I wish to impress upon your minds the thought of what is before you. There will be crosses and trials to meet; there will be dark hours and sadness; there will be apostasy and giving way to worldly influences. Brethren, these things will come. God will permit them, to test you. Now, I am anxious. What will these brethren do? How many of these sisters will go through to the kingdom of God? How many of you will refuse to bear the first little cross that God shall send? If you give way to discouragements, you will not go far; there will be no strength in you. But if you can withstand temptations, bear up under heavy crosses, struggle through the dark clouds that hover around you, even lay down your life for the Master,—if you can bear all that God will bring upon you to test you, to purge and purify you, then the reward of the overcomer will be yours. A home in the beautiful city, with the society of the ransomed, all the holy angels, our adorable Redeemer, and our loving Heavenly Father, will be yours to enjoy throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. Is not this worth struggling for? Is it not worth all we can give? I think it is.
In one of Christ's parables he said a man went out to sow, and some of the seed fell by the wayside, and the birds picked it up; some fell on stony ground, and it died when it came up; some fell among thorns, and the weeds choked it, so that it never brought forth fruit; and some fell upon good ground and bore good fruit many fold. Now hear the explanation: “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the wayside.”
You remember that at one time Christ fed five thousand. That was enough to convince them that he was the Christ; but how many of that crowd ever became believers on him? But very few. They were wayside hearers. How many have heard the truth in this place, and yet how few have obeyed. How many are wayside hearers!
Here is another class: “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for awhile; for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by-and-by he is offended.”
I have often seen this text illustrated. Brethren, go back to last year. Have you not heard persons say, “I thank God for present truth! Oh, how precious! how sweet it is!” Often these persons are the very first to accept it; but by-and-by they meet tribulation and persecution for the truth's sake, then they are offended and give up. What is the matter? Why, they cannot stand the pressure.
I have seen the text illustrated on the farm. Some parts of my father's farm were very stony, and I would often plant corn on the top of a rock that was covered over with a thin soil. The corn would be the very first to spring up, and would look rank and healthy for a short time; but during the month of June it would turn yellow, and die. It is just so with this class of people. They embrace the truth, but they cannot stand sharp, cutting testimonies, and so drop off. I say in my heart, “O Lord, is there a stony-ground hearer here?” Dear brethren, do not let the devil get the advantage of you on this point. Hold on to the truth till you die.
“He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.” Here is another class. They hear the truth, and believe it. They know they ought to accept it, and they do; but their business is urgent, and they must attend to that. They neglect to pray in the family. They do not come to prayer-meeting. They do not sacrifice for the cause. Why? Business is dull, and they cannot afford it. It is all they can do to live. The consequence is they backslide, and never amount to anything.
Now the last class: “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” Dear brethren and sisters, the Lord has laid our duty before us. And now let me say to you, Be of good cheer; have hope. No matter if some do go back; just press on, stand by the right, work for God, and by-and-by the Lord will come, and then you will have your reward in the kingdom of God.
As I look over the past, I feel sad. I preach the truth. It seems to me that every one ought to see it. It seems to me that the brethren should take hold, and sacrifice for the cause. But we have to work earnestly and pray and struggle, and still the brethren do not seem to realize their duty. This discourages me. But the Lord is coming soon, and then it will all be over. Here it is work on, fight on, struggle on. I know there will be dark hours; I know there will be discouragements; I know there will be burdens. But when I think of Paul, and Moses, and Jesus, and see how self-sacrificingly they lived, and the cruel persecutions and sufferings they endured, I say, Lord, give me strength; I will fight on; if others fail, I will stand; if others go back, I never will; if others give up the truth, I will not; if others do not do their duty, I will be of good cheer; I will have hope; I will stand by the right and let God take care of the result.
Now, my dear brethren and sisters, may God bless you, and may you bear the burdens, go through the battles, and when it is all over and you have been faithful, how you will love to tell about it. I always think of the time of our last war when I think of this. There were some men who went into the war at the first call for ninety days. When their time was out, they enlisted for three years, and when this time expired many enlisted again. They went through battles and skirmishes, endured hardships, were kept for months in the loathsome Libby prison; just escaped with their life from Andersonville, were wounded, and at last came home with scars, and perhaps with the loss of a limb. When the war was over, the battles had been fought and the victory won, how these men loved to tell what they had passed through! How their eyes would sparkle when they told of the battles they had been in. They had something to tell of hardships, and trials, and sufferings. But you remember that just as the war was about to close there was another call. Many enlisted merely for the eight-hundred-dollars bounty, and went down South just in time to see Richmond taken and Lee surrender, and have a fine view of the country, and then came home without even fighting a single battle. When these came back, do you suppose they loved to tell how they saw Richmond taken? No; such men kept still about their experience in warfare.
It will be so with us when we get into the kingdom of God. You will not say, “Bro. Canright, how easy I got through. I served the devil, I lived a worldling all my life, and just before I drew my last breath, I said, ‘Lord, receive me,’ and he did.” You would be ashamed of such an experience. But if you have been whipped, sent away from home, disowned by your parents, and left to look out for yourself; if you have endured great crosses, made large sacrifices, lived in poverty, and at last laid down your life, for the cause of Christ, what a joy it will be to you to recall the scenes you passed through in this life to gain Heaven.
There is to be another world; there is a hereafter; there is a God; there is a Heaven; there is a Judgment; and there is to be a hell also. These will all come. They are all as real as the things in this life. I want to be on the right side; I want to stand for the truth, come what may. If not another man stands, I want to be faithful to the end. I know these things are so. There are persons in this house who know that we preach the truth, who know that this is a message from Heaven, who know they should obey it. Dear friends, we appeal to you to take a firm stand for God. How it would gladden our hearts, how the hearts of these brethren would rejoice, if you would stand for the truth now. How much you could help us. Come now.
Brethren and sisters, let us stand by the right; let us take courage; let us stand at our post; let us be men and women of God; let us be what the Bible says we must be,—earnest Christians. Do this, and God will bless you and give you the kingdom. D. M. CANRIGHT.
SATAN'S DEVICES.
By Albert Stone
Satan accomplishes his evil designs mostly by treachery and deceit. His arts are ineffectual to draw away the honest from the truth, unless his purpose is concealed. He therefore seeks to corrupt the truth, and thus lead his victims unsuspectingly into the snare.
It was his influence, exerted long beforehand, that led the Jews to reject Christ. They drank at the fountain of perverted truth carefully prepared by his Satanic majesty. Gradually their perceptions became blunted, so that when Christ sought to correct their false impressions, their hearts were impervious to his clear and pointed testimonies. It was the design of Satan that when Christ came they should occupy just this position; and the way was thus prepared for them to reject and crucify Him whom God sent to save them, and to become henceforward the abettors, not of truth, but of falsehood; not of Christ, but of Satan and his nefarious cause.
It required several centuries for Satan to set this fatal snare, and to spring it upon the Jews, and so to do his work that the nation would even remain ignorant of the facts in the case, though fully declared and explained by a then future revelation from Heaven. Yet such a work he did accomplish more than eighteen centuries in the past, and it has been written upon the page of Inspiration as a warning to all future generations to beware of the snares of the devil.
Beware! The trap may be set with such consummate skill that you may not perceive it. You may be drawn into it by the very means by which you hope to be saved from it. You may be caught in its fatal jaws, and not take in the situation till the day of Judgment.
Those suggestions of Satan by which he seeks to ruin men are always accompanied with pleasing considerations. Thus he said to the woman, “Thou shalt not surely die;” and to Christ, “You have no need to die to redeem the world; just fall down and worship me, and all shall be yours.” Not less false and fatal are the modern and much-cherished views of the world's conversion, a temporal millennium, and a good time coming this side of the resurrection. The fact that these views are popular, and generally received by the churches of the present time, weighs nothing against the fact that they are of modern origin, and are not found in the Bible.
Is it not plain, then, that those who give heed to these doctrines are giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils? How can this be, says the objector, when so many great and good men advocate these views? It was the saying of an eminent divine, “Satan never employs common sinners to do his special work, so long as he can get church-members and ministers to do it.” Should religious teachers awake to the dangers of the time, their theory of a world's conversion and temporal millennium would vanish like the early dew and morning cloud before the rising sun. Instead of a good time coming, they would see an evil time already begun. They would behold the noble structure of Christianity, which can count her martyrs by the million, assailed by new and threatening forms of infidelity, which demand counteracting efforts from its friends,—efforts which they do not seem to be putting forth. They would see an army of invaders entering her very citadel, without a well-set guard to oppose its march, or scarcely a sentinel to give the alarm. They would see the old and established doctrines of the Bible one after another falling to the ground, and giving way to the encroachments of a false philosophy and blind unbelief. May God pity the millions of men and women who, but for the delusions that are woven into popular Christianity, would embrace a better hope.
It is the design of Satan, in order to meet the exigencies of the present time, to lead the old and the young to embrace and profess sentiments of infidelity. And who can say that his success has not been satisfactory to himself? The forms of unbelief and skepticism are greatly multiplied in these last days. The bottomless pit is indeed opened, and the smoke of the pit is as the smoke of a great furnace, and the moral atmosphere is darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. Every form of false religion that Satan has invented is set in motion, and he cares little which men choose, as each is deceptive, and fatal to the chooser. Perverted Christianity, in some form, is brought to every man's door, and offered without money or price.
We are living in the day of God's preparation. A mighty work is being done in the earth. The trumpet calls to battle. The gathering note is sounding. God is testing the qualifications and strength of his people, as in the days of Gideon, for the mightiest conflict the world ever saw. It is the last conflict. Previous conflicts have decided matters of smaller note, but this is to decide the eternal destiny of individual humanity.
The most potent truths ever proclaimed in the ears of man by the command of God are being met by the most crafty and powerful opposition of Satan. He has, to some extent, called to his aid the pulpit, the press, and all grades of fallen Christianity. These compose the van of the army of opposers; the rear is made up of backsliders, infidels, and scoffers,—“commixture strange,” as Pollok said of a certain character, “of Heaven, and earth, and hell.”
Our Lord, in the 24th of Matthew, predicted that this solemn message of his second coming would develop a class of ministers who would lend the dignity of their office, and cast their influence, against the last closing message of God to man. They are denominated “evil servants,” who meet the teachings of Christ on this subject with a positive denial. They are the leading spirits in setting forth the most damaging heresies ever taught by any class of men, at the same time claiming to be the chosen ambassadors of Christ. But the Saviour does not neglect to set forth their doom, Matt. 24: 50, 51.
This class of opposition to the Bible doctrine of Christ's second coming gives courage and strength to unbelievers and infidels to cast reproach and obloquy upon the most solemn and weighty truths of the word of God. It may prolong the controversy, and perplex some honest minds that have not learned the depth of Satan's devices, and will doubtless cause many to remain ignorant of the will of God and finally perish. Satan will still carry on his nefarious work for a little time. He will deceive some, perhaps many, and will worry whom he cannot devour. Let us not be ignorant of his devices. The truth has been tested by his assaults, and the servants of the Lord may take courage. He has not moved a pin from the frame-work of the plan of salvation, or caused the pillars of creation to tremble. His career will soon be ended. His time is short; his doom is sealed.
The decrees of redeeming grace will destroy both the devil and his works. The fire of God will devour him, and he will be brought to ashes upon the earth in the sight of an assembled universe, and never shall he be any more. Eze. 28: 13-19.
ALBERT STONE.
WHAT WAS DONE AT BASLE.
By Joseph Clarke
There was a large gathering of clergymen and others in the Reformed Dutch Collegiate church, Fifth Avenue, corner of Twenty-ninth Street, last evening. The subject under consideration was the recent conference of the Evangelical Alliance at Basle, Switzerland. The Rev. Samuel I. Prime presided, and introduced each speaker. The Rev. Dr. Philip Schaff was the first, and he gave a short account of the work of the conference and the interest taken in it, concluding with some predictions respecting the next conference, which will be held in Vienna, and the effect it will have in promoting religious liberty in Austria. The Rev. Dr. Talbot W. Chambers, of the Reformed Dutch church, spoke briefly of the work of the conference in Paris years ago, and was followed by the Rev. Dr. Anderson, of the Baptist church on Madison Avenue, who briefly described the session devoted to the consideration of the Sunday-school movement. The Rev. Dr. Patten described the measures which are being taken in Europe to secure a better observance of the Sabbath, and the elements of opposition encountered. The Rev. Dr. John Hall spoke of the respect for evangelical scholarship which the conference had engendered. He was followed by the Rev. Dr. Tiffany, of St. Paul's Methodist church; and then President Brown, of Hamilton College, closed with the benediction.
It appears, from the above extract from a secular paper, that the Evangelical Alliance takes a lively interest in religious liberty, the Sunday-school work, and the better observance of the Sabbath. All this is noble and praiseworthy, if it is done in sincerity and truth; and no doubt there are members of this Alliance who are sincerely working to the best of their ability for what they believe to be the truth. But in all this assembly of learned men, there are certainly some who in their hearts know full well that Sunday is not the Sabbath of the Lord; they know, too, that it is a great mistake to suppose that it is consistent with the religious liberty they speak of to invoke the secular arm in favor of any religious institution, so as to compel men to observe such an institution as the traditional Sunday. The elements of opposition they speak of no doubt include the efforts of Sabbath-keepers to re-instate the true Sabbath of the Lord. Such men they intend to put down. Is this religious liberty?
Then, too, the Sunday-school movement,— does not their interest in that signify a systematic effort to deceive the young as to the true Sabbath, and the near coming of Christ? What would good Robert Raikes say, if he could compare one of his schools with the shams of 1879?
JOSEPH CLARKE.
ILLINOIS
By C. H. Foster
Edwards Co., Nov. 17.—Three weeks ago I began meetings in a school-house three miles from West Salem. I have had a good hearing all the time. Last evening all could not get into the house. Several are keeping the Sabbath, and I hope for others. C. H. FOSTER.
NEBRASKA
Arapahoe, Nov. 10.—I have been holding meetings during the past week in a school-house five miles east of here. The interest is only tolerable; but there are some here who have lately embraced the truth, and we hope to see them especially benefited. An old lady eighty-six years of age has left off the use of tobacco, and God is giving her a complete victory. She wishes to be baptized, and if the Lord will, she shall be. It does us good to see these dear aged pilgrims putting forth every effort for a home in the kingdom. GEO. B. STARR.
Labor among the Churches.—From the Seward camp-meeting I went to Eagle. The church is in a prosperous condition, with an outside interest which I trust will result in accessions to the number of believers there.
I found the church in David City in a state of discouragement; but I believe the meetings held here were directed of God, and that better days are before the brethren. If they will make an earnest effort in the missionary work for the salvation of souls, they will find in it a relief for their troubles.
The Valparaiso church is increasing in numbers, and, I trust, growing in grace. We here organized a temperance club of twenty-three members, who have signed the teetotal pledge.
The first days of November were spent with the Nebraska City church. The presence of friends from Humboldt added to the interest of our meetings. CHAS. L. BOYD.
MINNESOTA
Dundas, Rice Co.—Yesterday, Nov. 15, our little church held a profitable social meeting, in which each bore a cheering testimony. One united with us by baptism, the ordinance being administered on Sunday, the 16th, by Bro. McCrady, after he had spoken briefly on the subject. May the Lord add his blessing to the efforts of our brethren in trying to bring their fellow-men into the truth as it is in Christ Jesus. A. A. CLYDE, Church Clerk.
Oronoco and Greenwood Prairie, Nov. 19.
—A Wesleyan Methodist minister of Wasioja, commenced a series of five opposition discourses at Oronoco, Sunday, Nov. 2. His effort was directed mainly against the Sabbath and the visions. He took the no-law position, but his strength, if he had any, lay in misrepresentation. He would represent S. D. Adventists as holding some absurd position, and then ridicule it. I attended each evening, and took notes. At the close of his lecture, I announced a review to begin immediately. He desired me to postpone it several days, as he wished to attend. I did so, but when I began my review he failed to appear, much to the surprise of the people.
Although the weather was very unfavorable, yet the people turned out well to hear the review, and the interest deepened to the close. The Lord gave excellent liberty, and our cause stands on a firmer basis in Oronoco than ever before. One more has taken a stand with us, and several persons of real moral worth are deeply interested.
I met with the church at Greenwood Prairie, Sabbath, Nov. 15. At the close of a discourse on baptism, three of the young people, children of Sabbath-keepers, presented themselves for baptism, also a sister who desired rebaptism. May the Lord be with and bless these young followers of the Master. N. BATTIN.
KANSAS
Smith Center, Nov. 4.—We began a series of meetings the 9th inst. in Bro. Rhodes's neighborhood. Although the weather has been damp and the nights dark, the interest thus far has been good, and the best of attention has been paid to the word spoken. Invitations to visit come in freely, and the people seem anxious to know whether these things are so. We introduce the Sabbath question next first-day.
M. AND H. ENOCH.
Coopersburg, Rice Co., Nov. 16.—Since my last report, a Methodist minister has been here to defend Sunday. I reviewed him before the largest congregation we have had, and by the help of the Lord, the truth gained a complete victory.
Twenty-two have signed the covenant. We have organized a Sabbath-school, which takes twelve copies of the weekly Instructor. The penny contribution was adopted. Yesterday another good family kept their first Sabbath, and two were buried with their Lord in baptism. We praise God for what we see done here. Truly he is good.
I am now holding meetings five miles from Coopersburg, in Bro. Fishell's neighborhood. Have spoken only four times, but the opposition is already aroused, and a Christian preacher has spoken against the Sabbath. We ask an interest in the prayers of the people of God. R. F. BARTON.
OHIO H. AND T. ASSOCIATION.
By Dudley Marvin Canright; G. G. Rupert
A MEETING for the purpose of organizing an Ohio Health and Temperance Association was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Spring Mills, Ohio, Aug. 24, 1879. Eld. D. M. Canright was elected Chairman, and G. G. Rupert Secretary pro tem. Solicitors were then appointed, who obtained 165 signers to the pledge. Number of full members, 97; pledge members, 68. The Constitution and By-laws recommended by the General H. and T. Association were read and adopted.
The Chair, having been authorized to do so, announced, as the Nominating Committee, M. Shepard, D. C. Babcock, and Wm. Beebe. The Committee presented the following report: For President, D. M. Canright; Secretary, Wm. Beebe, of Norwalk, Ohio. These persons were duly elected.
Remarks were made by D. M. Canright and W. C. White relative to forming temperance clubs in Ohio.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
D. M. CANRIGHT, Pres.
G. G. RUPERT, Sec. pro tem.
AN INTERESTING LETTER FROM SWEDEN.
By A. Swedberg
The following letter is from a brother in Sweden who some time ago became interested in the truth by reading a few numbers of the Harold, which accidentally fell into his hands. He has now fully embraced the truth, and, as his letter will show, is anxious to bring the light to others of his countrymen. We think he is a man of ability, and will be of great service to the cause of present truth in Sweden. But he is poor, and needs help and encouragement.
Lungsund, Oct. 15, 1879.
Bro. Swedberg: I thank you from my heart for your letter, and for the package of publications sent me. The guiding and protecting hand of God is constantly over me. I have access to his word, and by the guidance of his good Spirit my eyes have been opened to his glorious truth. When I wrote to you last year, I had begun to get a little insight into present truth through the reading of a few numbers of the Harold, and my interest had been awakened to search the Scriptures for a knowledge of the truths that were set forth in this paper. I wrote to Eld. Matteson, and he sent me a number of tracts, which I studied, and compared with the Bible. The more I read, the more my mind was directed to the truths of this blessed book, over which the tracts shed a stream of light. And now I do not at all regret that I have acquainted myself with the literature of S. D. Adventists.
Your tracts are very precious to me (1) because they set forth the present truth in a Scriptural manner; and (2) because they continually make reference to the Bible. I praise the Lord that I have obtained these publications. Through them I have now a clear knowledge of the faith and doctrines of S. D. Adventists.
During July and August I traveled through the western part of Wermland. In one place I found fourteen who were interested in the truth. Some of these were also convinced. I hope the Lord will guide them into the whole truth. Many like the Harold, but because of the great scarcity of money and the hard times, I have not succeeded in obtaining any subscribers. Many said they would subscribe next year. The picture, Way of Life, is universally liked and admired by those who have seen it.
Although many are interested in the truth, still the majority oppose it, and call our doctrine antichristian. But that which grieves my heart the most is to see those who profess to be the children of God manifest the greatest feeling of enmity. But in spite of all this the work of God will, with his assisting grace, go forward. Oh that the Lord might cleanse all his children from all the pernicious doctrines of the apostate church!
Those who go out to labor as missionaries in this country must expect to meet great opposition, especially if they have an unpopular doctrine to preach. It is almost a certainty that those who present the truths of the Bible must either pay fine or suffer imprisonment. Those who attempt this work must be able men, who, driven by the Holy Spirit and by love for the truth, will, amidst joy and sorrow, applause and opposition, consecrate themselves wholly to the work of carrying forward the cause of God. Here we need men who do not fear to meet hatred, enmity, and opposition, nor to look the popular theologians in the face and blow with the trumpet in Zion. They need to have a living experience in the truth they are to present to others; and they must be so familiar with it and the Bible that they can readily defend it. When new things are presented, the people will inquire, “Where is it written?” and many who realize the numerous errors in the Swedish translation of the Bible will even inquire, “What does the original say?”
Bro. L. G. Olson, who is at present with Bro. Matteson in Christiana, will soon return to Sweden to let his light shine. We look at the great work accomplished by Bro. Matteson. This work could not have been accomplished by every one. Should any great work be done in Sweden, I believe that it ought to be commenced in one of our larger cities, Stockholm, Göteborg, or Norrköping, as then the light of truth would shine out more rapidly over the land. But to undertake such a work we need men who can expose false religions with power and energy, and who will not fear opposition and even imprisonment, which no doubt some would have to suffer, at least during the first rage of the storm. This is not very pleasant for the “old man;” but if we individually can say with the apostle, “The love of Christ constraineth me,” then we can engage in the work and meet with good success. In the power of God there is victory. With these considerations before us, who will say, “Lord, here am I, send me”?
Ever since I embraced the light, and began to be interested in the truths which S. D. Adventists proclaim, I have felt an earnest desire to present them to my fellow-men. But I feel so weak and inefficient. What shall I do, or what can I do? Time flies rapidly. Soon the night will come when no man can work. There is no time to lose.
I earnestly desire that God would send a man of experience here, one that understands the truth thoroughly. But should he in his wisdom see fit that I, poor, feeble child, should be of some use to the Swedish people in this respect, I would with willing heart—of a truth I say it—respond to the call of my Heavenly Father, “Here am I, send me!” and venture out. I am, however, fully convinced of my weakness and inability. But should the Lord desire to make something out of nothing he shall for this have all the praise and honor and glory. I would very much like to attend your College to learn more of the truth, and become acquainted with the workings of the cause.
In the fall of 1874 I went to the Fjellstedts theological school to study for the ministry. There I remained one year. Since that time, God has opened my eyes with reference to the true condition of the state church, and also with reference to many other things in his word. Since Christmas, 1876, I have labored in the vicinity of Lungsund. But now, having through your publications become acquainted with the present truth, I feel a burning desire within me to proclaim it to others. The denomination to which I belong has already considered the question whether I should be excluded from it or not; but no definite step has yet been taken. The members of this denomination could not meet my defense.
In brotherly love,
A. E. Tockzellius.
WHAT THE HAROLD IS DOING.
Sister Walberg, who works in this Office, has been sending the Harold to her friends and relatives in Sweden. She has now reason to rejoice, as through letters she learns that some of her relatives are becoming deeply interested in the truth. Her papers are going from house to house, and are stirring up an interest everywhere, even engaging the attention of ministers. Thus we see that, although we yet have no missionaries in the field, this silent messenger, the Harold, is accomplishing a good work in awakening an interest to hear and accept the truth. May God continue to bless the work, and may he raise up men to labor as missionaries in the Swedish cause.
We are also glad to learn from Bro. Kjällberg of Minnesota, that he is now out canvassing for the Harold, and selling our publications. He has already sent in eleven subscribers and sold 3,860 pages of tracts. He meets with such good success, that he has ordered $20 worth of Swedish and Danish tracts. He intends to be engaged in this work through the whole winter.
Brethren and sisters, have we not reason to be encouraged rather than discouraged? Shall our faith and confidence in this work die out, because of the slow progress of the Swedish cause in the past? No! I sincerely believe that this is the work of God, and that he will carry it forward to a successful issue. Will you not continue to aid us by your prayers, donations, and labors?
A. Swedberg.
IT IS ENOUGH.
By H. T. H. Sanborn
The appeal for Virginia has been more than met. Individuals living in twenty different States have responded, and the writer now has the privilege of using weekly forty-six copies of the Signs received directly from the office, besides a number mailed by individuals who have clubs. In addition to these papers every mail brings supplies of back numbers of our periodicals. Here a large field is open. Thousands have never heard the warning message. It requires patient, long-continued and persevering efforts to accomplish much in the South, and a heavy responsibility rests on those whose hearts are in this work. Brethren and sisters of Virginia, are we doing all we can to warn the people of our State? While the children of God from “sea to sea” have so promptly and generously responded to our petition, are we doing all that God requires of us?
God hears prayer, and waits to answer. Shall we so humble ourselves that he can consistently pour his Spirit upon us? Shall we fully consecrate ourselves to this great work, and fill our places in the army of workers for God!
Poor and self-sacrificing ones in the North and West have sent to us the “Lord’s money,”175which was laid by, waiting his call. Every cent is carefully guarded, and judiciously used to advance the V. M. work in this State. Shall we, as missionary workers and stewards of the Lord, take hold of this great work, carrying it forward in strength and wisdom from above to a final triumph? Let us show our love for the truth by making efforts to extend its enlightening influence as far as it is in our power to do so, remembering the injunction of Solomon, “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” Prov. 3:27. Let us study to know our duty, and having found our work, let us attend to it with becoming zeal.
I would say to the benevolent ones that there is now on hand an ample supply of back numbers of periodicals. Many thanks, to the kind donors. We now beg your prayers to follow these silent messengers. I am already receiving very encouraging letters from readers of Signs and other publications sent out; and feel to nerve myself anew for the struggle with error and prejudice. We can use all the tracts and late copies of the Signs that any may wish to send, as we find it best in many cases to accompany the old reading matter with that of recent date.
Should any who write me not receive answers as soon as they expected, they will remember that I am at a distance from the post-office. I am trying not to do the work of the Lord negligently. Still plead with God in our behalf.
MRS. H. T. H. SANBORN.
THE PILGRIM.
I WALK as one who knows that he is treading
A stranger soil;
As one ’round whom the world is spreading
Its subtle coil.
I WALK as one but yesterday delivered
From a sharp chain,
Who trembles lest the bond so newly severed
Be bound again.
I WALK as one who feels that he is breathing
Ungenial air;
For whom, as wiles, the tempter still is wreathing
The bright and fair.
My steps, I know, are on the plains of danger,
For sin is near;
But, looking up, I pass along, a stranger,
In haste and fear.
This earth has lost its power to drag me downward;
Its spell is gone;
My course is now right upward and right onward
To yonder throne.
Hour after hour of time’s dark night is stealing
In gloom away;
Speed thy fair dawn of light, and joy, and healing,
Thou star of day.
For thee, its God, its King, the long rejected,
Earth groans and cries;
For thee, the long beloved, the long expected,
Thy church still sighs.
—Selected.
NEW YORK.
By E. M. Plumb; C. C. Lewis
Belleville, St. Lawrence Co., Nov. 17.—
We have held six meetings at the Belleville school-house, six miles from Russell and four from Edwards. Although the week has been remarkably rainy, our meetings have been well attended. Our audiences range from forty to seventy.
We hold a free singing-school before each meeting except on Friday and Sunday nights. This seems to add to the interest. One of the leading men in the community has publicly defended us against the cry, “What have these prophecies to do with saving man's soul?” To the astonishment of everybody he also stated that he agreed with our interpretation of the prophecies in every point but one. He thought the fifth kingdom was set up at the first advent of Christ. We announced to speak on that point next Tuesday evening.
We ask our friends to pray for us earnestly; also to send us papers and tracts for distribution. We will send names to missionary workers.
Our P. O. address is Edwards (Belleville), St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
E. M. PLUMB.
C. C. LEWIS.
VIRGINIA
By I. Sanborn
During the past three weeks I have traveled with Bro. Fultz four days, during which time we obtained nearly four hundred names of persons in different parts of Virginia for our V. M. workers.
I have also preached seventeen times in a free meeting-house in the vicinity of Montevideo, Rockingham Co. There was a good interest until the Sabbath was fairly presented. The meetings closed last Sunday evening, with a good audience, and some little interest.
There are several free meeting-houses in the vicinity, that I am at liberty to preach in at any time. But the Macedonian cry comes from West Virginia, and I have now decided to go there next Monday, Nov. 24. The Lord willing, I shall commence meetings in Rockport, Wood Co., on Thursday evening, Nov. 27. I am informed by letter that four are now keeping the Sabbath there.
To-day Bro. and Sr. Miller were baptized. They embraced the Sabbath under Bro. Lane’s labors, and now give good evidence of becoming workers in the Lord’s cause. I hope through their faithfulness some of their neighbors will be led to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and go with us to Mount Zion.
Until further notice, address me at Rockport, Wood Co., West Virginia. Mrs. Sanborn’s address will still be Mt. Jackson, Shenandoah Co., Va. I. SANBORN.
ADVANCEMENT
By C. C. V.
Just one month ago to-day the first work was done on the frame of the Seventh-day Adventist church in Liberty Center, Ohio, and to-day it is well enclosed, and has received one coat of plaster. The work will be hurried until finished, and in a few weeks more, no providence preventing, the church will be ready for dedication. Its rapid progress under the superintendence of Eld. Guilford, proves the old adage true, that where there is a will there is a way. This building has a stone foundation of solid mason work, and the whole structure is plain and neat. Eld. Canright, during his visit here in July, predicted that this house could and would be enclosed to catch the first snow-storm on its roof, which has verily come to pass.
A pleasing incident occurred the other day. A traveling insurance agent, who was passing by, asked one of the workmen what this building was, and was told that it was a Seventh-day Adventist church, whereupon the agent exclaimed, “What a sight of these churches there is being built all over the country!” We thought this acknowledgment quite indicative of the rapid and certain progress of Adventism.