p. 141 | Review and Herald, Vol. 49, No. 18. (5/3/1877)

THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.

By John G. Matteson

The law of God, containing our duties to God and our fellow-men, is briefly presented in the ten commandments. The Lord’s prayer expresses briefly the sum of all prayer. Thus we also find a brief sum of the gospel of Christ in 1 Cor. 15: 3-5. Paul preached the gospel of Christ, by which we are saved, if we hold fast what he delivered unto us. We cannot be saved by the law. The law cannot deliver us from sin and death. By the law is the knowledge of sin. Rom. 3: 20. This office God has given to the law, and no one can alter his divine appointment. Sunday-keepers cannot with all their united efforts move the law from this position. They cannot destroy, change, or diminish a single commandment of the Lord. Neither can Sabbath-keepers obtain salvation from sin and death by the law. It cannot wash away the smallest sin, nor raise up a single soul from the dark prison-house of the tomb.

Christ alone can save from sin and death, and this salvation is the glad news proclaimed by the gospel. This is the gospel which Paul preached. Hear his own words: “For 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.” 1 Cor. 15: 3, 4.

Here are three things which belong to the gospel in its simplest form. 1. That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. 2. And that he was buried. 3. And that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.

The first part shows how we can obtain pardon and salvation from our sins; the second, that Christ was really dead, and was laid in the tomb; the third, how we can obtain salvation from death, and eternal life in the world to come.

1. It was Christ, the anointed of God, the only begotten Son of the almighty Creator, that died. And he died according to the Scriptures. He was that Messiah who had been foretold in the holy Scriptures; and he died in that manner which had previously been announced by the prophets.

Christ died for the sins of the world. But this is no gospel to us until we accept it, and believe in the only begotten Son of God. And we do not accept the gospel until we feel and acknowledge that we are poor sinners before God, and deserve nothing but eternal destruction. When the law and Spirit of God have wrought within us a true conviction of sin, then, and not till then, we feel our need of Christ. And when we feel and acknowledge that we are lost sinners, then the message, that Christ died for our sins, sounds sweet and blessed in our ears. Dear reader, Christ died not only for the sins of others, but for your sins. This word belongs to you. And it will bring joy and salvation to you the very moment you believe it. Then all your sins will be forgiven you, because you believe on the Son of God, and accept the witness of God, which he has testified of his Son. And when you accept of Christ as your Saviour, you will also be strong to overcome sin; for “this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

2. The burial of Christ is a wonderful event. The Son of God descended into hades. This is the second part of the joyful message of salvation. Now the tomb has lost its terror to me; for Jesus has been there before me. He alleviated the pain of the cross with his own holy body, and many a martyr has willingly suffered the death of the cross for his name’s sake.

He did also alleviate the terrors of the tomb. He lit up the house of darkness for me. When I must bid good bye to those who are nearest to my heart, when the gloom of death gathers round my dim eyes, and my feet chill in the cold waters, then I will trust firmly in this word, that Christ was buried. Oh! shades, I fear thee not; I can see the footsteps of Jesus, even in thy dark chambers. Jesus has slept in the heart of the earth for me. There I will also rest with him until I hear his voice. This is a good part of the gospel of the Son of God.

3. Christ did not remain long in the tomb. He rose the third day according to the Scriptures. He obtained the keys of hades. He opened the heavy gates which none other could open. He is the resurrection and the life. He rose, and we shall rise. Now there is life beyond this life—life in Christ—life in the resurrection. This precious word I will by the grace of God treasure up in my heart. It is the last blessed part of the gospel. And this life beyond the tomb is eternal for all those who believe the gospel. Receiving the first part of the gospel we obtain pardon for all our sins. The sting of death is sin. 1 Cor. 15: 56. And the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 6. Death entered into the world on account of sin. Rom. 5: 12. Consequently death cannot be found any more where there is no sin.

But the wicked have no part in the first nor in the last part of the joyful message. They do not believe, therefore they will be damned. They do not rise unto eternal life, but unto eternal damnation. They must die the second death in the lake of fire. Rev. 20: 14, 15.

The gospel of Christ is sweeter than honey when it fills the heart. It gives joy and endurance in life, peace in death, and an eternal life of bliss in the glorious kingdom of Christ. And Christian baptism is a true representation and a beautiful picture of this gospel, when a repenting soul is buried with Christ by baptism into death, and rises to walk in newness of life. Rom. 6: 4.

Dear reader, what do you think of this? Will you open your Bible, and see whether this is in harmony with the word of God? And when you discover that the way of truth is so plain and simple, will you decide to walk in it? Then you shall also be united with Christ in the likeness of his resurrection.

JOHN G. MATTESON.

PSALM 46 PROPHETIC.

By Roswell F. Cottrell

Jesus said that all that was written of him in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms, must be fulfilled; thus recognizing as a fact that the Psalms contain prophecies. And the New Testament records the fulfillment of some of them, the second being named, and the sixteenth referred to in Acts 13 : 33, 35.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” When Christ shall begin his reign, there will be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation (Dan. 12 : 1); and in that day of wrath the voice of God shall shake the heavens and the earth, and the mountains and islands will be moved out of their places. Rev. 6 : 14, and 16 : 17, 18, 20. But those who have made God their refuge will have no cause to fear, for they shall be delivered, their names being written in the Lamb’s book of life. Dan. 12 : 1. “Though the waters” of earth “roar,” and men’s hearts fail for fear (Luke 21 : 25, 26), the people of God will be secure. They are about to go to dwell in “the city of God”; and “there is a river” that will make glad the inhabitants of that city, the “river of water of life.” Rev. 22 : 1. “God is in the midst of her,” the city, “she shall not be moved.”

“The heathen raged,” “the nations were angry,” Rev. 11 : 18, “the kingdoms were moved”; the wrath of God shall come upon them, “thy wrath is come.” “He uttered his voice, the earth melted.” In the day of the Lord the earth and elements shall melt with fervent heat. 2 Pet. 3 : 10.

“Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.”

The time will come in the day of the Lord when the earth shall be “emptied, and utterly spoiled.” Isa. 24 : 1-3; Jer. 25 : 29-33; Zeph. 2 : 18, and 3 : 6. What a scene of desolation will it then present! Wars will verily cease to the end of the earth. How? All the nations will be broken with the iron scepter of the King, the Son of God, and dashed in pieces like a potter’s vessel. Ps. 2 : 6-9. Wars shall cease by the destruction of his enemies with their chariots and implements of war. Thus God “will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with his people; the God of Jacob is their refuge. “God himself shall be with them, and be their God,” and shall wipe away their tears by removing sickness, sorrow, pain, and death, in short, every cause of grief.

R. F. COTTRELL.

“FOR OUR LAMPS ARE GONE OUT.” MATT. 25:8.

By Jos. Clarke

Sad dilemma! no oil in the lamp! gone out in darkness! What could be more unfortunate! and will this be the case with any of us? Unless we cherish the Spirit of God, and daily overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, we may find at the last that our lamps will expire and become useless. Then, indeed, when we shall need the light of God’s presence, his Spirit in our hearts, then, when all unrepentant hearts will fail and mourn and weep, then to find one’s lamp empty and dark—how very bitter the thought!

Brother, do you or I cherish one sin? Do we live in the neglect of duty? Do we do injustice to any living being? Have we done injustice or wrong? and is it confessed and forgiven? Let us make clean work with our own hearts and consciences, and get full pardon from God and our fellowmen, and be sure that our lamps are filled with oil from the heavenly sanctuary. Yes, let us keep them burning continually, day after day, and week after week. It is very unsafe to let them burn low for one moment. Only imagine the confusion we would feel to have it to say at the last, Our lamps are gone out. May we all draw near to God, and so will our lamps be full.

Jos. Clarke.

KANSAS CAMP-MEETING.

The grounds selected for this meeting are very favorable as to location, being in Forest Park, a beautiful site on the banks of a fine stream of water. Those of our brethren who are in the habit of attending these yearly gatherings, we trust, have learned to value them too highly to be kept away by trivial causes. There is another class that these meetings are especially calculated to benefit; we mean those who have recently embraced this truth. To all such we extend a hearty invitation to come.

You will learn more of the magnitude of the work. You will learn something of the sacrifice it costs to spread this truth before the nations of the earth; and we have no doubt you will find that the Spirit of the Lord is there, to bless and encourage you amid all the trials you have to bear in separating yourselves from the world, while practicing unpopular truths. Especially do we want to see those there who have been separated from those of like faith, and perhaps have grown cold in the Master's service. In short, we believe it will do us all good to spend a week in humbly seeking the Lord, and working and praying for the advancement of the cause in these last days of peril.

Let those who can, bring tents and bedding; those who cannot bring tents can find accommodations in two empty buildings that are upon the grounds, by bringing bed clothing, and curtains to divide the room into sleeping apartments. Hay and grain for the teams can be had upon the grounds, also provisions at reasonable rates. KAN. CONF. COM.

MAKE USE OF LITTLE OPPORTUNITIES.

Dr. Payson once, when travelling, having occasion to call on a lady when she and some friends were sitting down to tea, she would have him stay, and treated him very hospitably. When he left he said, “Madam, you have treated me with much kindness and hospitality, for which I sincerely thank you. Allow me to ask you one question before we part. How do you treat my Master?” This led ultimately to the conversion of the lady and her household.

QUARTERLY REPORT ILL. T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By G. W. Colcord; E. Campbell

The second quarterly meeting of the current Conference year of the Ill. T. and M. Society, was held at Roscoe, Ill., Apr. 15, 1877, convening at 9 A. M. President in the chair. Song, “Missionary Hymn.” Prayer by the president. The State secretary being absent, Sr. E. Campbell was chosen secretary pro tem. Minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted.

The following report of the work performed during the closing quarter was read:—

The reading of this table was followed by verbal reports from members of the meeting, some of which were truly worthy of being remembered. The question, “Should we try to sell our almanacs?” was kindly discussed for a short time. Several of our most earnest workers said, “Yes;

we can sell them, especially early in the season.” Proof was furnished in support of the assertion. This advice was given: “Early in the season, sell at full price; later, sell at half price; but rather than have any left over, very late in the season, give away the remainder, and report all.” The plan adopted by Brn. Lane and Corliss, in Virginia, was thought to be practicable. Three joined the Society; and three offered their services as agents to canvass for the SIGNS AND REFORMER. Members present vowed to labor with increased zeal during the incoming quarter.

G. W. COLCORD, Pres.

E. CAMPBELL, Sec. pro tem.

IOWA

Marshalltown, Nevada, and Washington.

After the quarterly meeting at Sigourney, I had appointments in Crawford Co., which I withdrew on receiving the final counsel of the General Conference Committee concerning the mission in Texas, and immediately began to prepare for our departure. In the meantime I held meetings with the churches at Marshalltown and Nevada.

On account of a severe wind storm on Sunday, April 1, the meeting at M. proved to be a failure. Our object was at this meeting to reorganize s. B., celebrate the ordinances of the Lord’s house, and ordain an elder. In this we were disappointed; the brethren could not all get together. The meeting on the Sabbath was indeed a pleasant and profitable season.

From April 4 to 10 I was with the church at Nevada, holding meetings at night and packing our goods for our journey during the day. Sabbath and Sunday were days of refreshing to us all. Nine willing souls were baptized, and ten added to the church. We were greatly blessed while celebrating the ordinances. We rearranged s. B., and by a vote of the church a sum equal to one-third of the s. B. was added for T. and M. purposes. Though the brethren and sisters, in these two companies are young in the truth and poor in this world’s goods, they readily take hold of these measures, and are scattering the seeds of truth wherever they can find soil to nourish it. While we had to regret to say “good bye” to these dear children, we rejoiced to know that love and harmony existed among them. I hope and pray that this union and brotherly kindness may abound more and more as they grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. Let brotherly love continue.

Apr. 14 and 15 I was with the Washington church. Systematic benevolence was reorganized, and the one-third added. This has been my home for more than thirty years. Here I have associations which are dear to me. After the war, I here learned to love and obey God. Though I was brought to the light of the truth at Mt. Pleasant, here I gained my religious experience. Feelings of sadness come over us as we bid adieu to the church here now so scattered by removals and the cruel hand of death. And while we go South again to fight in battle, with weapons that are not carnal, we are comforted to know that the prayers of these brethren with hundreds of others follow us.

Our address, for the present, will be Dallas, Texas. R. M. KILGORE.

Dickinson Co.

The blessing of God is with his truth here. Though it is in the busy time of spring’s work, the attendance increases all the time. Last evening some twelve or sixteen adults voted to keep all the commandments. We shall have our first Sabbath meeting next Sabbath. The people here are mostly from York State. Opposition discourses are advertised. I ask your prayers, dear brethren. F. W. MORSE.

SOUTHWEST MISSOURI.

By J. G. Wood

I met with the church at Nevada March 31, and labored with them and near there one week; found them much discouraged and scattered. They had not met for two months or more, for the want of a place to hold meetings. They were behind on their rent $49 for the use of a hall for meetings, which seemed hard to pay. After laboring with them a short time they felt much encouraged. Means were raised to pay the back rent and engage the hall again. All took new courage to sustain their meetings.

I was with the Clintonville church April 7 and 8. Some valuable members have lately moved from this place to Texas, but their meetings have been well sustained. Four were added to the church, and two buried with Christ by baptism. All were encouraged.

At Union Point, one year ago, after preaching some two or three weeks, eight came forward and covenanted together to keep all the commandments of God and faith of Jesus. Last June we visited them again, appointed leaders, organized s. b. to the amount of $30.00, and left 14 members. They have had but one visit from our preaching brethren since till now. I have been here one week. Eleven have been recently added to the church. I baptized eight, so they now have a membership of 30. Others are keeping the Sabbath.

We celebrated the ordinances of the Lord’s house. Reorganized s. b. amounting to $72.50. Bro. C. M. Holland was chosen and ordained elder, and Brn. Eanes Sprague and John Cochran, Jr., deacons. The melting Spirit of God rested upon us. Nearly all were in tears. These brethren have received much opposition from other churches; but as they have purified themselves by putting away their evil habits, the Lord has blessed. May they continue humble and faithful to the end.

J. G. Wood.

OMNIPRESENCE

Not alone in the roll of thunder May the voice of God be heard— Not alone in the tempest's fury, When the depths of the sea are stirred— Not alone in the wind's soft whisper, Or the song of the wild bird free; Or the bee's low hum, or the babbling brook, Doth my Maker speak to me.

But oft' 'mid the silent darkness, When the world in slumber lies; When night has spread o'er the sleeping earth Her glorious star-gemmed skies— Oh! then, 'mid the hum of nature, A still, small voice I hear, That stirs the very depths of my heart, And I know that God is near.

Not alone in the lofty mountain Do I see God's mighty hand— Not alone in the broad, blue ocean, Or the desert of trackless sand; But the tiniest bud or blossom That springs from the emerald sod, Bears plainly stamped on its smallest leaf The impress of a God.

Not alone in times of sorrow The presence of God I feel; Not alone in my silent chamber, When low at his feet I kneel; Not alone in the lofty temple, Reared high by human art— Not in season of praise or prayer alone Do I feel God in my heart.

But amid my daily duties, When tempted by sin and care— When the burdens that rest upon me Seem greater than I can bear, I cry to my heavenly Father; And a sweet peace fills my breast, For the power of his holy presence Soothes all my cares to rest.

—Sel.

NEW YORK.

By S. B. Whitney

Parma.

The cause is still onward here. All that have embraced the truth are firm so far as I know, and more are taking hold of it every week. Among the last cases is that of a man who has formerly been very profane, but who gives good evidence of a desire to reform and keep the commandments. He takes part in the meetings, and seems to be really in earnest. The interest is such that prominent citizens have requested us to repeat the lectures, which we have consented and advertised to do, in a condensed form however.

The Baptist revival meetings have closed. Just before their evangelist left, he gave a discourse on the Sabbath question, which I reviewed before a good house with telling effect. I should add that those who are urging us to repeat the lectures are meeting the expense and trouble of advertising.

S. B. WHITNEY.

SPRING ARBOR, MICH.

By E. P. Daniels

I CAME to this place Tuesday, the 17th, on my way home. Here I have spent five days of labor, profitable both to the church and myself.

Unfriendly feelings have existed for some time among some of the brethren of this church, and, at times, of so serious a nature as to threaten its overthrow. Without relating the particulars, however, I am glad to say that, at a meeting held Sunday night at the residence of Sr. Humphrey, the Spirit of the Lord came in, confessions were made, and grievances were settled to the satisfaction of all present.

I leave here to-day with the conviction that, from this time forward, these brethren and sisters will by their life and example confirm the sincerity of their covenant to live nearer to God and to each other.

E. P. DANIELS.

STURGEON BAY, WIS.

By H. W. Decker

The members of this church, with one exception, are doing well. They have passed through some trials occasioned by a little member spoken of in James 3:5, 6. Our meetings have been very encouraging; confessions have been made, wounds healed, and harmony restored. Oh! that people would learn wisdom. H. W. Decker.

SAUK RAPIDS, MINN.

By N. Battin

Bro. Dimmick and myself commenced a series of lectures here Mar. 25. The people turned out pretty well. After giving ten or twelve discourses, a spiritualist from Chicago, one Prof. Cook, challenged us to debate. As there seemed no way to avoid a discussion, Bro. Dimmick accepted, and drove him completely from the Bible.

Six honest souls have begun to keep the commandments of God. Others are interested.

N. BATTIN.

PENNSYLVANIA

By Chas. B. Reynolds

By advice of Bro. Canright, in company with Bro. I. G. Saunders, I have made the tour of McKean County, seeking out, encouraging, and gathering in, the scattered ones. We visited all in the vicinity of Roulette, Farmer’s Valley, and Texas, and held meetings at each of these places; and although the notice was very short, we found good attendance and an earnest desire to hear. Urgent appeals were made for us to remain or come again. A course of lectures should be given at each of these places. I think it could not fail to add quite a number to the scattered few who through long years of discouragement have held on to the truth. Pennsylvania is an excellent field. There is a readiness to hear; and those who do embrace the truth take hold whole-hearted, promptly adopt the health reform, putting away the use of tobacco, and other bad habits, more readily than in any field where I have labored.

Bro. Saunders has done good work here. He has gained the hearts of the people, and seems peculiarly adapted to this section. He is sound on every point of truth. What he lacks in ability and experience he makes up in energy, throwing his whole soul into the work, with an enthusiasm that is contagious, inspiring hope and confidence in all. We hope the Conference will let him have a tent to use in this section the coming season, and we shall be much surprised if he does not, under the blessing of God, bring in a good report.

Sabbath, April 21st, meeting at Grimes’ settlement. This will be the head quarters of the Port Allegheny church. Weather unfavorable. Five who desired baptism were unable to be present. Organized Sabbath-school and Bible class the preceding Sabbath. At this meeting there were two large classes of youth in Sabbath-school and thirty adults in Bible class. This was a meeting long to be remembered in this section. Fifteen were added to the church. Five were baptized. About $50 was added to S. B. Ordained Bro. Wm. Wetmore, deacon. On first-day I laid before them the claims of the T. and M. Society. We did not organize, desiring to consult the president of the Conference. I hope he may attend personally, and make this a distinct Pennsylvania district.

We leave the friends here rejoicing in a fully organized, strong church. All expressed gratitude to Bro. Canright for help afforded. They were especially pleased with his admirable plan of holding church quarterly meetings, when all must report, bringing each case before the church four times a year. This affords especial hope and consolation to the lonely and scattered ones. Bright days are dawning for Pennsylvania. Let us redouble our diligence, and pray for especial blessings on the work in Pennsylvania. CHAS. B. REYNOLDS.

TENNESSEE

By Orlando South

After the quarterly meeting at Edgefield Junction, I spent a few days ministering to the sick. I then spent two days with the Ridge church, and went on from there to Coopertown, where I found four keeping the Sabbath. I labored two weeks from house to house, and in public as often as I could get five or six out to hear; yet to all outward appearance I left things as I found them. However, I left an appointment to return in two weeks, some of the prominent citizens thinking that they will be ready to decide by that time.

I have now visited Bro. G. K. Owen. He has a good interest, and several have decided to keep the Sabbath. Bro. Owen now returns to his home in Michigan, and I shall remain to finish up the work as far as may be. Pray for the cause here.

ORLANDO SOUTH.

KANSAS

By Smith Sharp

Williamsburgh. Tent Meeting.

I ERECTED the Kansas tent in Williamsburgh Apr. 23, and Bro. R. M. Kilgore (who is stopping a few days on his way to Texas) and I have commenced meetings in it.

The weather is still a little cold, and last night it rained; but our congregations have exceeded our expectations.

I expect Bro. Stevens will be with me soon.

SMITH SHARP.

April 26, 1877.

The Third Quarterly Report of the Kansas T. and M. Society, Ending Feb. 25.

By John Gibbs

District	No. 1	No. 2	No. 3	No. 4	No. 5	No. 6	Total
No. Families Visited
“ Letters Written
“ New Subscribers
“ Periodicals Sent for Trial
“ Almanacs Distributed
“ Tracts Distributed
“ Pages Tracts & Pamphlets
“ Vols. Furnished Libraries
“ Newspapers in District
“ Members Reporting
“ Rec’d for Missionary
“ By Donations
“ From Book Sales
“ Subscriptions on Signs

It is due Dist. No. 6 to say they did not receive their almanacs in time for this report. JOHN GIBBS, Sec.

Obituary Notices.

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”

DIED, in San Jose, Cal., March 31, 1877, Sister Clarinda J. Bowers, aged 43 years, 11 months, and 13 days.

Clarinda J. Doty was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y. In 1856 a tent-meeting was held in Hillsdale, Mich., at which time she accepted the Saviour, and embraced the present truth. In her Christian walk she has been uniformly consistent and exemplary. Her naturally kind and amiable disposition, refined by divine grace, won the respect and affection of her associates of every class.

She was a great sufferer. Dyspepsia, aggravated by other ailments, almost destroyed her digestive powers, so that she literally wasted away for want of nourishment. She bore her affliction with great patience, yet she hailed the approach of death as a relief from her pains. She was sensible to her last moment, and her confidence in the Saviour and in his soon coming to redeem his people was firm and unwavering. We presented the “blessed hope” at her funeral to a large concourse of sympathizing neighbors. J. H. WAGGONER.

DIED, at Dundas, Minn., April 1, 1877, after an illness of only five days, Sister Catharine, wife of Bro. Benjamin Butler, aged 25 years, 9 months, and 15 days. She embraced the truth during our meetings this winter, and gave evidence of an acceptance with God. She leaves a husband and four little ones to mourn their loss. Discourse April 7th, from Heb. 9:27. H. F. PHELPS.

DIED, on the 28th of March, our beloved sister, Hannah Jane Peck, daughter of Ethan and Sarah Peck, aged 26 years, 1 month, and 21 days. She embraced the present truth while sick, and died in the firm belief of a part in the first resurrection. She lamented not having embraced the good opportunity at the B. C. camp-ground two years ago. Her parents have kept the Sabbath for the past five years, and mourn not without hope. Funeral services by Bro. Frisbie, assisted by Bro. John Sisley. MARY LEWIS.

DIED, in Geneva, O., Mar. 6, 1877, of heart disease and whooping cough, our little Freddie A., son of G. A. and S. M. Fuller, aged 1 year 3 months, and 9 days. Funeral services by Eld. S. N. Westcott, Baptist. Text, “Suffer little children to come unto me,” &c. S. M. FULLER.

DIED, near Fulton, Bourbon, Co., Kan., John Osborn, aged 26 years. He was a member of the Mound City church. He had a message for each one of his friends, and rejoiced that a dear brother and sister-in-law had promised him to seek for eternal life. His last words were, “I have great peace.” MARY M. COOK.

CLOSING OF A COURSE OF LECTURES AT SWAN LAKE, TURNER CO., DAKOTA.

By Carol Lou B. Aurner

Editors Review and Herald: My Dear Sirs, The labors of Eld. E. W. Farnsworth closed at this place yesterday after five weeks of time spent in arduous work for the promulgation of the grand truths which are so dear to us. What the ultimate results of this meeting will be, cannot now, of course, be even dimly outlined. The people here are mostly very indifferent to any form of religion. There are Baptist and Congregationalist church organizations here, but both are few in numbers, and without pastors.

April 15, Eld. Hilton, Baptist, came here by special request of the Baptists, to preach against Eld. Farnsworth. In the morning he spoke on the “Sunday topic.” Of Acts 20:7, he said, “Here is a record of a religious meeting held on the first day of the week, without any reference to time.” I wondered what the clauses, “many lights” and “until midnight” meant. He made no distinction between the moral law and the ceremonial; but indiscriminately mixed them and nailed them to the cross, as a “yoke of bondage,” in utter defiance of James, who declares the “law” to be a law of liberty. Then, when he found himself getting into too deep waters, he frantically splashed around for something to hold on to, and found it in vituperation, proving himself abler in the command of language than in logic and scriptural proof. In the evening he spoke on the immortality of the soul and the immediate reward of the dead. For Scripture proof he quoted Paul’s triumphant cry, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown,” reading to the end of the verse. Some laughed aloud at this mistake of poor Paul’s, for the last words, “his appearing,” did not seem to tally with Eld. Hilton’s reward-at-death theory. He quoted Watts and Montgomery and Plato, ending, as in the morning, by assailing Seventh-day Adventists.

There is one thing the Seventh-day Adventists can truthfully say. During his five weeks’ stay, no matter what in speech or manner he may have received from others, Eld. E. W. F. has not once forgotten that he was a follower of Christ, or failed to exhibit His Spirit in his public and private duties, with unassuming modesty. He leaves Swan Lake with the sincere prayers and affectionate esteem of his brethren and their earnest desire that the Conference may return him to this field of labor again.

Last Sabbath was full of joy to the church here. It was the last time he would speak to them as a church. Topic, “The fruits of the Spirit.” At the close, two united with the church. On Sunday four more united, and were baptized. This makes a membership of forty-five. God speed them on their way.

CAROL LOU B. AURNER.

WHY I KEEP THE SABBATH.

By A. B. Cushing

I THOUGHT that perhaps the readers of the REVIEW would like to hear a few words from this region of country concerning the advancement of the truth. There are some in Barford, Dixville, Eaton, Island Brook, and Hall Stream, P. Q., that are now keeping the Sabbath, and in the most of these places they have never heard any preaching upon this subject. Does it not seem a little wonderful that the Lord is moving upon the minds of his children by his Spirit to study the Scriptures with reference to this subject, leading so many in different places to see and embrace the truth in these last days?

I always knew that the Bible reads that God rested on the seventh day, blessed, hallowed, and sanctified it, and many times called it his holy day; but I had supposed that it was in some way changed, always having been taught so, and I did not give it as careful and prayerful investigation as I should. But recently I have studied the Bible, and prayed earnestly for the truth upon this subject; and until I was fully convinced that the word of the Lord taught that the seventh day was the one that he would have all keep, I did not read any other book upon the subject. The scriptures that convinced me most, I will name in their order. The one scripture above all others that enlightened my mind was Jesus’ own words, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” Matt. 5:17. Is not fulfill in this case exactly the opposite of to destroy? In this short verse Jesus says twice that he did not come to destroy; yet first-day keepers persist in saying that he did destroy.

Paul says, “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law.” Rom. 3:31. Quite different from abolishing it. “Know ye not, brethren (for I speak to them that know the law), how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?” Rom. 7:1. As long as he liveth. “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev. 12:17. “Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14:12. “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life.” Rev. 22:14.

Jesus says, “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” Matt. 19:17. One asked the Master what he should do to inherit eternal life. He said unto him, “What is written in the law?” Luke 10:26. When the blessed Saviour lay in the tomb, holy women rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment. Luke 23:56. Says Jesus, “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matt. 22:40. If the law or a part of it was done away, it could not all be said to hang on these two.

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:3, 4. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.” 1 John 5:3. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Eccl. 12:13.

The above scriptures sent deep conviction to my heart that the fourth commandment was neither changed nor abolished. It does seem that the evidences are clear and conclusive that there is no command in the Bible for keeping the first day, but a plain and positive command, many times repeated, for keeping the seventh-day Sabbath, as well as all the rest of the ten commandments.

I do thank the good Lord for the light. May the Lord by his Spirit and word enable the light so to shine that all his children may be convinced and receive the truth. And may we all have grace to walk in the light as He is in the light, that we may have fellowship one with another, and that the blood of Jesus Christ his Son may cleanse us from all sin. May the light shine more and more upon our pathway, unto the perfect day, and we be sanctified through the truth; and the truth shall make us free. “Thy word is truth.”

No one, to my knowledge, has ever preached a sermon on the Sabbath in this section. A. B. CUSHING.

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