Earlier text: A Visit to Jupiter“For our Learning.” Rom. 15:4
By Joseph Harvey Waggoner
“And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which the Lord commanded to make.” Ex. 36:5. To appreciate this example of cheerfulness in giving, several points must be noticed: 1. The gold, silver, and other precious articles they were required to bring, must have been that which they received of the Egyptians when they left Egypt. Ex. 12:35, 36. It was all they received for their life-long, cruel bondage. 2. They were as yet homeless—journeying to a land of which they knew nothing, and of which they had little or no idea, except that derived from the promise of God. 3. And of course they had then no means of gain—no income upon which they could depend for the future. 4. Reasoning from probabilities, they would greatly need many of the articles they were required to offer, when they took possession of their new homes in Canaan. 5. An entire uncertainty hung over them in regard to the length and vicissitudes of the journey upon which they had entered. And the order given to Moses was, to take only of such as offered willingly with his heart. Ex. 25:2. We often read, with great surprise, of the many instances of their distrust of God, and their murmuring against his providence. Yet, according to their circumstances, their trust and consecration will compare very favorably with ours. 1. We have had evidence constantly accumulating, of the faithfulness of God’s promises concerning our future inheritance. 2. The things which we are required to offer here, will be of no use whatever to us when we enter the promised land. 3. On the contrary, all the benefit we can derive from our worldly substance there, is secured only by our consecrating and devoting it to the cause of God here. Luke 12:33, &c. 4. If we are correct in our expositions of prophecy, (and who can doubt it?) much of that which is counted of most value now, will cease to be of any value to us before the time of deliverance comes; that is, before our future inheritance is given to us. Rev. 13:17. 5. And much of the substance now in the hands of the church of God, has come into their possession with comparatively little effort on their part; some, by inheritance or other providences over which they had no control, or in which they had no direct agency. Had the children of Israel been situated as we are, in these respects, we should doubtless be quick to detect a wonderful lack of “the spirit of sacrifice” in their offerings. And yet, when we consider all their “tithes and offerings,” under all their varied circumstances, we must admit that if our recognition of divine authority, and of divine blessings, is to be measured by our obedience and consecration, we fall far behind the Israelites, whether we view them as wanderers in the desert, or as dwellers in the land of Palestine. Many who think the Bible system of tithing is oppressive, and regard it with as much distrust as if it were a compulsory tax, seem to forget the many offerings in addition to their tithes. Reading the Bible, and looking at the past and present, we must confess to a great change somewhere, on these subjects; if it is not in God, (see James 1:17,) then it must be in man. Will the teachings of the Bible sustain the change? Heathen Festivals.
By Merritt E. Cornell
“Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain.” Gal. 4:10, 11. The festivals here referred to, are those instituted by the heathen in honor of their gods. The context clearly shows that they were celebrated in memory of, or pertained to, their idolatrous worship. The apostle cannot refer to days of divine appointment, or that had reference to the worship of the true God, such as the Sabbath of the Lord, which was a memorial of the God that created all things. Paul was afraid that the continued observance of those Roman festivals would prove a snare to them, because it would perpetuate in them a respect for human customs and idolatrous ordinances. The festival of Christmas is regarded by Roman Catholics and Episcopalians, and many in other sects, as a religious festival. Millions have lived and died in the faith that Christmas was a divine festival occurring on the very day of the birth of our Saviour. Protestants wonder at the credulity and superstition of the Romanist in regard to Ash Wednesday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, St. Patrick’s day, etc., yet at the same time regard, as sacred, days that have no better reason, nor any higher authority, for their observance. There may be no evil in the use of the Christmas holiday as a day of recreation and good cheer; but it is well to understand that there is neither reason nor Scripture authority for its observance as a sacred festival. 1. There is no proof that Dec. 25 was the day of Christ’s nativity; but the probabilities are strongly against it. 2. If it could be certainly proved that the 25th of December was the day of Christ’s birth, even then we should only have human authority, that it ought to be observed. We find no Scripture authority for keeping a festival day in honor of Christ’s birth, crucifixion, resurrection, or ascension. Yet men, in their proud presumption, have invented festival days in honor of all these events. In support of the first proposition above, we quote the following high authority:— “The day, however, now kept as Christmas, cannot be that of the nativity of our Lord, for the reason assigned long ago by Shaw and others; viz., that in December, which is the height of the rainy season in Judea, neither flocks nor shepherds could have been at night in the fields of Bethlehem, which we are told was the case at the nativity of Christ. As to the antiquity of this festival, the first traces we find of it are in the second century, about the time of the Emperor Commodus.” —Ency. Brit. Sir Isaac Newton remarks: “The times of the birth and passion of Christ, with such like niceties, being not material to religion, were little regarded by the Christians of the first age.” An unknown author, speaking of Christmas, says: “Its institution is attributed by the Decretal letters, to Telesphorus, who died, A. D. 138. At first, it was one of the most movable of the Christian festival days, often confounded with the Epiphany, and celebrated by the Eastern churches in the months of April and May. In the fourth century, the urgency of St. Cyril, of Jerusalem, obtained, from Pope Julius I., an order for an investigation to be made concerning the day of Christ’s nativity. The result of the inquiry by the theologians of the East and the West was an agreement upon the 25th of Dec. The chief grounds for the decision were the tables of the censors, in the archives of Rome; and although, in the opinion of some of the Fathers, there was not authentic proof of the identification of the day, yet the decision was uniformly accepted.” The Christian Spectator, of 1821, says: “Our English appellation of ‘Christmas’ originated in the mass at this season being called Christ’s mass. It was usual, at this season, for the Romish priests to offer up masses to the saints, imploring forgiveness for the people, for their debaucheries or backslidings at this festival.” We find it generally admitted by the best authors, that the Christmas festival was of pagan and papal origin. The following is from the New Monthly Magazine, by Thos. Campbell: “Many of the anniversaries solemnized by the Christian church were transplanted into it from the heathen soil. Whilst Easter has succeeded to the ‘Floralia’ of the Romans, there can be little doubt that Christmas has taken the place of their ‘Saturnalia.’ This festival, instituted in honor of Saturn, was celebrated by them with the greatest splendor, debauchery, and extravagance. “The Christian church was anxious to abolish the celebration of these Saturnalia, in which she blushed to see her own disciples partaking; and, therefore, appointed a festival in honor of her divine Redeemer.” “The custom of making presents on Christmas eve is derived from an old heathen usage, practised among the Northern nations at the feast of the birth of Sol on the 25th of December, to which it succeeded, and retained the name of Yule or Inul, i. e., the ‘wheel,’ or revolution of the sun.” —Relig. Cyclo. This festival, like Christmas, may be harmless as a recreation day; but that it is properly the commencement of the year, is to be questioned. The year is naturally divided into four seasons; viz., 1. Spring; 2. Summer; 3. Autumn; 4. Winter. How unnatural, to begin the year in the middle of the fourth season! The winter seems to be the old age of the year; while the month Abib, or April, is the youth of the year. Abib, or April, signifies the opening flowers. Here, then, is where the year would naturally commence, and this is according to the ancient order. See Ex. 12:2: “This month shall be unto you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you.” Men have thought to improve the original plan; and in this, as in many other things, have proved that their own wisdom was folly. And in the language of Scripture we may say, “Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay.” Again, we read of those who “put darkness for light, and light for darkness.” The wise man says that “God hath made man upright, but they have sought out many inventions.” Some human inventions are comparatively harmless; but when a human institution is put in the place of a divine, as in the case of the Sabbath, making void one of God’s commandments, then we must “ask for the old paths, and walk therein.” But in regard to the January festival, the following may be of interest:— “JANUARY.—This month is named from the Roman god Janus, who was represented with two faces, one toward the old year, and one toward the new. Everybody invoked him on commencing a new undertaking. From the time of Numa, second king of Rome, January began the religious year of the Romans. On its first day was presented to Janus an offering of wine and fruits; his idol was crowned with laurel; the consul or chief magistrate ascended in solemn procession to the capital; and small presents were made to one another by friends. The most usual presents were figs and dates covered with leaf gold. Hence the modern agreeable custom of New Year’s presents.” —Goodrich’s History, p. 364. “January, the first month in our present calendar, was also the first month in the more recent Roman calendar. It was not the first month in the year in this country till 1752, when the legislature, by an act passed in the preceding year, altered the mode of reckoning time from the Julian to the Gregorian style.” —National Cyclo. “It was not uniformly the beginning of the year among the Latin Christian nations till the eighteenth century, the year being in several countries reckoned from March 1, or other dates.” —American Cyclo. If a believer in the world’s conversion were asked upon what nations the hope of this great work of evangelization principally rests, he would doubtless reply, England and America. But what has England done for those countries where she has acquired a foothold, and extended her influence? What has she done, for instance, in India? Too often the same vessel that carries out a missionary, carries out also a cargo of whisky! and all who dare look at the statistics, know that civilized vices spread faster in heathen lands than civilized religion. Baboo Chunder Sen, the man who is now in England as a missionary from India to the English people, in a recent address at the Crystal Palace, charged upon the British government the crime of fastening intemperance upon India, in the following language:— “I represent a nation remarkable for sobriety, temperance, and abstemiousness. If you desire to see homely and conclusive illustrations of the golden principles of temperance, go to India. Go from village to village, and from town to town, and you will see with your own eyes what wonders have been achieved in that nation by the power of temperance, and temperance alone. But alas! if you wish to see the effects which have resulted from the interference of a Christian nation and a Christian government with those principles and practices of temperance, you must go to India. There you will see how hundreds upon hundreds, aye, thousands upon thousands, of enlightened, energetic, and promising young men and young women are dying month after month and year after year, as the necessary and inevitable consequence of that iniquitous system of liquor traffic which the British Government to its shame has introduced into India. “Christianity is a mockery, and civilization a solemn sham, when I see the tide of intemperance, drunkenness, and demoralization, carrying away in its violent and impetuous stream, thousands of men and women in this great country. It profoundly distresses my heart to see this.” He not only shows its terrible evil, but points to its only cure:— “Do not religious books tell you that you should not place stumbling-blocks in the way of your brethren? Do not your religious books teach you to keep yourselves, your countrymen, and all those who are near and dear to you, from temptation? When we look into the records of our jails and hospitals, should we not at the same moment say that there is enough of appalling evidence in them to convince us of the dangers of intoxication, and of the evil effects of encouraging, directly or indirectly, by legislative enactments or by personal influence, demoralization and drunkenness?” The Most Murderous Machine.
The Gaulois, of Paris, publishes a paragraph stating that “the man who shall invent the most murderous machine, and the one easiest to use and handle, shall receive from the French nation a prize of 500,000 francs. One of our exchanges also states that M. Lawrent, a distinguished civil engineer of Paris, has invented a rocket which can be directed with accuracy over any desired spot within a distance of three miles, and which on exploding discharges a sheet of burning petroleum upon whatever objects may be below. Experiments were made with this instrument of death, in which in less than ten minutes a large space of ground was covered with a sea of fire. “A committee, composed of superior officers of artillery, presided over the experiments, and the general at their head was appalled by the terrible nature of this engine of destruction.” This implement has been very appropriately named by the inventor, “Fusee Satan”; for if the Satanic is anywhere manifested, it is in the continual invention of these horrid implements for taking human life. The demand of this age is not for Bibles, and truth, and light, and religion; but for implements of death, war, murder, and destruction. THOSE who have thought upon the subject, have seen the providence of God in making the United States the theater of that work which should be accomplished, just before the end, for the salvation of men. It is here that the great movement on the Advent doctrine has especially taken place, and has done, and is still doing, its work. It is well; for here is freedom of speech and religious liberty, such as exist in no other nation. Here are representatives from all peoples, through whom the truth can be sent to all the nations of the earth. But it appears also, from the following item, that the English language possesses advantages over all others, which would render it very appropriate that the great gospel work for the last days should be accomplished by an English-speaking people. It says:— There is no other spoken language so cheap and expressive by telegraph as the English. So the electric wires are becoming teachers of our mother tongue in foreign countries. The same amount of information can be transmitted in fewer English words than French, German, Italian, or any other European language. In Germany, and Holland especially, it is coming to be a common thing to send telegrams in English, to save expense and insure precision. THE following remarks in regard to the Sabbath, in a recent number of the New York Tribune, are too good to pass unnoticed. We gladly comply with the request of a friend to insert in the REVIEW. In answering a correspondent, the Tribune says: SAMUEL W. LANGLEY.—We accept the Bible as a whole, the Old and the New Testament. Jesus Christ says, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” From this divine utterance we conclude that the Sabbath is not a Hebrew or Mosaic institution, but was given to the whole human race; and whatever religious or civil reasons made its observance obligatory on the Jews, make it equally so upon all human beings. This day of rest was given to our domestic animals as much as to us; and what does the ox or the ass know about a change of dispensations? You ask where is the command to keep the first day as a Sabbath, in the New Testament? There is no command with reference to the first or the seventh day; but Christ distinctly, in the utterance we have quoted, recognized the Sabbath a day of rest, and was wont to go into the synagogue on the Sabbath-day. He also said, “I came not to destroy, but to fulfill.” The Mosaic dispensation was displaced by the Christian dispensation; but various traces of a Sabbath previous to Moses may be found in the sacred writings, and the very first word of the fourth commandment contains proof that the observance of this day existed before the giving of the decalogue. “Remember the Sabbath-day.” It thus appears that the Saviour recognized the Sabbath both in his example and in his teaching. When a Christian parent, as our friend from Kentucky appears to be, wishes to lead his family in the footsteps of the great Teacher, does he wait for an express injunction? Is not the example of the divine Pattern a sufficient guide? Besides, we would ask our Christian friend Langley, in what regard society will be injured if the influence of this column should be thrown on the side of Sabbath-keeping? Will his children, or will ours, be any happier or more virtuous if instructed by us that the Old-Testament Sabbath is a dead Judaism? The Puritan Sabbath is one thing, the Bible Sabbath is another; but in protesting against the grimness of one, let us not bate a jot from the blessed rest of the other. Hall's Journal of Health on Sleeping in Unused Rooms
HALL'S JOURNAL OF HEALTH says: “Sleeping in rooms long unused has destroyed the life of many a visitor and friend. Our splendid parlors, and our nice ‘spare rooms,’ help to enrich many a doctor.” Report of Labors in Maine.
By S. N. Haskell
THURSDAY, Nov. 17, in company with Bro. Waggoner, I left Manchester, N. H., for Skowhegan, Maine. Sabbath and first-day following, we spent at Norridgewock. The brethren here have been passing through some trials, but manifest a desire to come up in the work. This was shown in re-organizing Systematic Benevolence on first-day. Quite a number were not present, yet those that were present raised the figures from what they were last year, about $160.00. At this meeting it was decided that I should accompany Bro. Goodrich in assisting the brethren in re-organizing their S. B., while he would go to New Sharon. Accordingly, I met Bro. Goodrich at Cornville, Monday night. A considerable interest had been awakened here by Bro. G.'s efforts. Here their Systematic Benevolence figures were increased between forty and fifty dollars. Wednesday and Thursday we spent at Athens; Sabbath and first-day, at Hartland. Three here united with the church, and a good degree of interest is felt among the brethren. The following Monday and Tuesday, I was in Canaan. The friends in Canaan and Athens have not had that amount of labor that the other above-named churches have; therefore they did not manifest that interest in the work. Yet in every place there was an increase in their S. B. figures; which showed an increasing confidence in present truth. The interest on the subject of Systematic Benevolence, in a church, depends very much upon the spiritual condition of its members; therefore I conclude that the contents of a man's wallet lie near his heart; for, as the heart opens for the reception of the gospel of Jesus Christ, just in that proportion his wallet opens for its maintenance. Dec. 2 and 3, I spent alone with the friends in Richmond. Perhaps there is no company in Maine where they are more earnest to come up to all the teachings of the Bible, as far as they understand them, than here. Systematic Benevolence had never been organized here. But there was no lack on the part of any who were present at the meeting. One man who was not keeping the Sabbath, after hearing the Bible system explained for sustaining the gospel, expressed his hearty approval of it, and wished to take stock in it, which he accordingly did. I thank God for a faith that is a unit, every part of which may be read from the word of God; a faith which is so harmonious that it commends itself to the minds of the candid. The brethren in Maine feel encouraged since the camp-meeting. But there are some things that should be realized by brethren and sisters everywhere, if they would see the cause of God prosper. 1. There is a work to be accomplished by the churches, which will give them an experience that no minister can ever do for them. 2. There is salvation in present truth, and nowhere else; hence the necessity of being sound in the order and work of God. 3. The reward and joy of the child of God is, the salvation of souls as the result of his influence in this life. 1 Thess. 2:19, 20. Hence, those who have a reward in the kingdom of God, must do something here; they must let their light shine, that others may see their good works, and be led to glorify God. 4. No labor put forth with a selfish motive, will God accept; therefore, consecration and devotedness to God and his blessed cause is absolutely necessary. At times, my whole being yearns for an unreserved consecration to God and his cause. It is not a blind, bigoted zeal that is wanted; but a consecration of all our powers, a thoroughly-sanctified judgment, a heart that will ever beat true to God and his truth, under the most trying circumstances. Meetings in Michigan.
By Joseph Bates
Nov. 11-17, I held five meetings in St Charles, and one in Chesaning, and celebrated the ordinances. The sudden death of their elder, Bro. J. Dudley, was a cause of deep feeling to the church. Their meeting-house is constructed to accommodate some three hundred worshippers, and is being finished in a neat, workmanlike manner, and will soon be ready for dedication and divine service. Nov. 17-22, I was in Tittabawassee. Since we were there some two years ago, some of the then prominent members have been set aside because of their unwillingness to go forward in the third message. Rev. 14:12. Our meetings with those that were struggling for eternal life, were interesting and profitable. A man visiting his brother in T., from New York, decided that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord. Nov. 22-29, with the church in Vassar, Tuscola Co. There the brethren were bringing materials together to build them a house for worship in the spring. Our eight meetings with them, and the celebration of the ordinances, were of deep interest. Many of the brethren from Tuscola and Watrousville, united with them. We also visited the church in Tuscola village, where we held a meeting of much interest with the church and their neighbors. We should have been glad to prolong our stay there but for other appointments. Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, I spent with the church in Watrousville. Here the scattered brethren from all parts of the county came together and manifested much interest to sustain the meetings on Sabbath and first-day, and celebrate the ordinances. Sunday evening, many of the citizens were in, and gave good attention. We also held two encouraging meetings with our scattered brethren and friends at the Tapan school-house, some three miles from Watrousville. In all these7 meetings we have endeavored to furnish our religious tracts to those who did not buy, and also to others in the several stations as we passed around. These silent messengers fail not to repeat the same truths wherever they are examined. Yesterday, I was invited to attend the funeral of sister Gorham, who had been keeping the Sabbath about eight months, in Hamilton, or Rabbit River, Allegan Co. Here I found a number anxious to read our publications, and also to hear preaching to explain our position. Fret not, poor soul, while doubt and fear
Disturb thy breast;
The pitying angels, who can see
How vain thy wild regret must be,
Say, Trust and rest. Plan not, nor scheme; but calmly wait;
His choice is best;
While blind and erring is thy sight,
His wisdom sees and judges right;
So trust and rest. Strive not, nor struggle; thy poor might
Can never wrest
The meanest thing to serve thy will;
All power is His alone; be still,
And trust and rest. Desire not; self-love is strong
Within thy breast;
And yet He loves thee better still;
So let him do his loving will,
And trust and rest. What dost thou fear? His wisdom reigns
Supreme confessed;
His power is infinite; his love
Thy deepest, fondest dreams above;
So trust and rest. Report from Bro. Bourdeau.
By A. C. Bourdeau
My last report, Oct. 20, 1870, was concerning meetings we held at Jericho Corners, Vt. Last week my brother wrote a short report about further labors in that place. Yet it may be proper to say that after the Methodist meeting-house, in which we had lectured for three weeks, and even the school-house, had been closed against us, because some were adopting our views, Eld. Estes, a Baptist minister in the village, gave two discourses against the seventh-day Sabbath, in his meeting-house, and the Methodists suspended services in their meeting-house, to go and hear him. We had previously requested the preachers in the place to meet us on the Sabbath question, which they refused to do. And while Eld. E. made his effort against the Sabbath, he was respectfully invited, himself, or any one that he might choose, to meet us in public discussion, and was asked to read the request to the congregation. This he would not do. And as the truth was trampled under foot, and no other way opened for us to defend it, my brother took the liberty of briefly answering Eld. E.'s main position in tract form, for general circulation in that section. This little tract of thirty-two pages, which has just come out under the direction of Bro. White, will be of use, not only in Jericho, but also in adjoining towns where we design to labor, the Lord willing, this winter. Letters recently received represent that the friends there are having fortitude to endure the pressure from without, and are becoming stronger in the faith, and that others are favorable to the truth. On Sabbath and first-day, Nov. 5 and 6, while my brother and Bro. Bean met with the friends at Jericho, I held meetings with the church at East Richford, Vt. Bro. Stone was present, and assisted in preaching the word. Two were received into the church. Had some success in restoring reconciliation between those that were in difficulty. And, though the brethren there had become discouraged because they did not feel able to proceed further in finishing their house of worship, which is in process of building, and were inclined to deed over the meeting-house, as it was, to the Vt. State Conference; yet, at the business meeting we held, they took new courage, and more than $225.00 were pledged to help complete their meeting-house. We deeply regret that some of the wealthy in that church have been slow in coming up to the figures on Systematic Benevolence, and in donating to various benevolent enterprises. We may believe that if we freely and promptly bring “all the tithes into the storehouse,” and bestow of our means for the furtherance of the cause, to help the needy, etc., the Lord will pour us out “a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it,” and our “health shall spring forth speedily.” The God who forgetteth not the sparrows, and who feedeth the ravens, cares for his faithful, sacrificing children, and even “the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” During the past few weeks, we have had some profitable meetings with the church in this place. The work of the Lord is reviving in our midst. Our quarterly meeting last Sabbath was a refreshing season to all present; especially in the evening following, when we attended to the ordinances of the Lord's house. Upwards of $400.00 have been pledged by the members of this church, here and abroad, in response to the calls for the book fund, the library, and to defray expenses to Kansas. Since the 12th of November, we have given fifteen lectures in a school-house, in the east part of Bakersfield. Two families are keeping the Sabbath there, and others are inquiring after truth. Last evening, Mr. Wright, the Congregationalist preacher of Bakersfield, gave a discourse against the seventh-day Sabbath, in the school-house where we are lecturing. My brother reviews him this evening. An interesting Baptist family in a French settlement at Richford, has recently embraced the Sabbath. We continue to have urgent calls to labor among the French. Bordoville, Vt., Dec. 5, 1870. Meetings in Delta, Mich.
By D. H. Lamson
MEETINGS were commenced at this place, Friday evening, Oct. 21, 1870, and were continued until Monday, Nov. 21; during which time, twenty-six lectures were given, on the various points of present truth. The interest increased, from first to last. Many were stirred deeply to see if these things were so, and such an overturn in the study of the Scriptures was never known at Delta before. People came quite long distances, sometimes through storm and rain, to listen to the word spoken. The last meeting of the series was better attended than any other. Although, at this time, none were fully decided to keep all God's commandments, yet many admitted the truthfulness of the positions taken, and very deep feeling was manifested on the part of some. Providentially, Bro. Cornell attended the monthly meeting at Potterville, and, hearing of the condition of things, urged that the interest be followed up, he agreeing to join in the work. Meetings were re-commenced Thursday evening, Dec. 1, and thirteen additional lectures were given. The interest has been intense, and no little opposition manifested. The house has been unable to hold the crowd; and last evening, the last of the series, although very stormy, people came in from miles around, and filled the house to overflowing. The meeting on the Sabbath was well attended, and as many as fifteen have signified their intention to keep all the commandments. Seven have subscribed for the REVIEW. The interest is still good. Bro. Cornell left this morning for a new field of labor. I remain for a few days to visit, and to try to strengthen those who have started in the good way. Meeting is appointed for Thursday evening next, to hold over Sabbath and Sunday. Bro. Byington is expected. Two weeks from yesterday, Eld. Glidden, of Grand Ledge (Congregationalist), speaks on the Sabbath question. We shall, Providence permitting, be present to hear, and, if necessary, reply. My heart has been very much encouraged during the progress of these meetings. God's Spirit has been here to give edge to his truth. Doubts as to present duty have vanished, and I feel to consecrate my all to the service of the Lord. May he not only help me, but all the dear people who thus separate themselves from the world, its allurements and pleasures, to consider that whatever our trials or afflictions, they shall work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. So shall we wear the spotless robe and crown, and drink of the sparkling waters that flow from the throne of God. Even yet, Christ Jesus has to lie out in waste places very often, because there is no room for him in the inn—no room for him in our hearts, because of our ungodliness. There is no room in the inn, and we put him in the manger, and he lies outside of our faith, coldly and dimly conceived by us. Cattaraugus Co., N. Y.
By R. F. Cottrell
We have enjoyed another encouraging monthly meeting. It was held at Randolph. Brethren were here from East Otto, and from Cottage. Providence favored us again with excellent weather, and some interest was manifested from without. Satan has fought fiercely against the cause here, in various ways. And he has wounded it worst in his favorite way—by creating dissension between the believers. Had they had confidence enough in the work of the Lord to be prepared to receive advice, they might have been saved much trouble. But a gathering spirit is now growing, and the prospect is brightening. If they press together, keeping the eye upon the present work of the Lord, they will yet see it triumph. May God bless them, and add to their number such as shall be saved. I am to begin in an entirely new place to-morrow. My address will be, Cattaraugus, N. Y. Report From California.
By John Norton Loughborough
OUR meeting in Green Valley commenced with the Sabbath, Friday evening, Nov. 11, in the new meeting-house, and was quite well attended on Sabbath and first-day by our people from Santa Rosa and Bloomfield, as well as by the community around. As some interest was awakened, we continued our labors there, in public and from house to house, until Nov. 28, holding, in all, seventeen meetings. This effort was not without fruits, as it proved a source of encouragement to the church, and two commenced to keep the Sabbath, and to serve the Lord. Measures were also taken to secure a library for the Sabbath-school, as well as to make the school more interesting. We trust the work will advance there, if all take hold to attend the meetings, and do their duty in meeting and out, and manifest, at all times, that zeal which has characterized the effort made in erecting a house of worship. Nov. 29, commenced meetings again in Bloomfield, in the hall which has been bought and fitted up for a chapel for the use of S. D. Adventists in that place. This hall is 25x40, is on the first floor, there being another hall above it occupied by the Masons and Good Templars. Each hall is entitled to one half of the lot on which the building is erected. The lower hall was first built as a Methodist chapel, and since they left it, has been occupied for various purposes. This hall and half the lot were bought for $250.00; the hall has been newly papered, painted, whitewashed, and fitted up with stove, &c., for meetings. The principal expense of this was shared equally by two men who were infidels when the tent was first pitched in Bloomfield last summer; but they now have confidence in the Bible. One of these is keeping the Sabbath, and so are the wives of both of them. We have had five meetings here during the last week, which have been well attended, with good interest, notwithstanding it has been rainy most of the time. We hope to see some good results from this effort, and that matters will soon be in such shape that we may strike for new fields. Although we are now in the midst of the rainy season, we shall be active, and do what we can. Pray for us, that we may so sow the seed, that the Lord can water it by his Spirit, that abundant fruit may appear. Bro. Kellogg was to be at the Healdsburg quarterly meeting, last Sabbath and first-day, and designs to enter the field again soon. Bloomfield, Dec. 5, 1870. THE self-exalted are always counted unworthy.
Report from Winterset.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Thursday, Dec. 1, we returned to Winterset, after an absence of about two months. Put up at the good home of Bro. Koon. We were sorry, but not surprised, to learn that some had given up the work of the Lord, and turned back to the world. Quite a number have moved away, and some appear to be halting between two opinions; so we found plenty of work to do in strengthening the ones that remain, and instructing them more thoroughly in the message. We find most of them willing, ready, and thankful, to learn what it takes to prepare for the coming of Christ. We enjoyed a good, free meeting with them on Sabbath and first-day. We organized Systematic Benevolence to the amount of $106. We also laid before them the subject of organization. All heartily indorsed it; and we commenced with those who were prepared to enter into it, fourteen in number. Others were not yet prepared. Some had not been baptized; some still belonged to other churches, and others lived a good way off, and were not present, &c. We shall look after these, and gather them in as fast as is consistent. There are some outside who are interested, in several of whom we feel a deep interest, and for whom we have much hope. The following week we spent almost entirely in hard study and writing. Sixth-day evening, Dec. 10, began our monthly meeting. The weather was fine, and the roads as good as they have been in a long time. A goodly delegation of our brethren and sisters came in from Adel, Sandyville, Osceola, Afton, and other places. Bro. and Sr. Nicola, from Pilot Grove, were also present, to cheer us by their encouraging words. The brethren and sisters here, enjoyed the privilege of caring for those who came. Sabbath morning, we had a most excellent and sweet season in our social meeting. The Spirit of the Lord came into our midst, and many hearts were touched. We thank the Lord that our meeting commenced so well. Sabbath afternoon, we laid the subject of the ordinances before the brethren and sisters. These, of course, were new to those who had lately embraced the truth; but we chose this occasion to introduce them, because we had so many of our older brethren present to help us. It was a very solemn and impressive occasion; and we believe it did much good. First-day morning, we again had a very solemn, searching, social meeting. All took part, and seemed to feel the sacredness of this holy work. After the sermon, we went two miles to the river, where six were baptized, making, in all, fifteen that I have baptized here. First-day afternoon, I tried to give them an idea of the wants of the cause, and how to take hold in the different branches; the spirit of sacrifice we should have, &c. This message calls for workers, and for the spirit of sacrifice from both old and young. The times are hard. Most of our brethren are young in the cause, and not many of them are wealthy; and they have already had a number of calls for contributions to start the work here. They are also expecting to build a meeting-house both at Winterset and Adel; yet we wish them to have some part in all branches of this work. We expect they will. We were especially rejoiced for the good work that was accomplished for several of our dear friends from Adel. Our prayers follow them, that they may have strength to carry out the good resolutions here formed. First-day evening, we enjoyed good freedom in talking on 2 Pet. 3. This is a most beautiful chapter, on several important subjects. As the time came for our meeting to close, it really seemed hard to part with these dear friends. All expressed themselves as greatly encouraged and strengthened in the work of the Lord. It was thought best to have such meetings as these quite often in this section. We are sure that they do great good. To-morrow, we go to Peru, nine miles southeast of Winterset, to commence a course of lectures. We ask the prayers of God's people. Our post-office address will be Winterset, the same as before. Winterset, Dec. 12, 1870.