New Year's day was observed by the church at Johnson and Eden as per appointment of the General Conference Committee, though several members were not present at the meeting. The sum of $21.92 cents was pledged for the relief of the Oakland church, of which $11.47 was paid; and $3.70 was pledged and paid for the Dime Tabernacle.
C. W. STONE.
District No. 3, New York: Appeal to Members
DISTRICT NO. 3, NEW YORK.
Bro. Wm. H. Brown, director of Dist. No. 3 New York T. and M. Society, makes an appeal to all the members of the district, which, for lack of space, we take the liberty to condense into the following synopsis:
1. Such facilities are now provided that no one has any excuse for not doing something.
2. Much more can be done in the district than has ever yet been done.
3. There are 93 members, and there ought to be 93 reports. Librarians should send each member a blank.
4. All should awake to the great responsibilities upon us.
THE TITHING SYSTEM.
By John F. Hanson
I read the plan suggested by the General Conference Committee for the support of the ministry, as given in the article entitled, “Systematic Benevolence,” in REVIEW of Dec. 12. As I read, I indorsed it; and as I did this joy filled my heart. I have told our Danish brethren that if they gave a tenth of their increase to the Lord, it was not necessary to give it all for the support of the ministry, but that it might be used in the Lord’s cause as they thought best. Now, as one whom the General Conference has given the oversight of the Scandinavian churches in Iowa, Nebraska, and Dakota, I would recommend the plan of the General Conference Committee, to take effect in all our Danish and Swedish churches from Jan. 1, 1879.
Brethren, let us walk in the light, lest darkness come upon us.
JOHN F. HANSON.
A REPROOF.
By T. P. B.
One of our brethren, while holding meetings lately at a place where there had just been a little church raised up, found, on visiting them at their homes, that about all they seemed to want to talk about was one another's failings. He hardly knew what to do to break up this habit, which he knew would be likely to increase, and would perhaps be the ruin of them all.
At last he hit upon a plan that he thought might perhaps help the matter; so when they met for worship on the Sabbath, he told them that there were some persons in the church who were doing wrong, and he was going to read what the Bible said about it, and perhaps before he got through he should mention the names of the persons who had done wrong. He then took up the subject of tattling and fault-finding, and read many scriptures condemning it. While he was talking on the subject, there was the closest attention, and it seems each one was momentarily expecting to hear his name called.
After the meeting, most of the church went immediately home, instead of staying to the Sabbath-school, as usual. The brother hardly knew what to think about it; he did not know but he had destroyed the church altogether; but he thought he would visit the brethren at their homes, and see what was the matter.
He first called at the house of the leader. After a little conversation, the leader said he thought if he wanted to reprove him, he ought to have come to him alone, and not take him before a whole congregation to do it; he did not hear his name called, but then he described what he had been doing, so every one knew just who was meant. After assuring the brother that he had no more special reference to him than to others, he visited another brother. This brother and his wife both thought the remarks had been meant as a personal reproof to them; and so it was at almost every place he went, they thought he had done them injustice by specifying their faults so particularly in public. But when they found that all the rest thought the reproof had been meant especially for them, they began to feel different, and we hope they have learned a good lesson. Instead of thinking and talking of our brethren and sisters' faults, let us heed the injunction of the apostle in Phil. 4:8: “If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
T. P. B.
KENTUCKY
By Bettie Coombs
The fast was kept by the Elizabethtown church. We were much cheered by the presence and labors of Bro. R. P. Pickens, recently from Battle Creek.
I think we as a people have had much to encourage us the past year as the result of tract and missionary work. Although we do not see a great number of souls converted to the truth as the fruits of this labor, yet I have faith to believe that our efforts in this direction are paving the way for a great and good work yet to be accomplished in our Conference, if all remain faithful to duty.
Bettie Coombs.
Nolin, Ky.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
Died in Dunkirk, Ohio, Nov. 24, 1878, in her sixty-fourth year, Sister C. Jane Hough, wife of Alfred Hough. Her disease was an affection of the lungs. We were with Sr. Hough in her last illness, and conversed with her a few hours before death. She was calm and hopeful in God, saying that she had made her preparation for death while she was well. It was through her entreaty that Bro. Rupert and Underwood, came to Dunkirk to present the truth. The godly life of herself and husband had a good influence for the truth here. She lived just long enough to see a little church raised up in answer to her prayers, and then died in peace.
At the age of sixteen she became a Christian. About seventeen years ago, in the State of Illinois, she, with her husband, embraced the present truth by reading. Bro. Hough is now left lonely, but he is consoled by the blessed hope. The funeral was attended by a large number of friends. Discourse by the writer from Rev. 14:13. A. O. Burrill.
Died near Clarence, Iowa, Nov. 29, 1878, Robert Greenlaw, in the eighty-ninth year of his age. The deceased was born in Scotland, and emigrated to Canada nearly thirty years ago. About six years ago he came to this place, to spend his last days with a nephew. For over four years he had been a constant reader of the REVIEW, and he heartily embraced the truths it advocates. Although so far advanced in life, his perception of divine truth was clear and his love for it most ardent. On account of age and infirmities he was shut in from the world, but his prayers—who can estimate their worth? The U. P. minister chose for his text Ps. 12:1. His remarks were very appropriate and impressive. A. Bosworth.
Died of consumption, in Fort Scott, Kansas, Dec. 18, 1878, Bro. Amasa Edwards, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. The deceased embraced the truth two years ago at Monmouth, Crawford county, Kansas, under the labors of the writer. His health was such that he was much of his time kept away from meetings; yet he stood firmly for the truth, and rejoiced in its light. He died in the blessed hope. Funeral services by the writer. J. H. Cook.
Died of consumption, near Ligonier, Noble county, Ind., Dec. 31, 1878, Bro. Henry May, aged 67 years. Bro. May has been a faithful member of the Ligonier church for about two years. He was ever willing to bear his testimony on the Lord’s side. Words of comfort by Eld. J. S. Shrock from 1 Thess. 4:14–18. E. D. Stutzman.
Died of typhoid fever in Calhoun, Richland county, Ill., Dec. 7, 1878, Ina May Bolinger, daughter of Henry and Naomi Bolinger, aged 11 years, 4 months, and 17 days. She was a gentle and obedient child, and is the first of the family to be laid away to sleep till Jesus comes. E. J. Connet.
Died of croup, near Noblesville, Ind., Dec. 30, 1878, Edward A., infant son of Absalom and Mary Shafer, aged 9 months and 18 days. W. W. Sharp.
Christ's Paradoxes: Dying Yet Giving Life
Dying, yet giving life; nailed to the cross, yet holding the key of death and Heaven; covered with every badge of contumely and scorn, yet crowning others with immortal diadems; robbed of all things, yet giving all his native right. No event of moral grandeur like this can ever be imagined. Truly Christ was the Wonderful, joining in his own person the strangest contrasts, the most inexplicable mysteries.
Following the Lord Fully
It ought to be the great care of every one of us to follow the Lord fully. We must follow him universally, without dividing; uprightly, without dissembling; cheerfully, without disputing; constantly, without declining; and this is following him fully.
Playing Chess for the Church.
PENNSYLVANIA seems to take the lead in devising ways that are novel and wicked for raising funds for church purposes. It was in Pittsburg, where at a church fair last year, ladies, completely enveloped in sheets, were auctioned off to the highest bidder, and then unveiled. They were to be the partners for the rest of the evening of the ones who paid the highest price. Young fellows, it is reported, kept up a lively competition, and the bidding sometimes ran up to astonishing figures. This was the first instance of so disgraceful a proceeding to raise money for the church.
And now a report comes to us through an exchange, that a game of chess was lately played at Sewickly, Pa., the figures being actual ladies and gentlemen, and the object being to raise funds to buy a new carpet for the church. “The squares were made of red and white cloth, and were two feet square. The figures were dressed in appropriate costumes, and bore spears, shields, flags, etc. The game was played by two gentlemen on a raised platform on opposite sides of the hall, each with a chess board before him. Other assistants called out the moves and saw that they were correctly made.”
What next? Any way to raise funds except the way which the word of God prescribes, namely, as an act of religion, a direct gift and sacrifice to the Lord. Such acts only as these last named will he accept. All else he will reject with infinite loathing.
As iniquity practiced in the name of religion always goes hand in hand with bigotry and intolerance, it may be pertinent to add that Pennsylvania is the State where observers of the seventh-day as the Sabbath, are persecuted to fine and imprisonment for disregarding the traditional Sunday, and where the legislature is now at work trying to give to existing Sunday laws a broader application, and to affix to them all more stringent penalties.
Reading the Bible for 1879.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Who will read the Bible through during the year 1879? I will for one; who will for another? If we read three chapters on each working day and five on the Sabbath, we shall read the entire Bible in fifty-two weeks. It takes only a few minutes to read three ordinary chapters. Brethren and sisters, let us adopt this plan at once.
A great many times I have taken a vote in an ordinary congregation to ascertain how many had read the Bible through, and, incredible as it may seem, at least nine out of ten, on the average, have never read the entire Bible, and these, too, are church members and our own brethren at that. Now this is a shame; nay, more, it is a sin against God. Here are the precious, golden words of our Heavenly Father and his holy apostles and prophets, and we do not care enough about them to even look at them. May the Lord pity us in our indifference and laziness.
But should not the Bible be studied by subjects instead of by course? It should be studied both ways. But I have observed that those who study it simply by subjects soon drop off even that, and do not read it at all. System and order are good in anything. They are good in studying the word of God.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
The Dew of Heavenly Grace
Dew falls but little upon the smooth and brilliant surface of polished steel or burnished gold, while coarser and less costly objects are freely wet. The gentle dew of the heavenly grace often takes effect upon the rude and uncultivated while the refined, the tasteful, and the critical are left, like frost-work, brilliant and beautiful, but cold and dead.
Rev. W. Impey Renounces Eternal Torment Doctrine
A friend has sent us a copy of The Diamond News, of Nov. 14, 1878, published at Kimberly, South Africa Diamond Fields. It contains a letter from “The Rev. W. Impey” to the Wesleyan Conference, declaring his renunciation of the doctrine of eternal torment, as contrary to revelation and dishonoring to the God of justice, love, and mercy. Thus the light of truth is making its way in the distant parts of the earth.
Sermon Reading and an Old Woman's Retort
This is rather hard on those helpless creatures who are obliged to read their sermons, but probably contains too much truth:—
“A late minister of Biggar, who was a reader in the pulpit, closed his discourse with the words, ‘I add no more.’ ‘Because ye canna!’ exclaimed an old woman from her pew.”
Nobility Earned, Not Inherited: A Josh Billings Quip
The following humorous item from Josh Billings contains a point too good to be lost. It is a man's own cultivated capabilities and noble achievements which place upon him the stamp of nobility, not the distinction which may be derived from birth or ancestry:—
“I don't insist upon pedigree for man or horse. If a horse kan trot fast the pedigree is all right: if he kant, I wouldn't give a shilling a yard for his pedigree.”
Receipts Will No Longer Be Acknowledged in Paper
By Editor
Receipts.
To save room for other matter, it has been decided not to acknowledge in the paper, hereafter, receipts for the REVIEW, nor for books sent out by mail. The change of figures on the address label will, in every case, be a sufficient acknowledgment of the receipt of money for the paper. And books sent by mail almost invariably reach their destination, and thus report for themselves, before the acknowledgment appears in the paper. Hence it is thought we can appropriate the space to better uses.
Sabbath-School Lessons.
By Editor
THESE will no longer appear in the REVIEW. The weekly INSTRUCTOR and the monthly Lesson Sheets now cover all the ground. If any are taking the REVIEW solely for the lessons, we will, upon notice, send them the Lesson Sheets in addition, to the end of their present subscription.
The Church in Her House.
In the epistles of Paul we find frequent reference to family churches. Col. 4:15: “Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.” See also Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19; Philem. 2. But this, it seems, is not to be confined to apostolic times. A sister writes us from Missouri:—
“My aged mother, myself, and my two children, are Seventh-day Adventists. We love the truths of the third angel’s message, and are trying to live them out. We are the only S. D. Adventists in our immediate neighborhood, hence have to constitute a little church of our own. We have family worship, and a regular weekly prayer-meeting which is a precious season.”
Baptized for the Dead.
A CORRESPONDENT asks us to explain 1 Cor. 15:29: “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?”
Paul’s subject is the resurrection of the dead; and baptism is referred to as an act by which we show our faith in the resurrection. But if the dead rise not at all, why do we perform this act? Why are we then baptized in hope of the resurrection of the dead, or to show our faith in such an event?
Dr. Clarke says on this verse: “But as they receive baptism as an emblem of death in voluntarily going under the water, so they receive it as an emblem of the resurrection unto eternal life, in coming up out of the water; thus they are baptized for the dead, in perfect faith of the resurrection. The three following verses seem to confirm this sense.”
Macknight considers the passage as elliptical, and reads it, “Baptized for [the resurrection of] the dead.” “In Rob. Wahl the passage is thus paraphrased: If the dead do not rise, of what avail is it to expose ourselves to so many dangers in hope of a future reward.”—Bagster.
Jenks says: “Thus the sense will be: ‘baptized in the confidence and expectation of a resurrection from the dead.’ . . . Chrysostom establishes this interpretation beyond all doubt.”
Bloomfield says: “Now this [the true interpretation], if I mistake not, will apply to an interpretation most early adopted, namely, that of Chrysostom and the Greek commentators, and the generality of expositors in modern times, including some very eminent names, as Hamm., Burkitt, Wets., and Pyle, who explain: ‘What will they be doing, i. e., what will they benefit themselves, who are baptized for the sake of, i. e., in hope of, the resurrection of the dead. They will be no better for it, either in this world or the next.’”
To Correspondents.
Is it right to have Christmas trees and festivals? Is there any authority in the Bible for so doing? E. M. W.
ANS. We do not see any necessary connection between Christmas trees and festivals. A church festival, in its common acceptation, is an abomination. We can have a Christmas tree without that. Such trees as were provided in Battle Creek and Oakland, and we trust in many other of our churches, last Christmas, to bear our gifts to some important enterprises in the Lord’s cause, we believe are all right. Is there anything in the Bible against so doing?
M. B. PARRETT: Job 14:12 is explained on the ground that the heavens do pass away at the second coming of Christ. See Rev. 6:14.
Sensible: Health Reform in Light of Coming Dangers
By R. F. Cottrell
Sensible.
A WRITER who anticipates great atmospheric disturbances and terrible epidemics as the result of the simultaneous perihelion of the four great planets in the near future, advises all to use all sanitary precautions in view of the danger, and to live in strict accordance with the laws of hygiene.
This is indeed sensible. Those who walk by the light of nature only, can see the propriety of this. How much more should those who have superior light, having been warned by the spirit of prophecy of the dangers that are coming in the great time of trouble which, according to the Scriptures, is just about to come, who have been truly warned of the dangers of wrong habits of physical life, see to it that they are preparing themselves, by living out the principles of health reform in general, and in every particular, according to the light given.
Those who use only worldly wisdom can see the propriety of abstaining from pork, if they would avoid disease and death; and the fact of the trichina disease has convinced some of the truth of those testimonies which have warned against its use. Well, the warnings against other articles of diet will prove equally true. The danger of disease from food from diseased animals has been pointed out. Those who heed these admonitions will know, in the sequel, that they acted the wisest part. When God speaks it is wise to hear.
When we start upon a right course, it is unwise to go back. Those who, instead of advancing, retrograde in the practice of health reform, are not wise. They will know this sometime. Our motto should be, Onward. Never go back. By the help of God, this shall be the principle upon which I act. R. F. COTTRELL.
Passing the North Pole.
By C. W. Stone
A FALSE theory, if sustained by an illustration, is always bound to lean upon a faulty one. Deacon Smith said to me that he once heard a minister say to an audience, that it did not matter so very much what people believed; that all people would finally reach Heaven, though by far different routes. This was at North Hyde Park. There were present some people from Hyde Park, a village six miles south. To illustrate his doctrine he said, You that live at Hyde Park would just as certainly reach home by traveling in an opposite direction, though you would be longer about it, and would nearly circumnavigate the globe. Said the deacon, I thought of the well-provided fleets of Dr. Kane and others, and of the difficulties they experienced in searching for an open polar sea, and of their failure to penetrate nearer than within about five hundred miles of the north pole; and I thought that these Hyde-Parkers would certainly be entitled to my pity if they should set out northward expecting to reach home by passing directly through, not only the north pole, but the south pole also.
It will be found by every one who attempts to reach Heaven by any other than the narrow path of truth that impassable icebergs lie in the way. C. W. STONE.
Jan. 4, 1879.
Lorenzo Dow’s Definition of Prejudice.
O CURSED hard prejudice! what hast thou done to benight the understanding and prevent it from judging aright. It is the devil’s telescope, and will magnify and deceive according as you look through it.
APPOINTMENTS
“And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
If nothing in the providence of God prevents, I will meet with the friends at Afton, Iowa, Feb. 1 to 3, and at State Center, Feb. 8 to 10. At these meetings we hope to see a general turnout of our friends. S. N. Haskell.
THE State quarterly meeting of the Iowa T. and M. society will be held in connection with the Institute at Sigourney, Jan. 25, 26. Officers of the society will please send their reports to the State secretary, Lizzie Hornby, Sigourney, Keokuk county, Iowa. Let there be full reports and a general attendance. L. McCoy, Pres.
THE Vermont State T. and M. quarterly meeting will be held at Wolcott, Jan. 25-27, 1879. As the number of brethren in this church is small, we hope all will come prepared with bedding and provision, as far as convenient, to care for themselves. And further, don't fail to come. See appointment for a State S. S. meeting in this paper. A. S. Hutchins, Pres.
A MEETING of the Vermont S. S. Association will be held in connection with the State quarterly meeting of the tract society at Wolcott, Jan. 25-27. Superintendents, secretaries, and singers are urgently invited to attend. The singers will perhaps remain over Jan. 28. H. Peebles, Pres.
T. AND M. meetings with the church at Holly, Mich. Jan. 18 and 19, commencing at 10:30 A. M., each day. The meetings will be held in Fentonville, Mich. Mr. Potter has kindly tendered us the use of the Central House for the occasion. Come, brethren and sisters, determined to do your part, and we cannot fail to have a profitable meeting. S. Woodhull, Sen., Director.
NO PROVIDENCE preventing, I will hold meetings at Patricksburg, Owen county, Ind., Sabbath and first-day, Feb. 1, 2, 1879. Expect to hold meetings as long as the interest may demand. First-day, Feb. 2, the new meeting-house will be dedicated. Hope to see a general turnout. S. H. Lane.
MEETINGS will be held in Wisconsin as follows:—
Sand Prairie, Richland county, Jan. 21-23.
Mount Hope, “ 25, 26.
Waterloo, Jan. 28 to Feb. 2.
H. W. Decker.
Sister P. Durham, 63 Pleasant street, Grand Rapids, Mich., would like to find a good Seventh-day Adventist family who will adopt a boy 12 years of age. Address as above.
Geo. E. Henton, of Valley Springs, D. T., a good blacksmith, would like to find a situation at this business among Sabbath keepers.
The permanent P. O. address of Eld. W. H. Littlejohn, is Allegan, Mich. Letters directed to that point will be forwarded.
Books Sent by Express.
Ira J Hankins $20.58, A E Shepherd 10.00, J F Carman 5.20, Robert Reid 2.50, J S Green 3.00, B B Francis 4.00, G. B. Mason 2.70.
Books Sent by Freight.
S B Whitney part of $171.67.
Cash Rec'd on Account.
From H M Hendee per Alex Carpenter, Instructor sub $7.50, Mo T & M Society James M Lewis 1.00, J S Shrock 6.90, H W Woodruff 2.80, Lizzie Hornby 1.00, Wm Beebe 1.10.
European Mission.
Catharine Wilson $2.00, Bro & Sr M Brown per Alex Carpenter Italian 10.00, Bro & Sr M Brown per Alex Carpenter Egypt 10.00, Sr H M Hendee Egypt 10.00, E Lamphear 1.00, Geo Leighton & wife 80.00, Rufus Baker 5.00, S J Merril 5.00, Betsey Horn 5.00, Cornelia Chapman 5.00, K K McCune 2.00, Lillie J McCune 1.00, Mary E McCune 1.00, Julia Baker 25c, I E Baker 10c, Rose Chapman 25c, C H Allen Egypt 5.00.
English Mission.
Bro & Sr M Brown per Alex Carpenter $10.00, Mrs H S S Davis 2.50, John Johnson 5.00, E S Walker & wife 10.00.
Swedish Mission.
C J A Peterson 85c.
S. D. A. E. Society.
David Alexander $5.00, Mrs D Alexander 2.50.
Shares in S. D. A. P. Association.
Francis A Shepard 10.00.
Mich. Conf. Fund.
Newton per A T Oxley $5.00, Holly per S Wilson 18.67, Gowen per Niels Larsen 17.85, Dryden per M F Mullen 13.80, Armada per M F Mullen 1.28, Potterville B Sawyer 6.37, Battle Creek Church 150.00, Carson City per J E Bennett 18.99, Blendon 3.00, Dryden per M F Mullen 2.00, Vassar per E J Smith 32.00, Eaton Rapids per J Ferris 7.00, Allegan 6.75, Ravenna per John Wright 49.13, Sheridan per M M Tryon 10.00.
Danish Mission.
John Lorntz $8.75.
Gen. T. & M. Society.
T & M Institute $60.77, E. M. Lamphear 1.00, Mrs E Fastle Thank Offering 1.25, M A Green Thank Offering 2.60.
Gen. Conf. Fund.
Byron E Tefft s b $2.53.
Mich. T. & M. Society.
Dist 11 per Alex Carpenter $1.35, Dist 13 M F Mullen 6.98, Dist 15 per L G Moore 9.88, Dist 14 per T K Henry 5.16, Dist 4 per Alex Carpenter 17.77, Dist 7 66.25, Dist 3 Conners per S Sellers added ½ 2.50, Dist 11 per C N Stuttle 18.00.
Gentleness: The Fruit and Flower of Christian Life
By Olive A. Wadsworth
GENTLENESS—Oh! beautiful, wonderful word—almost more a flower than a fruit of Christian life, in its grace and beauty adorning the rough places of the road, leading little children, lifting sad hearts, wiping away tears, and winning wayward souls. Paul, with all his great and eloquent words, never melts the heart so truly as when he says, with an irresistible appeal, “I Paul beseech you by the gentleness of Christ.”—Olive A. Wadsworth.