Earlier text: SERVING TABLESTEXTS FOR THE POOR.
By ANGELIA J. EDMUNDS.
To those who are toiling on from day to day, striving in an honest, upright way under heavy burdens, I would say, “Be of good courage.” If sickness comes, do not murmur and complain. “All things work together for good to them that love God.” Let words from the Holy Bible cheer you to-day, and while you look upon the face of nature, while you hear the little birds sing, and see the flowers blooming around you, “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” “Consider the lilies how they grow. They toil not, they spin not, and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to-day in the field and to-morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind [margin, live not in careful suspense] for all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” “Hearken, my beloved brethren. Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?” “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” Remember that he said, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” Be thankful for the home you have, and envy not the rich. “The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.” “For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.” “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.” “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” There is but one way for the rich and poor to lay hold on eternal life. Be not discouraged but with cheerfulness labor on. “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” Yes, you can earn two mites even if your family is large. Jesus “beheld how the people cast money into the treasury, and many that were rich cast in much.” And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing; and he said “Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” If we lay up our treasure in Heaven, we become rich toward God, and shall soon obtain a rich reward. If we lay up for ourselves treasure on this earth, to-night our souls may be required of us. Then whose shall these things be? “For we brought nothing into the world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. Having food and raiment let us therewith be content.” “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” “Tho' often here we're weary,
There is sweet rest above,
A rest that is eternal,
Where all is peace and love.
O let us then press forward,
That glorious rest to gain;
We'll soon be free from sorrow,
From toil, and care, and pain.” My dear brother and sister, “there is sweet rest in Heaven.” LAST DAY SIGNS.
By John Taylor
First Sign. “Prepare war,” etc. A New York paper, in a leading article, says: “A French General maintains, in a pamphlet just printed in Paris, that France can place five separate armies of one hundred thousand men each in the field; that her war power is of amazing proportions; and that it would require a European coalition of ten powers, furnishing one hundred thousand men each, to conquer her.” The New York Post of July 5th, in an article headed—“Preparations for War,” says: “M. Lemonnier demonstrated in a recent lecture at the Athenaeum, that Europe persists in devoting seventh-ninths of all her income to the expenses of war and preparations for war. He declares that the conference at London did not establish a peace, but a truce, since the plenipotentiaries agreed in according full permission to each nation represented to continue its endless preparations for fighting in case of necessity. The arsenals were at this moment everywhere animated by a feverish activity, and the new law proposed for France would summon eight hundred thousand men to the swollen ranks of the standing army. Nothing has changed in Europe. The equilibrium resembles more and more Swift’s house, which was ready to crash to the ground by the weight of a sparrow perched on a tile. Lemonnier regards as among the most potent an habitual disrespect for the observance of treaties. From the famous treaty of the Amphytronic League among the States of Greece in 1496 B. C., to the treaty of Zurich in 1859, there have been 8,697 of these solemn engagements formed, and among them only one has not been broken.” This seems to fill Paul’s picture well of “truce breakers.” Only think of it—8,697 treaties solemnly made, and out of this number 8,696 were broken, and only one kept! Second Sign. The world versus church. The following extracts show that if the church is not more in earnest than it is now, instead of converting the world, the world will convert the church. Rev. John Angell James, in his work “Church in Earnest,” has the following dark picture of the present condition of a part of the world, and a very small part, too, viz., the great missionary country of England. And he is one who firmly believes in the final conversion of the world. But hear him:— “It is now more than three centuries since the Reformation, and more than one century since the labors of Wesley; forty-three years since Sunday Schools and tract societies were established. The Tract Society alone has sent out over five hundred millions of books and tracts. The Bible Society alone has sent out over twenty millions of Bibles. Look now at the moral and spiritual state of our country. The moral, or rather the demoralized condition is beyond the conception of those who have not been inquisitive into the subject. The depths of iniquity which is poisoning the souls of the people, are neither known nor conjectured, by those who are ignorant of the statistics of the kingdom of darkness. But a more fearful relation still remains now, if we sum up the entire yearly circulation of the different kinds of popular but pernicious literature (of England), ten stamped papers—circulation 11,702,000; six unstamped—circulation 6,200,000; worst class of plain and colored pictures (of obscene pictures), circulation 520,000. Total, twenty-eight millions, eight hundred and sixty-two thousand copies. Circulation of Bibles, Testaments, tracts, etc., periodicals all told, 24,418,000, leaving a balance of 4,443,380 in favor of203 the worst class. There are also in London twelve places where infidel meetings are held weekly, to discuss and bring into contempt and derision the Christian religion. Let the minds of all Christian people be fixed upon these facts; ponder upon this awful state of things, and ask what can be done to arrest this tide of ruin, this awful cataract of perdition, which is dashing over the precipice of infidelity into the gulf of the bottomless pit. Hell is in earnest in ruining men’s souls. If the church is not in earnest in saving them, the enemy will come in like a flood. Infidelity and immorality are invading us. Beacon fires must be kindled on every hill of Zion.” France, he says, “is shared between a revived popery and a rampant infidelity.” In view of such a state of things existing, well might the Presbyterian assembly of Rochester-vote that “the first week of January, 1868, be observed as a week of special prayer for the conversion of the world.” Third Sign. “Form of godliness.” The New York Post of June 26th, 1867, on the removing of the churches from the lower part to the upper and more fashionable part, says: “Unless the missionary churches are maintained in the lower part of the city, before many years elapse there will remain scarcely a church in the six lower wards to indicate to an emigrant landing at the Battery that New York is inhabited by a Christian people.” Round Table, of May 25th, on the American Press, says: “A daily paper affecting a religious cast would be unsatisfactory.” Latest church fashion styles. The Tribune of July 10th, of New York, says a correspondent of the Christian Era has the following upon New York Sunday fashions: “Two young ladies were attendants, the one at the aristocratic Grace church, and the other at the humble St. Paul’s. The former, one Sunday morning, sent a request to the latter, her friend, that she would go to church with her; to which she replied that she would have been happy to do so, only that she was dressed for St. Paul’s.” The Boston Journal has the following from “Burleigh,” now in England: “The Presbyterian communion is held once in six months. Monday is kept as a holiday. The following was used for the communion season: Two dozen of port wine, one dozen of Sherry, five bottles of whisky, three bottles of brandy, and eight pounds of cheese.” Taking the above into consideration, well may the church lose its influence on society.—JOHN TAYLOR, in World’s Crisis. Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x. 25. This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience. Bro. E. Kincaid writes from Butler Center, Iowa: I am made to rejoice from week to week by reading the cheering testimonies in the Review. In hope of likewise benefiting some one I would also add my testimony. Myself and a portion of my family are striving to keep all God's commandments. We have none of like faith here to cheer us on, yet we mean to be prepared for the second coming of our blessed Saviour. When the saints are redeemed from the earth we want to be among the number. Sister R. Ashald writes from Columbia Co., N. Y.: I have never heard a sermon from any of like precious faith; but I have had the Review, which has brought me by the help of God into the present truth. How cheering have been the reports of debates, the sermons, and the testimonies of the dear saints. I had long wanted to see the dream of William Miller, and when it appeared in the paper I felt to thank the Lord, and took courage. If no larger than the point of a pin, as he represents, if I am gathered into the sweet fold of Christ it will be in his likeness, and my longing soul will be satisfied. This earth is not my home. I have been trying to seek a home in Heaven for sixty years. I am now seventy-two, and can say truly, that “through tribulation deep, the way to glory is;” but I can say in the language of Paul, “Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory.” I feel determined by his grace to strive to press my way through to the kingdom. I hope no one will stagger at God's promises through unbelief. My prayer is that we may have on our banners, Holiness to the Lord, and be prepared to meet Jesus at his coming, which I believe is near. If I cannot have the company of believers here, I hope we shall meet where parting will be no more, and where no one will have to say, I am alone. Bro. L. Bartholomew writes from Olmstead Co., Minn.: I felt reproved by a late article in the Review on sleeping in meeting, and wish to tell the Brn. and sisters how I have been afflicted in this way, and the remedy I have found. Sleep has had almost absolute power over me. I would get to sleep sometimes walking along the road, and wake by falling into the ditch, or going against the fence. I would get asleep at work, chopping or sawing wood. Let me sit still a few moments and no musical instrument could keep me awake. I would get to sleep eating my breakfast, dinner or supper; and worst of all, it was hard for me to attend family worship without going to sleep. To-day how different. I can sit down and write or read, or do any labor without inconvenience in this respect. And now if you wish to know what has made the difference I think I can tell you. I used to work very hard, only taking from four to seven hours rest out of the twenty-four, eating plenty of pork and other flesh, and condiments, sweet cake, pies, &c. Under such abuse nature had to give way. But when the light on the Health Reform came, I commenced to follow the light, and I soon felt a change. I now make it my rule to eat no flesh of any kind, sugar only sparingly, no butter nor milk, use cream moderately, no leavened bread either coarse or fine, but live on that kind of food that is advocated in the Review and Reformer. I eat but two meals a day; I can eat my first meal at 5½ A. M., second at 1 P. M., and feel no want for food at any other time. I am fully convinced from my past experience that a person can do more work, and harder work, and live longer and feel better on a vegetable, grain and fruit diet, and two meals a day, than with any other mode of living. I have once before acknowledged what the Reform had done for me; but it is still doing a great and good work. My will is stronger to-day than ever to continue to live it out and know what it is to have a healthy body and a sound mind, which I do believe can be brought about by strictly obeying nature's laws. There is consistency in sitting down to a table spread with food twice a day, and asking the Giver to bless it to our use and us to his glory, but oh! how it looks to me now to sit down to a table spread with dead flesh, poison tea and coffee, and hear God's blessing sought upon it. Brn. and sisters, let us arise, and cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Sister E. J. Hunter writes from Boone Co., Ill.: We are still trying to keep all the commandments, and are trying to keep pace with the message; but have to lament many heart wanderings from God. I get too cold and indifferent; am many times too much given to light and trifling talk. My prayer is that God may grant me wisdom from on high, to overcome all my sins, and bring up my children in such a way as shall be well pleasing in his sight. The Health Reform I believe is of God, and that it is a part of the third message. I hope to be able after harvest to pay for as much as one share in the Institute. The paper is all the preaching we have. Its sermons are to us meat in due season. Cannot some of the preaching brethren come this way? I have heard but one gospel sermon for over two years. But my prayer is, should we never hear another, that we may prove true to our trust, and meet all of God's people in his kingdom. Bro. E. Styles writes from North Liberty, Ind.: It is a great privilege as well as duty to encourage each other in the way to Mount Zion. I can say that I love the present truth; but in reviewing the past I find I have not valued the truth above every thing else. First the kingdom of God, says the Saviour, and his righteousness; but oh! how oft we get our eyes fixed on the earthly crown. I begin to see that there is no time to tarry here. Let us awake and repent. The Lord says that if we will draw nigh to him, he will draw nigh to us. Oh! that there was always a heart in us to believe what the Lord hath said. THERE'S ROCK AT THE BOTTOM.
When my Willie was sixteen, he accidentally dropped a valuable watch into the well. His father was absent from home, and without consulting me, he resolved to recover the treasure. Providing himself with a long-handled rake, he gave it in charge of his sister Jennie, two years younger, and bidding her lower it to him when he called, he stepped into the bucket, and holding fast by the rope, commenced his descent. The bucket descended more rapidly than Willie expected, and struck heavily against the side of the well; the rope broke, and he was thrown into the water. “Mother, I shall be drowned!” was his despairing cry, which Jennie re-echoed with a wail of anguish. But I knew the depth of the water and shouted to him as calmly as I could, “Stand upon your feet, Willie; the water isn’t over four feet deep.” “But I shall sink in the mud,” said the poor boy, still striving to keep himself afloat by clinging desperately to the slippery stones. “No, Willie, there’s rock at the bottom. Let go the stones, and stand up.” The assurance of hard foundation and the impossibility of holding much longer to the slimy surface of the stone wall gave him confidence. He felt for the bottom, placed his feet firmly upon it, and to his great joy found that the water scarcely reached his shoulders. I sent Jennie into the house for a new, strong rope, and fastening one end securely, I lowered the other to be tied into the bucket, and we drew him up. “Oh, mother!” said the dear boy, when he was rescued, “those were precious words to me, ‘There’s rock at the bottom.’ I shall never forget them.” Two years after, in a commercial panic, my husband’s property was swept away, and we were reduced to poverty. At first I bore bravely up. I did not prize wealth and luxury for my children. I chiefly mourned for my husband’s disappointment and his crushed hopes, and strove by unflagging cheerfulness to chase away the gloom which settled so heavily upon him. I endeavored to assist him, not only by the utmost economy in household expenses, but by devising plans for the future. Willie and Jennie were old enough to earn their support, and even to assist in the education of the young children. I succeeded in putting them in the way to do this. I felt strong and brave, and wondered at my husband’s despondency. But new reverses came. The bank in which Jennie had deposited her quarter’s salary, which might possibly meet our necessities, suddenly failed, and her money was lost. I could bear this too; she would soon be able to replace it. Next, the school in which she taught was disbanded, and Jennie had to take much lower wages; but she still earned a little, and I said cheerfully, “We will not murmur; half a loaf is better than no bread.” Next Willie’s hand was disabled by an accident, and he lost his situation. My courage began to give way, but rallying myself for one effort, I resolved to brave the reproach of friends and the world’s dread laugh, and seek remunerative employment for myself. It sorely tried my woman delicacy, yet it brought the needful aid, and I battled with my wounded sensitiveness and again screwed up my failing courage. But the last blow came. Sickness suddenly laid me prostrate. “I shall give up now; we must sink together,” was the language of my despairing soul. “Dear mother,” said Willie, when he heard my lamentation, “do you remember what you said to me when I was at the bottom of the well? I have often thought of it of late. I know we are in deep waters, but God has promised that they shall not overflow us. And is his word without foundation? Let us plant our feet on his promises, and stand firmly. We cannot sink, for there’s rock at the bottom.” I heard and took the lesson to my heart. I saw that I had been clinging to the slippery stones of human strength and self-dependence, and so when the providence of God bade me let go my hold. I was in despair. But the bank of Heaven had not failed; and though I stood in deep water, it would not overwhelm me, neither would I sink, for “there’s rock at the bottom.” So, from the chamber where pain and illness still hold me a prisoner, I send to each burdened and weary child of God, who is tempted to feel that all is lost, the key-note of my new and grateful psalm. Whatever your sorrow or strait may be, plant your feet on the rock of ages, and with me, “thank God and take courage.” Care for Your Neighbor’s Reputation
The man who is careful of his own reputation will be careful of his neighbor's. The man who thoughtlessly speaks ill of another is reckless of his own good name. REPORT FROM BRO. STRONG.
By Philip Strong
Since my last report, June 26, I have labored in Duplain, and spent some time with Bro. White, visiting the following churches: Bushnell and Greenbush twice, Fair Plains and Ithaca, most of which has been reported by him. This privilege I have esteemed highly. The society and seasons which I have enjoyed the past few weeks have been both interesting and beneficial to me, the influence of which I hope will be lasting.205 Have also visited Bath and Wacosta by request, exploring the field. Bath would be a good place for winter labor, if a house could be obtained. Aug. 17 and 18, according to appointment, held meetings in Duplain, in Bro. Hayner's barn. Here, we are happy to state, the leaven had been working in our absence. We left eight keeping the Sabbath, but on Sunday morning after service thirteen came forward to unite with us, and seven were baptized, two of whom were from Greenbush. These were interesting meetings. Two others have since started to obey the truth and others are investigating. We have organized a Sabbath School and Bible Class, in which all seem interested and take hold with a will. Those without come in and exclaim, “We never saw the like before.” May the good work begun in Clinton Co. go on until all who love the truth shall be gathered in. Press together, brethren; for in union there is strength. We are now in Gratiot Co., where we shall remain as long as duty requires, praying the Lord to guide us to the advancement of his cause and the honor of his name. At Ithaca, we parted with Bro. and sister White. Their visit here was timely, and has been the source of a great deal of good, as in all other places where they have been. Their coming north has given to the cause in these parts a new impetus. The blessings of the Lord have followed their labors. We have also been very much cheered and encouraged by Bro. Amadon's testimonies in many places. We go to-day into a new field to commence a series of meetings. The calls for help are numerous. I have received pressing invitations from three different places the last week to hold meetings. May the Lord direct and give strength to work. Pray for us. Alma, Mich., Sept. 2, 1867. TRIP TO NORTHERN MICHIGAN.
By George W. Amadon
Having been absent from the Office about a month, enjoying meetings with the brethren in the northern part of the State, it will be proper to speak briefly of the journey. Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 7, in company with the son of our dear Bro. S. T. Cranston, who fell like a man of God at his post some fifteen years since while preaching this message, I started for the General Convocation Meeting to be held at Fair Plains, Aug. 10 and 11. Having been quite closely confined among types and printing fixtures since my sickness one year ago, this was a very exhilarating ride to me. We arrived about 11 o'clock the first night at D. H. Lamson's, six miles north of Olivet, who is near to the writer not only by the ties of consanguinity, but also by that stronger bond of union, the ties of “the blessed hope.” After sweet sleep for a few hours, we enjoyed a good hygienic breakfast, and a precious season of prayer, and started for Bro. Howe's in Orange, some forty miles distant. Here again we found rest in body and mind with dear friends of the same precious faith. It is very gratifying to meet brethren and sisters at our Conferences and other meetings, but to enjoy social life with them at their homes, is a rarity indeed. Next morning, Friday, accompanied by Bro. and sister H., and several others of the church in Orange, we set out for Fair Plains. Passed through Ionia, a beautiful, flourishing city, apparently about as large as Battle Creek, and reached the home of our well-known Bro. Seneca H. King in time for dinner. After a little stop we were again on the road, and about an hour before Sabbath we had the pleasure of being at the home of Bro. and sister White, whom we had not seen since Conference. Here we met with a most hospitable reception, and at their earnest solicitation made it our home. But scarcely had our feet pressed their threshold before we were seized with the most acute pains that we ever experienced. It was bilious colic. Through the night and over Sabbath hygienic treatment was administered according to Bro. and sister White's directions, by the dear brethren there, with most gratifying results, and on Sunday we rode out to meeting. Here we recognized the voice of the Good Shepherd in the discourses in both parts of the day. Sister White seemed free in God in bearing her testimony, and Bro. W. since Conference had marvelously improved in strength, and was free in spirit. Here also was quite a concourse of brethren and sisters from within a radius of about fifty miles. The social meetings were excellent, and a good spirit seemed to be with all. But as sickness had prevented the writer from being out Sabbath, it was counseled that it would not be best to return to the Office at once, but to send for my wife, and that we then accompany Bro. and sister W. to their several appointments, till they came to Battle Creek. So we consented, and sent a letter for her to come to Muir by railroad in season for the Grove Meeting at Orange, the next Sabbath and Sunday, the 17th and 18th. As these meetings have all been noticed by Bro. White, it will not be necessary to speak of them very particularly. Suffice it to say, however, they were all excellent and characterized by the solemn presence of God. We have attended meetings during our absence at Fair Plains, Orange, Greenbush, Ithaca, and Wright, and at all of these places we remarked a commendable zeal among the churches, and a desire to profit by the plain truths spoken. And we would here say that Bro. and sister W. seemed to labor at each of these places as if it were their last chance to beseech men and women, in Christ's stead, to become reconciled to God. And although the meetings were generally lengthy, yet the congregations, intermingled largely with unbelievers, seemed to pay diligent attention to the solemn messages delivered. The testimony borne at these places was a pointed one indeed, and as a result the church was aroused, sinners convicted, and those on the background were mightily wrought upon to repent of their coldness and take their places again among the workers for the Lord. Especially was this true at Orange, where several brethren who hardly bore the leaves of an outward profession, in consequence of that soul-and-body-destroying narcotic—tobacco—saw their wrong, broke down before God and the church, and in the presence of Heaven and men, pledged themselves to the church to abstain from this “fleshly lust” which wars against the soul. May God bless them, is our fervent prayer. He that overcometh shall sit on Jesus' throne. Here also we saw a zeal “according to knowledge” in the matter of the Dress Reform. As a whole, the church have adopted the dress which Heaven has spoken well of, yet nothing is said about it,—at least the writer heard nothing except where he introduced the matter. The churches north, with the exception of those in the newer places, have got well into the Dress Reform, and are pressing forward. Certainly in this they are setting a worthy example to those whom it might be expected would lead out in this advance step for the people of God. Is not this a fulfillment of the Saviour's words, “The first shall be last, and the last shall be first?” It is painful to one's heart to see the indifference with which this subject of the Dress Reform is treated by some who should be foremost in “every good word and work.” The writer's mind is not called to this matter by any public or private teaching that he has listened to recently, for in no place has it been made a subject of discourse. The testimony of Sr. W. was that the people of God might get ready for things coming on the earth, and that they might stand when the Judge of all shall appear. The meeting at Ithaca, especially, was a good one. Bro. and Sr. W. had never been there, and the interest and curiosity with the church and world were great to hear; and if one can judge from looks and words, none were disappointed. We will rejoice with the brethren here that they can have the labors of Bro. and Sr. W. in time to come. These servants of the church now have a team and carriage so that they can travel with comfort over rough roads and on long journeys. Probably many of our brethren have been made aware of this by a private circular sent out in the names of Brn. King, Fargo, and Maynard, calling for donations to help pay for this traveling outfit, from ten cents to ten dollars. We hope all receiving this circular will respond as their hearts and circumstances shall prompt. The old carriage now laid by is more fit for a kind of market cart than to travel with; and the old harness we toggled up several times with our own hands as it gave way by using. It is literally good for nothing. But we need not speak at length on this point,—a word to the liberal is sufficient. We have been greatly cheered by our little tour north. We have seen many of the brethren and sisters at their own homes, have prayed together, talked together, seen how they look toward Battle Creek, and have learned a little of what they expect from the people of God here. And I can say, I have returned home with an increased desire to do the will of God from the heart. Let us all fight the good fight of faith a few days longer, war a good warfare by the promises, and then ours will be that great rest that remaineth for the faithful people of God. Bro. and sister W. are expected to be in Battle Creek the 9th, and will remain over Sabbath, and till Testimony No. 12 shall be printed, when they will go West. May God bless their labors here and elsewhere, and may we all so live and labor that finally when deliverance shall come, with all its wealth of mercy and glory, we may have the palm, the robe and the crown, and be forever at rest. GEO. W. AMADON. Battle Creek, Sept. 8, 1867. Conclusion of Sabbath Articles
By Editor
We reluctantly chronicle this week, the conclusion of Bro. Littlejohn's articles on the Sabbath question. If any of our subscribers have not given them a careful reading, they have not only neglected duty, but have lost a very rich treat. We hope to hear from him again. The Country’s Unsettled Condition
From items given in our News Department, it would seem that it is yet too soon to congratulate ourselves on any settled and prosperous state of our country. The renewal of the rebellion, and the open re-establishment of slavery, would be no greater revolution in affairs, than is the change from the administration of Abraham Lincoln, to that of such a man as Andrew Johnson. Methods of the Romish Church
By Editor
We give in the Historical Department of this number, an important article on the Methods of the Romish Church. Let none fail to read it. The influence of the movements there pointed out, is destined to be felt in this country ere long. From extracts we have recently given in the Review, the reader has doubtless marked the lenient and favorable tone of public men and journals toward Roman Catholicism. The influence of this power is already seen in many cities where the elections are entirely controlled by the Romish element, and still further in the enormous appropriations of money by the legislature of the State of New York, to Catholic institutions, to the entire neglect of similar ones controlled by Protestants. What mean these sudden concessions and this obsequiousness to this foreign, Anti-Christian, power? It is full of significance, and points to the no distant fulfillment of Rev. xiii, 14-17. “As it was in the days of Lot,” says Christ, so “shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” That the world is fast relapsing into that state of unbridled licentiousness which called down the fiery thunderbolts of God’s wrath upon the inhabitants of Sodom, is attested by the following statements which we clip from a New York paper. Why will not men awake to the fact that the “days in which the Son of man is to be revealed, according to every predicted sign, are indeed upon us? STARTLING CRIME.—It is absolutely staggering to note the bold, repeated violations perpetrated upon females throughout the country. It seems, from the accounts of this character that continually come to us, that all the rough, coarse passions of the nethermost pit, have started out on a general carnival. It seems as if an order for universal, riotous license, had suddenly come from his Satanic majesty, and the whole rabble rout of his imps, pimps and panders had a ticket for a general saturnalia. It may be sadly discouraging to be forced into such an admission, but it is no less sadly true. What can all this mean? Has an indiscriminate license been issued for indiscriminate violence and lust, by the fallen Son of the Morning? Is the Evil One literally on his travels, “going about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour?”