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Review and Herald, Vol. 50, No. 10.

OUR FIRST LOVE
Earlier text: COMMON THINGS

BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE.

By S. B.

STUDENTS have been coming in during the past three days chiefly from the more distant States, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, New York, and a few from Pennsylvania. Scarcely any of our Michigan students have yet arrived. There were nearly fifty arrivals during the latter part of the past week. About as many more have engaged rooms and expect to be here at the opening of the school. Add to these the home attendance, which will not fall below seventy-five, and we can depend upon one hundred and seventy-five to be present the first day of school. It will be safe to estimate the whole attendance for the coming term at from two hundred and fifty to three hundred students.
It requires a close calculation to properly locate this great number where rooms are so few, and where so much of the room that has formerly been occupied by the students is now in possession of patients from the Sanitarium, and those engaged in erecting the new building of the Sanitarium. But all will be accommodated, even at this time of greatest demand, by crowding a little more closely than formerly.
Many rooms are for rent that are not fully furnished; it would be well, therefore, for students to come provided with bedding, towels, and such other things as can be easily carried in a trunk.
The more bulky articles of furniture can be readily obtained here. There will be ample provision made for club-boarding, or self-boarding, as the student may prefer. Students that cannot be here at the commencement of the term should not conclude it best to wait until the opening of the winter term, but come as soon as they can possibly make ready. If you wait for the winter term your classes will be just one term ahead of you. Come now, if possible; if not now, come as soon as you can.
Come with a determination to stay. If you are determined to remain, your change will be borne much more easily than it will if you are half decided about remaining before you arrive. Let there be very few of that class who come instructed by their parents to come home again if they become a little homesick.
The case of one young man is worthy of mention. He came here last Friday from the East, with the instructions mentioned above. He thought more of home and his tender parents’ parting charge, “If you get homesick, come home, my boy,” than of the many privileges and opportunities for improvement offered him at the College; and of the preparation for the responsibilities that devolve upon any young man of usefulness in the world. Home and mother was the central and all-absorbing thought of his mind. And home he must go. On Sunday morning down to the depot he rushed with his trunk, determined never to look back upon the scenes behind him. And there he waited sitting upon his trunk (which was the most like home of anything that met his gaze), for the first train eastward bound, which would be along some time in the night. Again I say, Come determined to stay, and all will be well.
S. B.

Guarding Against Evil Speech and Careless Jokes

We ought never to believe evil of any one till we are certain of it. We ought not to say anything that is rude and displeasing even in joke; and we ought never to carry jokes too far.

Keeping Oneself Innocent for Happiness

Keep yourself innocent if you would be happy.

New York.

Wellsville, Tent No. 1.

We have the best interest here now that we have seen since we commenced, although we are fairly in the Sabbath question. The weather during the past week has been quite unfavorable. This has lessened the attendance somewhat, yet we have had a good congregation every evening.
Sunday evening, Eld. Bradley, Methodist, delivered a discourse in his church to a large audience on the “Sleep of the Soul.” The discourse had been previously announced, and attracted considerable attention. The arguments were in the main quite commonplace; but the spirit of intolerance was very plainly marked. He referred quite freely to the tent, and what had been taught here; and in the course of his remarks said that any one teaching such doctrine as we have advocated here was deserving of the “kick of every indignant boot” in the community. This course on his part has done more, apparently, to advertise our work, and give us the sympathy of the community, than anything else could have done.
This morning our posters, announcing the review of the discourse on Tuesday evening, are conspicuously displayed in the leading places of business and the hotels of the town; and a more cordial feeling has not been shown toward us since we came here.
B. L. Whitney. M. H. Brown.

Mannsville, Tent No. 2.

We commenced meetings here on Friday evening, Aug. 17. The opening seems quite favorable, as our attendance has ranged from about two hundred the first evening to about four hundred last evening. The brethren take an interest in the matter, attending the meetings quite generally, and engaging to bear our expenses. Wednesday evening attended prayer-meeting at Pulaski, and held meeting with them Sabbath, and on both occasions there was a good attendance and interest.
S. B. Whitney.

Blockville and Jamestown, Tent No. 3.

Came to Jamestown, Monday, Aug. 13, and commenced meetings on Wednesday evening. The attendance is good, remarkably so for such unfavorable weather.
I attended a Sabbath meeting at Jamestown the 18th. It was held at a private house. Twenty-three persons (adults) were present, and every one gave a good, cheering testimony. They have engaged a hall in which to hold regular Sabbath meetings, and have appointed two regular weekly prayer-meetings, one at each end of the city.
When we consider that our meetings were held every afternoon and evening during all the excitement of the strike, and then of the attractions of the great assembly at Fair Point, we are indeed surprised at the results. Truly the Lord is answering the supplications of his dear children for blessings on even the most feeble efforts made to advance his cause. Beyond doubt, meetings in the hall in the center of the city during fall and winter will double the number who have embraced the truth.
The interest at Blockville is excellent. We had three large congregations on Sunday. We hold meetings here every evening and every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon; every afternoon and evening proving too exhausting. We are cheered by the fair prospect here.
Chas. B. Reynolds.

Glensdale, Lewis Co., Tent No. 5.

The work here is enlarging upon our hands. We have arranged to hold meetings in the tent every evening, and twice on Sunday, for the next three weeks, and six or seven other meetings within a few miles of this place where the interest demands. The class of Sabbath-keepers here, brought out at this tent-meeting and organized a short time ago, are doing well; they seem to be anxious to help others into the light. We have just about opposition enough from other ministers to make the people desire to hear the truth.
We expect to remove the tent this week, and pitch it within a few rods of the depot and post-office, near the business part of the town. Bro. H. H. Wilcox is now with us. We find him an efficient helper.
Jacob Wilbur. A. P. Bump.

St. Lawrence Co.

July 27, I went to Pierrepont, and held meetings Friday evening, and Sabbath and Sunday mornings. Some trials that had been destroying the peace and confidence of the church were settled.
Sunday P. M., I went again to Hermon. Had a free meeting. One was baptized. A number met with us for the first time. Some came from Rensselaer Falls. At this place there is a rising interest to hear outside the church.
Spent the week visiting the churches at Gouverneur and Rossie. Some at Rossie were waiting for baptism.
Sabbath and Sunday, Aug. 4, 5, held meetings at Gouverneur. Three were baptized, one of whom had just taken her stand on the truth.
A. H. Hall.

WISCONSIN

Boice Prairie and Georgetown, Tent No 1.

We closed our meetings at Boice Prairie last Sunday evening, Aug. 19. On account of harvesting and threshing, and much prejudice, the interest was not deep, as it at first promised to be. A few became interested. Three promised to obey the Lord. Five who had formerly received the truth were baptized last Sunday.
We had intended to pitch the tent at Georgetown; but as we can have the use of the Disciple church there as long as we want it, we have laid up the tent for this season, and I commence meetings there, eight miles south of Platteville, Grant Co., next Sunday evening, Aug. 26.
My address, till farther notice, will be Georgetown, Grant Co., Wis. I. Sanborn.

Rush Creek, Crawford Co., Tent No. 4.

WE came to this place from Fall River the 8th inst. The tent was delayed, and did not reach here until the 12th, the day our meetings were to commence; so we were only partly prepared for the first two meetings.
We are in a wild, lonely place, in a deep valley. We could not see where we were to look for a congregation, but to our surprise over one hundred and fifty were present at our first meeting, and we have had good attendance through the week. Today, Aug. 19, we have an attendance of nearly three hundred to hear on the Sabbath question. The people are many of them Disciples. The interest does not appear very deep, but we hope for some good results.
GEO. TENNEY.
H. W. REED.

MICHIGAN

Lakeview.

The past week has been rather an exciting one for Lakeview. Nearly all the people are either reading the Bible or talking Scripture. The church members, especially the United Brethren, became jealous of the progress the truth is making, and sent for the Rev. M. H. Sly, of Olivet, considered by them one of their ablest men, who came Thursday. Friday evening we let him have the tent on conditions that he would be courteous, and treat us as a Christian gentleman should. He spoke for nearly three hours, and a more abusive man we never heard. Some of the congregation became disgusted, and left the tent.
Sunday forenoon he spoke in the tent again. This time he was somewhat more careful in what he said. In the evening we took a vote to see how many thought he deserved a further use of the tent, and the congregation voted him out. His friends then procured him the school-house, where he spoke last night. Here he exceeded all his previous efforts to abuse us, and expose us to ridicule. During his discourse, he said, “It took Jesus three years and six months to kill the law,” and, “If I could understand all the Bible, I would throw it away.” He is a man of but little education, and utterly void of Christian refinement. This effort has been productive of much good, in that it has decided several more upon the present truth. The Lord is able to make the wrath of man praise him.
Almost every day we hear of some who have begun to keep the Sabbath. Bro. P. L. Hoen is with us, working among the Norwegians and Danes. We expect to close up our labors here with the tent next Sunday.
A. O. BURRILL.
WILL. ELLSWORTH.

Adrian.

I came to Adrian, Aug. 6, and for the past two weeks have been lecturing three miles east of the city in a small school-house that is not large enough to seat the congregations that attend. The interest is good, and is increasing. Some of the best people in the place are interested.
Last Sabbath we baptized four in the river Raisin. Ten or more are keeping the Sabbath. They keep up meetings, although they are quite scattered.
This is a new field, and our views are but little known. I preached here in the winter of 1844–5, and have met a few who remember me.
Last Sunday I went to hear a first-day Adventist preach that the law is abolished and there is no Sabbath. It sounded quite familiar to hear the old worn-out, threadbare arguments again. They invited me to speak at three P. M., so I spoke on the whole law in the New Testament and the Sabbath. They gave excellent attention, and I believe some of them were convicted of the truth.
By request, have moved my appointment to a larger school-house about one mile east of the one in which I first spoke. Have good liberty in speaking, and the Lord blesses.
J. B. FRISBIE.

FAITHFULNESS

By Eliza H. Morton

OTHER lips may sing of pleasure, Hearts be gay; Feet trip light to joyous measure, All the day; I will ever sing, Jesus, Master, King.
Others may, thy cause forsaking, Prove untrue; In thy vineyard idly waiting, Naught to do. To thee I will cling. Jesus, Master, King.
Here on earth I'll tell the story Everywhere; When I reach the home in glory, Sing it there; Till the arches ring, Jesus, Master, King.
Eliza H. Morton.

DANVERS, MASS.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

WE have had another week of much encouragement here. The interest has kept up well, rather increased, if anything. The mass of the people are friendly to us. There is no opposition to speak of from any source. Every day reports of our meetings are published in the daily papers, and each week in the weeklies. To-day the Salem Post, a widely circulated paper, comes out with a whole column, giving an excellent report of our meetings. These things are creating a great interest in all the adjoining towns.
Our work is now known in all this region, and we have invitations to preach in every direction. People living six and eight miles away are embracing the Sabbath. Our meetings continue to be the absorbing topic of the town in every store, in the shop, and on the streets. We have more invitations than all of us can fill, and abundance of provisions is still brought in every day. We have received $50, collection, in money, sold ninety dollars’ worth of books, and obtained twenty-eight subscribers for the SIGNS. As near as we can learn now, about twenty have fully decided upon the Sabbath, though it is less than a week since I introduced it. Of course, we hope for many more; but the shoe shops will hold many from the truth, as this is the main business here. All work in gangs, and if one stops it stops the whole. But some will obey God any way, while probably the most will not.
D. M. CANRIGHT.

NEBRASKA

By CHAS. L. BOYD; HENRY SHULTZ

We closed our meetings at Schuyler last Sunday evening, with the largest congregation we have had for two weeks. We can hardly report the result of this meeting. Some have taken a decided stand and signed the covenant, while others have decided to keep the Sabbath and to investigate farther, to see if indeed there is no Bible authority for first-day observance, and if “all these great men are in an error.” Sabbath meetings will be held at the school-house, and one of us will meet with them as often as practicable.
We are now pitching the tent at Columbus, fifteen miles west of Schuyler, on a nice plat of ground near the Congregationalist church, and are to commence meetings to-morrow evening. An interest in your prayers, dear brethren, is solicited. CHAS. L. BOYD. HENRY SHULTZ.

KENTUCKY TENT.

By S. Osborn; O. Soule

We still have a good interest at Glover's Creek. We have now canvassed the Sabbath question quite fully, and several have decided to keep the Lord's rest-day. We are in the midst of a Disciple neighborhood, and quite an effort has already been made to oppose the truth, and greater efforts will be made in the future. But God has given us the victory thus far.
A Universalist who was formerly a Disciple has succeeded in getting a few to sign a petition for him to review us on the kingdom, the United States in prophecy, and the Sabbath. But at present we think it best not to notice his efforts. The whole object of the opposition is to befog the minds of the people, and to this end they are commencing protracted efforts. We are having a warm time of it just now. Pray for us.
S. OSBORN. O. SOULE.

ONTARIO

By J. Fulton

Our quarterly meeting at Wyoming was encouraging. Three were baptized, and united with the church.
For the past few weeks we have been holding meetings at Mt. Brydges. Owing to the busy time of the year, but few attended, except on Sundays. Some became interested, and the warfare commenced, one minister taking up the Sabbath question, another the nature of man. We have tried to defend the truth. The Lord has helped.
Many are convinced that we are right, and, as far as we can learn, few are satisfied with the efforts of the opposition, whose main arguments have been abuse and misrepresentation. A monk of the Greek Church, from Jerusalem, has commenced meetings in the hall. He has joined the enemy’s ranks, and is doing all he can to crush the truth. Abler men are expected soon.
Three families have accepted the truth. Many are deeply interested. One young man who has been a preacher for some time has taken a firm stand with us. All means are resorted to, to keep the people from obeying. The ministers state publicly that they will see that the laws of the land are enforced. These things cause the people to move slowly. Our courage is good. I am alone in the tent with Bro. Collie for tent master. J. FULTON.

Appleton City, Mo.

By J. G. Wood; D. W. Reavis

OUR meetings at this place closed last Sunday night, after a siege of over five weeks. Opposition has been strong throughout, yet the attendance has been very good. Only a few have decided to obey, while many others firmly believe, and have some sense of duty, but the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches seem to hold them back. There is good evidence that several of these will soon decide to keep all the commandments of God.
On Monday last, we met a respectable congregation at Panther Creek, six miles south-west of Appleton, where three were buried in baptism. Have obtained two subscribers for the REVIEW, and four for the SIGNS, and sold books to the amount of $21.60.
We now move the tent to Moundville, Vernon Co., Mo., which will be our address till further notice. J. G. Wood. D. W. Reavis.

THAYER, KANSAS.

By N. W. Vincent

A Dunkard preacher, Eld. Clay, had threatened to tear the arguments in favor of the seventh day “all to pieces.” The day, Aug. 19, had come. The log school-house could not hold the audience. The speaker maintained that the expression “Lord’s day” is found in 2 Cor. and Rev. 3, and refers to Sunday; that the Sabbath, with the ten commandments, was given, along with the passover, to commemorate the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt!
The speaker was here taken with a chill, and requested any minister present to speak to the people. An aged Methodist preacher declining, upon request I endeavored for an hour to declare the plain word of God in respect to “his holy day.” A general interest seems to be springing up to hear the whole truth.
N. W. VINCENT.

THE WINDS AS AN AGENT.

By C. K. D.

Some time ago, I met a young lady who was intelligent, but an unbeliever in the Holy Scriptures. She denounced the Bible, saying that it was no better than any other book, and that it was full of errors and self-contradictions. I tried to convince her that the Bible was true, and that there were no contradictory statements in it. I spoke of the Sabbath, the state of the dead, and the doom of the lost, with apparently good effect; for she admitted that these were truths that she had never heard of before, and that, after all, perhaps there was a harmony in the teachings of the Bible.
I mentioned our publications to her, promising to send her some if she would read them. This she said she would gladly do. As we parted, she said to me, If I am ever a Christian I shall be a Seventh-day Adventist; for I believe they have the truth.
I neglected to send the tracts as I had promised, and what was the result? A few weeks ago she called at my office, and asked me if I had left some tracts on her school-house steps, saying she had found a part of one of our tracts that had blown through mud and rain, and lodged at her door. She cleaned the mud from it, read it, and took it to her mother, and they both read it several times. She said it contained proof enough, even if she had never heard a word before, to convince her that we have the truth. I gave her quite a package of our tracts, and have not seen her since, but hope that she may be led to accept the truth and live it out.
Perhaps had not that tract lodged where it did, and fallen into her hands, she would never again have had her attention called to the subject. Surely, in this case the Lord used the winds as an agent to distribute his truth.
C. K. D.

“MICHIGAN CAMP-MEETING.”

By W. H. Kynett

During the past few months, how eagerly have these two words been looked for, as each number of the Review reached its Michigan subscribers.
Perhaps there has never been a camp-meeting held by Seventh-day Adventists to which the people looked forward with such an interest as they take in the one to be held this year in Lansing. The heart of Michigan has been aroused by the favorable reports of last year’s successful camp-meeting at this place. People living many miles in the country, who, for lack of time or interest, did not attend last year, intend to be present at this meeting. They have left their names and addresses, earnestly requesting us to write to them as soon as the meeting should be announced.
Many living in the city, who last year took little or no interest either in the tent-meeting or the camp-meeting, now express a determination to attend for the purpose of learning more about this “peculiar people.”
If such an outside interest is felt in the coming camp-meeting, what is the interest that should be felt by Seventh-day Adventists?
W. H. Kynett.
N. Lansing, Mich.

IOWA

Modale and Logan.

Our congregations have not been large this week, as there have been two dances in town.
Last Sabbath I met with the church at Logan. The Lord met with us by his Spirit. Two more signed the covenant, making twenty. Others are keeping the Sabbath.
The Presbyterian minister of Missouri Valley preached on the Sabbath question. The audience was large. I was there, but he did not know it. He said that if they could not give a “thus saith the Lord” for all their faith it was no reason why they should not believe the doctrine. They could not give a “thus saith the Lord” for sprinkling, yet they believed in it. He only read two texts. His strong point was “our great men, our learned men, our mighty men.” He said only one church is keeping the Sabbath, that is the Seventh-day Baptist; and they are almost run out, except a few upstarts who are running over the country telling the people that Saturday is the Sabbath. He said he was surprised that some of the children of his church should ask him how the Sabbath came to be changed.
After his discourse, an opportunity was offered, and I got up, and told the audience that the discourse would be reviewed by an upstart at the court house at three o’clock that afternoon. In the afternoon the house was almost full. Nearly the whole town was out. I had good liberty in replying. Truth gained the victory. The minister was out to hear my reply. I gave him opportunity to speak, but he did not.
J. BARTLETT.

Marshalltown.

About eighteen months ago, I persuaded Bro. R. M. Kilgore to come here and give a course of lectures. A church was organized, consisting of ten members. It was said that in a year there would not be one left, but our numbers have been increasing till we now have twenty-four members, and there are eleven keeping the Sabbath who have not yet united with us, making thirty-five in all. There are still others who acknowledge that we have the truth, and we hope they will soon take their stand with us.
Two opposition sermons have been preached, one of which was reviewed by Bro. Kinney of the State Center church. These sermons have made us more friends and stronger ones than we had before. And the best of all is, one of our number, Bro. J. D. Pegg, has gone with the tent, to learn to proclaim the truth.
W. A. MOON.

QUARTERLY REPORT OF OHIO T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By H. A. St. John; J. B. Gregory

Fourth quarter, sixth year. This meeting was held in connection with the Ohio Camp-meeting, at Newark, Ohio, Aug. 10–20, 1877. The first session opened Aug. 16, a. m. President in the chair. Meeting opened by singing and prayer. The secretary being absent, J. B. Gregory was elected secretary pro tem. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted. The report of the workings of the T. and M. Society for the last quarter was also read, showing the following summary:—
District No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 Total
Membership 21 36 21 79 61 27 245
No. Reports 8 9 18 16 26 4 81
Donors 7 7 5 14 26 4 63
Families Visited 429 25 16 18 6 1 495
Letters Written 5 6 116 18 1 — 146
New Members — 2 37 6 1 — 46
New Subscribers 8 2 5 178 1 23 217
Periodicals Distributed 238 160 208 50 85 14 755
Almanacs Distributed 2 100 — — 25 — 127
Pages Tracts & Pamphlets 18,868 32,500 40,782 14,580 2,598 80,008 189,336
Rec’d for Tracts & Pamphlets $8.65 $33.75 $15.03 $23.81 $11.00 $9.15 $101.39
“ by Donations 13.46 2.00 5.84 5.87 11.00 85.00 123.17
“ From Book Sales 40.00 0.65 8.52 8.00 0.95 1.00 59.12
“ Periodicals 27.71 89.00 29.16 67.68 12.30 11.00 236.85
“ From each District — — — — — — —
FINANCIAL STANDING. Indebtedness at the commencement of the Quarter, $425.65 Expenses of the Quarter, 117.17 Total, $542.82 Receipts of the Quarter, 151.85 Present Indebtedness, 390.85
Adjourned to call of Chair. H. A. St. John, Pres. J. B. Gregory, Sec. pro tem.

NEAR VAN WERT, OHIO.

By H. J. Spicer

The camp-meeting came too early for our work, requiring Bro. Gates to leave with the tent on the 8th inst. From far around came the word of disappointment, as the farmers were finishing their delayed harvest ready to attend more regularly.
Six joined us. Considering the bitterness against the few who were converted through reading before we came, we realize that the Spirit of God has been striving with the people. To close the work for the present, I held a few meetings in a saw mill, and finally spoke twice at a house, on Sunday the 12th.
The ministers are preparing to answer us, now that we have left the field, after which we confidently expect the conversion of at least six more who candidly want to hear the other side.
Labor will be bestowed here after camp-meeting. One promising young man, at whose request the tent was pitched here, will then commence lecturing, and soon attend the College. H. J. SPICER.

ANNUAL REPORT OF OHIO T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By H. A. St. John; J. B. Gregory

The sixth annual meeting of the Ohio T. and M. Society was held on the camp-ground at Newark, Ohio, Aug. 10–20, 1877.

FIRST SESSION, AUG. 16.

President in the chair. After the usual opening exercises, the report of the previous meeting was called for, read, and accepted. On account of the absence of the secretary, the essay which she was expected to prepare was not furnished.
It was moved that the president appoint the Committee on Nominations. This committee was composed of O. Mears, J. Ballard, and B. B. Francis.
Adjourned to call of Chair.

SECOND SESSION, AUG. 19, A. M.

Meeting opened in the usual manner.
The report of the committee was called for, read, and accepted; and the following officers were elected: President, H. A. St. John; vice-president, O. Mears; secretary, A. A. Hutchins; treasurer, M. E. Guilford. Directors: Dist. No. 1, Eli Glascock; No. 2, A. M. Mann; No. 3, W. Chinnock; No. 4, Wm. Beebee; No. 5, J. J. Boardman; No. 6, T. F. Emans.
Adjourned sine die.
H. A. St. John, Pres.
J. B. Gregory, Sec. pro tem.

MINNESOTA

By J. I. Collins

Maple Hill, Todd Co.

In connection with Bro. Pullen, I have labored here for the past few weeks. The interest has not been great, but the attendance has been regular, although in haying and harvesting; and the people have listened attentively. Almost the entire community have acknowledged the truth, but only three or four have as yet taken a stand to obey it.
The people are almost all church members. There are three organizations in the neighborhood, each of whose ministers has opposed the truth; but they have not been able to make one point that could stand the test of Bible criticism. J. I. COLLINS.

LOVE'S REWARD.

The loving heart doth not regard What selfish hearts would call reward; And yet to acts of goodness true, It always hath its work to do.
To private aims and objects blind, It seeks the good of all mankind; The only aim and work it knows, Is that of healing others' woes.
'Tis thus it lives for others' bliss, And its reward is only this— The more its love to others flows, The more its power of loving grows. —Guide to Holiness.

SUNDAY LAWS IN MISSOURI.

By D. C. Hunter

In answer to inquiries about the Sunday law in Missouri, I would say, I find that the last legislature amended sec. 32, chap. 8, Wagner’s Statute, making the Sunday law more strict; but there is no change in sec. 33 of the same statute, which exempts all those that belong to a religious body which keeps some other day for the Sabbath, but the person must conscientiously keep some day for a Sabbath. The evidence required is that the person belongs to an organized church; proof, the church record or the sworn certificate of the clerk of the church. The proof that the church keeps some other than the first day of the week is their articles of faith, discipline, or published writings.
It is necessary for all Sabbath-keepers that labor on Sunday to belong to some organized church, or they will be subject to indictment. Each church should have a competent clerk, and he should keep a good, legible record, giving the date of organization, and the name and date of receiving each member; also the dates of dismissal, deaths, marriages, etc. This record may be called for as evidence in court, and it should be properly kept to be received as such. Many of our churches are too careless in this matter, and may get our people into trouble. There are many Sabbath-keepers who neglect attaching themselves to a church, and yet work on Sunday. They do not intentionally violate the law, but they have no competent evidence to prove their religious belief; and we should try to conform to the law so long as we can without violating the law of God.
D. C. HUNTER.

CRUMBS OF COMFORT.

By Charles P. Whitford

A FRIEND to whom some of our publications have been sent writes:—
“Please receive many thanks for the unmerited favor of books and the kind invitation to camp-meeting. I spend most of my spare time in reading and studying those books, and think the doctrines they teach must be the truth. I am convinced of this by the plain Scripture testimony referred to in the tract, ‘Which Day Do You Keep? and Why?’ It is very plain indeed. Oh! why have people been so deceived?”
Another writes as follows: “I received those postal cards from you, for which I return many thanks, not only for the cards themselves, but for the feelings of interest in my present and future welfare which must have prompted the sending of them. I have read them carefully and with much interest, reading all the references, and thinking of them. I also received a short time ago two numbers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, which I read with much interest. I am not one to do anything without due deliberation, but what I really feel in my heart to be true, that would I accept even if I must stand entirely alone, for I ‘dare to do right.’”
Let us all be comforted, and take courage. The work of God is onward, and soon will close forever.
CHARLES P. WHITFORD.

CHRIST’S LIFE.

By Rev. D. Bagot

There can be no comfort in contemplating only the dying of Jesus. All is dark and dismal and desponding around the tree on which the Man of sorrows hung. If we confine our meditations exclusively to the death of the Redeemer, our feelings will rather resemble those of his mother, and of his mother’s sister—of Mary the wife of Cleopas, and of Mary Magdalene—who stood beside the cross and witnessed the expiring agonies, and heard the dying groans of the Master whom they loved. It is the resurrection of Jesus taken in connection with his death that is a source of comfort and of joy. When the Sun of righteousness set behind the hill of Calvary, the disciples were left in darkness and sorrow; but when he rose with resuscitated splendor on the third, the appointed day, the darkness was dissipated, their sorrow was dispelled, and they “rejoiced with joy unspeakable and full of glory.”
The apostles never preached the death without at the same time preaching the resurrection of Christ, as Paul in the fifteenth chapter of his epistle to the Corinthians tells us how he preached—“I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” His tragic death was a sacrifice or atonement, his glorious resurrection was a demonstration of his power to atone, for he was declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. He was “put to death for our offenses,” but “raised again for our justification,” so that, as Peter says, we are begotten again “unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” —Rev. D. Bagot.

Religious Experience and Effective Christian Service

By Talmage

A man of deep religious experiences is always effective. I care not how poor his voice is or how uncomely his countenance, or how awkward his gestures, or how shabby his clothes, or how lame his grammar. By taking good care of our own vineyard, we learn how to help others in the care of their vineyard. If you cannot raise grapes in your garden, you cannot raise them in mine.—Talmage.
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