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The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 17

NATURE OF THE SABBATH
Earlier text: AMERICA'S INDUSTRIAL SUPREMACY ASSURED

OHIO PLEDGES.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

In August, 1878, at our camp-meeting in Tiffin, our brethren and sisters made pledges to the amount of $3,500, one-half to be paid in one year, and the remainder to be paid in two years. The whole time will expire in a few months. In looking over these pledges, I find that a large share of them, principally small ones, remain unpaid. This money is now greatly needed. Our tract society, in order to work to advantage, has had to spend a great many hundred dollars during the last few months, in purchasing a large stock of books for the different districts, for ministers, and for colporters; and a great deal more will have to be expended during the next three months.
We do not wish the brethren to understand that this is all thrown away or given away; it is simply invested in stock, such as tracts, pamphlets, bound books, Bibles, dictionaries, concordances, histories, etc. This is all good property, and is being used to advantage by the societies. The money will come back sometime, at least, a large share of it. But we cannot wait until these books are all sold before we pay for them, and for many of them we are obliged to pay down.
The REVIEW Office has established a rule to give us five per cent off, in addition to the usual discount, if our bills are paid within thirty days. This is right, and it is important that we should take advantage of the reduction. In order to do so, we must have the ready money.
We therefore earnestly request our brethren and sisters who have made these pledges to pay them as soon as they can consistently. You can pay them to your librarians, or to any of our ministers, who will see that it is properly forwarded.
We should not form a habit of making pledges, and allowing them to run on year after year unpaid. The Lord will not bless us in so doing. Make an effort, brethren, to redeem your solemn pledges made to the cause of God. D. M. Canright.

MISSIONARY WORK IN SWITZERLAND.

By John Nevins Andrews

BY ELD. J. N. ANDREWS.
WE have just received two hundred copies of the Stimme der Wahrheit, and we return for them our grateful acknowledgment. Nothing could be more timely for our work than these papers. We will send them to German readers, accompanied by letters.
When we began to print, as we had but few friends in Europe, we had very few subscribers; but as great care was taken in the preparation of each number, it seemed advisable to print not less than 2,000 copies. When all who were friendly to our cause had been supplied, we still had on hand quite a large quantity of our papers. I hoped by the aid of the tract societies to be able to distribute these in such a manner as to save to the Office at least the first cost. These societies have done something, but owing to the financial embarrassment that has prevailed among our friends, only a small part of these extra copies have been distributed by them.
When I found myself the past winter unable to continue public labor, I turned my attention very anxiously to the question of what could be done by means of this printed matter. I thought if the papers could not be distributed so as to bring some income to our Office of publication, then we would distribute them gratuitously, especially if the providence of God should send us means with direct reference to paying the postage.
We have entered upon a thorough system by which we seek to place several numbers of our paper in every family in Switzerland that read the French language, and as far as possible in every Protestant family in France. All connected with our work at Basle have united with us in this effort. We have sent out a large number of the earlier copies of our paper, placing letters in the first and fourth numbers sent. We have made this work a special subject of prayer, and have watched the providence of God to see if he approved of what we were doing. The success of this undertaking has greatly exceeded our expectations. Money has come in small sums from many sources from which we had no thought of receiving anything, and in several instances it has been especially designated for this gratuitous distribution. A few days ago we received 30 francs from Egypt.
We have received many favorable responses to our letters, and hardly a day passes without our receiving one or more subscribers, as the result of this work. Even those who refuse our paper, generally say that they have been interested in reading it. I think we have adopted a system of action which promises the most important results. We have an immense number of addresses, and can obtain many more without difficulty; and if God shall prosper us in the future as he has begun to do, we certainly shall see great results from this effort. We have had to contend with the bitterest prejudice and the densest darkness; but I believe it to be possible, by means of our paper accompanied by letters, to gain the attention of the people and secure an interest in behalf of the truth.
We find the paper even more valuable for distribution than the tracts, because every paper contains a variety on the most important subjects connected with our faith, and there is not one article in any of the papers that we should be unwilling to have examined by our enemies. We have a large amount of excellent tracts, but these we shall use with greater reserve, and as far as possible shall obtain pay for them. We have not been under the necessity of using any means from the missionary treasury for the expense of this distribution of our paper. We have means for the present to carry on this work, and believe God will still sustain it.
I am glad to speak of God’s mercies. The way is now open before us to make an important move in behalf of the French people, and we have many tokens that God is blessing the effort that we make. Within a few days past a great change has taken place with respect to my health. My strength has begun to return, and I believe that God is willing once more to strengthen me for his work. I ask no greater happiness than the privilege of doing the work of God. I expect to labor with Bro. Loughborough during the tent season, if my health will permit. I must, however, reserve some time in which to write for our paper and to read the proof-sheets.
Since writing the above we have received the first two responses from a quantity of our old papers sent into France a few days since. As these were copies of the first number printed, we had some doubts concerning their favorable reception. But the first of these responses was an earnest request that more copies should be sent, the writer promising to distribute them to others, and saying that he would give them to those only who would promise to read them and distribute them to others. He also said that he would subscribe for our paper when he could raise the money. The second response is from a man who became so much interested in the electrotype of the chart printed in that number, that he writes to purchase a copy of the original chart.
We have sent, from time to time, a considerable number of copies of our paper into France from our regular issue, and some have responded by sending us money; but this is the first time that we have sent old copies, and these are the first responses.
Basle, March 28, 1880.

ONE WEEK'S SUMMARY.

By M. L. Huntley

BY M. L. HUNTLEY.
Those who read the quarterly report of the Battle Creek Missionary Society in the last REVIEW, may be interested to learn more concerning the work of this society. It is composed quite largely of students, helpers at the Sanitarium, and Office hands; consequently the membership is constantly changing. At present there are about three hundred members. The society is divided into what are termed the Office, Sanitarium, College, and Scandinavian divisions, each of which is supplied with the regular officers, and excepting the last named, hold separate meetings three evenings each month. Once each month all unite in a general meeting. The resident members of Battle Creek are connected with the several divisions, so as to give strength and permanency to each. The society now receives five hundred copies of the twelve-page edition of the Signs, three hundred each of the monthly Instructor and College Record, and one hundred and seventy-five copies of the Danish and Swedish papers.
In addition to this, the society has taken three hundred copies of Good Health, the subscription for which has just expired; and several individual members have subscribed for clubs of from two to twenty copies of the Signs.
Below are extracts from letters, all of which, with others, were read at the several division meetings last week. The following is from a young man in Kansas:—
“My father and mother are dead, and I have no recollections of them whatever. I was brought up by strangers, and was taught the Catholic faith, which I believed until two years ago, when I began to read the Bible. I am now convinced that the S. D. Adventists have more light, and preach more Bible truth, than any other denomination, and it is my intention, at the earliest opportunity, to unite with them in church fellowship. I wish to enter into the tract and missionary work. Will you be kind enough to give me instructions? I am ready to go to work at once.”
Another writes:—
“Your letter is received, and I write this for mother, as she says she cannot write. She has received the REVIEW AND HERALD, also the Signs, quite regularly, and is enthusiastic in praise of them. She has read a number of tracts published by your house, and is equally satisfied with them. She says she would like some of those advertised on the slip you sent, and may send for them soon. I think you may count her an Adventist, or nearly one. We appreciate your kindness in sending the papers, and wish to thank you for them.”
The following is from England:—
“The more I watch the signs of the times, the more clearly I see the necessity of proclaiming on every hand the near approach of the righteous King. I thank you very much for the REVIEW AND HERALD. It is an excellent paper. I do not think we have one here which comes up to it, all things considered. Since reading your Sabbath articles, I see certain things which incline me very much toward the idea that the seventh day is the true Sabbath; but I must think more about it. I never like to jump at conclusions too hastily, but want to see the way-marks clearly. I like to read, wait, learn, and inwardly digest, fully trusting in the Spirit's guidance. The subject is of great importance. How precious is the Sabbath day to the world!”
Another says:—
“You asked me what I think of the REVIEW and Signs. I think they are both very good papers, and ably conducted. Good Health is a magazine which ought to be in every person's hand who can read. I think it one of the best of the kind I have ever seen. I thank you a thousand times for the reading matter you have sent me.”
The following letter was written to the Publishing Association:—
“SIRS: I picked up a piece of a book called the ‘Seventh-day Adventists,’ and was much pleased with it. I made out the name and place as best I could, and may not have them right; but if you yet publish the book or pamphlet, you may understand what I desire. The author's name was Uriah Smith. I wish to know the terms, as I am desirous of seeing the whole truth.”
Another gentleman writes from England:—
“I wish to tender you my very best thanks for the copies of the Signs of the Times which you have so kindly sent me. I am quite delighted with the truths taught in this paper. The Sabbath question is new to me; but I hope to be able, by a thorough examination, to determine rightly in regard to it. I should like much to get some of the books advertised in the Signs; viz., The Sanctuary, Thoughts on Daniel, also on Revelation, History of the Sabbath, The Nature and Destiny of Man, and several others. If you can inform me if there is an agent on this side of the Atlantic of whom I can obtain these books, you will confer a very great favor. I cannot afford to get them all at once, or I would trouble you to send them from America; but if there is an agent anywhere in England, I can obtain them, also the Signs of the Times, more easily of him.”
This correspondence illustrates but one branch of the work of this society; and this branch, during the winter, has not excelled in interest the home missionary labor mentioned in the report last week.
Very few families have been found throughout the entire city who refused to receive reading matter, and many accepted it joyfully. Those who have engaged in this home-labor have added much to the interest of the weekly meetings by their verbal reports, which have given evidence that God was blessing their efforts. Indeed, if previously we had seen no evidence of the efficiency of the missionary work, sufficient has been developed from week to week to give us great faith and assurance in this respect. Still the work that might and ought to be accomplished is but just begun.
Some may think that at this place we have great facilities and advantages for carrying forward the missionary enterprise. While this may be true in some respects, it should be remembered that we also have to meet serious difficulties not experienced elsewhere. Work is abundant everywhere, and everywhere the words of our Saviour are applicable, “He that reapeth receiveth the wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal.”

BIBLE TERMS FOR BIBLE DOCTRINES.

By R. F. Cottrell

BY ELD. R. F. COTTRELL.
The doctrines of the Scriptures are best expressed in Scripture language; and a doctrine that necessitates the use of other terms, is not to be accepted as a Bible doctrine. Such terms as trinity, transubstantiation, indulgence, penance, and purgatory, are not necessary to express any Bible doctrine. We can believe all that the Scriptures say of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and yet not believe the strange and contradictory ideas which men wish to convey by the term triune God. We can believe that the Son of God was with the Father before the world was; that by him the Father made the worlds; that he made him equal with himself, calls him God, saying, “Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever;” that Christ is the everlasting Father of all his children, the redeemed; and that he and his Father are one in creation, redemption, and all their work; and yet not believe that the two are only one person. The Son is an object of worship, because the Father has made him such. “Let all the angels of God worship him.” Therefore, in worshiping and honoring the Son, we worship and honor the Father.
But I took my pen to object to the use of the term “annihilation” to express the Scriptural doctrine of the destruction of the wicked. The terms of the Scriptures, “to die,” “to perish,” “to be lost,” “to be destroyed,” “to be consumed,” “to be burned up, root and branch,” “to be as though they had not been,” “to be punished with everlasting destruction,” etc., are just the very terms that express our belief. We want no stronger. The extreme significance of annihilation, as held by our opponents, is more than we claim; therefore, they always characterize our doctrine as annihilation, and then exhibit their skill in striving to annihilate it, asserting that nothing can be annihilated; a thing which may not be possible with men, though it may be with God.
A man of my acquaintance, some fifty years ago, was cited to answer to the church to which he belonged, on a charge of holding the doctrine of the annihilation of the wicked. In reply to the charge he told them he would state his belief on that point by quoting three texts of Scripture. He read those texts which say that the wicked shall be burned up, root and branch, that they shall be punished with everlasting destruction, and that they shall utterly perish in their own corruption, and said that he simply believed what these texts say. The committee, after consultation, decided that “it amounted to annihilation;” and so he was expelled.

TO THE BRETHREN IN OHIO.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

Two weeks ago we balanced our account with J. B. Gregory, our State S. B. Treasurer; and found that he had only ten dollars in money on hand. There are three months' pay due the most of the laborers in the Conference, and these brethren need their money.
I am sorry to see that our brethren have been falling off the past winter in their S. B. We have tried to have every church in the Conference visited and labored with faithfully, so that there could be no complaint of neglect, and in a great majority of cases this has been done.
We are still doing all we can to build up the cause in this State. Our preachers are poor, and their families needy. We appeal to you, brethren and sisters, in the fear of God, Are you really doing your duty in this matter? Have you paid a tithe of your income during the past year? Many have done this, I know; but I am sorry to say that many have not. And I know quite a number who pay nothing, or next to nothing into the S. B. fund. Brethren, how can you be so negligent, when the money is so much needed to assist the worthy servants of God?
The tent season is right upon us, and our brethren must be provided with means, or they cannot enter the field. We ask all, therefore, to consider the matter and send in all they can, and God will bless you.
D. M. CANRIGHT.

OUR PERIODICALS.

By Maria L. Huntley

BY MARIA L. HUNTLEY.
Those only who had an experience in the early history of this cause can readily appreciate the value of our periodicals as auxiliaries in the missionary enterprise. Should the tract societies, at the present time, be deprived of this means of carrying forward the work, it would be to them like a paralytic shock, taking away their strength and activity. There is no way in which missionary workers can as easily secure the attention and interest of persons to the truths which we advocate as by appropriate and attractive periodicals. Our weekly and monthly issues are not confined to doctrinal, or even religious, subjects; and the breadth and variety of thought which they suggest make them especially applicable to the tastes and wants of the reading public. To those who labor in the missionary department of the work, God has given an inestimable gift in these periodicals, and we should remember that where much is given, much will be required. The question whether they are duly appreciated and sustained by the tract societies is one worthy of the consideration of each member. To properly discharge this obligation which is resting upon these societies requires, (1.) That each society should act as agent in securing the subscriptions and renewals of its members, and in providing for the worthy poor, who are unable to subscribe; (2.) That through canvassers, colporters, and its individual members, a large number of full-paying subscribers should be secured each quarter, outside of S. D. Adventists; and (3.) That its officers transact the business pertaining to this work accurately and promptly, collecting and forwarding all money due on subscription to the Office at the close of each quarter. By this work good results are to be secured in two directions, which will be as enduring as eternity: first, to the persons who, by this means, read the papers; and secondly, by giving financial strength and support to the Publishing Associations, thus enabling them to widen and extend their influence.
From the following will be seen the approximate amount of business in periodicals which each of the larger State societies has done with the REVIEW AND HERALD Office since Jan. 1, 1880:— Michigan, $626.22; Iowa, $500.00; New England, $453.80; New York, $405.66; Minnesota, $361.38; Pennsylvania, $320.21; Wisconsin, $309.80; Kansas, $297.58; Ohio, $269.40; Vermont, $196.98; Indiana, $154.75; Dakota, $137.35; Illinois, $132.77; Missouri, $90.30; Nebraska, $89.66; Maine, $52.85. Total, $4,398.61.

THE T. AND M. INSTITUTE AT SIGOURNEY, IOWA.

By George I. Butler

This Institute was held in perhaps the worst time possible to secure a large attendance; but it accomplished more than we expected it would. Fifty-eight names were enrolled; and nearly all the ministers and licentiates of the Conference were present. This Institute was too short to accomplish all that was desired of such a meeting; but it did accomplish what we hoped, it created a desire for further meetings of this kind. I can safely say that those who attended were all made to appreciate, as never before, the importance of such Institutes, and were much in favor of holding another one this fall in camp, when we trust there will be a general rally of ministers, T. and M. officers, and people.
The special work of instruction was of deep interest. Eld. Whitney, though a stranger to nearly all present at the beginning of the Institute, carried the hearts of the people away with him, and all are very anxious for him to return this fall and help us in our larger Institute.
The best feature of all was the spiritual blessings we received. Our daily prayer and social meetings were seasons of special interest. On the last Sabbath, especially, Eld. Whitney gave a very interesting discourse on the danger and sin of backsliding, which, by the power of the Holy Spirit, deeply affected the hearts of those present. In the afternoon, after the discourse, a move was made in the congregation, to express a determination for greater consecration. Nearly all the congregation arose. Many excellent testimonies were given in the social meeting. The sweet and tender Spirit of God was there, and some of our young people made a decided advance. Some said it was as profitable for them as any camp-meeting they ever attended.
Thirty-seven pledged to take life memberships in the General T. and M. Society. This was a good percentage. Resolutions were passed, thanking the Sigourney church for their hospitality; expressing appreciation of, and gratification for, the instructions of Bro. Whitney, and a desire for his return; and requesting the Conference to advise the holding of a large Institute in the fall, in camp, at which there shall be a general attendance.
Our Institute was a decided success.
GEO. I. BUTLER.

ONE DAY IN THE MISSIONARY WORK.

By S. Prosper

BY S. PROSPER.
After an earnest petition for divine aid, I started out with a supply of reading matter, and the resolution that no one should be passed by. I visited seventeen families, and all of them promised to read. Many of them seemed quite interested, and asked questions on different points of our faith. One man had been an Adventist in 1844; but after the disappointment he became skeptical in regard to the truth of the Bible. I tried to explain to him our view of the nature of the disappointment. He admitted that it was reasonable, and said he would investigate. Returning home, I felt that God had accepted the humble offering of a day in his service, and in the great gathering day I trust that fruit will appear to his glory.
Dear brethren and sisters with the “one talent” (and I suppose none of us will claim that we have less than that), let us ask ourselves the question, Am I doing what I can? or am I waiting for a “more convenient season”? Depend upon it that such a season will never come as long as we permit ourselves to be hindered by Satan’s devices. How many blessings I have been cheated out of in the past by the thought that it is but little I can do! There are none of us but can speak a word for the Master and “present truth;” we can ask the people to read our publications, and tell them we believe we have the truth, and we want them to have it too.
Of late I have been studying Testimony No. 29. How good the Lord is to send us such precious warnings! It seems to me the vision of the Judgment ought to arouse every one who has any faith in the third angel’s message. While reading it, I have been led to search my heart and weigh my motives as never before, and I trust it has been profitable to me. I want to so appreciate the goodness of God as to be led to an unfeigned repentance of all my sins, that when Jesus comes I may have “an abundant entrance” into the everlasting kingdom.

WATAUGA, N. C., T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By L. R. Gragg

The quarterly meeting of the Watauga, N. C., T. and M. society was held April 4. The report of labor for the quarter just closed is as follows:—
No. of members, 7
“ “ added during the quarter, 2
“ “ families visited, 3
“ “ letters written, 13
“ pages tracts and pamphlets distributed, 3,288
“ periodicals distributed, 77
“ Annuals “ 6
L. R. GRAGG, Librarian.

BOULDER, COL., T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By Alice J. Green

The quarterly meeting of this society was held April 4. The report for the quarter is as follows:—
No. of members, 36 “ “ reports returned, 15 “ “ members added during the quarter, 4 “ “ Signs taken in clubs, 18 “ “ families visited, 16 “ “ letters written, 43 “ “ subscribers obtained for periodicals, 17 “ “ periodicals distributed, 418 “ “ Annuals “ 162 “ pages tracts and pamphlets distributed, 15,051 Total receipts, $43.45
The interest in the missionary work has increased during the quarter. ALICE J. GREEN, Sec.

Sister Zager's Missionary Report for 1879

—Sister C. E. Zager, residing in McMinnville, Yamhill Co., Oregon, sends in her report of missionary work for 1879 as follows: Periodicals distributed, 28; pages of tracts loaned and given away, 274; No. of families visited, 16; books loaned, 3; No. of interested readers, 3.
One of these “interested readers” is a sick lady to whom Sister Z.’s little daughter has carried reading matter. She has expressed gratitude for it, and her belief in the truths taught.
This sister, a widow with four little children to support, is sometimes troubled to get papers to use in the missionary work; yet she finds opportunity to do something for the Master.

The Living Force in Death

—There is a living force in death itself. This act of death to unholy desires, selfish ambitions, trespasses and sins, is the concentration of life, and the paradox is complete that death is life.—Morning Star.

INDIANA

Walkerton, April 12.—The Spirit of God is greatly blessing in this field. Up to the present time, twenty-four have signed the covenant. Two of this number were formerly Sabbath-keepers, but have re-dedicated themselves to God.
A good lot has been donated for the location of a church-building for our occupancy; and since we have been denied the privilege of preaching in either the Baptist or the Methodist church, the indications are that liberal donations will be made for the erection of a S. D. A. house of worship at Walkerton. Pray for the work here. A. W. BARTLETT.
Mechanicsburg, April 8.—Since my last report, I have held six meetings at Frankton, two at Russiaville, five at Arcadia, one at Noblesville, four at Grant City, and three at Mechanicsburg. At Frankton, we organized a T. and M. society of ten members. Attended the quarterly meeting of the church in Mechanicsburg, where we all enjoyed a blessing from the Lord. The T. and M. meeting was one of interest and profit. The society is out of debt, and will have a reserve fund of several dollars after paying for twenty-four copies of the Instructor and fifteen of the Signs and College Record, donating $20 to the tent-fund, and replenishing their library with a good stock of books. This is as it should be. WM. COVERT.

ILLINOIS

By J. F. Ballenger

Hope, Vermillion Co.—Our meetings in Bloomington, April 3, 4, were a success. Brethren from Leroy and Mackinaw were present. All received a blessing from the Lord in celebrating the ordinances. Sunday morning four were baptized. In the afternoon Sister Ida Ballenger lectured before the Ladies’ Christian Union Temperance Association, in the Washingtonian Hall, to a large and attentive audience. The lecture was well received, and was noticed in high terms by the city press. A collection was taken up, and $9.00 received to defray the expenses of the lecturer. Miss B. was invited to speak again the following Tuesday evening, which she did to a crowded house. We think these efforts have made us many friends in Bloomington.
  • The church held a business meeting first-day evening. Steps were taken to perfect the organization of the church. Sixteen signed the covenant set forth in the church record book, and also the usual pledge to sustain the cause of God with their means. Others here will join the church by letter. A lot was secured on which to erect a meeting-house, which we hope to have ready for dedication by the 4th of July.
Wednesday, the 8th, I returned to assist Bro. Hammond in the meetings in this place. There is some interest here, but the opposition is very bitter. We hope some will be sanctified through the truth. Pray for us.
J. F. BALLENGER.

KENTUCKY

By S. Osborn

Debate at Seatonville.—The debate at Seatonville closed March 26, after having continued five days. Eld. Harding was considered a great debater, and was highly esteemed by the Disciple church, which included nearly the entire community. He was an orator. His entire object seemed to be to evade rather than to meet an argument, and he had great tact in this direction. There are only two or three points that may be worthy of notice, as the most of his arguments were not new.
I pressed him to show what sin created the necessity for the death of Christ. He finally said it was the spiritual death of Adam. I replied, In order to make an atonement for that death, Christ would be required to die a spiritual death, then why did he die a natural death? It was not for his individual transgressions; for he had no sin. This he never answered. The communion could not commemorate this spiritual death; for there was no blood shed in that, no body broken. If there was no sin committed that required the natural death of Christ, then his natural death was in vain, and the Lord’s supper, on which they place so high an estimate, is a meaningless ordinance. He evaded this by a burst of eloquence. He said we were living under Christ’s law, and if we sinned we were amenable to Christ. I asked who was the mediator between Christ and man. Here he failed again. I showed that Christ was the Advocate between God and man. 1 John 2:1; 1 Tim. 2:5. I called the attention of the congregation to the fact that his system had no Advocate, no sacrifice for sin, no atonement; hence those who transgress Christ’s law must pay their own penalty. I compared this view with their teaching, and showed their inconsistency.
On his first-day proposition he only made one new argument, and that was on the Greek word kuriake (Rev. 1:10), translated “Lord’s day” in our version. He said this was exclusively a New Testament word, and must denote a new thing, a new day, requiring a new word to express it, just as the telephone, telegraph, etc., each required a new word. Here he cut the most of my answer off by a rule of the debate which gave the affirmative a right to close his proposition when he pleased.
But a new name does not always imply a new thing; for the followers of Christ were at first called disciples, but about ten years after the day of Pentecost they were called a new name,—“Christians.” Acts 11:26. Other examples might be cited to show the fallacy of his argument.
If the debate did no good except to confirm and establish our brethren there, it did that. We organized a little church of six members, all of whom were baptized into the faith. S. OSBORN.
In connection with the foregoing, we republish the following criticism on the word kuriake, by H. Wren, which we think sets the matter in its true light:—

LORD’S DAY AND THE GREEK.

Sunday advocates sometimes appeal to the Greek of the New Testament; and Rev. 1:10 is a text which is so used. The Greek expression there is “kuriake hemera” translated “Lord’s day.”
The argument they draw from the phrase is this: kuriake is a term which signifies relating to the Lord, i. e., to Christ. Hence, kuriake hemera is a day relating to Christ, or to the Christian dispensation. This day, they say, cannot be the seventh, as it related to the old dispensation; but it must be Sunday, as this dispensation is characterized by Christ’s having risen on that day.
Now, to our mind, this conclusion is not sufficiently obvious to carry with it a conviction of truth. If it could be shown by the advocates of Sunday that somewhere in the Bible kuriake is applied, in plain terms, to the first day of the week, their argument from Rev. 1:10 would be good. Or, if failing to find a passage where the adjective kuriake is so applied, they would produce one in which the stem, or original noun, kurios, is so used, that will do; as all will readily admit that if the noun kurios is used to express Christ’s relation to Sunday, then the adjective kuriake, which is derived from kurios, is so used in Rev. 1:10; and they have established their point to the satisfaction of every critic of the Greek.
But can they do this? All are free to admit that kuriake is an adjective derived from the noun kurios. Kurios means Lord, and kuriake means Lordlike, or pertaining to the Lord. It is, then, perfectly obvious that if kurios is ever used to express Christ’s relation to the first day of the week, when kuriake is used to describe a day, as in Rev. 1:10, this last day may be, and in all probability is, the first day of the week.
Right here is where they must stand or fall. If there is nothing in the Bible which applies either of these Greek words to Sunday, they must give up the case, since it is simply begging the question to assert that kuriake hemera in Rev. 1:10, is Sunday, without some Scriptural authority for such an assertion. It is merely to assume the very point to be proven.
An appalling fact here meets our Sunday-keeping friends. That fact is this: Neither kurios nor kuriake is ever used to express Christ’s relation to the first day of the week. But, on the contrary, kurios is expressly used to declare Christ’s relation to the Sabbath day. The Son of man is kurios (Lord) of the Sabbath day. Matt. 12:8.
Here, kurios is used to show Christ’s relation to some “day;” viz., the Sabbath day. Now, as we have seen, kuriake is an adjective derived from kurios. If, then, we anywhere find kuriake applied to some day, and there is nothing in the passage where it is so used, nor in any other passage, requiring us to acknowledge a different day from that to which kurios has been applied, we are bound to conclude that the day to which kuriake is applied is the same as that to which kurios is applied. So that kurios of the Sabbath day is identical in import with kuriake day. Amen; so let it be.

A PRAYER.

By Thomas Ellwood

Oh that mine eyes might closed be To what concerns me not to see; That deafness might possess mine ear To what concerns me not to hear; That truth my tongue might always tie From ever speaking foolishly; That no vain thought might ever rest, Or be conceived, within my breast; That by each deed, and word, and thought, Glory may to my God be brought! But what are wishes? Lord, mine eye On thee is fixed, to thee I cry: Wash, Lord, and purify my heart, And make it clean in every part; And when ’tis clean, Lord, keep it, too, For that is more than I can do. —Thomas Ellwood, 1639–1718.

ENGLAND

By John Norton Loughborough

Taunton.—Since my last report, three more have been baptized at Southampton, making sixteen in all who have been baptized at this place.
I have also spent four weeks at Taunton, Somersetshire. A few there had commenced to keep the Sabbath, and they wished to learn on other points of present truth, that they might be in harmony with the work of God for this time. The most of them had been Christadelphians. The faith of that denomination consists quite largely in negatives. They believe in no pre-existence of Christ; no devil; no Holy Spirit aside from the word; no law; no resurrection for a large portion of the human race. And they look for a kingdom consisting of a mixture of mortals and immortals, with a special probation for the Jews, etc. One object of this, my first visit to Taunton, was to examine the Scriptures with them on the above subjects. Most of our meetings were held in Bro. Veysey’s school-room. I am glad to report, as the result of our investigations, that the company here is now in harmony with us on these points. Seven signed the covenant. Besides these, some others are investigating with interest.
We held two meetings in Assembly Hall, Market House, which were quite well attended; but as there was great political excitement consequent upon the dissolution of Parliament and the election of a new one, and as the charge for the hall was a little over $5.00 per night, we did not deem it best to risk so great an expense in such an exciting time. We hope the meetings held in Taunton are only the beginning of a still greater interest to be seen there in the future.
A Parliament canvass here is unlike a Presidential campaign in America. There, you will have the excitement until next November; but here, Parliament was dissolved March 24, and the elections must be held, and all returns made, within a month from that date. Though the canvass is short, it is earnest and exciting. Members of Parliament who wish to be re-elected, or others wishing election, not only make speeches setting forth the principles of their respective party, but they say in so many words, “I want you to vote for me.” These candidates also go from house to house, calling on every voter in person, and getting, if possible, a promise to vote for them. So there is excitement all the time. Most of the elections will be over this week; and whether “Tory rule” is to continue, with Beaconsfield as Premier, or Liberalism is to again have power, as under Gladstone, will soon be known.
Amid all the excitement and confusion of earth, we wish to be found at our post, active in the canvass for the “King of kings,” who is so soon to take his power and reign, when all earthly rule shall cease.
April 1. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

WASHINGTON TERRITORY.

By Alonzo T. Jones; WM. L. RAYMOND

Dayton and Pataha Prairie.—March 12 to 30 we spent with the churches at Dayton and Pataha Prairie. At Dayton one was baptized, and united with the church; ten signed the teetotal pledge; four joined the Benevolent Aid Association, and others will do so soon. Steps were taken toward the building of a meeting-house 24x36. Enough was pledged to insure the success of the enterprise, and a building committee was appointed, who will go right forward with the work as soon as the lumber can be brought from the mountains and properly seasoned.
At Pataha Prairie a tract and missionary society of nine members was formed. A Benevolent Aid Association was organized, with nine members; thirteen signed the teetotal pledge; and there also the building of a meeting-house is assured by sufficient pledges, and the house will be built as soon as the material can be procured. The Pataha church has only ten members (five men and their wives), but this shows that they have a mind to work.
May all in both these churches be faithful to the Lord in the vows they have made (Deut. 23:21–23), that he may bless them in all their efforts to help carry on the great work of warning the world. ALONZO T. JONES.
Dayton, W. T., March 31. WM. L. RAYMOND.
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