p. 164 | The Signs of the Times, Vol. 6, No. 14 (4/8/1880)

SYNOPSIS OF THE PRESENT TRUTH.

By Uriah Smith

NUMBER THIRTEEN.

THE COMMAND TO RESTORE JERUSALEM.

We have already seen in the investigation of Dan. 8, that the field of the Prophet’s vision, was the empires of Persia, Greece, and Rome. The period of 2300 days there given, cannot therefore be literal days; for literal days (scarcely six years and a half) would by no means cover the duration of any one of these empires singly, much less embrace so nearly the whole of their existence put together, as they evidently do. They must consequently denote 2300 years; and hence the seventy weeks which are cut off from them, must be seventy weeks of years, or 490 years, as will appear sufficiently plain when we come to trace their fulfillment.

Continuing his instruction to Daniel concerning the time (Dan. 9:25–27), Gabriel says, (verse 25), “Know therefore and understand that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem, unto the Messiah, the Prince, shall be seven weeks and three score and two weeks. The street shall be built again, and the wall even in troublous times.”

There are but four events to which this language can be in any way applicable; first, the decree of Cyrus for the re-building of the house of God, B. C. 536; second, the decree of Darius for the prosecution of the work which had been hindered, B. C. 519; (Ez. 6); third, the decree of Artaxerxes to Ezra, B. C. 457; (Ez. 7); and fourth, the commission of Nehemiah from the same king in his twentieth year, B. C. 444. Neh. 2. In determining which of these acts in favor of the Jews answers to the “commandment to restore Jerusalem,” from which the seventy weeks are to be dated, we must consider how much is included in the phrase, “to restore and to build Jerusalem,” and also what commandment will allow the seventy weeks, dating from the time of its promulgation, to fulfill the conditions of the prophecy by reaching to the events therein specified.

How much then are we to understand by the words, “to restore and to build Jerusalem”? If they refer merely to the mechanical work of erecting buildings necessary to constitute a city, the decree of Cyrus has the pre-eminence above all others; for that was the first decree issued in favor of the Jews after the giving of the prophecy; and it cannot be supposed that a license to build the house of God at Jerusalem, which this decree granted, would not give permission also for the erection of buildings around it.

But the decree which the prophecy calls the commandment to restore Jerusalem, is one which goes forth 69 prophetic weeks, or 483 years previous to the manifestation of the Messiah; for from the going forth of that commandment “unto the Messiah, the Prince, shall be seven weeks and three score and two weeks;” but if we date from this decree of Cyrus, B. C. 536, the 483 years terminate 43 years before our Lord was born.

Two points may therefore be considered settled from these considerations: 1st. The prophecy does not point us to the decree of Cyrus, as the commandment from which to date the seventy weeks; for dating from that point the 69 weeks which were to extend to the manifestation of the Messiah the Prince, terminate 53 years before even his birth; and this proves, 2d. That the expression, “to restore and to build Jerusalem,” means something more than merely the building that is necessary to the re-existence of the city, which the decree of Cyrus granted.

As to the second decree, that of Darius, B. C. 519, it was but a confirmation of the original one of Cyrus; and the same objection otherwise exists against this as against the former; namely, the 483 years dated from that point terminate by far too soon, leaving full thirty-six years between their ending and the birth of the Saviour; whereas they should extend to the commencement of his public ministry.

We come next to the decree granted to Ezra, by king Artaxerxes in the seventh year of his reign, B. C. 457. Let us apply to this also the

measuring rod of the prophecy. Dating from this year, 483 years carry us to A. D. 27. And what took place then? Luke tells us: “Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21, 22, A. D. 27; margin. After this Jesus came “into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled.” The time here mentioned must have been some predicted period; but no prophetic period can be found, terminating, except the 69 weeks of the prophecy of Daniel, which were to extend to the Messiah the Prince. The Messiah had now come, and himself proclaimed, The time is fulfilled.

That Christ commenced his ministry in A. D. 27, is further proved from this fact: At the first passover which he attended, the Jews told him that the temple had been forty and six years in building. John 2:20. Herod commenced the building of that temple in the year B. C. 19. This will bring the passover, forty-six years afterward, in the year A. D. 28. He must therefore have commenced his ministry in A. D. 27.

Having found perfect harmony on this point, it is time that we look further at the words of the prophecy. The period of the 70 weeks appears to be marked off into three general divisions: first, seven weeks; second, threescore and two weeks; and third, one week. Seven weeks are allotted for the building of the wall, &c., in troublous times; and from that point events are thus predicted: [Dan. 9:26, 27:] “And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself. . . . And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week; and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease.”

Sixty-nine weeks have brought us to the Messiah; and from the above we learn that he was to confirm the covenant for one week, that is, the seventieth, (seven years,) and that in the midst of this week he should cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease. These Jewish ordinances, pointing to the death of Christ, could only cease at his cross; and there they did virtually end, though not in form till A. D. 70. It is the same therefore, as if it had read, And after threescore and two weeks in the midst of the seventieth week, shall Messiah be cut off, and cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease. Now does the term, midst, refer to any fixed point in the week? It does; for it means the middle. The word from which it is translated, occurs in the Old Testament, according to the Englishman’s Hebrew Concordance, one hundred and sixteen times. One hundred times it is rendered half; four times it enters into composition and is translated midnight; eight times it is rendered, in the midst; once, in the middle, and three times, part. We are to understand therefore, that the crucifixion is fixed to the middle of the week. When did this take place?

The Saviour attended but four passovers, at the last of which he was crucified. John 2:13; 5:1; 6:4; 13:1. This could not bring the crucifixion later than A. D. 31, as “recorded in a curious and valuable passage of a Roman Consul, Aurelius Cassiodorus Senator, about A. D. 514.

“In the consulate of Tiberius Cæsar Ang. V., and Ælius Sajanus [U. C. 784, A. D. 31,] our Lord Jesus Christ suffered on the eighth of the kalends of April.” “In this year and in this day, agree also the Council of Cæsarea, A. D. 196 or 198, the Alexandrian Chronicle, Maximus Monachus, Nicephorus Constantius, Cedrenus; and in this year but on different days, concur Eusebius and Epiphanius, followed by Kebler, Bucher, Patinus and Petavius.” “It is recorded in history that the whole time of our Saviour’s teaching was three years and a half, which is the half of a week [of years].”

Three and a half years reckoned backward from the Spring of A. D. 31, where the crucifixion took place, carry us to the Autumn of A. D. 27, where the 69 weeks ended and Christ commenced his ministry. And three and a half years, the last half of the week, reckoned forward from that time, bring us to the Autumn of A. D. 34, for the termination of the 70 weeks. Their close is marked by the martyrdom of Stephen, the formal rejection of the gospel of Christ by the Jewish Sanhedrim in the persecution of his disciples, and the turning of the apostles to the Gentiles. Acts 9:1–18.

According to the facts above set forth, reckoning the 70 weeks from the decree given to Ezra in the 7th of Artaxerxes, B. C. 457, there is the most perfect historical harmony concerning the events which were to cluster around and mark their close. So far it seems all must be satisfied. There are two more questions to be decided: 1. Is the 7th of Artaxerxes rightly fixed to the year B. C. 457? and 2. Will the decree given to Ezra sustain the full import of the words, “to restore and rebuild Jerusalem?” This will be the field of inquiry in our next. U. S.

THE CAUSE IN CALIFORNIA AND OREGON.

By S. N. Haskell

When we came upon this coast one year ago, this Conference was to some extent in a discouraged condition. Eld. Loughborough, who had been connected with the work here from its very commencement, and was father to it, had left for a distant field of labor. The ministers who had commenced to labor here were young and inexperienced, and did not feel like taking the responsibilities which would necessarily devolve upon the one who should take the lead in the work.

The publishing interest in California is a very important branch of the work. It has required much means to bring it to its present condition. To the repeated calls for means to sustain this work, the brethren here have responded liberally. The friends east of the mountains have also shown an impartial interest in the cause on this coast by raising $13.000 to assist in establishing the publishing work, and the same interest is still manifested by our tract societies in using the SIGNS for their missionary work.

There are some reasons why a pioneer sheet published east of the mountains would better accommodate the missionary workers. It has often taken from three to five weeks for the paper to reach a person after he has subscribed. This has, to say the least, often proved a source of annoyance. But while there may be a few disadvantages, yet every Conference, Institution or enterprise whose object is to advance the truth is a part of one great whole, and he is a subject of pity who cannot look to the general interest of the cause rather than to his own personal convenience and local interest.

Bro. and Sister White have crossed the mountains seven times to assist the work here. These visits have been appreciated by our brethren in California to a greater or less degree. But at no time in the history of the past has Sister White’s testimony been more appreciated then at the present. In reference to the present prospect of help coming from the east there is but one voice from our friends on this coast. The Conference Committee of California sent a special request to the General Conference (although it was not received till after the session closed) pledging themselves in behalf of their brethren to meet the traveling expenses of such help as the General Conference might recommend to come to this coast, and to give them a liberal support while laboring in this field. This has been backed up in a practical manner by liberal pledges towards a tent (which is now being made) to be used by them as they might need. There are urgent calls from the churches on this coast and in entirely new fields, for laborers. An addition of a dozen ministers could find openings all ready for them.

The financial condition of our brethren on this coast is not as good as it has been sometimes in the past. In some vicinities the wheat crop has been cut off for three years in succession and some of our brethren who had hundreds of acres of wheat, have failed to meet the running expenses of their farms. Some who could and did give hundreds of dollars without embarrassment a few years since, on account of adverse circumstances have had to heavily mortgage their farms, and unless they have a good crop this year they will be obliged to leave their homes and begin anew.

But no complaint is made, and when there are indications of moves which will advance the work on this coast there is a general interest to lift to the extent of their ability. Whoever comes to this coast to labor will find warm hearts and liberal souls. There are both the means and the will to support the ministers who labor in this field. And what is true of California is also true of Oregon. While I was there last spring the matter of help to that Conference was presented, and one brother said if it was necessary he would support a laborer one year himself.

In response to letters received, Eld. Van Horn, the President of that Conference, has written in behalf of his brethren that they will pay the expenses of any laborer or laborers who will come to that field to remain with them, and will liberally support them while there. Therefore in behalf of the California and Oregon Conferences, we cordially invite such laborers to come as the President of the General Conference may approve, and pledge them a liberal support.

S. N. HASKELL.

JUSTIN EDWARDS VS. SABBATH MANUAL.

By Joseph Harvey Waggoner

It is interesting to trace out the contradictory positions taken by our opponents on the subject of the Sabbath. And, occasionally, as if dissatisfied with the tedious work of contradicting one another, they take to contradicting themselves. The following from the writings of Dr. Justin Edwards is a notable instance.

In his Sabbath Manual, page 116, speaking of the Apostle’s order in 1 Cor. 16: 2, he says:—

“This laying by in store was not laying by AT HOME; for that would not prevent gatherings when he should come. This could be done only by putting it into one common stock that it might be ready on his arrival.”

In his notes on the New Testament, on the same passage, he says:—

Lay by him in store; AT HOME. That there be no gatherings; that their gifts might be ready when the Apostle should come.”

Here is a direct contradiction; and why is it? In the first he speaks as a theorist, having a certain point to make and the popular view must be sustained at all hazards; but as a critical writer he had a reputation to sustain, and therefore in his notes gives the true idea. If we err in this supposition, and any one will give us the true reason for this contradiction, we shall be happy to make the correction. J. H. WAGGONER.

THE LAW IS ESTABLISHED BY THE GOSPEL.

By J. G. Wood

A PLAIN proof that the law of the ten commandments, and, consequently, the law of the Sabbath, is obligatory upon Christians, is found in the answer of the apostle to an objection to the doctrine of justification by faith (Rom. 3:31), which is equivalent to asking, Does Christianity teach that the law is no longer obligatory on Christians, because it teaches that no one can be justified by it?

To this we answer in the most solemn form of expression, “God forbid; yea, we establish the law.” Now the sense in which the apostle uses the term, “the law,” in this argument, is unquestionably the same as that in which the law is spoken of in Rom. 7:7: “I had not known sin but by the law; for I had not known lust except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet,” which, being a plain reference to the tenth command of the decalogue, as plainly shows that the decalogue is “the law” of which he speaks. This, then, is the law which is established by the gospel; and this can mean nothing else but the establishment of its authority as the rule of all inward and outward holiness. Then, again, the evil arising from Sabbath-breaking is greatly to be lamented: it is an insult to God, and how careful we should be that we grieve not his Holy Spirit.

To sanctify this day, we should consider it, 1. As God's memorial, pointing back to its divine institution, at the close of creation week. 2. As a day of rest; not, indeed, to exclude works of mercy and charity, but a cessation from all worldly labor and care.

3. As a day of meditation and prayer, in which we should cultivate communion with God. Rev. 1:10. 4. As a day of public worship. Acts 18:4; 13:14. 5. As a day of anticipation, looking forward to that holy, happy, and eternal Sabbath that remains for the people of God.

But here is the place, and now is the time, to learn perfect submission and obedience to his will, not doing our own pleasure, nor speaking our own words, on his holy day. And may God, through the influence of his Holy Spirit, impress these solemn thoughts on our minds, and write his law in our hearts, is my prayer. J. G. Wood.

THE COST OF HUMAN SALVATION.

By Roswell F. Cottrell

Who can estimate the value set upon our race? the wondrous love, the amazing condescension, the infinite sacrifice, the immense labor and intense interest and solicitude, on the part of Heaven, manifested toward a sinful and rebellious, degraded and ruined race? No human pen can describe it, and inspiration fails to impress the human heart with a just appreciation of it. It is beyond the reach of finite comprehension—too vast to be measured by such beings as we are—yet, if we would, we could see enough of it to cause us to admire the plan, adore and praise its Author, and to the utmost of our limited capacity, reciprocate the love of God, and show by our actions that we enter into the spirit of the plan, and are willing to labor, sacrifice and suffer, in the work of salvation to sinners—a work in which the Father, the Son, and all the heavenly host are engaged.

Yet, though we cannot measure the love of God, nor comprehend the vastness of the sacrifice and the labor on the part of Heaven, let us attentively consider the wonderful plan which “the angels desire to look into.”

Man had sinned, and had forfeited all, even life and being. God would be just in cutting him off and consigning him to oblivion. But his tender pity and compassion led him to devise a plan for his redemption and salvation. The divine Son enters into the plan with such unbounded love and zeal as to offer himself to be a sacrifice for the sins of men, so that the just law of God should be honored, and at the same time sinful man be saved. The plan is devised, the Son of God is to leave his glory and come to earth to labor, suffer, and die at the hands of those he came to save. And this, though amazing, is not all. He that could bring worlds into existence at a word, who spake, and it was done, devotes as many thousands of years to the salvation of our ruined world as there were days spent in its creation. We might speak of the wonderful humiliation of the Son of God, his labors and suffering on earth, his agony in Gethsemane, and his cruel death on Calvary; and the theme could never be exhausted; but we wish to speak more particularly of his incessant care and watchfulness during the whole period of man's second probation, his work of intercession and of judgment at its close.

Who has weighed this matter with sufficient care? Who has ever valued the cost of our salvation, as demanding the active energies of the divine Son of God for six thousand years? Who has estimated the intense solicitude of our Advocate with the Father, and the guardian care of the Shepherd and Bishop of souls, listening to the prayers and watching the conduct of every individual of the countless millions of our race who have sought his intercessions during this whole period? And who has considered his sorrows and his long-suffering as he has so frequently been crucified afresh, even by his professed friends, and put to open shame?

But he has not been the only one employed in this vast and protracted work. The angels of God, who desired to look into the plan, and share in the work, and whose number is no less than “ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands,” have been sent forth as ministering spirits to minister to those who should be heirs of salvation. Think of their constant watchfulness, their extreme solicitude and tender care during all this time. And since there is joy in Heaven among the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth; think of the grief of those kind messengers of mercy over the sins and apostasy of those they have labored to save.

As a consequence of giving an individual probation to the innumerable hosts that have peopled the earth for six thousand years, a day of reckoning, a general Judgment, must come at the close. And, with this consummation in view, the records of men's lives must be kept, the books must be written which are to be opened in the Judgment, when every man shall be judged according to his deeds, as they are found written in the books. What a vast amount of labor, even for ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands of angels! And all this to save fallen man justly condemned to death, who might have been consumed in a moment by the word of Him who spake him into being!

Oh! matchless love and condescension! How great the cost of human salvation! How infinite the sacrifice, and how vast the labor of love expended upon so vile and sinful a creature!

And what return do we make? How is this costly salvation, proffered to our race, esteemed? How is love, so amazing, so divine, reciprocated? How was the Prince of salvation received, and how have his most devoted followers been treated? How has this costly salvation been slighted by the majority of our race?

But let us come a little closer. What return has been made by those who have coveted this great salvation so dearly purchased? How loth, even, to leave their sins! And instead of inquiring, How can I reciprocate such matchless love?—by what labor and sacrifice can I show how highly I value the immense labor and sacrifice that this salvation has cost?—the inquiry has rather been, how little may I do, and yet share in the fruits of all this labor and sacrifice? and how far may I follow my sinful propensities, my carnal appetites and pleasures, and yet not miss of this salvation which cost so much?

“Is this the kind return? Are these the thanks we owe?”

Thus to abuse such wondrous love, and slight the sacrifice of the Son of God, his untold agony and immense labor of love?

Shame! shame! to that person who halts at duty, and inquires, is this a saving ordinance? May I not omit this duty and still be saved? Can such a one share in this costly salvation?

“O God! my inmost soul convert,” Let me feel it a precious gift, not only to believe on His name, but to suffer for his sake. Let me share in the labor, and partake of the sufferings of Christ, and of those who shall be heirs of eternal glory. Bring me not into the society of Jesus, angels and martyrs, till I have, in some degree, appreciated this divine love, and shown by my works that I value the great salvation, which has cost such immense labor, suffering and sacrifice.

R. F. Cottrell.

RELIABILITIES OF BIBLE RECORDS.

By Hepworth

It is the peculiarity of the Bible, of the Old Testament especially, to be exceedingly minute in its details. It speaks very frequently of the topography of the countries to which it refers. It also speaks, with great carefulness apparently, concerning certain kingdoms and dynasties, certain emperors, and courts, and peoples. Now it has been impossible, up to within a few years, to verify these statements, and they have been of such an extraordinary nature that even scholars have looked upon them askance, and felt that some apology was possibly due in explaining them. Nineveh and Babylon are referred to again and again in the Old Testament, but Nineveh and Babylon are buried, and have been for ages. Those old dynasties have been blotted out by the on-coming armies from whose battle-spears the flag of victory floated. The dusts of time have settled down on the banks of the Euphrates, and buried its palaces out of sight.

Since that time, the world has been very busy. The old Roman empire cracked, fell, crumbled, and was almost forgotten. Modern times, with the power of a mill-stream, came rushing on, its events flowing in inconceivable rapidity, and men cared nothing for the past, but everything for the future. Then the crusades filled men's minds and hearts, and millions left their homes in Western Europe on a pilgrimage in which they carried the spear and the sword, and the result of which was victory in battle. They marched league after league, from country to country, until at last they stood on the hill-top that overlooked Jerusalem and the Holy Sepulchre. Then, next, came the printing-press, and our minds were so stirred and inspired by it, that nothing engaged attention except the immense advantages of every new day, and the golden possibilities that were within reach. So, for the last two thousand years and more, the world has been so busy in thinking of to-morrow, that it has forgotten all about yesterday.

But, thirty years ago, a scholar traveled along the banks of the Euphrates, and seeing these mounds, determined to unearth their secrets. At immense expense, and great pains, the work was partially achieved, and in this vast cemetery of history was found a palace. The excavations went on, until it was possible to enter the palace. It was sadly broken, to be sure, but yet enough remained to make us all glad and happy. The “Chamber of Records” was discovered, spoken of in the Old Testament, and in it were thousands of tablets, on which, as in so many volumes, the history of the past had been inscribed. They were written in an unknown tongue, but modern scholarship attacked the problem and solved it, and to-day the secret is being told. More and more is being discovered every year. Tablet after tablet, recording events hitherto unattainable, has been read, and, curiously enough, the Record Chamber found under those sands, corroborates the old story of Genesis, and in such a minute way that our confidence in the book, as a historical record, is put beyond a peradventure. For instance, in the fourteenth chapter of Genesis, we have an account of the invasion of Palestine in the time of Abraham. Of course it has been until now impossible to verify the statements of the writer of this book, but within thirty years tablets have been found which have told the same story. Genesis has been vindicated by the inscriptions on the sandstone and marble which have been found in the Chamber of Records by the banks of the Euphrates.

Is it not a curious fact that while science, with its strong hand, is trying to tear down, these researches are building up, the Bible, and that while philosophy is calling in question some of the doctrines of the New Testament, these researches are corroborating even the details of the Old? It makes the book still dearer to us, and I have no doubt that when all the tablets are found, and when they shall be read, one after another, we shall find such irresistible corroboration of Holy Writ that the Old Testament will blaze with a new light. We shall enjoy an increased faith in that Jehovah who guided and guarded the Israelites, and who was revealed as the world's Father, by the life and the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ.—Hepworth.

LET US REASON TOGETHER.

By W. N. Glenn

MANY professed Christians argue that the law of ten commandments was abolished at the cross. To require the death of an innocent person as the act of abolishing a law would be a strange proceeding. Let us reason for a moment. The violation of the law of God requires the life of the guilty, but to repeal, must be by the enacting power, or, if it be given for a limited period it may expire by limitation. But to subject an unoffending son to crucifixion as a means of repealing a law that had proved a failure because the subjects could not obey it, would be most absurd. A sacrifice, or atonement, shows that the law could not be changed or repealed, therefore paying the penalty establishes the law; thus Paul expresses in Rom. 3:31, “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid, yea, we establish the law.”

But we are met here with the supplemental plea that Christ did not die expressly to repeal the law, but to present to man, who could not keep the law, a different plan of salvation from the one originally laid, and that the law died as a consequence. This argument, like many others, reflects upon God's ability as a law maker, or his judgment as to the moral capabilities of his creatures.

It were far better to accept the truth about the law and the cross—that Jesus died to vindicate the law, the just for the unjust, that man might through his blood have remission for past offences; and then, by his assisting grace be enabled to keep the law of God in the future.

W. N. GLENN.

Occupation a Safeguard

Life is prolonged by pleasant occupation which fills the mind. The individual whose thoughts are entered and whose ambition is aroused by some attractive enterprise or project seems to live a charmed life. There is less sickness and death among the busy portion of the community than in the circles of the idlers, the retired merchants, gentlemen of fortune and leisure, seekers of mere pleasure and gratification of the senses. The active man can hardly afford the time to be ill. It is not when soldiers are on the march, or in agreeable, active service, that mortality most invades their ranks, but when encamped for an indefinite period, or confined to the dull routine of the barracks after a lively campaign.

Policy Is No Substitute for Honesty

Policy is a poor substitute for honesty.

LETTER FROM ENGLAND.

From a letter from Bro. Wm. Ings, dated Ravenswood, Southampton, Eng., Feb. 21, and addressed to the V. M. society at Battle Creek, we take the following extracts:—

While some colporters complain that they are ejected from the ships, I meet with more favor. I have now visited 339 ships, and have been ordered off only once. I can see the hand of the Lord, not only in the permission accorded me to board boats, but also in giving the seamen a desire to render assistance in sowing the seed of truth. I visited a Holland boat bound for the East Indies, which had quite a number of German and Dutch soldiers on board. One of them, on learning my business, volunteered to circulate papers and tracts, which I gave him. He sold them and returned me the money. He seemed to be just as earnest in the work as I would be.

A steward on a German boat bound for New York, went with me among the hundreds of passengers on board, and urged them to purchase our publications. The stewards on the Oriental boats manifest the greatest pleasure in circulating our publications in the East Indies. Neither do the stewards on the Brazil, West Indies, and Cape of Good Hope boats manifest less zeal. A captain of a sailing ship requested publications to hand out at the different ports that his ship enters. This offer was made after the Sabbath question had been explained, he himself purchasing some of our larger works. These are only a few of the encouraging incidents that I meet with. Certainly the hand of the Lord is in this message.

Of late I have tried the experiment of selling our tracts and papers. On Sundays, I usually sell from 75 cts. to $1.25 worth. Tuesdays the German boats call at this port on their passage from Bremen to New York. I generally spend two or three hours with the passengers and find many interesting cases, frequently meeting with those who have heard of Bro. Matteson. His work has been heard of far and near, and they are quite anxious to secure our Swedish and Danish publications. Sometimes, when they learn that I am acquainted with Bro. M., and hold the same views, they will surround me, some crying his work down, while others advocate his teachings. On such occasions, tracts and papers are eagerly taken. There are four nationalities on these boats; namely, German, Swedish, Danish, and English. I usually sell from fifteen to twenty copies of Stimme der Wahrheit on each boat; also Danish, Swedish, and English papers, as well as tracts in the different languages. The papers are sold at the regular price of papers here, 2 cts. Tracts are put up in packages and sold at cost price. Last Tuesday the sales amounted to $1.16. Of course, I give some small tracts away. We all can see much light in placing publications in the hands of these emigrants, as they are going to all parts of the American continent, and will carry the truth to their friends; and then again, what an excellent chance of introducing our periodicals among these nationalities who will make their home in America. Our publications are attracting the attention of the people both on sea and land. The writings of Sr. White are eagerly sought for by those who have had the pleasure of reading them. I am glad to learn that our people are waking up to the subject of giving them a wider circulation. Some good results are known as the direct work of missionary labor on ships. Two persons, a man and his wife, are fully with us in the faith. They are excellent people, and love the truth. Their visits to Ravenswood are eagerly looked forward to by both them and us when they are in port. They are both members of our T. and M. society, and have an excellent opportunity to circulate the truth among passengers.

The work on land is progressing finely. Almost every mail brings us some encouragement. The members of the society recently organized here are in earnest to spread the truth. Copies of the Signs and tracts are sent to all parts of the kingdom. Some are keeping the Sabbath as the result. It takes longer here for people to weigh evidence than in America; but a good foundation is being laid. Calls are beginning to come in for the living preacher. Bro. Loughborough will commence meetings in the south of England on the 26th inst., in answer to one of the calls. May God bless this work in the new field in Taunton.

MEETING AT ARBUCKLE.

By S. N. Haskell

A FEW of the friends at Arbuckle, attended the meeting at Woodland, and owing to the bitter prejudice which existed in the minds of some in the vicinity of Arbuckle, toward a woman speaking in public, they were exceedingly anxious that sister White should hold one or more public meetings at that place. Accordingly two double teams left Woodland Monday morning well filled with living freight, and reached Arbuckle in season for an evening meeting. Tuesday morning at nine, the friends assembled, and the subject of the missionary work was presented. At 10:30 sister White spoke with her usual freedom. Also in the evening to a crowded house. The Lord came near and a solemn sense of the judgment and importance of preparing for that event rested on the people. At the close of the meeting one sister took her stand fully with God's people.

The truth was presented here some over a year ago, and a few took their stand. But the Sabbath-school and missionary effort to gather in children and others not of our faith, had awakened an interest in many for miles around.

A temperance club was organized and will hold its meetings monthly. John Clasby was chosen leader and Charles Lucas Secretary. The meetings were held in the Methodist church.

S. N. HASKELL.

THE LABORERS.

By Mary Martin

“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few,”—Luke. “Lift up your eyes and look on the fields: for they are white already to harvest.”—John.

The morn was bright and golden, and the Saviour’s words were sweet; I rose to do his bidding, to look on the ripening wheat.

Along the sloping hillside, and across the lower plain, By river, wood, and mountain, were the fields of waving grain.

The harvest moon was hidden by the lighter blaze of day That fell on the Master’s reapers, along the toilsome way.

Some forms were bent and weary, and some were brave and strong, While some were only children,—all joined the harvest song.

Autumnal leaves of beauty, and flowers strangely fair Were growing near; and many chose to go and gather there.

I listened to the voices, wond’ring what each would say. The faithful ones entreated, Work with us, while ’tis day.

The gath’ring shades betoken that night is drawing on, The Master has commanded to work while he is gone.

Think of him, wan and weary, how he worked and wept alone, And can we lightly value the deathless love he’s shown?

On his locks fell dews of evening, and grief o’erspread his brow, Where a coronet of glory is ever resting now.

O, come, the day is waning, and summer’ll soon be gone, The harvest past and ended, the laborer’s work all done.

They heeded not, but wandered where it was smooth and fair, Along life’s easier pathway, that brought to them no care.

The faithful ones were falling, while grasping precious grain, But they will have a rich reward when the Master comes again.

The shades of night have fallen, the fields are clean and bare, The Master comes to reckon with those who gathered there.

He looks o’er the group assembled, the tares as well as wheat, And then pronounces sentence on all, as he deems meet.

I looked for the worn and weary, for the wrinkled brow and face; It was lighted up with glory that had taken sorrow’s place.

The tones were deep and musical that spoke the words, “Well done.” The hand was fair that placed the crown the faithful laborer won.

And he said, O dearest Master, Say, what have I done for thee That thou should’st come from glory, and thus remember me?

And the Master said, The fields were white, and so I called for thee; And thou didst gather precious sheaves, thou didst it all for me.

But thy labor now is ended, and the golden “gates ajar,” Child of my Father, enter in, where the “many mansions” are.

The other came with head upraised, and said, My Master fair, Wondrous works for thee I’ve done, can I not enter there?

But the Master looked so calm and stern as he said, I know you not; Ye lived in pleasure—cared not for me, while my wants were all forgot.

And he said, Oh, when, my Master, didst ever call for me? When were thy pleadings all forgot? Surely, I’ve worked for thee.

The Master said, The fields were white, I asked thy hands and heart; Thou would’st not help, or try to feel; I only say—Depart!

Father, help me, though so lowly, I among the gleaners stray, That a handful I may gather, to present to thee that day. MARY MARTIN.

ROCKLIN, CAL.

By B. A. Stephens

Being called to attend a funeral here, I baptized a sister, who resides in Truckee, and found another family keeping the Sabbath. They took their stand through the efforts of the T. and M. Society. March 20, I baptized two in Galindo’s Lagoon, near Concord, Contra Costa County. Others would have been baptized, but they could not overcome the opposition. B. A. STEPHENS.

Oakland, Cal., April 1, 1880.

JAMAICA, VERMONT.

By R. S. Owen

The organization of a temperance club here has not only been a benefit to our people, who have renewed their interest and zeal in the cause of health and temperance, but it is bringing our work into favor with many who have been very bitter against the cause. Monthly meetings have been held since the organization of the club last December. These have been largely attended by those not of our people, and many have been induced to join with us in the temperance work. At our last meeting, eighteen signed the pledge. I have given a short course of lectures in the village of Jamaica. As the result, six persons have commenced to observe the Lord’s Sabbath.

R. S. OWEN.

SMITH'S CREEK, MICHIGAN.

By D. H. Lamson; R. J. Lawrence

Our meetings here still continue, and we shall be obliged to remain for some time yet. Have organized a Sabbath-school of forty members, and about ten more will unite with us, who were absent on account of sickness. Have ordered a club of the Instructor. We hope for a good church here. Brethren, pray for us.

March 14. D. H. LAMSON, R. J. LAWRENCE.

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