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The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 54, No. 24

FOURTH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY

The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald

December 11, 1879

The Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · December 11, 1879

FOURTH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

By S. N. Haskell; Maria L. Huntley

In response to call of the President, eight meetings were held during this session. The first opened with prayer by Eld. B. L. Whitney at 2 P. M., Nov. 11. The following State societies were represented by delegates, according to Article 5 of the Constitution; namely, New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, Tennessee, Kansas, Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, and California.
The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and approved. A summary of the labor performed by the various State societies during the past year was also read. (See table in Supplement.)
The total distribution of reading matter in this country, including Annuals and periodicals, equaled about 26,701,234 pages in tract form, or 7,094,568 pages more than was reported the year before. The report also showed that $6,773.57 more had been received for the support of the tract and missionary societies this year than last. The average per cent of T. and M. members who reported each quarter during the year was about 37. Less than 50 per cent of S. D. A. church members are members of the tract society; consequently only about 18 per cent of S. D. Adventists belonging to churches were represented in this report. A report was also given of the financial standing of the various State societies, particulars of which will appear elsewhere.
The financial standing of the General Tract Society was as follows:—
Cash on hand Oct. 8, 1878, $457.17
Received on Life Membership, 1020.00
“ “ donations, etc., 698.47
“ “ one-tenth, Illinois, 29.88
Total, $2205.52
Paid for Publications, $985.88
“ incidental expenses, 303.87
Cash on hand to balance, 915.77
Total, $2205.52
On motion, the Chair appointed the following committees: On Nominations, W. C. White, Eld. J. Fargo, and M. H. Brown; on Resolutions, Elds. B. L. Whitney, D. A. Robinson, and S. H. Lane.
At a subsequent meeting the Committee on Nominations recommended the following persons as officers for the ensuing year: President, Eld. S. N. Haskell, Battle Creek, Mich.; Vice-President, Eld. B. L. Whitney, Rome, N. Y.; Secretary, Maria L. Huntley, Battle Creek, Mich.; Assistant Secretary, Jennie Thayer, Battle Creek, Mich.; Executive Committee, Eld. S. N. Haskell, Eld. G. I. Butler, and W. C. White.
On motion, these officers were elected collectively.
The Committee on Resolutions reported as follows:—
1. Whereas, It has pleased God in great mercy to his erring people to repeatedly speak to them in testimonies of reproof and encouragement, through the gift of prophecy, and
Whereas, These several testimonies have not been as extensively circulated, as carefully read, and as fully heeded, as they should have been, therefore
Resolved, That the officers of the several tract and missionary societies shall regard it as their special duty to labor to introduce the testimonies into all the families of our people everywhere.
This resolution called out remarks from Elds. White, Decker, Canright, B. L. Whitney, W. C. White, and others, respecting the great benefit to be derived from these testimonies, the lack everywhere observable in those not familiar with their teachings, and the duty of our preachers to impress their importance upon the people.
2. Whereas, The Lord in his tender mercy has recently given a most solemn and searching testimony relative to the Judgment, of thrilling interest to our people, therefore
Resolved, That we recommend the publication of the same as soon as consistent, and that we earnestly urge the presidents of the several tract and missionary societies to immediately ascertain the number needed in their States, and order a full supply of Testimony No. 29; and that we appeal to our brethren everywhere to acquaint themselves with its important contents.
3. Whereas, Many of our State societies are indebted to the offices of publication, and
Whereas, Said indebtedness is a great embarrassment to them, therefore
Resolved, That we most heartily approve the plan adopted by many of the State societies, of creating a reserve fund equal to the value of publications required to be kept on hand in the State depository, and that we urge all societies that have not done this to do so at once.
This fund was explained to be a State fund, to be employed in sustaining a liberal supply of publications in each State depository, and to be under the control of the State officers. The several districts are not to receive credit for whatever sums they may donate to this fund.
4. Whereas, The practice of introducing important business into our tract society work by direct communication with the librarians, rather than through the medium of the officers of our State societies, has brought discouragement and confusion to these societies, and
Whereas, Such efforts have repeatedly proved unsuccessful in accomplishing the object designed in making these appeals, therefore
Resolved, That we recommend that hereafter all enterprises in which it is desired to enlist the efforts of the tract society, be introduced through the agency of the officers of the General and State societies.
This resolution was followed by remarks from the presidents of the various societies present, W. C. White, and others, respecting the ground covered by it, and the bearing it will have upon future efforts. It was explained to include such enterprises in particular as affect the financial standing of State societies.
5. Whereas, It has been proved by the history of our work in the past, and confirmed by the special light which the Lord has been pleased to give us, that the tract and missionary work constitutes one of the most important departments of our cause, and
Whereas, It is necessary for the maintenance of so important a branch of the work that there should be some uniform, efficient, and systematic plan for its financial support, therefore
Resolved, That this society, adopting the suggestion of the General Conference, recommend to each State tract society the raising of a sum equal to one-third the tithes paid for the support of the ministry, for the direct support of the tract and missionary work.
An animated discussion over what has been termed “the one-third” followed the reading of this resolution. The intent of the resolution is to fix the sum to be raised, leaving the manner of raising it optional with each State society.
6. Whereas, In the providence of God we have at Battle Creek, Mich., and Oakland, Cal., two efficient Publishing Houses, by means of which large quantities of “present truth,” in its printed form, has accumulated, therefore
Resolved, That for the year to come we will put forth our best efforts in effecting a sale of these publications, and in getting the light before those who are in darkness.
7. Whereas, This work is constantly increasing in magnitude, and whereas there is a great demand for individuals to act as colporteurs and canvassers, to visit and pray with families, etc., therefore
Resolved, That we earnestly recommend the presidents of the various T. and M. societies to use their influence in enlisting the co-operation of such persons in this work as can be successful therein.
W. C. White made remarks showing the great need of colporteurs in our churches. Only a small portion of the new books printed from time to time have been taken by our brethren, whereas they should be found in every Sabbath-keeping family. He expressed fears that this lack among our brethren would finally result in apostasy with many. The plan of selecting some of our most important books and offering them for sale as family libraries was recommended, and it was
Voted, That the Chair appoint a committee of three to select books for such a library, and that the chairman of this committee write an article on this subject for the REVIEW.
Elds. D. M. Canright, S. B. Whitney and G. G. Rupert were appointed as said committee.
The propriety of reducing the initiation fee to State societies to less than $1.00 was suggested, and on motion, the Chair appointed the following committee to consider the matter: Elds. H. W. Decker, W. H. Littlejohn, and M. B. Miller. At a subsequent meeting this committee recommended that as the time and manner of paying this fee is optional with the various societies, it is the mind of the committee that it should remain $1.00.
8. Whereas, Our Danish Norwegian paper, The Advent Tidende has in the eight years of its existence wielded a great influence in favor of the truth among the Danes and Norwegians in this country and in Denmark and Norway; and as these nationalities are largely represented in this country, and there are but few ministers to proclaim the truth among them, and
Whereas, The Tidende has been changed from a monthly to a semi-monthly, thus greatly increasing its usefulness as a missionary paper, therefore
Resolved, That we urge our Scandinavian brethren to take a greater interest in extending its circulation, by obtaining new subscribers, forming clubs, and earnestly engaging in the missionary work; and further
9. Resolved, That we recommend that our tract societies interest themselves for the circulation of the Tidende, by forming clubs and otherwise, and introduce it among the Scandinavians wherever they may have an opportunity to do so.
This was spoken to by W. C. White, O. A. Olsen, and others, who gave interesting particulars concerning the circulation of this paper, and the reason for changing its form and publishing it semi-monthly instead of monthly.
The present number of subscribers is about 1,450, of which 270 are in Denmark and Norway. W. C. White stated that could the Tidende have one thousand full-paying subscribers, and two thousand club subscribers, it would be self-sustaining. Some plans for securing this number of subscribers were suggested; also, in view of the dissatisfaction with some on account of the change in the form of the paper, it was proposed to furnish a binder to all who renew their subscription for the same before Jan. 1, 1880. The co-operation of the American T. and M. societies was earnestly solicited for the support of the paper.
10. Whereas, The German population of this country, at the present time, numbers over ten million souls, many of whom, by becoming acquainted with the truth, through their native tongue, would be glad to obey the word of the Lord, and
Whereas, A German paper has been started, which has received a hearty welcome from thousands of our countrymen, therefore
Resolved, That we earnestly recommend our American tract societies to circulate the Stimme der Wahrheit to every German family within their reach, and
11. Whereas, We have received many and earnest appeals from our German readers, requesting a more frequent appearance of the German paper, therefore
Resolved, That we recommend that the Stimme der Wahrheit, from the beginning of next year, be issued monthly instead of quarterly.
Interesting remarks were made by Elders Decker, Grant, Lamson, and others, which evinced the fact that with proper efforts much can be accomplished among the German people. The last resolution, after further remarks, was referred to the General Conference Committee.
W. C. White recommended that the brethren try canvassing for this paper, remarking that if one thousand subscribers were obtained, it could be published monthly.
12. Whereas, The plan of taking the Signs in clubs has proved to be an efficient medium of communicating light; and whereas many are rejoicing in the truth received thereby, therefore
Resolved, That we most heartily approve the plan, and recommend all our churches, companies, and scattered brethren, to continue the use of the Signs in this way, until some other pioneer sheet shall be provided to take its place; also that Good Health be taken in the same manner.
A discussion followed respecting the evils arising from furnishing Good Health in clubs, in which the course of our brethren who selfishly take advantage of the liberal offers made by the Publishing Association to the tract societies, to benefit themselves, was severely censured.
13. Whereas, The Swedish Harold is as yet the chief means of spreading the truth among the Swedes, and is indispensable to the upholding and carrying forward of the third angel’s message among this nationality, and
Whereas, The Swedish cause is greatly in need of help at the present time, therefore
Resolved, That we will do all we can to forward this branch of the cause by our hearty co-operation in the circulation of the Advent Harold.
In support of this resolution it was stated that the Harold is all the preacher that our brethren in the Swedish language have, and that its circulation has increased considerably during the year. Some of the discouragements under which our Swedish friends have labored were also mentioned.
14. Whereas, The general system that has been adopted in our tract societies has proved efficient and successful in accomplishing the work for which these societies were organized, and whereas the introduction of new plans at variance with this system will tend to confusion, and thus prove detrimental to the interests of this important branch of the work, therefore
Resolved, That we heartily indorse the general system already adopted, and recommend to all State societies to maintain a uniformity of action in harmony with this general plan until such time as the General Tract Society shall find it necessary or advisable to mature and recommend important changes.
These resolutions, with the exception of the eleventh, were unanimously adopted. A report having been called for from the committee on family libraries, Eld. S. B. Whitney responded (see article on “Family Libraries”), and this report was adopted.
A question having been raised respecting the price to be charged for this library, on motion of Eld. D. M. Canright, this matter, also the amount of discount to be allowed on publications to tract societies and individuals, was referred to the Executive Committee of the General Tract Society and the officers of the Publishing Association. It was urged that as individuals now purchase publications in much smaller quantities than the tract societies, they should receive less discount on the same; also that should this course be pursued, it would encourage our brethren in their efforts to establish a reserve fund in each State society. Before the tract societies were formed it was necessary for ministers to order publications in large quantities, whereas, at the present time, they can obtain as small quantities from these societies as their circumstances require. This, with other advantages secured to them by the present arrangement, will balance a slight reduction in discount.
W. C. White then introduced the following resolution, which was adopted:—
Whereas, The monthly Instructor is a good missionary paper, and its publication will provide the means of educating youth and children in the work of canvassing, therefore
Resolved, That we recommend its continuance, and urge all T. and M. workers to aid the children in increasing its circulation.
W. C. White spoke of the importance of educating children to canvass, and proposed to give books and Sabbath-school maps, as premiums, to those obtaining specified numbers of subscribers for the Instructor.
The cases of individuals who frequently write to the office of publication requesting the continuance of their papers after their subscription has expired, was introduced. The President stated that such cases should at once be referred to the State Secretary of the tract society where the individual lives, and that it is the duty of this Secretary to ascertain what course should be pursued in each case, and to either order subscriptions renewed or discontinued. The expense of sending our periodicals to worthy persons who are unable to pay for them, should be borne by the church society to which they belong, if it is able; if not, the district should pay it. If the district cannot do this, the State society should bear this expense.
Adjourned sine die.
S. N. HASKELL, Pres.
MARIA L. HUNTLEY, Sec.

RESIGNATION

By L. D. Santee

God knows best; come joy or pain, If they lift me skyward and help me to gain A place with the saints as they walk in light, Where weeping and hoping are lost in sight; All will be well, if the way I've trod, Whether gloomy or joyous, leads to God. It matters little how or why, If it end with a crown and a home on high.
If often in life I slip and fall, The closer I'll cling to Christ through all; No matter how rough the way may be, If it ends in immortality. Little it matters how rough the way That my feet are treading day by day, Though I walk through the darkness with tear and sigh, Tears will be banished by-and-by.
Welcome the day when the journey's done, And the weary feet shall homeward come, When the brow is wreathed with a starry crown, And the heavy burdens are all laid down,— No more in journeyings dark and lone, But joy, and Heaven, and peace, and home, Ended forever earth's weary night, And we'll walk with the glorified ones in white.
L. D. SANTEE. Parsons, Kan.

FAMILY LIBRARIES.

By Dudley Marvin Canright; S. B. Whitney; G. G. Rupert

The undersigned, having been appointed by the action of the General Tract Society as a committee to consider the matter of a more general circulation of our denominational works among our people, would submit the following thoughts and suggestions:—
1. The importance of the subject. We are all familiar with the ancient adage, “Knowledge is power.” But this is not all. Knowledge is one of the fundamental principles of Christian experience and character. In enumerating these principles, Peter places this the third in the list. “Add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge.” 2 Pet. 1: 5. Now, as we understand faith to have a specific signification and to imply confidence in the present truth, so also we must consider knowledge as implying an understanding of the principles and doctrines of the present truth. Viewed in this light, the importance of this subject cannot be overestimated. Our work is the greatest, most solemn and important, ever given to the church; we have the highest, grandest destiny ever offered to mortals to work out, while the perils and dangers surrounding us are the most imminent and terrible to which human beings were ever exposed. The best safeguard against danger is a knowledge of its existence; the best guarantee of success is a thorough understanding of that which will secure it. And all this has been especially provided for in the production of our works. Prepared expressly to elucidate the peculiarities of our faith, written in a simple, clear, yet forcible style, and offered at a price to bring them within the reach of all, they unquestionably constitute the most efficient means, if rightly used, of making our people intelligent relative to present duties and dangers. It must therefore be the duty of all our people to provide themselves with this efficient means of improvement to the extent of their ability.
Parents should feel the responsibility resting upon them respecting their children in regard to this matter. We have met with young people whose parents were Sabbath-keepers from the time their children were small, who were almost as ignorant of the present truth as those who have never heard of our people. Such things should not be; they need not, would not be, if parents would provide themselves with our published works, and then do their duty in studying them themselves and faithfully instructing their children from them as they ought. But the matter does not stop here. We all have neighbors, friends, and relatives, that occasionally come to visit us, and all ought to have a good assortment of our publications to lend to such as may become interested to learn more fully our views. And here we would suggest, that, if we are interested in this matter and become more intelligent upon our faith, our conversation will be better calculated to create in the minds of our friends an interest in the truth.
2. The plan to be adopted. In the list of our publications the writings of Sister White stand first, and every family should have them complete; but as a special effort is being made to place these in every family among us, we would now call attention more particularly to our other works. As to a plan, we recommend the following:—
Let every family, so far as possible, get a complete set of our bound books; viz., History of the Sabbath, Thoughts on Daniel, Life of Wm. Miller, Thoughts on Revelation, Constitutional Amendment, Sanctuary and 2300 Days, Bible from Heaven, Nature and Destiny of Man, Life of Capt. Bates, Science and the Bible, U. S. in Prophecy, and Thoughts on Baptism.
These constitute a complete library of our faith, and could be put up in boxes in neat style and sold at such discount as the Publishing Association can afford. Those who have any of the above works can obtain the balance at a proportionate cost. We would urge our people everywhere to provide themselves with this full set, even at a sacrifice. The cost will probably be about ten dollars, including boxing; and there are few but that can save that amount in the course of the year for this purpose. But for those who really are not able to procure these we would recommend the following list of pamphlets; viz., Sanctuary and 2300 Days, Sermons on Sabbath and Law, Thoughts on Baptism, State of the Dead and Destiny of the Wicked, Faith and Hope, U. S. in Prophecy, Modern Spiritualism, Ministration of Angels, Atonement, Three Messages, Spirit of God, Two Laws, Seven Trumpets, Matthew Twenty-four, and Truth Found.
The above selection presents the prominent features of our faith, and will be found a valuable one. The cost will be only about three dollars.
Again would we urge upon our brethren everywhere to procure these books. We cannot afford to go without the instruction they contain. Let those who are able get both sets; but by all means let every family procure one or the other, not to ornament the shelves of your bookcase simply, but that you may become more intelligent upon the great truths of this time, and thus be better prepared to get the light before others.
D. M. CANRIGHT, S. B. WHITNEY, G. G. RUPERT, } Committee.
The libraries named above will be put up in heavy cardboard boxes, and will be ready for sale in a few weeks. The price of the books named in the first list is $10.15. Each book will have pasted on the inside of the first cover, a printed slip with blanks in which the purchaser can write the date of purchase, the library number, and the name and address of the owner; and a note to the reader to return the book to the owner as soon as read. These slips and the box will cost 35 cents, bringing the total value to $10.50.
The price of the smaller library, including the box, is $3.00.
We shall ship these in quantities to State T. and M. societies, from whom they can be ordered through the librarians. We recommend that those buying complete libraries be allowed 20 per cent discount on the large library and 10 per cent on the small one.
This reduces the expense of the large library to $8.40 net, and the small one to $2.70. Who cannot afford a library? Of course, these discounts cannot be given to those taking only a part of the library, and thus breaking the set. PUBLISHERS.

A STRANGE CHANGE.

It has never been known since Protestantism had its birth that Catholicism has yielded a hair’s-breadth to its creed, ritual, or religious habits in any way. But it is now reported that since Mr. Moody’s great revival meetings have produced such wonderful results, and it is so apparent that a very potent instrumentality in these meetings has been the congregational singing, the Catholic church, which has always had choir singing, and allowed none but the singers to have their hymns in church, is now adopting congregational singing, and sending out missionaries who are preaching and imitating very much the Protestant heretics.
It is perfectly evident that a change is taking place among all who are laboring in revival work, and many are depending more upon singing than formerly, and less upon preaching the doctrines of the gospel. In fact, modern singing has very nearly excluded doctrinal expression, and substituted an endless repetition of sounds giving very few ideas. To us it is becoming more apparent every year that solid, essential Bible truths are being more and more dismissed from worship, and something artistic, fanciful, or sensational is taking their place. Is it not possible that the prophet’s prediction that, “truth is fallen in the street, and that equity cannot enter,” and of the time when there will be “no intercessor,” and the Judge shall “put on the garments of vengeance for clothing,” (see Isa. 59:14, 16, 17), is about to be fulfilled? Has not truth commenced already to fall in the reverence and confidence of the people? If it is so, then putting “sound doctrine” in the background because the people will not “endure” it, and substituting something sensational, which will please their “itching ears,” will become a distinctly marked sign of the last days. We think this sign is very discernible at the present time.—World’s Crisis.

PRESENT TRUTH.

By Mrs. Maria Mead

What is present truth? What are the great truths for our days? If we were to judge from the talk and acts of some of our people, we should think that the present truth consisted merely in keeping holy the Sabbath day. But what a sad mistake!
What are some of the leading and most important truths embraced in the third angel’s message, that is now being heralded to the world for man’s salvation? The question is often asked, Is the truth of God different to-day from what it was ages in the past? The great fundamental truths are the same as in the beginning, the same as when God spoke from Mount Sinai; but every age has had truths particularly applicable to the time. The truths that were proclaimed in the sixteenth century, or even the more glorious truths taught in the time of Christ and the apostles, are not the only ones for us to heed; but there are additional truths that we will mention as we proceed.
With the Jews at the time of our Saviour it was all law and no Christ; in this age the cry is, “No law, and all Christ.” In order that these errors, which are equally fatal, may be corrected, God has sent out messengers over the world, who are preaching the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. And when we say, “The commandments of God,” we do not mean nine of them, nor the fourth commandment alone, but every one of them. “Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”
Some say, “All I hear from your people is, the Sabbath, the Sabbath.” But this is not so. Our ministers preach more upon the Sabbath commandment than any other; but why? Because it is the one that has been trodden under foot by every denomination but the Seventh-day Adventists and Seventh-day Baptists. But the seal of God is in that commandment. It is the only one that tells us of the true God, the Maker of heaven and earth. God’s holy day must be restored. The breach must be made up. God must and will be honored by his people. The loud cry will go forth, and the 144,000 will be found keeping the Seventh-day Sabbath holy.
There are other truths connected with this message,—truths of vital importance. It is not in the Sabbath alone that man has robbed God. Read this: “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.” Perhaps some will ask, “Did not the tithing system pertain to the Jewish dispensation, and was it not done away in Christ?” It was not. If it was necessary to give one-tenth in the Jewish age, is it not equally necessary in the Christian age? Does it cost less to support the gospel now than it did then? Listen to Christ: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith; these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” One-tenth of all our income is the Lord’s. What! one-tenth of all my wheat, corn, and potatoes, and even of my butter and eggs? Can I not first take out enough to supply my family, enough oats and corn to feed my horses, and then of the remainder give one-tenth to the Lord? Will not that be all right? No; one-tenth belongs to the Lord. And the man who robs God of this, though he keep the Sabbath ever so strictly, will be weighed in the balance and found wanting. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, . . . and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
Well, to keep God’s holy day, and to give one-tenth of all my income, is a part of present truth. What next? “Whether therefore ye eat or drink, . . . do all to the glory of God.” Then does present truth deal with what we eat and drink? Listen to the words of the spirit of prophecy: “The health reform sustains the same relation to the third angel’s message, that the right arm does to the body.” “Know ye not that every one that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things?” Are not our bodies the temple of the Holy Ghost? Then how dare a Seventh-day Adventist eat that which God has pronounced unclean and an abomination in his sight? However strictly one may keep the Sabbath, if he uses tobacco, tea, and coffee, and partakes of swine’s flesh and the abominable broth, he cannot expect the blessing and favor of God. “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” “Ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Perhaps some who think that, however straight the way, we have the truth so far, will yet suppose we have a wrong idea about Christ’s soon coming. They say: “All things continue as they were from the beginning, and Christ may not come for a thousand years yet, or he may come to-night.” “Now learn a parable of the fig-tree. When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh. So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it [margin, he,—Christ] is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation [the one before which the darkening of the sun and moon and the falling of the stars are proclaimed as signs of the last days, and that witnesses earthquakes, fires, floods, wars, the rise of spiritualism, and wicked men growing worse] shall not pass away till all be fulfilled.”
Again, we have no charity for false doctrines. We do not countenance any modes, creeds, or doctrines for which we have not a “Thus saith the Lord.” And we read that “God only hath immortality.” The doctrine of the immortality of the soul originated with the devil, when he told Eve that she should not surely die.
Seventh-day Adventists all have the same Bible, and they read and interpret it alike; they are a unit, all believing the same thing; and they will not allow heathen doctrines to come into the church. The Judgment is sitting; the heavenly sanctuary is now being cleansed. Christ is soon coming, and he must find a people all of whom have the same faith. And how is this unity brought about, when other churches are so divided, scarcely two in the same church believing the same thing? I will tell you how. We have the spirit of prophecy in our midst. “Oh!” exclaim hundreds of voices, “possibly the rest might all be true; you have a Bible faith except this prophesying. That was all done away ages ago. The last visions were in Paul’s day. The law and the prophets were until John; since that time Christ is preached.” The spirit of prophecy was designed for all ages, and is nowhere restricted to any particular age or time, from the fall to the final restitution; but it is among the special signs of the last days. “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; . . . and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.” The testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy, is the chain that links us together, keeps the wolves and false doctrines out, and makes us a unit. “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
In conclusion, let me say in the language of Paul: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” For Christ “cometh quickly,” and will reward every man according as his work shall be. Blessed are they that are found doing his commandments, “that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”
Mrs. Maria Mead.
Stearns Co., Minn.

A DOG'S CONSCIENCE.

A young fox terrier, about eight months old, took a great fancy to a small brush, of Indian workmanship, lying on the drawing-room table. It had been punished more than once for jumping on the table and taking it. On one occasion the little dog was left in the room accidentally. On my return it jumped to greet me as usual, and I said, “Have you been a good little dog while you have been alone?” Immediately it put its tail between its legs and slunk off into an adjoining room, and brought back the little brush in its mouth from where it had hidden it. I was much struck with what appeared to me a remarkable instance of a dog possessing a conscience, and a few months afterward, finding it again alone in the room, I asked the same question while patting it. At once I saw it had been up to some mischief, for with the same look of shame it walked slowly to one of the windows, where it lay down with its nose pointing to a letter, bitten and torn into shreds. On a third occasion it showed me where it had strewn a number of little tickets about the floor, for doing which it had been reproved previously. I cannot account for these facts except by supposing the dog must have a conscience.—London Spectator.
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