According to appointment in the Review, we met to hold a quarterly meeting in the meeting-house at Mackford. It commenced with a prayer meeting, Sabbath evening. Sabbath, at half past ten, we had preaching. In the afternoon attended to the ordinances. In the evening, preaching. First-day, 2 o'clock, the Missionary Society met.
Called to order by the President. Prayer by Eld. Baker. Remarks were made by the President on the great importance of the missionary work in advancing the third angel's message.
The report of the clerk for the quarter ending April 6, 1873, was then called for and read, which gave the following results:
Number of families visited, 23.
Money received for membership, $3.00
“ “ sale of books, 40
Total, $3.40
New subscribers for Review, 9; Reformer, 8.
Number pages of tracts and pamphlets given away, 5956
Number pages of books loaned, 1060
Total, 7016
Number of members, 35.
REPORT OF QUARTER ENDING DEC. 22, 1873.
Number of families visited, 19.
Money received on sale of books, $1.20
Number of subscribers for Review, 4; Instructor, 4; Reformer, 12.
Number pages of tracts and pamphlets given away, 2220
Number pages of books loaned, 1550
Total, 3770
After the missionary meeting closed, I preached to an attentive congregation. In the afternoon, we held a prayer and conference meeting. The blessing of the Lord rested upon the congregation. The Holy Spirit affected many hearts, melting them into tenderness. Tears flowed freely from many eyes. We invited sinners to come forward for prayers. Three came, two young men and one young lady. We then united in prayer for them, and the Lord came very near and gave us a blessing. They decided to try to walk in the truth and be saved when Jesus comes. In the evening, preached on the Saint’s Inheritance. Text, Matt. 5: 5. Had good liberty in speaking. The Mackford church is advancing in the work of overcoming, and I think there is a fair prospect for a good work in that vicinity in the future.
P. S. THURSTON, Pres. T. & M. Society.
I HEAR THE WORDS OF LOVE.
I hear the words of love,
I gaze upon his blood,
I see the mighty sacrifice,
And I have peace with God.
'Tis everlasting peace,
Sure as Jehovah's name;
'Tis stable as his steadfast throne,
Forevermore the same.
The clouds may come and go,
And storms may sweep my sky—
This blood-sealed friendship changes not;
The cross is ever nigh.
My love is ofttimes low,
My joy still ebbs and flows;
But peace with him remains the same,
No change Jehovah knows.
That which can shake the cross
May shake the peace it gave;
Which tells me Christ has never died,
Or never left the grave.
Till then my peace is sure;
It will not, cannot yield.
Jesus, I know, has died and lives—
On this firm rock I build.
I change—he changes not;
The Christ can never die.
His love, not mine, the resting place,
His truth, not mine, the tie.
The cross still stands unchanged,
Though Heaven is now his home;
The mighty stone is rolled away,
But yonder is his tomb.
And yonder is my peace,
The grave of all my woes.
I know the Son of God has come,
I know he died and rose.
I know he liveth now
At God's right hand above;
I know the throne on which he sits,
I know his truth and love.
—Sel.
Vermont.
By D. T. Bourdeau
Notwithstanding the mild weather we have had of late, the snow is between three and four feet deep in the woods. There have fallen upward of twelve feet of snow in East Charleston this winter. I thought it would be impossible to go to Westmore for several weeks, but providentially it froze hard last Friday night, and Bro. Hamlet Burrows and I were enabled to work our way to Westmore yesterday (Sabbath) morning, by taking an early start. We were not expected, but had an unusually good meeting. The young converts there are growing strong, and prize the truth very highly. God bless them. There are other candid souls in their midst who will yet take hold of the truth.
I want to add to the praise of God, and for the encouragement of those who have felt concerned about my health, that I am now able to work twelve hours a day by the side of able-bodied men, at such work as tapping maple trees and wading through from three to four feet of snow, gathering sap, chopping, etc., and that on two meals a day. Thank God for good advice given in the testimony. I am not a sound man, but I am thankful for an improved condition of health. I desire to live on to act some humble part in this good cause.
D. T. Bourdeau.
Barton Landing, Vt., April 6, 1873.
Lake Pleasant, N. Y.
By S. B. WHITNEY
Commenced meetings at this place, March 1, under very forbidding circumstances. On my way to the place, I encountered a storm that detained me at Wells some five days, where I spoke five times in the Baptist meeting house. Applied for the same house for a course of lectures, thinking if I could obtain it I would go no farther; but, being refused, went to Lake Pleasant, Feb. 26, and made an appointment for the next evening. The weather continued so stormy and windy that I could not begin meetings till the evening after the Sabbath. As the population is sparse, and the winter the severest that has been known for forty years, the attendance was unavoidably small; but those that did attend were interested, and about fifteen commenced to keep the Sabbath. The Spirit of the Lord was manifest several times in the meetings, moving upon the hearts of the unconverted and backsliders, several of whom have taken their stand on the Lord’s side. Three persons have been keeping the Sabbath there several years, who are greatly encouraged to have so many more join with them in its observance. Received a donation of about eight dollars. Obtained five subscribers for REVIEW, three for Instructor, and one for Reformer. S. B. WHITNEY.
A Refreshing Quarterly Meeting
By H. Stebbins; E. M. Stebbins
H. AND E. M. STEBBINS write from Potter Co., Pa.: The Lord condescends to meet with us by his Spirit, as we meet together from Sabbath to Sabbath. The children cheer us with their testimonies. We love to hear them express a desire to be saved; and not only our own children, but others in the neighborhood where our meetings are held, have already commenced to keep the Sabbath and bear testimony to the truth.
Our last quarterly meeting, held March 22 and 23, was a profitable season to us. The weather being very bad, there were not many from other churches, but the Lord, in his providence, sent Bro. W. W. Stebbins. We had a very interesting meeting. People who came in to hear, quite a number, gave in their testimonies, and we felt that truly the Lord was at work upon the hearts of nearly all who were present. We felt that we had a refreshing from the presence of the Lord. At times, nearly all in the house were in tears. Young persons, who had never attended our meetings, could not refrain from weeping. The Lord was very good. Yes, I feel to praise his holy name while I write.
We have felt very lonely the past year, since some of our number have moved away, and if their vacant seats can be filled again by some others’ taking hold of the truth, to the Lord be all the praise.
Last Sabbath, a Baptist minister, by the name of Hart, met with us. He was preaching in the neighborhood. There was no opposition. Our leader invited him to lead the meeting. He said, Conduct your meeting as usual, and I will follow. He prayed, and spoke twice. What the result will be, is unknown to us. He is an intelligent man, a reformed Catholic. We want the prayers of the brethren, that he may receive the truth.
We hope the Lord in his providence will send some of our ministers here soon, who will administer the ordinance of baptism, as some here are desiring it.
We are thankful for the publications, that we may be helps in the work of bringing some out on the truths of the Bible.
Macaulay on the Coming Kingdom
MACAULAY, the talented essayist and historian, a member of the British Parliament, in 1831 thus wrote: “The Christian believes, as well as the Jew, that at some future period the present order of things will come to an end. Nay, many Christians believe that the Messiah will shortly establish a kingdom on the earth, and reign visibly over all its inhabitants. Whether this doctrine be orthodox or not, we shall not inquire. The number of people who hold it, is much greater than the number of those residing in England. Many of those who hold it are distinguished by rank, wealth, and ability; it is preached from pulpits, both of the Scottish and of the English church. Noblemen and members of parliament have written in defense of it, who expect, ‘that before that generation shall pass away, all the kingdoms of the earth will be swallowed up in one Divine Empire.’”—Essays on the Jews, p. 668.
The Eastern Question.
VIENNA reports of a very recent date express the opinion which prevails in the Austrian capital with regard to the Russian march in Central Asia, and its consequences, in the following words:
Russia is pursuing her grand aim in Asia at once in a diplomatic, military, ecclesiastical, commercial, and civilizing point of view. A Russian proverb says, “Where date trees thrive not neither thrives Mohammedanism.” There may be some truth in this adage. Be this as it may, Russia’s advances toward Central Asia and toward India excite the liveliest interest in Viennese military and scientific circles. An unintermitted and earnest study is being made of the subject. It is here held that Russia is at present advancing in the direction of Central Asia and India, with the same unflinching perseverance and consistency with which, during a twenty years’ war she not only subjugated, but absolutely annihilated or dispersed the independent peoples of the Caucasus, whose assimilation was found to be impracticable.
Russia’s insatiable love of conquest, her far-sightedness and perseverance, are doubtless of a nature to inspire alarm, while, on the other hand, these characteristics are not the less entitled to a certain degree of admiration. In the same way as miners explore a country in the hope of discovering veins of ore, the Russians scientifically examine and explore those countries which they intend to occupy, and long before the occupation takes place these examinations and explorations are set on foot and continued without ceasing. The country round about, and especially in the southern parts of the Caspian Sea, and between the latter and the sea of Aral, has not only been carefully surveyed, but also leveled. The river valley along the lower Sir-Daria (Jaxartes) is already entirely under the Russian dominion, and as soon as the coal veins presumed to be there are discovered, a steamboat communication to Khiva will forthwith be established also on the Sea of Aral. It is well known that steamers can ascend far up the Amu-Daria (Oxus). One thing is apparently certain, namely, that no known power can stop the spread of Russia’s dominion, and her gradual, but steady advance in Asia as far as the rivers extend, which flow into her inland seas.
These streams touch very nearly the Hindu-Koosh mountains, and here, there are neither geographical nor natural boundaries adapted to the formation of independent States. There is also no possibility of establishing any sort of commodious commercial intercourse between these vast plains and India, while, with the aid of the new lines of communication which are now contemplated, these immense territories will naturally fall into the hands of the Russians. The semi-nomadic Mohammedan inland States in these distant parts, owed their existence chiefly to the simple fact that no one interfered with or menaced them. But now-a-days, in the estimation of these peoples, the Russians are being regarded as the representatives of not only an immensely superior military, but also of a civilizing, power. To this circumstance may be attributed a great portion of the irresistibility of her prestige among them.
— The Sun.
Laying up Treasures in Heaven.
By C. A. Osgood
Multitudes, moved with the greatest ardor, are laboring with untiring diligence and perseverance, to “lay up treasures upon earth.” But heavenly treasures far exceed in value all that can be gained of this world's possessions. Well would it be for us if we would labor as wisely, diligently, and perseveringly, to lay up treasures in Heaven, as they do to secure “the unrighteous mammon.” We are encouraged to do this, by the assurance of our Saviour, that property invested in Heaven is safe. No thief can ever enter that holy place, to carry off our goods. No fires will ever burn up those mansions; nor will floods carry them away. There moth and rust cannot corrupt. It becomes, then, a question of great interest, How may we lay up treasures in Heaven? It is evident that unconverted persons, who are living in sin, and who are servants of sin, are not doing this. We read that “the wages of sin is death”—poor wages indeed—that impenitent men are “treasuring up wrath against the day of wrath and the revelation of the righteous judgment of God.” In the general, I would say, that those who keep the commandments of God, and overcome their sins and spiritual foes, are the ones who are laying up treasures in Heaven. “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city.” Rev. 22: 14. “To him that overcometh, will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” 2: 7. “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life.” 3: 4. “To him that overcometh, will I grant to sit with me on my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” 3: 21. How encouraging these promises are, to the Christian soldier, in times of fierce temptation!
Again, we lay up treasures in Heaven when we suffer cheerfully for Christ’s sake. “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him.” 2 Tim. 2: 12. Said our Saviour: “Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice [ye in that day], and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in Heaven.” Matt. 5: 11, 12. Paul wrote thus about these things: “These light afflictions, which are but for a moment, work out for us a far more exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory.” So that sorrows, and trials, and persecutions, will make us richer when we go where Jesus is. Then and there no affliction will press down the saints of God. Now they suffer, then they will be glorified. Here they are poor, there they become exceedingly rich!
By using property faithfully, in promoting the cause of God and the welfare of mankind, we may increase our wealth in Heaven. Said our Saviour, to a certain rich man, “Go and sell all that thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven: and come and follow me.” Matt. 19: 21. Again, when at a feast, he said to the man that bade him, “When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, nor thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors, lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And thou shalt be blessed; for they can not recompense thee; but thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” Paul said to Timothy, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Tim. 6: 17, 18. Thus may earthly riches be exchanged for heavenly.
Again, those who are faithful shepherds over God’s flock, and those who lead sinners to repentance, are increasing greatly their heavenly treasures. Said Peter, “The elders which are among you, I exhort, ...... Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind, ...... and when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” 1 Peter 5: 2, 4. In the book of Daniel we are informed that “they that are wise, shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever.” Finally, all those who are faithful in the use of the talents which our Lord has intrusted to them, are making the wealth of Heaven their own. The Lord has said to us, with regard to these: “Occupy till I come.” And he who uses them, not for his own carnal pleasure, but for the glory of God and the interests of his cause, will hear the Lord say to him, when he comes to reckon with his servants, “Well done, good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matt. 25, 21. Well may the people of God “be always abounding in the work of the Lord.”
C. A. Osgood.
Rochester, N. Y.
The Calling of the Apostle Peter.
By H. C. Miller
When Christ calls men to labor in his vineyard they labor with a degree of interest and zeal for a time, but circumstances at length cause some to forget the Master’s call, and they leave the work and return to their former occupation. Sometimes the Lord will meet them and with reproof redirect, Go labor in the vineyard; and they, seeing their error, return with new zeal to his work, to pursue it faithfully to the end. The simple narrative of Peter’s call is a marked illustration of this.
In Matt. 4:18–20, we read that, “Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.”
There is nothing about these few simple declarations that is calculated to arrest the reader’s attention, but the narration by St. Luke and events recorded by St. John furnish items that make up a story of much interest and instruction. According to Luke’s narration, these fishermen had toiled all night without success, and, weary and disappointed, were washing their nets, when Jesus, pressed by the throng, drew near. He perceives, in these humble toilers, men that he can use, and it is his mind to call them to his work. But he will first convince these men that he is worthy. He enters Simon’s ship, and from its deck he speaks to the people on shore, with words such as never man spake. Peter listens, and as sentence after sentence falls from the master’s lips, Peter feels a strange fire burning in his breast. The sermon closed, the Saviour bids Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. Discouraged Peter is ready to say, It is useless. But the words he has heard have kindled the flame of faith, and he exclaims, Master, we have toiled all night for naught “Nevertheless at thy word, I will let down the net.” And now he beholds that which brings him down at Jesus’ feet, with a deep sense of his sinfulness, and the prayer, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” But Jesus has work for Peter to do. Peter is told to fear not, that from henceforth he shall catch men. And when they had brought their ship to land, they forsook all, and followed him. It is not to be supposed that there was no struggle in the heart of Peter, as he left his vessel and the nets full of fish. But he has seen enough to convince him that he who has thus bidden him is his Lord and Saviour, and he forsakes all.
Eventful years were those three in which he followed the Master, hearing his words of wisdom, seeing the wonderful works he wrought, and learning more and more of his Master’s mind and the nature of work he is to engage in; happy years. But the time comes when a change takes place that fills the heart of ardent, loving Peter with sorrow, discouragement, and darkness. The Master, who bade him follow him, is betrayed and crucified, and laid in the tomb. For three days the disciples are left alone in uncertainty, fearing for their own lives and safety. The sight of the dear face of him they loved gladdens their hearts once more, but the uncertainty as to their future course remains. At a meeting of some of the disciples, they consider this matter. Peter’s mind is made up, and he declares, decidedly, “I go a fishing.” His words seem to settle the minds of the rest, who declare “We also go with thee.” No doubt they feel a degree of peace in their minds when the matter is thus settled.
But the eye of the Master is upon them, and he brings about a train of circumstances that shall recall the past and remind Peter of his call and duty. As before, they toil all night and catch nothing. In the morning, Jesus calls to them, not harshly, not in tones of anger, but tenderly, as a kind father, “Children, have ye any meat?” No, is the reply. “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.” They cast, therefore, and now they are not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. It is the Lord, says loving John to Peter. Impulsive Peter cannot wait for the ship to land, but plunges into the water in his excited haste to reach the Master. Joy fills his heart and drives all other thoughts from his mind. His net of fish by this second miracle is forgotten like the first, at the time of his call in the past, but Jesus will give him opportunity for reflection.
Careful to have nothing neglected or wasted, he bids them care for the fish they have caught. Simon Peter carries out the command, and brings them to land—a profitable haul—one hundred and fifty and three great fishes; well calculated to satisfy Peter and to stir up the old fisher spirit in him. Little he dreams that a second test is before him, like unto the first. In silence they obey the invitation of the Saviour to “come and dine.” He careth well for his servants, and ministers to all their wants in due time. So now he fills these hungry men with food. The dinner over, in imagination I see Peter, still unreminded of his call and his duty, by the events that have just taken place, rising from the meal to attend to business by looking after the fish in the nets. But the voice of Jesus in solemn tones arrests him. Peter’s thoughts are of the fish, but the Master will open his eyes. Solemn words recall it all to Peter now, “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?” Oh! what a rebuke. The whole past rapidly comes up before him. The call, the promise that he should become a fisher of men, he now remembers. Ashamed, and sorry, he replies with voice trembling with emotion, “Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee.” “Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.” My purpose in regard to you is unchanged. “I will make you a fisher of men.” “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel.” “Verily, verily I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldst; but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldst not.” I offer thee not gold, or earthly honors for thy service, “Follow me.”
The lesson taught us is plain. Has the Master called us, let us not turn back, but
“Bear the cross with patience;
To fields of duty hie;
’Tis sweet to work for Jesus,
There’s resting by-and-by.”
H. C. MILLER.
Encourage the Desponding.
By M. E. Piper
We find, in looking over the history of the lives of great men, that there are times when even the stoutest hearts will quail, and those who have achieved great victories in the cause of their Redeemer, sometimes falter amid the darkness and trials of the way. But, when the battle presses hard and Satan contends for every inch of ground, how is the feeble strength revived, and how are the drooping hands sustained, by timely words of courage and hope from one who also has known what sore temptations mean. Let us ever be ready with words of true comfort and consolation for those who seem to be yielding to discouragement. Who can tell what good may result from such efforts in the strength of the Lord?
Hear a conversation between two good men who believed and preached the gospel of Jesus Christ in the midst of persecution by the papal church:—
“Berthold Haller, a man of meek disposition, confided to Zwingle all his trials; and Zwingle, the strong man, inspired him with courage. ‘My soul,’ said Berthold to Zwingle one day, ‘is overwhelmed; I cannot support such unjust treatment. I am determined to resign my pulpit and retire to Basle, to employ myself wholly in Wittenbach’s society, with the study of sacred learning.’
“‘Alas,’ replied Zwingle, ‘and I too feel discouragement creep over me when I see myself unjustly assailed, but Christ awakens my conscience by the powerful stimulus of his terrors and promises. He alarms me by saying—“Whosoever shall be ashamed of me before men of him shall I be ashamed before my Father;” and he restores me to tranquility by adding, ‘Whosoever shall confess me before men, him also will I confess before my Father. O my dear Berthold, take courage. Our names are written in imperishable characters in the annals of the citizens on high. I am ready to die for Christ. Oh! that your fierce bear-cubs, added he, would hear the doctrine of Jesus Christ, then would they grow tame. But you must undertake this duty with great gentleness, lest they should turn round furiously and rend you in pieces.’
“Haller’s courage revived. ‘My soul,’ wrote he to Zwingle, ‘has awakened from its slumber; I must preach the gospel. Jesus Christ must be restored to this city, where he has been so long exiled.’ Thus did the flame that glowed so brightly in Zwingle’s bosom re-kindle that of Berthold, and the timid Haller rushed into the midst of the savage bears, who, grinding their teeth, says Zwingle, sought to devour him.”
M. E. PIPER.
SELFISHNESS.—
He who only lives for himself and consumes the bounty of Heaven upon his lusts, or consecrates it to the demon of avarice, is a barren rock in a fertile plain; he is a thorny bramble in a fruitful vineyard; he is the grave of God's blessings; he is the very Arabian Desert of the moral world. And if he is highly exalted in wealth or power, he stands inaccessible and strong, like an insulated towering cliff, which exhibits only a cold and cheerless prospect, intercepts the genial beams of the sun, chills the vale below with its gloomy shade, adds fresh keenness to the freezing blast and tempts down the lightnings of angry heaven. How different this from the gently rising hill, clothed to its summit with fruits and flowers; which attracts and receives the dews of heaven, and retaining only sufficient to maintain its fertility, sends the remainder in a thousand streams to bless the vales which lie at its feet.—Payson.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
Died, in Centerport, N. Y., March 30, 1873, of paralysis, complicated with heart disease, Bro. Wm. Harris, aged seventy-two years. Failing to get a minister, either Adventist or of another denomination, to preach a funeral discourse, we read from his Bible, a few comforting passages of Scripture, from Job. 14; 1 Cor. 15; 1 Thess. 4; &c. There were deep pencil lines drawn around these scriptures, thus showing the consolation such Scriptures afforded him. We followed him to his resting place in the Weedsport Cemetery, with his lonely and feeble widow, firmly believing that he will shortly be brought forth to a glorious immortality, by that dear Saviour in whom he trusted to the last, even while the death-sweat was gathering upon his forehead.
We have many times listened with delight to the rich experience of Bro. Harris in scattering the light of the Advent faith under the first message, even up to the day in which he expected to meet a coming Saviour, by giving away tracts, pamphlets, &c.; then his bitter disappointment, as the midnight hour passed and his Saviour did not come; with his subsequent joy and gladness, as he beheld the light of the third message, which harmonized the past, and threw such a flood of light on the present and the future. His whole soul seemed to be filled with a sacred joy, which the world could not give nor take away. We thought, Surely, such an one must be prepared to receive the gift of immortal life, and have an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of God.
E. S. LANE.
Died, at North Creek, March 8, 1873, our dear father, Thomas Coburn, in the 83d year of his age. He had been an Adventist since about 1844, and had kept the Sabbath some twenty-five years, and was ever a firm and earnest friend of the cause of present truth. The closing months of his life, before his mental powers failed, gave evidence of deep consecration and spirituality, and the last testimony he bore in social meeting was especially satisfactory. He sleeps in Jesus. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
Services were held by Eld. Smith, Baptist; after which he was taken to Bucks Bridge, where services were repeated by Bro. C. O. Taylor.
S. B. & C. M. C. WHITNEY.
Died, in Wright, Ottawa Co., Mich., March 18, 1873, of heart disease, Susannah, wife of Matthew Maycroft, aged sixty-two years. Sister Maycroft embraced religion in Upwell, England, and was there a Wesleyan Methodist. Soon after coming to this country, some fifteen years ago, she listened to present truth, embraced it, and was faithful till the day of her death.
Died, at Waterloo, Wis., March 21, 1873, our sister, Susan Elwell, aged twenty-eight years, two months, and four days. Her death was sudden, and unexpected by all. She leaves a husband and four children to mourn their loss. She was among the first to embrace the third angel’s message, as presented by Bro. Sanborn. She was a good Christian wife and mother. Discourse by the writer from Rev. 14:12.
D. DOWNER.
Advent Tidende for April, 1873.
LEADING ARTICLES: “God is Light,” by Eld. James White, translated from “REVIEW.” “Seymour’s fifty unanswerable Arguments against seventh-day Sabbath-keeping Answered,” by J. M. Aldrich, continued. This article was commenced in No. 3, and will be continued and finished in two more numbers. (December, January, and February numbers contain a translation of J. W. Morton’s Sabbath tract.) “Thoughts on Revelation,” by U. Smith, fourth chapter. (Each number contains this year a chapter of said work, condensed.) “The New Jerusalem,” by D. M. Canright. “Trichina Spiralis,” with cut, same as in “REVIEW.” “The Baptists on the Sabbath,” an excellent article in defense of the true Sabbath, taken from the Danish Baptist paper, written in favor of Sunday-keeping.
Beside this, it contains thirty short articles on various topics, translations from “Review,” “Instructor,” “Health Reformer,” and other papers, and some selections from Danish exchanges; some editorials, and three articles sent in by subscribers. Then we have two pages of reports and letters from different parts of the Scandinavian Mission, and one page of items for the month; also two pages of news miscellany on the cover inside.
LETTERS. From these I give the following extracts:
Jackson Co., Iowa. Dear brethren, I have a great desire to see some of the dear children of God who keep his commandments and wait for the glorious revelation of our dear Saviour. I have been a reader of the Advent Tidende from the first, and must, with all my heart, give praise and thanks to God for the precious instruction which I have found therein. The sure word of prophecy has opened my spiritual eyes, by the help of the Holy Spirit. The Lord has also, by infinite mercy and love, written his law in my heart, so that I can say with David: “O how I love Thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” I have been a Baptist for ten years, but have never before, in any works that I have ever read, found so clear evidences in favor of God’s truth, as a whole, as I have found in Advent Tidende. I do therefore pray with all my heart that the blessing of God may follow this journal until the great day. May the Lord also in mercy cause his light to shine among my dear Baptist brethren. But I marvel greatly that they are not more willing to exchange their traditions for the commandments of God. JOHN CHRISTIANSON.
I have had a hard battle to fight, but by the grace of God I have gained a victory, and can now say with the prophet: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” I desire very much to see the precious truths, advocated by Advent Tidende, spread among our countrymen, both here and in Europe. We long for a Danish missionary to come here, for our countrymen are like sheep without a shepherd. The truth of God has been my comfort through darkness and difficulties, and shall be my comfort until Jesus comes. JOHN CHRISTIANSON.
Evanston, Ill. I have been a reader of Advent Tidende for fourteen months, and have had good opportunities to compare its teachings with the Holy Scriptures. I confess that they are built on the foundation of the prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the head-corner. I am much pleased with the clearness and Christian kindness of this journal. It is like a good steward, who brings forth from his storehouse things new and old. God be praised for his mercy and love in bringing me to a knowledge of the truth, and a more intimate union with my dear Redeemer. I now rejoice with my wife and son in keeping all the commandments of God. I formerly belonged to the Baptists, and strove hard against the present truth, through prejudice. By this I suffered loss, despising my brethren in Christ. Through a friend, I obtained “Liv og Dod” and “Det nye Testamentes Sabbat,” which, after a long struggle, brought me to my right mind. I prayed much to God, and he showed me not to call anything unclean, or unholy, which he had blessed and sanctified. Then I turned my foot away from God’s holy day. And I find it sweet to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to him. The Son and the Holy Spirit were united with the Father in the great work of creation; they are also one in the work of redemption; and they must also, in the same sense, be one in giving the law. The law of sacrifices and shadows passed away with Christ, the true sacrifice. The middle wall of partition between Jews and Gentiles, he took out of the way. But God’s moral law, the ten commandments, is introduced in the new covenant, and God himself will write it in our hearts. On Christ, I build. His footsteps I follow, though in weakness. He did never transgress his Father’s commandments. John 8:46. From his word, I learn that “this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3. I long to be with Christ, and to be gathered with his people on the glorious resurrection morning. JOHN JOHNSON.
Waupaca, Wis. I am a reader of Advent Tidende and like that journal very much, although I am not an Adventist. But I am astonished to see and hear how busy other parties are about them. It is much better to look to ourselves, and not stand still in the road, or rattle so much about S. D. Adventists. Otherwise there is great danger that we will get home too late, or be running after oil when the door is shut. Neither is it useful to be grieved concerning them. Look to your own corrupt heart. That will give you work enough. And pray rather for yourself and for them, that they may be blessed in their labor. C. E. HAGENDALL.
Omaha, Neb. By reading Advent Tidende and studying its contents, these words of our Saviour came before me: “O fools and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.” I have been a Baptist since 1843, and, for several years, elder of a Baptist church in Denmark. Three years ago, I came to this country. I wonder much at myself and others, that after having acknowledged the Bible as a book of divine truth for so many years, and also understanding how the papacy had darkened the light of the Bible through many centuries of superstition and persecution, nevertheless, with the open Bible in our own hands, we were ignorant of this great truth: That Jesus never has changed the law of the Sabbath, but confirmed it, both by example and precept. Through our good journal, this matter is now clear before me, and my prayer is, that God may help us to treasure up his words in our hearts and bring forth fruit in patience. MORTEN OLSON.
Jackson Co., Wis. I like to say through our dear paper that the Lord has caused his light to shine also in this place. Last winter, several of us were convinced of the truth. We meet on the Sabbath and encourage each other to prepare to meet our dear Saviour with joy in the great day. HANS ANDERSEN.
Length of Israel’s Sojourn in Egypt.
In Gen. 15: 13, we read that God said to Abraham, “that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them, and they shall afflict them four hundred years,” and in Ex. 12: 40, 41, we read that they did sojourn in Egypt four hundred and thirty years. Now what I want to know is, Does Gal. 3: 17, have reference to all the time from the covenant made with Abraham until the giving of the law at Mount Sinai; and, if so, how is it that there is no more than 430 years from the covenant until the law; for the covenant was made with Abraham, if I understand it right, 25 years before Isaac was born, and Isaac was 60 years old when Jacob was born, and Jacob was 130 years old when he went down into Egypt, making 215 years. Now if they sojourned in Egypt 430 years, would not that make 645 years from the time the covenant was made until they went out of Egypt? Or, how do you understand Gal. 3:17? P. W. B.
ANSWER. In reply to the above queries, we would say that, chronologically, we do regard Gal. 3:17, as having reference to all the time from the covenant made with Abram to the giving of the law. But evidently P. W. B. misapprehends Ex. 12: 40. “Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.” These 430 years date from the time that Abram, to whom the promise was made, left his native land, and became a wanderer in the land of Canaan and Egypt. Gen. 12: 4, 5, 10. From that time to the entrance of Jacob into Egypt, was 215 years, as our correspondent has figured it up, and Jacob and his posterity continued in Egypt 215 years more, which, together, makes the round sum of 430 years. Any Bible which gives the chronology, will also show the same result. Thus, Abram went down into Canaan, after the Lord made the covenant with him B. C. 1921; Israel left Egypt B. C. 1491, which, deducted from the date of the promise, makes just 430 years.
Dr. Clarke says the Samaritan Pentateuch reads, Ex. 12: 40, thus: “Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, and of their fathers, which they sojourned in the land of Canaan, and in the land of Egypt, was 430 years.” With this agrees the Septuagint, and also Paul, in Gal. 3:17. We will also add that the “four hundred years” of Gen. 15:13, probably date from the “mocking” of Isaac by Ishmael (Gen. 21:9), the son of the Egyptian woman. Paul, in Gal. 4:29, calls this persecution.