“And white robes were given unto every one of them.” Rev. 6:9.
By reference to “Thoughts on Revelation,” pp. 102–106, it will be seen that the souls under the altar who cried for vengeance were the murdered victims of papal cruelty, who had died, protesting against the corruptions of the papal church; and after death, their characters were so maligned, and misrepresented, and covered with obloquy, that their names were mentioned only with abhorrence; but the reformers of the 16th century discovered that all this disgrace, arose, not because of real crimes, or errors of the martyrs, but from the misrepresentations and falsehoods of the enemies of the truth, who wished to traduce their victims, so that the guilt of such persecutions might not fall upon them, but upon the innocent and noble martyrs, who died in the fear and love of God, rejoicing that they were counted worthy of such a death.
The reformers of the 16th century, by uncovering the hypocrisy and cruelty of the papacy and bringing to light the true character of the multitudes of victims who had fallen under the Roman Catholic censure, and had died in dungeons, and inquisitions, and at the stake, by millions, instead of being criminals, deserving death, were the good and true; were the real friends of good governments, and the upholders of law and order. They were the intelligent and studious citizens who had the moral courage to stand up manfully in support of the gospel of Christ and of purity of doctrine and practice. They were men of candor and magnanimity, men of noble impulses, who could not behold unmoved the course of the priests and officials of the Roman Catholic church, who by oppression, fraud, licentiousness, and cruelty, were desolating the fairest portions of Christendom. This was their crime. For this they were persecuted, tortured, murdered; their farms, and towns, and estates, were confiscated, or wasted, and destroyed, all because they would not bow down to the golden image, that Satan had set up at Rome.
In doing this act of the commonest justice to the memories of the fallen brave and noble army of martyrs, the Reformers had placed white robes upon them. For this, the Reformers have our warmest gratitude, and God our highest praise.
But have we nothing to do of this kind? The noble man who proclaimed the first angel’s message, and his worthy co-workers, have many of them fallen in death. Their names are cast out as evil, and the name of William Miller is only another term for fanaticism, and error. We believe we are now having the third message, which is not to be proved, unless William Miller proclaimed the first message. Now shall we not do all in our power, to prove the purity, and moderation, and excellence, of the man who led the way, in the proclamation of the first message? Was not he a man of God? Was he not a true prophet, or a true interpreter of prophecy? If he was not, then we must give up the third message as we understand it.
To be true to our faith, this is one of our first duties, to rescue from reproach, the reputation of this man of God, to place his work upon its true merit, and to set his character in its true light.
The life, and character, and work, of William Miller, should be as familiar to a Seventh-day Adventist, as the life of Washington is to an American statesman. You will find a noble and fair monument to the fame of Wm Miller, in “Life Incidents,” by Elder James White.
This book should be in every house, where the third message is believed and accepted. Those who neglect to read up on the important points of our faith, will find the world creeping in, or the love of other things, until the memory will lose the sweet impression that present truth has made upon the mind, and evidences will be forgotten.
Take your money and buy these books, if you have to sacrifice some comfort in consequence; and then take time to read them, and pray over them, even if your work does not move on as briskly as before. Verily, man lives, not by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. If you cannot find time to read, and to teach these things to your family, you may find time to sicken, and time to die.
Let us rescue the truth from disgrace, and its advocates from unjust reproach, and thus become co-workers with those noble men, who, in the 16th century, ventured their all, and jeopardized their lives, to justify their brethren who had gone before them in the service of Jesus Christ.
JOSEPH CLARKE.
Reflections on hearing the “Gospel Train” Sung.
By A. S. Hutchins
A SISTER, who long had used her pipe, and thought it beneficial to health, on hearing the “Gospel Train” sung, was most deeply impressed with the thought “there is no smoking car on that train.” Could she lay aside her idol? Could she rally strength under the weight of years and the pressure of bodily infirmities and say farewell to the pipe? Trusting God for help she could, and take a “through ticket” on the Heaven-bound train to the city of God. Her heart melted in tenderness and love to God for past strength and blessings, and her eyes ran over with tears.
She soon felt able to take the Health Reformer, and found a delight in reducing its principles to practice, and as a natural consequence finds her health greatly improved, and her spirituality, as a disciple of the Lord, increased. God daily blesses her and her companion while trying to honor him by keeping all his commandments.
We think of others-who might be benefited by hearing the “Gospel Train” sung. Certainly, if they propose to reach the city of God on this train, they would do well to bear in mind that it runs no smoking car. Bear this in mind, smoking brother and sister, and oh! “Get on board, get on board.”
A friend last March resolved on celebrating his fifty-sixth birthday by bidding a long and last farewell to tobacco, after having been a slave to it for forty years. Blessed victory! May he ever hold it as more precious than gold. Such decision and perseverance on the part of persons of years and infirmity, should admonish younger persons who are “going to leave off tobacco” to hasten their steps to the last pinch, puff, or chew. Strike for victory and freedom, and know from experience that “the desire accomplished is sweet to the soul.”
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Questions and Answers.
QUESTION. Will you please harmonize John 3:22 and John 4:2. One reads that our Lord baptized and the other, that he baptized not, but his disciples. J. L.
ANSWER. We regard John 4:2 as explaining chapter 3:22, and other texts which say that Jesus baptized. The same expression is used in chap. 4:1, where we read that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John.
Then this explanation is thrown in in verse 2: “Though Jesus baptized not, but his disciples.” That is, Jesus was said to make disciples and baptize, because he was the leader of the movement; but the actual work of baptizing was done by the disciples. This is a common method of speaking. For example, it is said of Herod that he rebuilt the temple; though probably not a stroke of the manual labor was performed by him.
Secret of Happiness.
An Italian bishop, who had struggled through many difficulties without repining, and been much opposed without manifesting impatience, being asked by a friend to communicate the secret of his being always happy, replied, “It consists in a single thing, and that is, making a right use of my eyes.” His friend, in surprise, begged him to explain his meaning. “Most willingly,” replied the bishop. “In whatsoever state I am, I first look up to Heaven, and remember that my great business is to get there; I look down to earth and call to mind how small a space I shall soon fill in it; I then look abroad in the world, and see what multitudes are in all respects less happy than myself, and then I learn where all my cares must end, and how little reason I ever had to murmur, or to be otherwise than thankful. And to live in this spirit is to be always happy.”
INTIMACY WITH CHRIST
By Faber
It is the wisdom of life, as well as its joy, to be always feeling this great need of Jesus. A true Christian feels that he could no more live for an hour without Jesus than he could live an hour without air or under the water. There is something delightful in this sense of utter dependence upon Jesus. It is our only rest, our only liberty in the world. It is the bondage of our imperfection that we cannot be directly and actually thinking of Jesus all day and night, yet it is astonishing how near we may come to this. Our very sleep at last becomes subject to the thought of Jesus, and saturated with it. It is part of the gladness of growing older, not only that we are thereby drawing nearer to our first sight of him, but that we feel our dependence upon him more and more. We have learned more about him. We have had a longer and more varied experience of him. Our love for him has become more of a passion, which, by a little effort, promises at some not very distant day to be dominant and supreme. The love of Jesus never can be ungrowing. In our physical life, as we grow older, we become more sensible to cold and wind, to change of place, and to alternations of the weather. So as we grow older in our spiritual life, we become more sensitive to the presence of Jesus, to the necessity of him, and to his indispensable sweetness. A constantly increasing sensible love of our dearest Lord is the safest mark of our growth in holiness and the most tranquilizing prophecy of our final perseverance.—Faber.
Business Proceedings of the California State Meeting of S. D. Adventists.
By John Nevins Loughborough; H. T. Hewitt
AGREEABLY to previous appointment in the REVIEW, the fourth annual session of the California State Meeting of S. D. Adventists was held with the church of Santa Rosa, Sonoma Co., Cal., Apr. 26, 1872. Meeting opened with prayer by Bro. J. Ferguson, at 9 A. M.
Secretary’s report of last meeting read and accepted. Inquiry was made, as to what had been done on resolution second of that report, in which we pledged ourselves to become responsible for delinquent subscribers. Bro. L. reported that he had written twenty-one letters to delinquents, but had received response from only two, who sent three dollars. He stopped those to whom he had written, who did not respond in three months, and paid arrearages to the amount of forty dollars out of interest on surplus State funds. Report accepted, and Bro. Loughborough’s action in the matter approved.
Resolutions 4 and 6 of last year were called up. No. 4 related to expense of a laborer to this coast. Bro. L. reported that the traveling expenses of Bro. Cornell to this coast were ninety dollars in specie, all of which had been made up by subscription. No. 6 related to a camp-meeting; whereupon it was voted to accept this meeting in place of the camp-meeting. Resolution 9 was read, calling up the matter of a Mission and Tract Society. Bro. Loughborough reported as follows:—
On hand at time of last State Meeting,
$21.12
Received during the year,
$290.40
Total, $311.52 Of this, over $60 were the proceeds of the sale of old gold and silver jewelry. This is in addition to the fund of the San Francisco church which has raised over $100 as a tract fund, $70 of which were from sales of melted jewelry. Paid during the year for books and tracts for free distribution, $229.40, leaving a balance in the treasury of $2.12, and about $30 worth of tracts on hand not distributed. Report accepted.
The executive committee, with whom the matter of arranging quarterly meetings was left last year, reported a plan which was accepted by the meeting. Appointments for these meetings have already been sent to the REVIEW.
Reports of labor and finance were made by Elds. Cornell, Loughborough, and Kellogg, which reports were accepted. Brn. Ferguson, Wood, and Morton, made remarks concerning the few meetings they had held.
Reports of churches were next made, showing from six churches a membership of 175, and S. B. to the amount of $1,965.68.
The Treasurer’s Report was next rendered as follows:—
In treasury at last report, $395.47
Received during the year, $1,932.14
Total, $2,327.61
Paid out as per Book, $1,465.79
Balance on hand, $861.82
Report accepted.
Voted to change our State organization so as to correspond as nearly as possible with the regulations of State Conferences in other States. The constitution recommended by the General Conference to the various States, with its several amendments, was then read and adopted, save calling ourselves still a “State Meeting” instead of a Conference. A desire was expressed that a Conference be organized fully in this State, when, in the judgment of the General Conference, it is feasible thus to do.
An auditing committee of six was next appointed, consisting of Brn. Chapman, Hewitt, Downing, Gourley, Judson, and Johnson. Brn. Ferguson, Walker, and Diggins, were appointed a committee on nominations.
SECOND SESSION, 3 P. M., April 26. The committee on nominations recommended continuing the same officers for the coming year, further recommending Bro. J. Ferguson as the third member of the executive committee. These officers were elected and are as follows: President, J. N. Loughborough; Secretary, H. T. Hewitt; Treasurer, J. N. Loughborough. Executive Committee, J. N. Loughborough, M. G. Kellogg, J. Ferguson.
The Auditing Committee reported having effected a settlement with the ministers in the service of the State Meeting.
Report accepted.
They further reported a balance in the treasury, after all settlement, of $313.82, and recommended to the State Meeting to appropriate $300 of this sum to the General Conference. It was therefore unanimously
Resolved, That we appropriate $300 of our State fund to the General Conference fund as a slight token of our appreciation of their noble spirit of disinterested benevolence toward us.
A resolution was next passed, unanimously requesting Bro. Cornell, if possible, to remain and labor in the State six months longer, at least:
Moved, That the executive committee are hereby empowered to select three or five brethren to act with them as a committee to arrange for and appoint a camp-meeting at such time and place as they may deem proper. Carried.
A resolution was next passed to authorize the State committee to publish a suitable number of copies of the minutes of this meeting for our churches, and secure such blanks as may be necessary to expedite business in this State. The committee wish us to state here that they have since had the matter under advisement, and conclude as follows: 1. To secure such blanks as are already in use in State Conferences. 2. As it will probably be but a few months before a State Conference will be organized here, and then we shall be in a more permanent shape for minutes, we decide simply to have about 300 copies of our State constitution printed for the instruction and use of our churches until such time as the California State Conference shall be organized.
Letters of approval were voted to Elds. Loughborough and Cornell in laboring as missionaries, from the Michigan Conference, within this State.
Licenses were voted to Bro. M. G. Kellogg, and Bro. Jackson Ferguson. The following resolution was then passed unanimously:
Resolved, That we organize a Tract and Missionary Society for this State, following as far as possible the constitution and plan set forth by the General Conference Committee.
THIRD SESSION, Sunday, 28, 9 A. M. Constitution of Missionary Societies read and adopted. Voted that the officers of the State Meeting of California be the officers of the Tract and Missionary Society with the addition of Bro. O. T. Johnson of San Francisco as vice-president.
Resolutions 1, 2, and 3, passed by the General Conference, on the subject of the great and important truths of this time, the signs of the times, and the responsibility that rests upon us to warn our fellow-men, were adopted. It was next unanimously, Resolved, That Bro. M. G. Kellogg be appointed solicitor and collector on this coast, of funds for the Health Institute, Publishing Association, and the $10,000 book fund.
The following resolution was then passed:
Whereas, Our brethren in Washington Territory have been calling loudly for help, and have been disappointed in their expectations, therefore,
Resolved, That we hereby express our sympathy with them and pledge them our aid in securing effective labor to set in order things in the church and start the work in that Territory.
The following was next presented:
Resolved, That we hereby express our earnest sympathy for Bro. White in his afflictions caused by excessive labor in this cause, and we hereby renew our invitation given at our last State Meeting for Bro. and sister White to visit this coast as soon as Bro. White is able to endure the journey. Passed by a rising vote of the whole house. It was also
Resolved, That while we deplore the lack of laborers in our Master’s vineyard, and feel to cry unto him to raise up faithful men to labor for the salvation of souls, we recommend such in our midst as feel that they have a duty to preach the message, to move out and make a thorough effort in some place and thus satisfy themselves as to duty; for if they fail to do this, they will lessen the confidence of their brethren in the genuineness of their call.
A vote of thanks was extended to the Santa Rosa church for entertaining this State Meeting.
A vote was taken, empowering the committee to publish in the REVIEW such business of this meeting as they deem of general interest to our brethren abroad.
FOURTH SESSION, a brief one, after the forenoon discourse, first-day, the 28th. While Bro. Kellogg was taking pledges for stock in Publishing Association, &c., Brn. Judson and Hewitt taking names of members to Missionary Society, and Bro. Ferguson collecting on REVIEW, Instructor, and Reformer, the following item was introduced:
Resolved, That we as Seventh-day Adventists deplore the sad state of musical talent among us, and recommend that there be one chosen from each church, to lead in singing, and as musical director, and that they meet as often as once in three months to devise ways and means for the cultivation of church music, and that they attend these musical conventions.
The following persons were then chosen directors: Petaluma, J. W. Cassidy; Healdsburg, Joseph Dimmick; Santa Rosa, S. B. Breese; Green Valley, Richard Rickett; Bloomfield, John Judson; San Francisco, Wm. D. Stocking. It was recommended that a musical convention be held at such time and place as the directors may select.
Adjourned, sine die.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. Pres.
H. T. HEWITT. Secretary.
California.
By John Norton Loughborough
My last report, dated April 20, gave an account of the discussion in San Francisco. Since the discussion, my time has been spent with the churches in Sonoma County, in an excellent State meeting, and in San Francisco. Bro. Cornell has given lectures in Bloomfield, and Santa Rosa. In Bloomfield, two more have come out and united with the church. In Santa Rosa, six new ones have united with the church, and we expect others will unite to-morrow.
In San Francisco, last Sabbath, we had the ordinances—a most solemn and impressive occasion. Six more united with the church, and were baptized on first day; and still others are deciding for the truth. Eld. Grant seemed to think it an evidence that he gained the victory in the discussion, because none of his brethren took hold of the Sabbath. That is no way to count it. Because those who had already decided against the truth did not embrace it, is not strange. Let us look at it from another standpoint. There were several that I now call to mind who had been investigating the Sabbath question, and were waiting to hear the discussion, who by it were perfectly convinced that the Sabbath is binding, and have taken their stand to keep it. And finally, one of Eld. G.'s members came to us in tears, after the discussion, and confessed that he was in trouble over this matter. This conscientious soul, at least, had not been settled against the Sabbath by the discussion, but was still more troubled than before.
At Petaluma, the church have passed through some trials. Their elder and his wife left quite suddenly, and united with the Christian (Campbellite) church. This was a source of grief to the church, but called them out to bear burdens, and they all testify that their trial has done them good, and they feel stronger, and enjoy more freedom in the Lord than before.
Our State Meeting, of which Bro. Kellogg has already given a brief report, was the largest and best meeting we have had in the State. If all carry out the solemn vows there made, our next general gathering will be still in advance of that one.
As was seen and acknowledged in that meeting, in order that the cause may prosper and those who have responsible places to fill be not trammeled in their offices, it is necessary that all act with promptness in every duty. Every member of the church, and every Sabbath-keeper, should prayerfully weigh the matter and decide what he or she can do each week to raise funds to carry on the work of spreading the truth; not simply what you can do without feeling it, but how much sacrifice you can make, what self-denial you can make for the cause of God. I regret to learn that any are commencing to cut down their figures on S. B., who are abundantly able to keep them where they were. When the question was asked in the State Meeting, “Who of you are any poorer because of what you have paid on Systematic Benevolence,” not one of you raised your hands. Do not be of those who withhold more than is meet; for it may, as the wise man says, “tend to poverty.”
I know of many cases, some, even, in this State, where people have pleaded poverty, and excused themselves from doing in God’s cause, sometimes making vows, and then taking them back, who are now getting about what they pleaded for—poverty. God means what he says. “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase; so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”
But, brethren and sisters, the most of you have taken hold nobly in the work, and your recent pledges at the State Meeting to the general interests of the cause, show that the same disposition still actuates your hearts. Slack not your hand. The more you do, the more you can do. As you “devise liberal things,” God will open ways before you to lawfully obtain means that ye know not of.
This has been already verified in two cases which I will mention: One brother who pledged fifty dollars thought he would borrow it, and pay it before he went home. He had not been home twenty-four hours before the way opened unexpectedly before him to get his fifty dollars and more with it.
Another brother thought he would pledge twenty, and trust in the Lord to open the way before him to obtain it. In one week from the time of making the pledge, from a source from which he was not looking for anything, thirteen of the twenty was received; and so God’s word is fulfilled. “Vow,” and then “pay thy vows,”
Let all see that their names are on the Systematic book for such sum per week as they can give, to raise the State fund for sustaining the preaching of the truth. Then see that those sums are laid aside, and paid to the church treasurer before the close of each quarter, that he may make his returns to the State treasurer, and his report to the State secretary, as required by our present constitution. If all do not make their pledges it is the duty of the treasurer to kindly give them an opportunity to put down their figures, and it is the duty of the treasurer to collect these sums so as to pay them over to the State treasurer by the close of each quarter. That all may easily remember them, the quarters terminate at the natural quarters of the year; namely, Jan. 1, April 1, July 1, and Oct. 1.
You have expressed a desire to relieve your State officers from the cares that hitherto have been connected with their offices. You can do it. If every individual is prompt, and if every treasurer is prompt, as I trust you all will be, the object will be accomplished.
I say what I have to say to all of you at once, in this manner. The treasurer in each church will receive, about fifteen days before each quarter expires, a printed blank from the secretary, to be filled out at the close of the quarter and returned to the secretary, showing the amount paid into the State treasury during that quarter. This will be a gentle reminder that the time has come to collect all arrearages on S. B. for that quarter.
After next Sabbath and first-day, Bro. Cornell and myself take a week of rest and then strike out with the tent for a summer’s campaign in a county where they have as yet hardly heard of us.
Bro. Kellogg and Ferguson have received licences from the California State meeting, and have gone out together into a new field to engage in the work. Pray that God may abundantly bless our humble efforts in his cause on this coast.—J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Santa Rosa, Cal., May 10, 1872.
THE BREAD OF ST. JODOKUS.
By M. A. P. Humphrey
To prove how pure's a heart his servant bore,
One day the Lord to St. Jodokus' door
Came begging bread in garments worn and poor.
“Good steward,” spake Jodokus, “give him bread.”
“One loaf alone remains,” the steward said;
“For thee and me, the faithful dog beside.”
“Give!” said the Saint; “will not the Lord provide?”
The steward marked the single loaf with care,
And cut four pieces, each an equal share.
Then to the beggar, in no friendly tone,
“One each for thee and me, the abbot one,
One for the dog, since I can but obey.”
Jodokus smiled; the beggar went his way
Not long, and in yet wretched disguise,
Once more the Lord asked bread with pleading eyes.
“Give him my piece,” Jodokus gently said;
“The Lord provides.” The steward gave the bread.
Again the Lord beside the threshold stood,
And, faint with hunger, begged a little food.
“Give him thy portion,” thus Jodokus said;
“The Lord provides.” The steward gave the bread.
A little while, and naked, blind, and lame,
The fourth time came the Lord, and begged the same.
“Give the dog's piece,” the holy man replied;
“The Lord, who feeds the ravens, will provide.”
The steward gave. The beggar left the gate,
And a voice cried aloud, “Thy faith is great!
Thy Lord hath proved his servant's loyalty—
As thou hast trusted, be it done to thee!”
The steward looked, and in the tranquil bay,
Behold! four laden ships at anchor lay.
Far up their sides the water's dimpling line
Broke round their holds well stored with bread and wine.
Joyful the steward hastened to the strand,
And saw no man upon the vessels stand;
But on the shore a snow-white banner waved,
Whereon in golden lines these words were graved:
“Four ships He sends who doth the ravens feed,
To him who hath four times supplied his need.
One for the abbot, thus the list begin;
The steward and the dog like portions win;
The fourth is for the sender's needy kin.”
—M. A. P. Humphrey.
A. S. HUTCHINS
By A. S. Hutchins
Vermont.
MARCH 18-24, visited some thirteen families in different towns in Chittenden and Addison Counties, attended six meetings, preached four times. I was indeed thankful for the privilege again of visiting the dear friends in Addison Co., after an interval of some three years; and especially, to see the advancement they were making in their pilgrimage to the city of God. To know that brethren and sisters are settling deeper and deeper into the work and will of the Lord, that they are overcoming those traits of character and habits displeasing to him, is certainly a matter of great gratification.
On my return home, I spoke to the friends in South Starksboro and in Huntington. Bro. and sister Evans are trying to keep the interest up here. A few seem resolved by assisting grace, to press forward till they gain the prize.
The last Sabbath in March, and each Sabbath in April, with one exception, met with and spoke to the friends in Jericho and West Bolton. This period of time being one of some affliction to me, I was unable to perform my usual amount of labor.
The first Sabbath and first-day in May, met with the brethren in Bristol. Preached at the house of Bro A. Prescott. After sermon on first-day, baptized two and celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house. I have not enjoyed a privilege of this kind with these dear brethren and sisters before since the death of our beloved Bro. Sperry, who used to reside here, and whose labors of love are not forgotten. My visit here, though short, was a season of great encouragement, and I sincerely hope and pray it may prove of enduring benefit to us all. With increased physical strength, in answer to the fervent prayers of God's dear children, I returned home. As a people, may our confidence in the Lord's promises and his willingness to abundantly bless us be greatly increased by drawing nearer and nearer to him.
Last Sabbath and first-day, Eld. A. C. Bourdeau and Bro. L. Bean were with us to assist in further completing the work of organization. Seventeen united in church fellowship, eight of whom received baptism by Bro. Bourdeau. Several others will no doubt unite with us soon. There is still a friendly feeling towards our views here, and ears to hear.
A. S. HUTCHINS
West Bolton, May 13, 1872.
The Sincere Man.
A sincere man, like a sincere work, bears the stamp of nobility upon his countenance, no matter how rugged and uncouth the features may be. Sincerity classifies the whole soul, so that the light of Heaven can shine plainly into it. It includes earnestness, not so much because it is itself a peculiar active virtue, as because it enables us to see, and therefore urges us to obey, the human need for activity. Of all things, sincerity is the most antagonistic to falsehood, because falsehood is the meanest and most ignoble of the vices—the vice indeed which seems to envelop all other vices, for even cowardice is but falsehood to human instinct, and sin in all guises but falsehood to nature, and cowardice in the face of moral austerity.
The Infidel and the Work of God.
ONE Sunday evening, a young man was walking along the streets to some scene of pleasure, when he was accosted by a person who stopped him and thrust a small bit of paper in to his hand. The young man took it and read by the light of the nearest lamp the words, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” A sneer passed over his handsome face as he read, and, throwing the paper from him, he hastened on.
“‘Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow,’ doesn’t apply to me, at any rate; for I am an infidel, and do not believe anything of the kind.” Thought he, “‘Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.’ Hang the thing, I can’t get rid of it. ‘Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.’ Sins? Conscience? Yes; but I acknowledge neither a future, nor a God, and therefore am not responsible. What do I care to have my sins made white, seeing that I owe no duties beyond those necessary to natural human existence. ‘Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.’ I am an infidel” (stamping his foot). “I do not believe in the Bible, the God of the Bible, the future, nor anything beyond the still, dark grave. So here’s for a short life, and a merry one . . . ‘Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.’ Confound it! . . . ‘Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.’ Confound it, I wish I could get it out of my head! . . . ‘Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.’ It is very forcible. Very poetical. Certainly that Bible is a wonderful work. Granted, for the sake of argument, that it is true, and that a God exists, I can easily understand religious people who believe in a future, either of joy or suffering, clinging to such sentences with a tenacity proportioned to their belief. ‘Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.’ Admirable writing. Terse, forcible language. I wonder who wrote it? God, I suppose. God?—Why, there is no God. I forgot myself. If I could only remember my principles, and how logical and well founded the arguments are which support them, I should be all right. . . . ‘Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.’ Confound the thing. Will nothing put a stop to this? There is a church; I may as well turn in and see what they have to say.”
He entered and was shown quietly into the pew by the door. A solemn silence reigned. The preacher had just read the text from the pulpit, and paused a moment, before repeating it. Then, in a gentle voice, he pronounced the words: “Come, now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
The vestry of that church was always open for a short time after service for the reception of those whom the message of the Lord had touched. That evening there was one who prayed with tears, “Jesus, though my sins be dyed deeper than the deepest scarlet, do thou make them whiter than the purest snow.”
Clark Co., Ill.
By G. W. COLCORD
APRIL 3–9, visited among the interested ones in Potter Hall neighborhood. Spoke twice. Find many willing to acknowledge, but few ready to obey. April 10, met Bro. Bliss in Martinsville. Here a good interest is awakened. Both churches were closed against him; but those who desired to hear hired a hall. Eight discourses have already been given. Congregations range from one to three hundred.
Sabbath, April 13, tried to encourage the brethren and sisters assembled in Clark Center, to never draw back from the truth, but “believe to the saving of the soul,” Heb. 10: 35–39. Entered into a partial organization. Sixteen covenanted to keep God’s commandments and the faith of Jesus, and endeavor to maintain regular Sabbath meetings. Bro. M. Kittle was chosen leader, and sister M. Craig, clerk. Systematic Benevolence was arranged to the amount of $40.12 per year. Hope others will identify themselves with us soon.
April 14–20, spoke six times in three different communities, Bro. B. lecturing in Martinsville. Two sermons on the “Immortality of the Soul,” by a minister of the M. E. church in Martinsville were reviewed in one before nearly a half full of attentive hearers. May 4, meeting of Sabbath-keepers in the hall. Some keeping the Lord’s rest-day for the first time. Good Bible-class and Sabbath-school. The Methodist Elder opposed on the Sabbath question and was reviewed by Bro. B. Thirty-three meetings were held in all Martinsville. As the result, eight have subscribed for the REVIEW, and two for the Reformer. Some fifteen, or more, are endeavoring to keep the Lord’s Sabbath. A few others in other parts of the county have taken hold since our last report.
May 7–9 brought our tent fifteen miles, to Union Prairie, and made preparations and pitched it near Mill Creek, three miles from York. May 10–14, with an increasing interest have held six meetings in the tent.
G. W. COLCORD.
Nebraska.
By R. M. Kilgore
APRIL 25, closed our meeting at Hooper, having given nineteen discourses. The busy season of the year coming on, marred the interest to some extent. We closed a week sooner than we otherwise should and improved the time making a tour through Colfax and Butler Counties where we held some meetings with the friends of the cause.
The interest here was not so great from the commencement as we had hoped—the average attendance being about twenty. Most of those who heard are, however, satisfied that our positions are scriptural. Four of them have decided to keep all God's holy law, while there are others who will yet yield obedience to the truth. Obtained two subscribers for the REVIEW, sold a few books, and made arrangements for future meetings.
We made our home here with Bro. C. W. Stanley who, with his wife are now made to rejoice again at the prospect of enjoying the society of, and meeting together on the Sabbath with, those who keep the commandments and the faith.
We are indebted to this dear family for the aid rendered to us and the cause.
We are now with Bro. Bartlett at York Creek, where we hold a few meetings before leaving the State.
My address will now be Washington, Iowa.
R. M. KILGORE.
Wood Co., Ohio.
By A. A. HUTCHINS
Since my last report, I have labored as follows:
March 24, commenced meeting in Wood Co. three miles north of Tontogany, continuing till May 11. Here I found no organized society of religionists except two or three families of United Brethren, who were hoping to see others join them under the labors of their pastor, J. F. Naylor. Hence jealousy seemed to take full possession of their hearts and minds.
They first undertook to drive me away by reminding me of the discouraging prospect of the meeting. At one time, their leader told me that I had been there four weeks, and he saw no fruit yet. I replied that some acknowledged the truth, and I would stay till they took a decided stand either for or against it, if it took four weeks longer.
Finding all efforts in this direction vain, Eld. Naylor was called to the rescue, and on a Sunday afternoon spoke for an hour and a half against me. He made no new points, his main object being to prejudice the minds of the people. I reviewed him in the evening.
Looking to the interest of the truth, Eld. Naylor’s discourse was a complete success, as many were led to see the great contrast between truth and error.
The result of the meeting in this place is that twelve or fourteen have commenced to keep all the commandments of God, and feel to prepare for the fast approaching events before them.
While in this place I often felt the good Spirit of the Lord with me, and as I continue in the work, I shall strive to so live that the blessing of the Lord may attend my labors.
A. A. HUTCHINS.
*May 14, 1872.
AMY E. DARTT
By Amy E. Dartt
Colorado.
I CAN say with the psalmist, Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he has done for my soul. A few months ago I was called to pass through a most painful ordeal. By accident, I lost the use of my left shoulder and hand, for the present at least. But by the sustaining grace of God my faith and patience did not fail. And he has brought me out into a large place and established my goings and removed from me all the cares and burdens that used to weigh so heavily upon me. By strictly obeying nature’s laws I have strength sufficient to walk several miles each day over these steep mountains and offer the gospel of health to the inhabitants and to circulate among them our excellent publications. Some have been much benefited by adopting the health reform. Many are investigating these subjects and quite a number have embraced present truth. We have had several Sabbath meetings. To God be all the praise; for he only can reach the heart. My earnest prayer is, that God will keep these souls steadfast and unmovable, and add very many more to their numbers. Let us continue earnestly to pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth more laborers into his harvest.
AMY E. DARTT
Osborn Co., Kansas.
Sister C. J. Pearce writes, May 4th, 1872: We had a meeting at our house to-day. There were thirty present, all being Sabbath-keepers but one. We are not organized, but wish to be. Could not a minister come and give a course of lectures. Some have been keeping the Sabbath here two years and never heard a sermon. There are eight families of us in all. My husband got eight subscribers for the REVIEW and Health Reformer among those not of our faith. I think this would be a good place for meetings. Come over and help us.