inspire us cheerfully to suffer and toil in the work of overcoming? Is it not sufficient to make up for all our tears and trials? Let us remember, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things.” When we walk in the light and are keeping God’s commandments, we do not feel like standing still and doing nothing, but we have a desire to move forward, and feel we must make advancement in the work of the third angel’s message; and the more we work the more of the Spirit of God do we feel in our hearts. Each of us has some work to do. We cannot, as followers of Christ, remain with our hands folded and have the favor of God. The Tract and Missionary Society opens before all a means of doing good. The highest in rank may be approached (and perhaps with less offense than by any other method) by sending them a few tracts. The Holy Spirit can go with and bless the smallest effort for souls, and has often used the feeblest instruments for bringing about the most glorious results. May we all feel the worth of souls, and realize the shortness of time, each feeling anxious to do something that may benefit others and glorify God; then his blessing will surely follow; and if faithful unto the end, beauty and bliss untold and unending, shall be ours. ANOTHER WITNESS TO THE DARK DAY.
By J. M. Gallemore
The following item will most likely be of interest to the numerous readers of the Review:— In this county, and four or five miles from this place, lives a colored man, Joseph Gunn, who claims to have reached the ripe old age of 110 years—his age, as he says, being on record in the Bible of his old master who died long since. From the incidents that he is able to recollect, we presume he is not mistaken. He was born a slave to Thos. Foster, in Maryland Co., Va. He was taken from Va. to North Carolina, and brought from North Carolina to Missouri by Thos. Gunn, deceased, about fifty-four years ago. He says he has seen Gen. Washington often, and recollects many of the incidents of the Revolutionary war, being a good-sized boy at that time, large enough to carry water to the soldiers, as he claims to have done. He says he remembers the dark day very distinctly, being engaged in hauling wood from a clearing at the time, when it became so dark that he could not see his oxen. His impression was that the great day had come, and he hastened to the house where he found all the family of the same impression. He says it remained dark until late in the evening. He says he was also a witness to the falling stars, being at the time camped out on the way from North Carolina to Missouri. His master hearing a noise where the horses were fastened waked him up to go and see what caused it. He returned and told his master that the stars were all falling, and that the Judgment must be at hand. This old man claims that his physical powers are good with the exception of his eyesight, which is poor. He says he can walk several miles without tiring, and is able to work about the premises. He says he is a Methodist and was converted early in life. He seems to be of a very religious turn, and sensible in his conversation. Who knows but this old man may live to see the Saviour come? How earnest ought we to be in the work of giving the last warning message! Christianity and the Common Law
A Jewish rabbi of Chicago is anxious to have a legal settlement of the question, “Is Christianity a part of the common law of this country?” He has written a letter on the subject to the Albany Law Journal. He asks American jurists to investigate his question, to let Jewish citizens know how far the practical application of legal Christianity may possibly go, and to take proper steps for the abolition of the un-American principle of established Christianity. But whatever any lawyer may have told this Chicago rabbi, his question is one which he should not have been under the necessity of asking. He should have known, as an intelligent citizen, that the Christian religion forms no part of the common law, or of our legal system, any more than it does of our political legislation or constitutional system. There are men who desire the adoption of an ecclesiastical amendment to the Constitution making Christianity the recognized religion of the country. But the mere fact that such an amendment would disfranchise more than fifty thousand Jewish citizens and voters who must refuse to take the oath to support and maintain it, is itself conclusive evidence that it could not be adopted. The Jews are perfectly safe in the enjoyment of all their religious and political rights. Living Witnesses of God’s Saving Power
To every one man who reads the Bible, there are one hundred who read you and me. Remember that fact. We are known and read of all men, and if we would preserve God’s kingdom on earth we must become living witnesses of its power to save the world and to ennoble the hearts of sinful men. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” FELL asleep in Jesus, the 29th of March, 1876, at his father's residence in Washington, N. H., Bro. Albert F. Ball, aged twenty-seven years. His disease was consumption. At the time Bro. and Sr. White were at that place, eight years ago last February, he, with thirteen others, commenced to serve the Lord. Of this number three have now fallen asleep, and rest in hope. Bro. Albert has ever manifested that evenness of character which is so commendable in a Christian; also a willingness to bear such responsibilities as the providence of God indicated that he should. His last words to his mother were, “Be faithful.” He was asked when dying if all was well; he whispered: “All is well.” He leaves a wife and child to mourn their loss, but not without hope. “He sleeps in Jesus—peaceful rest—
No mortal strife invades his breast;
No pain, nor sin, nor woe, nor care,
Can reach the silent slumberer there.” DIED, in the triumphs of a living faith, of consumption, at Omaha, Neb., March 16, 1876, John Whitlock, in the 65th year of his age. Father Whitlock embraced the faith of Adventists about sixteen years ago in Muncy, Pa. He embraced all the commandments of God two years ago while living in Rock Island, Ill., under the personal labors of Eld. R. F. Andrews, and kept the Sabbath faithfully up to the time of his death. He was a firm believer in the soon coming of Christ, and longed for that event. He leaves a wife and six children. “Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth.” THEO. F. KENDALL. DIED, of Paralysis, Feb. 16, 1876, at Albert Lea, Minn., our dear mother, Diadama Squier, aged fifty-nine years. Mother embraced present truth three years ago this winter, under the labors of E. H. Ells, and H. F. Phelps, and has lived it ever since, and loved it, though she had to keep the Sabbath alone during the last year and a half of her life. She sleeps in Jesus, awaiting the resurrection morning. She leaves five sons and four daughters, and many friends, to mourn the loss of her good counsel. M. H. & L. BROWN. DIED, probably of a rupture of a blood-vessel in the head, after an illness of less than two days, at Lodi, Columbia Co., Wis., April 5, 1876, Etta M., youngest daughter of N. M. and F. L. Jordan, aged three years and nine months. We mourn our loss, but she sleeps in peace. Funeral service by Eld. Boman, Baptist, from John 19:41. N. M. JORDON.