As a people, we need a revival; and we must have it; and the truly faithful, those who are so consecrated to the cause and work of God as to make it the first object of their lives, will soon share in a revival, a refreshing from the presence of the Lord. The fulfillment of prophecy in our progress and present position in this work, indicates that the Lord is about to pour us out a blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.
It may be asked, What sign indicates the approach of this promised blessing? It is the bringing in of all the tithes and offerings. The true system of tithes and offerings has been reached; and the true-hearted will respond to it; and when all do this, the promise will be fulfilled.
There has been backsliding with us in many respects. Selfishness is the chief cause. Covetousness is the greatest danger to the church. Self-caring, self-gratification, is the natural fruit of depraved human nature. It is the great object of the gospel to overcome and extirpate this selfish covetousness, and to form a character like that of Him who sought not his own, but “gave himself for us.” Nothing can help us in this work more than to render God his own, that which he has reserved to himself, and no longer rob him in tithes and offerings. Nothing can more recommend us to the favor of Heaven than driving out selfishness by labor for the salvation of souls for whom Christ died.
The faithful and true will now bring in their tithes and offerings, and the blessing will follow. When the door is opened, the faithful and true Witness will come in and sup with us, and we with him. Let all prepare for the refreshing, having our vessels ready to receive the blessing. Let each individual consecrate himself to God with all that he has, giving to God not only the means which have been selfishly kept back, but his energies, his whole being, and the promise will be fulfilled.
Those who have faith in God and the present truth will act. I know a minister whose total receipts for the past year were only $165. Out of this he has paid the tithe, the one-third, donations to State and General T. M. Society, and for clubs of SIGNS and COLLEGE RECORD, amounting in all to $63.56.
It is not necessary that all should give a like proportion of their income; but it is better to make some free-will offerings besides, than to fall short of the tenth. The work of God in saving men is closing. No one will regret that he had a part, a liberal part, in this work. The time of reward is coming. It is right to covet a full share in that reward. Now the just shall live by faith. It is time to have faith and prove it by works. Those who have faith in God and the truth will not fear the consequence of venturing upon God’s promises. He says, “Prove me now herewith.” It is his will to give us a large blessing and an abundant entrance into his kingdom. And in closing up the great controversy, he will have an example set before the world such as has not been seen since the apostasy from the zeal and purity of the primitive church. Then, when all can see that the war of the wicked is against truth, righteousness, and unfeigned love, God will deliver his people and cut off his enemies. Who shall live when God shall do this? My brother, my sister, we may share in this triumph.
R. F. COTTRELL.
ADDING TO AND TAKING FROM THE BOOK OF REVELATION.
By Daniel T. Bourdeau
There are fearful denunciations pronounced against those who add to or take from the words of this book. God shall add unto them the plagues that are written in the Revelation, and shall take away their part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from all the things that are here written for the encouragement of the children of God. Rev. 22:18, 19.
It is therefore a matter of no minor importance to know what is meant by adding to and taking from the book of Revelation and the Bible in general; for what applies to one book of the Bible in this respect, applies equally to the whole Bible. That is to say, if God will punish those who add to or take from one part of the Bible, he will punish those who add to or take from other parts of the Bible.
As the fearful denunciations in question relate directly to the book of Revelation, all must readily see the importance that God attaches to that book. Indeed, it is “the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him,” and which was sent to our earth by one of the heavenly host, so that if we respect Jesus Christ, God, and the angels, we shall, for their sakes, respect this book. But if we treat this book with disrespect, as though it were of secondary importance, it is the same as though we despised the eternal Father, Christ, and the heavenly host.
It must be evident to all that the denunciations of Rev. 22:18, 19, were designed to guard the purity of the book of Revelation, and that they are a solemn warning against any attempt of copyists and translators to add words to, or suppress any part of, that sacred book, and make it teach sentiments and doctrines that it does not teach.
These denunciations were not simply designed as a caution to copyists and translators; they were also to serve as a warning to those who would be inclined to teach orally, or through their writings, that the Bible says thus and so when it does not; that the Lord has spoken when he has not spoken. Such virtually add to or take from the word of God.
The denunciations in question are also a terrible warning to those who would make light of, and repudiate as trivial or dangerous, important duties enjoined by the Scriptures. Such take from the Bible, as also do those who teach that the prophecies are not for us; that they cannot be understood, etc. If the prophecies are not to be understood, they have no place among those Scriptures which are profitable,—among those things which God has revealed, and which belong to us and to our children forever. Deut. 29:29; 2 Tim. 3:16.
Rev. 22:18, 19 cannot mean that God would give no further instructions to his people after communicating to John the book of Revelation; for it is a well-known fact that the Gospel of John was written by inspiration at a later date than the book of Revelation. The Gospel of John was not an addition to Revelation in the sense of Rev. 22:18, 19; nor are the testimonies to us through the gift of prophecy an addition to the Bible in the sense of that scripture. They do not contradict the Bible, but enforce Bible teachings; they lead to the Bible.
If the warning in Rev. 22:18, 19 means that in carrying forward the cause of God we are to use only Bible language (and this must be the meaning of that warning, if our opponents are correct), then there is no room for preaching nor for writing works on Bible subjects, and we cannot appeal to history, to geography, nor to any science whatever, in support of the truths of the Bible; for in doing this we would have to add to the Bible in the sense that our opponents attach to Rev. 22:18, 19. This theory would repudiate all the important discoveries that are being made by the British Exploration Society in Palestine, and in other eastern countries, relative to and in confirmation of Bible facts and scenes.
The fact is, the Bible clearly teaches that the gifts of the Holy Spirit were to remain till “that which is perfect is come”; and the book of Revelation, that contains the very warning which is the subject of this article, teaches that the remnant of God’s people will have the testimony of Jesus, or the spirit of prophecy. Rev. 12:7; 19:10. And those who have the spirit of prophecy will have the gift of prophecy in exercise among them.
Is there not with some a tendency to be so fearful in regard to adding to the Scriptures, that they will overlook what the Scriptures teach, repudiate the very work predicted and approved by them, and thereby become guilty of taking away from the word of God?
Rev. 22:18, 19 is preceded by, “Behold, I come quickly. . . . Blessed are they that do his commandments” (verses 12, 14), and is immediately followed by the words, “He which testifieth these things [and he had just been warning against adding to and taking from] saith, “Surely, I come quickly.” Verse 20. Does not this imply that there would be especial danger of adding to and taking from the book of Revelation just before Christ’s second coming, when great light was to shine from this book? Some may do this in all honesty, but is it not best to be prudent? “If this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to naught: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.” Acts 5:38, 39.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
FAMILY READING.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
In the Review of Jan. 2, Bro. White recommends that every family of Seventh-day Adventists begin this month to spend an hour or so each evening reading aloud, each reading in turn while all listen. This is an excellent plan. Its results will be of priceless value to all who will adopt it.
1. This is the best way to become a good reader. 2. It will secure to the family a great amount of information that they would otherwise never get. 3. It will be a cheerful and pleasant way to spend the evening, and will furnish subjects upon which all can converse understandingly afterward.
Many among our people, not only the older persons, but young men and women, are poor readers. A large number of them have little opportunity to learn to read by going to school. I have learned from observation that the very best and shortest way to become a good reader is to read aloud a great deal. I know of several persons who have thus become fine readers without the aid of a teacher. They have done it simply by constant reading. Where there are several in the family, those who are listening can aid the reader by correcting him when they know that he does not read accurately.
As I am constantly traveling among our brethren, I observe that a vast amount of time is utterly thrown away by most families in idle conversation. Hours, long evenings, and sometimes whole days, are allowed to run to waste. Now, if Bro. White's suggestion could only be carried out, the families of our brethren might become intelligent in all points of present truth.
Brethren and sisters, let us take hold of this, and commence immediately. The volumes suggested are excellent to begin with, not only for the reason mentioned by Bro. White, but also from another fact, namely, that the words and style are simple and easy.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Virtue as the True Source of Beauty
BEAUTY is no longer amiable than while virtue adorns it, and virtue itself is true beauty.
Maxims on Discretion, Obedience, and a Good Conscience
No man can safely go abroad that does not love to stay at home; no man can safely speak that does not hold his tongue; no man can safely govern that would not cheerfully become a subject; no man can safely command that has not learned to obey; and no man can safely rejoice but he that has the testimony of a good conscience.
Fashion, Church Pews, and Vanity
FASHIONABLE milliner: “You’ll have the flower on the left side of the bonnet, of course, madam?” Fashionable lady: “Well-er—no! The fact is, there’s a pillar on the left side of my pew in church, so that only the right side of my head is seen by the congregation. Of course I could change my pew.” Fashionable lady’s husband: “Ya-as. Or even the church, you know, if necessary.” Fashionable milliner considers the point.
A FAITH THAT WORKS.
By R. F. Cottrell
WHAT is demanded at the present time is a faith that works. As a people we are not doing what we ought to do. Our publications are the most efficient agents to spread the truth everywhere. Hence all may be efficient laborers in the cause. All things have been made ready, in the providence of God, so that all may be laborers that will. All can do something in the work of spreading the truth and saving men. Do you realize it? Or do you think it of no use to try? Are you discouraged because your past efforts are fruitless? Are your friends and neighbors callous to all your endeavors to do them good? Extend your efforts to a wider circle. In due time you shall reap, if you faint not.
The SIGNS OF THE TIMES should be sent in every direction. All can share in this work. Some can help pay for them that cannot do much more. Others can take the labor of scattering them, and finding interested readers, such as may be benefited. And frequently the bow that is drawn at a venture will hit the mark, though it may not be the mark that we aimed at. Well-directed efforts will not fail to accomplish good. Our labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Then let us press on and know no halting till the work is done, till the last sheaf is gathered in. Then what joy to the faithful worker when angels join with men in the shout of the “harvest home.”
Shall we not consecrate ourselves to the blessed work of saving souls? Let no one be contented to let these precious opportunities pass unimproved. Think, O think, that in a little while it will be too late,—the harvest past, redemption’s work all done, and the fiat gone forth, “He that is filthy, let him be filthy still. And, behold, I come quickly, to give to every man according as his work shall be.”
R. F. Cottrell.
NORWAY AND DENMARK.
By John G. Matteson
The truth is working on many minds, and souls are led to seek the Lord and prepare for his coming. The law and the Sabbath have not been presented yet, but the mark of the beast and the seal of God have been mentioned and explained in the lectures on the prophecies.
Last Sabbath forenoon we held our first Sabbath meeting. Forty-five persons were present. More than thirty expressed their determination to keep the Sabbath. Several of these have been Baptists. The leading man among the Baptists is in full union with us.
I am now to commence on the life and death question. There is no lack of opposition from many quarters,—bitter and unreasonable opposition,—but the interest to hear has not diminished. About seven hundred listened last night with marked attention to a discourse on the signs of the times. We have sold books for more than 60 Kroner the last three weeks, and obtained a great many subscribers for the TIDENDE.
The Lord is good. He is giving us a large field here, and we know that he will be mindful of us, and that our brethren also will remember us.
Bro. K. Brorsen is working diligently in Jylland, Denmark. He has obtained some subscribers for the paper, and is trying to keep up the interest in many places.
JOHN G. MATTESON.
Osterhausgaden 12, Christiania, Norway, Dec. 16.
KANSAS
Elivon.
I CLOSED up my labors at Elivon last night, just four weeks after reaching the place. A church of twenty-two members was organized, and an elder was ordained. Two others were received as candidates for baptism. Prayer and Sabbath meetings and a Sabbath-school were established, and systematic benevolence was organized, several of those who adopted the plan cheerfully pledging one-tenth of their income to the Lord.
Last Sabbath was a good day. Notwithstanding the unusually cold weather, seven were baptized by Bro. Cook. Bro. Cook remarked, “Just nine years ago yesterday occurred the first baptism in Kansas by Seventh-day Adventists.” Hundreds have since been baptized in this noble field.
Bro. Enoch remains to teach some to read the Bible in French. He expects one of the new converts will soon help him in another field. Two of the French brethren purpose spending one year at our college, to prepare for the ministry. Others should follow their example.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Jan. 7.
Ward, Wilson Co., Dec. 30.
I HAVE held meetings in Ward nearly three weeks, and the interest is great. People gather an hour before meeting time, and by the hour for service all the standing room is filled. Last week I preached ten times and filled up the days with visiting. Thus far, this is one of the most interesting meetings I have ever held.
A Baptist brother asked me to appoint a meeting for last Sabbath. I did so, and about thirty attended, most of whom took part in our social meeting. Yesterday (Sunday) I took up the claims of God’s Sabbath. After service several told me they believed every word of the sermon. To-night we investigate the claims of Sunday. We expect opposition from a Disciple minister. I am hoarse from incessant speaking, but my courage and hope are strong.
Have sold some publications. An encouraging feature here is, that hardly any one uses tobacco, and several who knew nothing of our faith are living out the health reform. Christ said to his ministers, “Lo, I am with you,” and that promise has been fulfilled to me.
L. D. SANTEE.
NEBRASKA
Waco.
The last four days of the old year I spent with the church at Waco. Bro. Shultz was with me the last day. One united with the church by baptism. His attention was first arrested in meetings held at Fremont four years ago. Let the seed be sown “beside all waters,” trusting God to give the increase, even if it be after “many days.” CHAS. L. BOYD.
Seward, Jan. 8.
Albion, Boone Co., Dec. 31.
Many in Albion are interested, and are reading. We have invitations to hold meetings in private houses within three miles, both east and west of town. These we shall accept, Bro. Nettleton filling one appointment and myself the other, thus turning our one meeting into two meetings.
Nine are now keeping the Sabbath, some of whom are already trying to win others. Have sold books and tracts to the amount of $4.43, obtained two subscribers for the YOUTH’S INSTRUCTOR (weekly), one for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and eight for GOOD HEALTH. We have also received in donations a little more than enough to cover all our expenses. GEO. B. STARR.
Polk Co., Jan. 5.
I met with the friends at Syracuse, Dec. 25. Union and harmony prevail. Though the brethren meet with much opposition, yet their courage is good. The churches are all closed against them, and the school-house can only be had by paying five dollars an evening. Organized S. B. to the amount of $51.
Dec. 28, I was at Palmyra. Here, as at Syracuse, all the churches are closed against us. It seems as though Isa. 24:10 was about fulfilled. We had good meetings in private houses, and the sweet Spirit of the Master was in our midst. The brethren took a club of twelve SIGNS. They also pledged S. B. to the amount of $23.
New Year’s I met with the church in Stromsburg. Our new meeting-house is small, but will be quite comfortable when we get it fully seated. Jan. 4 Bro. G. S. Reichard spoke from Matt. 5:5, after which two were received into the church. We then celebrated the ordinances of the Lord’s house. We all felt that it was good for us to be there. Blessed be the name of the Lord. May he ever help us to walk in the light. H. SCHULTZ.
MINNESOTA
By A. H. VAN KIRK
Mansfield, Jan. 8.
I came to Mansfield Dec. 9. Two weeks afterward I was joined by Bro. Ells, whose timely help for a few days was appreciated by all. A few here were trying to live out the truth; now eighteen good souls have covenanted to obey God. I am now laboring in a school-house about six miles from Mansfield.
A. H. VAN KIRK.
OHIO
Newark.—We have just closed a three weeks’ meeting at Newark. The brethren had completed a meeting-house, 28x46, eighteen-foot posts. As they are few and mostly poor, it required a great effort; however, they have a good little meeting-house. There was a debt on it of about $600; subscriptions were raised to the amount of about $500. Our wealthy brethren near this church should help them some upon it.
The outside interest was not what we had hoped it would be. Only a few attended our meetings; however, five or six embraced the Sabbath. Several of the children made a start in the Christian life. Seven adult persons united with the church. We obtained quite a number of subscribers for our periodicals, and sold some books.
The church paid me $4.00 for a set of Sister White’s books, which will now be put into their library.
We found petty difficulties among several of the members. These all grew out of very small things, but they hindered our work a great deal. At our last meeting we endeavored to settle up those matters, and think we were quite successful. The last day we spent here was very encouraging indeed, and we parted with our brethren feeling much encouraged and strongly in hopes that better days are before this little church.
Springfield.—Monday evening, Dec. 30, we met the little church at Springfield in their new hall. About thirty were out. We had a very pleasant meeting, and three united with the church. All were in harmony, and we expect to see a strong church here. Tuesday we came to
Dunkirk.—I spoke to a few in a private house in the evening. On New Year’s day most of our brethren assembled, and I spoke to them on the tithing system. Every one heartily indorsed it, and all pledged themselves to carry it out during the year. Quite a number had already paid in something on this plan. In the evening I preached in Woodruff’s hall on the end of the wicked. After the sermon, I spent some time talking to the brethren and sisters about their duty to God, to each other, and to the work.
They raised $4.00 for a set of Sister White’s works, which will be placed in this young church. This is just what should be done in every new church. Four have embraced the Sabbath since we were here a month ago, and new ones have been added to the Sabbath-school. Nearly every family has the REVIEW now, and they have a club of twenty-four subscribers for the weekly INSTRUCTOR, to be used for the Sabbath-school. They have established the penny contribution every Sabbath.
Bro. Rupert has an appointment here every four weeks. We think it is very important that young churches should be looked after and nourished, until they become strong and are settled in the truth. Such labor is very profitable, even though it does not bring in an additional soul. One person thoroughly converted to God, and established in all points of the faith, is worth a dozen half converted. Brethren, let us follow up our work, and do it better.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
East Norwalk.
Up to the present we have spoken twelve times in East Norwalk. The extreme cold weather has broken up our meeting twice, as our house is poor and could not be made comfortable. Bro. Wm. Beebe had held six meetings here before I came, with a fair interest. He assists me much by way of opening meetings, visiting, etc. Three worthy persons have decided to obey the truth. We hope for others who are already convinced. We look to the Lord, who only can send conviction and give the increase.
H. A. ST. JOHN.
Norwalk, Jan. 8, 1879.
Appleton, Jan. 6.
Our meetings at Springfield closed favorably yesterday, after continuing nearly a week. About eleven years ago this church was raised up by Elds. Lawrence and Van Horn. As long as the elder remained it was in a healthy condition; but for about two years they have had no meetings. The elders of our churches should have the best of evidence that God has released them from their trust before they leave the flock to be scattered and to apostatize. Had the elder of this church remained, I believe there would now be a strong church here.
At these meetings all appeared to see their wrongs, and hearty confessions were made. Three took a public stand to obey the truth. They will have regular Sabbath meetings and Sabbath-school. All voted to lay by the tithe for 1879. I see no reason why this is not a good place for tent-labor.
A. O. BURRELL.
Uniopolis.
I came to Uniopolis the first week in December, and found four families observing the Sabbath, but needing instruction in all other parts of the message. I have given in all eighteen discourses in the Disciple church, of which they kindly gave me the use. Sold eight or ten dollars’ worth of books. The attendance has been good. Twelve have signed the tithing pledge, and all subscribed for the REVIEW. They have discarded the use of pork, and erected the family altar. They have regular Sabbath meetings and Sabbath-school, and are rejoicing in the third angel’s message.
I fill my regular appointment at Dunkirk Jan. 4, then return the 7th to follow up the interest.
G. G. RUPERT.
VERMONT
By A. S. Hutchins
Jamaica.
In company with Bro. I. Sanborn, we held meetings at this place, Dec. 20-23. Five sermons were preached, several social meetings held, and different branches of the work for the State and the more general interests of the cause were considered. Brethren and sisters and children took important advance steps, while three expressed their resolution to identify themselves with this people by henceforward hallowing the Sabbath of the Lord.
It was indeed gratifying to hear the testimonies and prayers of several brethren and sisters who have embraced the Sabbath under the labors of Bro. Sanborn. This society has been much aided by the efforts of Sr. Sanborn. Immediately following this meeting, Bro. and Sr. S. were to leave for their new field of labor in Virginia.
They have labored earnestly and faithfully in a hard field to help build up the cause in our State. May Heaven's blessing rest upon them as they enter another field.
Jan. 1. A. S. HUTCHINS.
PACIFIC COAST.
[Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.]
Lemoore and Fairview, Cal.
THE recent labors of Brn. Morton and Wood with the church at Fairview were attended with the blessing of God. A few disorderly members were disfellowshipped, and to all appearance brighter days are in store for this church.
Bro. Wood visited the young church at Lemoore on the 7th of December. Though they have been left alone most of the time since the tent left last July, yet they are doing well and are in good spirits.
Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Petaluma, Cal.
On the 15th, 18th, and 21st of December, Bro. M. C. Israel visited these churches. With the assistance of Eld. Healey a V. M. society of eleven members was organized at Santa Rosa. This society subscribed for23twenty-seven copies of the SIGNS, in addition to those taken by the church. The church at Healdsburg took twenty-five copies of the SIGNS, and that at Petaluma twenty-three, in addition to those previously taken.
Temperance Colony, Cal.
UNDER the labors of Bro. M. J. Church, a church has been organized here, called the Temperance Colony church.
St. Clair, Nevada.
THE church here, as reported by Bro. B. A. Stephens, has subscribed for fifty copies of the SIGNS. A tract society has been organized, also a Sabbath-school.
The Shepherd’s Voice.
By Miss M. B. Sleight
“Come unto me,” with loving voice at morn
I heard the Shepherd call;
But narrow seemed the fold, and fair the fields
Beyond the frowning wall.
Again, at mid-day, came the gentle voice;
But far my feet had strayed,
And, weary with the heat, I only longed
To find the forest shade.
Once more it came, but cool the shadows lay
Across the grassy wold,
And resting there, content with present ease,
I scorned the sheltering fold.
Soon fell the night, with neither silver star
Nor song of happy bird.
And through the gloom no more, with pleadings sweet,
The Shepherd’s voice I heard.
Affrighted then I turned, and blindly sought
To cross the pathless lea,
Till faint with fear, in sorest need, I cried,
“O Shepherd, come to me!”
No answering voice the sullen silence cleft,
But lo, beside me stood
One who with sorrowing brow had followed close;
Unseen, through wold and wood;
Then all the night grew light, and soft and sweet
The stars shone overhead,
While homeward by the Shepherd’s tender hand
The wandering sheep was led.
—Miss M. B. Sleight.
MICHIGAN
By H. M. Kenyon; M. S. Burnham
We closed our labors at Douglas, Dec. 17. These brethren are of good courage. Less than three years ago, the church was organized with eleven members; they now number thirty-five. Through the labors of Brn. Jones and Daniels the past summer, quite a number have united with them; these new friends are zealous for the truth. All readily promised to pay the tithe and to help carry forward the missionary work. One was received into the church at this meeting.
H. M. KENYON.
M. S. BURNHAM.
Dec. 31.
PENNSYLVANIA
By F. Peabody
Russellsburg, Dec. 31.
The brethren at Russellsburg are growing in the truth. We have been holding meetings on Quaker Hill, six miles south. The roads became so badly drifted that we were compelled to close. Three noble souls took their stand upon the truth; others will, we think. Places are opening all around for the truth to be preached. Last Thursday evening meetings were commenced at Fairbanks school-house, where Bro. Foy now is. There is a good interest. God has been with us to help.
F. PEABODY.
VIRGINIA
By I. Sanborn
I LEFT North Scituate, R. I., Jan. 1, and reached Mt. Jackson, Va., at 3 P. M. on Friday. I was kindly received at the home of Bro. R. T. Fultz, and was made to realize the truthfulness of our Saviour’s promise, as given in Mark 10:29, 30.
The weather was very cold here, with about two inches of snow. This prevented people from a distance attending our quarterly meeting, and there were only fourteen Sabbath-keepers present on the Sabbath. I can learn of only twenty-five or thirty active and reliable workers in the State.
They have a comfortably good house of worship here in Soliloquy. The Sabbath-school is small, as is also the company of Sabbath-keepers, but we hope soon to see additions. The tent that is here is badly damaged, but perhaps we can make it last another year.
Our meetings continue here over another Sabbath and first-day. We shall then commence a series of meetings at Mt. Zion, Page county, fourteen miles south of this place, where there is an unorganized company of thirteen Sabbath-keepers. We hope to see good done and souls converted, and trust we shall have the prayers of all God’s people.
My address, until further notice, will be, Mt. Jackson, Shenandoah county, Va.
I. SANBORN.
MISSOURI
By J. G. Wood
Green Ridge and Rockville.
Dec. 28, 29, we were at Green Ridge, where we held a tent-meeting last fall. One had given up the Sabbath; the rest seemed to be growing stronger in the truth. They were encouraged by our visit. Each family takes the REVIEW, and all greatly prize its valuable instruction. The weather was so cold that some living at a distance could not attend our last meeting, so we did not instruct them on S. B., as we had intended. However, a card from there dated Jan. 1, says that they observed the fast and pledged $27 on S. B. May the Lord bless them in well doing.
On New Year's day we met at Rockville. Some made a commendable effort to attend this meeting, and we trust they were benefited by it. Others living near made no effort to attend, but we hear of them at the house of mirth and feasting. We advise all such to read and carefully consider Eccl. 7:2–4; James 4:5–10. May we all humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, and be of one heart and one mind, serving the Lord. J. G. Wood.
What They Say.
The secretary of the little company at Garden Grove, Iowa, sends a report of their meetings on each of the four Sabbaths in December. On Dec. 7, 1878, this company met for the first time for the purpose of celebrating the Sabbath of the Lord. It is pleasant to read the record of a company thus newly born into the faith. They report good meetings, and we believe the power of God is with them. They tell us that several of them take the REVIEW, and like it very much. We hope it may aid them in the divine life.
Renewing her subscription on the REVIEW, Sister Eliza Poling says: “I like the paper very much. I cannot do without it. We read it, lend it to two or three families, and then send it away to some one.” She has first-day Adventist neighbors, who read the papers and like them, but will not acknowledge the truth. We are glad to know that the REVIEW is read and appreciated, and hope the seed sown may bear abundant fruit.
A correspondent from Mackinaw, Ill., sends us a report of the following excellent remarks made by a sister at their meeting on New Year’s day:—
“In looking over Old and New Testament history, I find that the advantages and benefits derived from the observance of fasting and prayer are not imaginary, but genuine and true. Its inmost meaning signifies a mighty calling unto God, deep and earnest contrition, and a new consecration of all we have and are to the service of God. How needful, then, for our spiritual advancement, and for the furtherance of the last testing message of truth which God designs to give to the children of men, that this day of fasting and prayer, proclaimed by those whom God has seen fit to make the heralds of his truth, be observed with the spirit and the understanding. How much at this present time we need a wonderful manifestation of the power of God; how much we need the presence of his guiding and directing hand in all the affairs of life. Then let us pray that the gifts of his Spirit may not be diminished, but increased; and while we are truly thankful for the gift of prophecy which he has graciously bestowed upon us, let us earnestly pray that we may not be doubtful, but believing; and that we despise not prophesying, or the words of admonition which fall from the lips of those invested with this charge.”
“God is unchangeable and without shadow of turning; then let us, with the confidence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, the reliance of Ezra, the trust of Queen Esther, and the earnestness of Daniel, remember the great cause for which we are convened together. Oh, may his houses not be left desolate! May the hearts of believers be roused from their lukewarmness, and may God in the beginning of this new year baptize us with the spirit of labor and of sacrifice, and may we as a people be blessed and prospered according to our consecration to God.”
At the business meeting held the same day the sum of $20.20 was pledged to the houses of worship at Oakland, Cal., and Battle Creek, Mich.,—$15.20 to the Oakland house and $5.00 to the Tabernacle at Battle Creek. Two little boys, sons of Bro. and Sr. Wordel, gave their Christmas presents, ten cents each, to the Oakland house.
A note from Bro. Jesse Dorcas states that in a debate recently held at Olin, Iowa, “Bro. Morrison handled his opponent admirably, and the word of God was ably vindicated. All the lovers of truth have reason to thank God and take courage.”
Bro. J. L. Cupit, in a report which is too lengthy for publication, gives some interesting particulars of the little class at Westphalia, Mich. This company was brought into the truth by the labors of Bro. Frisbie and Lewis. They have encountered much opposition, and have fought many determined battles with the Roman Catholics on one hand and the world on the other; yet, by the grace of God, they have been enabled to “hold the fort.” They recently listened to an opposition sermon by an eloquent and highly educated minister from Delta. He failed, and his failure was a great victory for this little company.
CONSECRATION
By Mrs. Wm. H. Brown
“I love thee, I love thee, I love thee, my Lord;
I love thee, my Saviour; I love thee, my God;
I love thee, I love thee, and that thou dost know,
But how much I love thee my actions will show.”
How comprehensive and full of meaning are these words. They were sung at our annual meeting at Rome, N. Y., a short time ago, and they left a deep impression upon my mind. In God’s word we are commanded to love the Lord our God with all our heart. God requires the heart’s supreme affection, and when we give it to him unreservedly, he will accept and bless our labors. If we are the Lord’s and desire to please him in all our ways, we shall at once lay aside everything that hinders our communion with the Holy Spirit, our advancement in the divine life. If self is the obstacle, we shall lay it at the foot of the cross; if we have idols, we shall lay them aside, and worship only the true and living God. If our ways or plans conflict in any way with the spirit of this work, we shall at once lay them on the altar, and retain in their place the sacrifice of God,—“A broken and a contrite spirit,” which will not be despised.
The leading question of our minds should be, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” and if we are living as it is the privilege of every true child of God to live, we can prevail with him in prayer, and know his will concerning us. And when duty is made known, we should stand like minute men, ready to act in the fear and counsel of God. Although the part assigned us may at times seem humble and small, yet we may fill it to divine acceptance. We should remember that it is a condescension on the part of God, and an exalted privilege to us, that we are permitted to bear any part in the work of God.
Truly I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of the Lord than to dwell in the tents of wickedness; and though in the past I have sometimes grieved the tender Spirit of God, and brought upon myself barrenness of soul, I can to-day truthfully say that to make a success of the great work in which we are engaged is my highest ambition. I cannot find words to express the love I feel in my heart for Jesus, our blessed Redeemer, and the truths of the third angel’s message. Do we not all feel to praise the Lord for the good and timely instruction given us by his servants at our late Conference! And are we not fully determined to put in practice the things we profess to believe, and to seek to be baptized with that spirit of consecration which will enable us to walk as God shall lead the way, and to co-operate with those who are led by the Spirit of God?
Dear brethren and sisters, let us draw close to God and acquaint ourselves with him, and show to those around us by our words and acts that we are sincere in our profession of love and obedience.
Mrs. Wm. H. Brown.
Adams Center, N. Y.
THE ANGLO-AFGHAN WAR.
Is there any justification in morals for this Afghanistan war? In the current number of the “Nineteenth Century,” Sir Henry C. Rawlinson, who very justly characterizes himself as an “old so-called Russo-phobist,” has an article on the war, which, next to Lord Beaconsfield’s frankly cynical speech in Parliament, affords the best defense which its advocates can furnish. The story is briefly that the Ameer of Afghanistan for years endeavored to cement a friendly alliance with Great Britain; his overtures were treated sometimes with decorous refusal, more often with contemptuous neglect, which finally succeeded in convincing him that Great Britain was fully capable of making use of him for a time, to further her own interests, only at the last to leave him in the lurch. When this state of mind had been sedulously cultivated and carefully made chronic, Great Britain changed her rules and therewith her methods, abandoned the laissez-faire policy, and coolly requested Shere Ali to give her absolute control of his foreign policy. He declined. Russia, or to speak more accurately, some Russians, were considering a scheme for threatening England’s Indian border, at the time when war between Russia and England was imminent; a scheme the execution of which was certainly never attempted, and which was probably “found to be altogether beyond Russia’s resources.” Whereupon, by way of quieting Shere Ali’s extraordinary suspicions, and convincing other Indian princes of the general justice and equity of her rule, Great Britain commenced this invasion, which even Gen. Rawlinson concedes was without justification “according to the international law of the West.” Not even Mr. Gladstone’s eloquent but fruitless appeal presents so strong an indictment against Great Britain’s treatment of the neighbor whose only crime was her unfortunate proximity to a Christian empire as this extraordinary defense. Ahab has taken Naboth’s vineyard because he imagined that Jehoshaphat across the border had an evil eye on it.—Christian Union, Jan. 1.