Earlier text: Our ConversationSeventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association.
By James White; A. P. Van Horn
Pursuant to notice given in the REVIEW the twelfth annual meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association was held in Battle Creek, Jan. 1, 1872. The President, Eld. James White, was in the chair. Prayer by Eld. J. Byington. The roll being called it was ascertained that there were present fifty-nine members, representing two hundred twenty-seven votes. Next in order followed the Report to the Twelfth Annual Meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association for the year ending Dec. 25, A. D. 1871. Cash on hand Feb. 1, 1871, ........................................ $7,403.57
Received on REVIEW, ............................................. $8,199.56
 “ “ Youth's Instructor, ................................. 1,170.99
 “ “ Health Reformer, .................................... 3,437.77
 “ “ Accounts and Deposits, ............................... 36,153.49
 “ “ Shares, .................................................. 5,778.00
 “ “ Donations, ............................................... 889.04
 “ “ Job Work, ................................................ 1,302.17
 “ “ Sales, .................................................... 7,243.76
 “ “ Mich. Conf. Fund, ....................................... 4,401.83
 “ “ Gen. Conf. Fund, ........................................ 3,620.45
................................................................ $72,197.06
Total, ................................................................ $79,600.63 Paid out on Acct's & Deposits, ................................. $36,490.18
 “ “ For Stock, ............................................... 10,858.11
 “ “ “ Real Estate, ......................................... 9,912.42
 “ “ “ Office Labor, ......................................... 7,156.78
 “ “ “ Wood & Incidentals, .................................. 2,431.46
 “ “ “ Type & Office Fixtures, ............................... 610.53
 “ “ “ Writing, MSS., ........................................ 314.00
 “ “ “ On Mich. Conf. Fund, .................................. 4,229.78
 “ “ “ On Gen. Conf. Fund, ................................... 3,156.82
................................................................ $75,160.08
Cash on hand to balance, ........................................... 4,440.55
Total, ................................................................ $79,600.63 Total value of the Property
of the Association, ............................................... $58,285.03
Association holds Notes to the
amount of ............................................................ 1,508.28
Due on Book Account, ............................................... 19,074.69
Cash on hand Dec. 25, 1871, ....................................... 4,440.55
Total, ................................................................ $83,308.55 The Association owes as follows:
On Notes ................................................................ $1,924.25
 “ Book Account, ............................................. 20,491.21
Total, ................................................................ $22,415.46
Assets after all debts are paid, ................................. $60,893.09
Assets as given in last Report, .................................. 50,014.02
Increase during the year, ......................................... $10,879.07 ANNA M. DRISCALL, Treasurer. I hereby certify that I have carefully examined the books and accounts of the S. D. A. Publishing Association and find them correctly kept, and that the above report of the Treasurer shows a correct statement of the financial condition of the Association according to my best information and belief. The Auditor's report was accepted by a unanimous vote. The next proceeding of the meeting was to nominate officers for the ensuing year; which was done by ballot, resulting in the nomination of the following persons: For President, James White; Vice President, E. W. Whitney; Secretary, A. P. Van Horn; Treasurer, A. M. Driscall; Auditor, L. P. Bailey; Committee on Publication, James White, J. N. Andrews, and J. H. Waggoner. This nomination was ratified by a unanimous vote. On motion of I. D. Van Horn, the committee on publication were elected editors of the ADVENT REVIEW AND HERALD OF THE SABBATH, and Uriah Smith Resident Editor. On motion of J. H. Waggoner, Miss Jane B. Trembley was elected Editress of the Youth's Instructor. It was moved by J. N. Andrews, that the following sums be paid to the different officers per week for their services: President, $12.00, Secretary, $10.00, Treasurer, 6.00, Auditor, 10.00 and traveling expenses; Resident Editor, $12.00, and Editress of the Instructor, $6.00. At this point of the meeting Resolution No. 14, as passed by the General Conference, was passed by this body. On motion of J. H. Waggoner it was Resolved, That we express our gratification with the new Office building which has been erected during the past year. In its plan and execution it reflects credit on our President, who has charge of the work, and on the mechanics who constructed it. And it is with heartfelt gratitude to our Heavenly Father that we behold this new evidence of the increase of that work of God which is dearer to us than all the treasures of this world. Adjourned to call of the President. JAMES WHITE, Pres.
A. P. VAN HORN, Sec'y. “This Generation.”
By Roswell F. Cottrell
MANY of the prophecies of Scripture are given as if the writer or speaker saw the things of which he speaks already done, or as if he was present, as an eye-witness, beholding the fulfillment. Hence events which were to transpire many centuries after the predictions were written, are spoken of in the perfect tense, as already accomplished, or in the present, as actually transpiring before the eyes of the prophet. As an illustration of this, we give the following, from Isaiah the prophet, written about seven hundred years before the fulfillment, in the rejection of Christ, and his death on the cross: “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows,” etc. “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He is taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgression of my people was he stricken.” Isa. 53: 3, 7, 8. In this chapter the present, perfect, indefinite, past, and future tenses are all used in describing the events of the rejection and suffering of Christ, then centuries in the future. And instances of this kind might be cited to almost any extent. The prophets seemed to be carried by the Spirit into the future, and, taking their stand there, describe events of the far future as really present. Apply this principle to the predictions of the Saviour giving the signs of his second coming, and all is easy to be understood. After saying that the sun shall be darkened, &c., followed by the assertion, “And they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven,” &c., he says, “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; when his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh; so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled.” See Matt. 24: 29-34. The term generation simply signifies the people living upon the earth at one time. It cannot be defined as any definite number of years. The active, responsible inhabitants of the earth, at the time alluded to, are not all of them to die, and thus pass from the stage of action, until the promised event transpires. The demonstrative adjective this restricts it to a particular generation—those living upon the earth at the particular time specified. Where do the words apply? At a time when the predicted signs have appeared. “When ye shall see all these things,” “This generation shall not pass.” This is the only reasonable view of the passage. But it is thought that the generation spoken of must be that one living at the time the prediction was uttered. But the signs were not fulfilled during the life-time of that generation. To solve this difficulty several inventions have been introduced. One says the generation means the Jews as a people, another that it is the generation of the Christians; and they find there are both Jews and Christians to the present day. But what kind of sign of the nearness of the second advent is the fact that there have been Jews and Christians on the earth for 1800 years?! For aught there is in such a sign, it might be 1800, or 10,000 years more to the advent. We are living at a time when the predicted signs in the sun, moon, and stars, are historic facts. Now which is most reasonable: to suppose that Jesus came down to the generation that should witness the signs, when he says, “this generation?” or that we should go back to that generation living when the prediction was given, and which passed away before even the predicted signs were fulfilled? But it is claimed that all must have taken place then, because the Saviour said, “When ye shall see these things.” But Isaiah says in the chapter from which we have quoted, “When we shall see him [Christ], there is no beauty that we should desire him;” and “We hid as it were our faces from him.” Was the prophet to see Christ? No; he died without the sight. Who were the we, then? Those that were living at the time of the first advent and did see him. Again, the apostle Paul says, “We that are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord.” Was the apostle to live to the second advent? No. Who, then, was meant by “we?” Those who shall be alive at that time. So the “ye” to whom the language of the Saviour applies are the people of the last generation, this generation, the generation to whom the fulfillment of the predicted signs is matter of fact. The advent messages of our day have proclaimed to the world the fulfillment of the signs. This generation have seen and heard; and this generation will not all pass from the stage of action; but some of them will “see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” R. F. COTTRELL. Men and Things.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Seventh-day Adventists cannot fail to be interested in this movement, it is so manifestly connected with the Sunday law which we have all along expected. The strict protection of Sunday by law comes out prominently in all their arguments for the desired amendment to the Constitution. The movement is evidently spreading, and gaining attention quite fast. Some ministers are devoting all their time and talents to it. From a report of one of these I clip the following out of the Christian Statesman:— “A leading judge said, in talking on the amendment, ‘It must be, as surely as God reigns and the Bible is his word of eternal truth.’ A lawyer, than whose no name in the city or State is higher, said, ‘You have my cordial sympathy. Count me in your ranks.’ Another eminent judge said, ‘I know this movement. I have watched it. Christian sentiment as to government in this land is chrystallizing, and this is the shape it must take.’ And so on I might go indefinitely. “As one of the ablest scholars and thinkers of New England writes me in a letter just received: ‘Notwithstanding the indifference of many and the hostility of some, from whom better things might have been expected, the movement towards the religious amendment of our Constitution grows in volume and strength.’ There can be no doubt of it. Let us ‘thank God and take courage.’ “Yours as ever,
“D. McAllister.” Beecher thus delivers himself concerning an opponent: “If we had it in our power to shut Mr. Abbott’s lips, to break his presses, to violently suppress doctrines which we deem untrue and pernicious, we would not do it. That is not the best way to combat error. Argument against argument, a better theory against a poor one, larger inductions against inferior ones, in short, better facts, better philosophy, better spirit, furnish the only true and proper method of resisting the injury arising from free speech, when employed in the cause of untruth. Freedom is the very atmosphere through which all angels of truth descend to the world.” This is right: Sound argument, moral suasion, a spirit of love, are the arguments which the advocate of truth must use. Arguments for Immortality.
Formerly the grand argument for the immortality of the soul, was its immateriality. It was immaterial, hence indestructible and immortal. All other arguments were secondary to this. It was supposed to settle the question. But as science and philosophy have advanced, how has it affected this argument? Wm. Pittinger, in a late number of the Phrenological Journal, thus states how this argument is now considered:— “Yet it is a singular instance of the change brought by advancing knowledge over the current of human thoughts, that what was formerly the great argument for the immortality of mind is now the weak point of the whole structure. The immateriality and consequent incorruptibility of the spirit was contrasted strongly with the inconstancy and perishibility of matter. The case is now reversed, and while the continuance of matter in all its integrity is as sure as any event in the future, belief in the continued endurance of mind, though somewhat strengthened by analogy, still rests rather upon faith than demonstration.” Scientific men have now practically abandoned this old argument from immateriality, and now rather seek to base an argument for the immortality of the soul upon exactly the reverse of this, viz., the indestructibility of matter! Yet they confess that this is about as unsatisfying as the other, and that the theory has finally got to rest more upon faith than upon proof! We hope they will make more such honest confessions of the truth, and thus help to open the eyes of the people. Dr. Horne also makes the following admission: “How many philosophers have theorized in vain on the mode in which the impressions of the senses are conveyed to the sensorium, and on the way in which they produce thoughts and passions! Yet the manner in which the brain operates in these instances is as much a mystery now as it was in the days of Plato and Aristotle. We cannot explain the nature of the human soul, nor in what manner it is united to the body; and yet, that such a union does exist, we are convinced by daily experience.” Introduction, Vol. I, chap. 5, sec. 1, p 159. Philadelphia, 1836. In short, all the boasted arguments from philosophy for the immortality of the soul, are vain and prove nothing. The only question is, What saith the word of God. Genoa, Mich.
By I. D. Van Horn; Stephen Pierce
We began meetings in this place Wednesday evening, Dec. 6. The brethren and sisters manifested a becoming zeal in being present at all our meetings. We were free in the Lord in presenting his truth, and we were privileged to see a good result. We held in all ten meetings with this little band of believers, and in one of them we enjoyed a good season in celebrating the ordinances. As is often the case our business meeting was the very best of all for the church. Some difficulties were happily adjusted, and we left them with good cheer and courage to go on in the work of overcoming. This church had never adopted the plan of Systematic Benevolence just as it was carried out by the body, yet they had a plan of their own which worked well among them. They made a change, however, at this meeting, and entered heartily upon the plan now carried out by our people. They had a tract society already formed, and were doing quite well in that direction. We find no opposition to this work wherever we go, but most of the brethren and sisters have a willingness to enter into it and do what they can. May the Lord bless the little company at Genoa, and may the light shine there till the Lord comes. We commenced our meetings here on Wednesday evening, Dec. 13. We had nine meetings, and they were all well attended. On Sabbath and Sunday, some of the friends from Leslie were present. This church has become few in number, yet they have courage to still maintain meeting and go forward in the work of present truth. Circumstances were such that we did not form a tract society here. A good share of the neighborhood about them is made up of Catholics, and they therefore do not expect many to take hold of the truth and go with them. Our stay with them was pleasant and resulted in good. They mourn over the apostasy of Eld. Frisbie. How it would cheer them could he go among them again and talk as he did eight years ago, when he presented the truth to them. We find as we have gone from place to place, that what is lacking among our people more than anything else, is the principle of love. Self-love and selfishness of all kinds must be thrown away, for it is worthless in the sight of God. We should cherish the same love for one another and for sinners that Christ did for us. If we can develop the same heavenly principle in us that he manifested while in the world, it will insure for us a home in his kingdom. Brethren and sisters, open the door of your hearts wide, and let the Saviour in, and he will guide you safely through all the perils of the last days. Hold on to the truth, overcome, and you will reach home at last. I. D. VAN HORN,
STEPHEN PIERCE. I have just closed a series of meetings in what is known as the Kentucky Settlement, the people being principally Baptists. In their house of worship I gave two lectures, which, through the influence of their pastor, Eld. Ward, was then closed against me. I was then permitted to occupy the school-house near by, by becoming responsible for all damages. Though much prejudice existed, yet this house was well filled, even on very stormy nights. And in consequence of such extreme cold and storm, we were only able to give eighteen lectures in a little more than three weeks. Having given the Sabbath question quite fully, and the people becoming somewhat stirred upon the subject, Eld. W. announced a discourse on it in three weeks. I asked the privilege of the house to review the same. He objected, and said he did not want it publicly investigated. The same day I was informed that I could have the school-house no longer. I was then compelled to change my meeting for the following Friday evening and Sabbath to the Carson school-house two miles distant. In the evening of this day he came to me privately and asked me to discuss the following: Do the Scriptures teach that the ten commandments are binding upon Christians? And setting the time on a week from the following Monday, I consented. The next day I returned home, and Wednesday I received a note from Eld. Stott (Baptist) of Columbus City, stating that he had been sent for to meet me, and was there ready to discuss three questions that week, viz.: The second advent, soul sleeping, and the seventh-day Sabbath; and that he would take pleasure in investigating the claims of Mrs. White to heavenly vision, the two resurrections, eating, drinking, dressing, &c., &c. When I informed him that I could be there Friday, and would be ready at the time agreed upon, he boasted, and insinuated that I did not want to meet him. Mr. Owen having withdrawn my appointment, I went to hear the elder, Friday evening, on the Sabbath question, he having given two lectures on other subjects the two previous evenings. The following were some of the arguments he used against the Sabbath of the Lord: 1. “Paul said it was wrong to ‘judge us upon this subject,’” Col. 2: 16, “yet the Advents do it.” 2. Those keeping Sunday are vastly in the majority, for “there are only 7000 Adventists and 7000 S. D. Baptists.” 3. “The ‘way’ and the ‘gate’ are wider now than they used to be. All the world is to be converted.” 4. “The wise and the good have always kept Sunday.” 5. “I keep Sunday because it is fashionable.” 6. “The ten commandments are abolished, nailed to the cross, set aside, done away.” 2 Cor. 3; Eph. 2: 15; Col. 2: 14. 7. “There is no Sabbath. I’ve got none.” 8. “Now put together Deut. 4: 13, and Heb. 8: 13, and we see that old death-dealing instrument is done away.” And to corroborate his second statement, he said that “you cannot put your finger on a text of Scripture but what the Adventists at Battle Creek have ten men writing about it.” I announced a review the next evening at the Carson school-house, being denied the meeting-house. The Elder left for home the next morning, leaving the field for me. We closed our meeting with a review of his discourse to a crowded house, feeling that the Elder’s effort had done more for the truth than against it; and that the Lord had ordered all for the best. As the result of these meetings, two prominent members of the Baptist church, husband and wife, who kindly gave me a home while I was there, have commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, and others are much interested and investigating. I sold five Bibles, some books and tracts, and gave away more, money being very scarce. I hope for more results in the future. The interest to hear on the part of the people was as great at the close as it had been. Some expressed a desire that the tent should come next year. I am now ready for work elsewhere. May the Lord direct. R. M. KILGORE. Washington, Iowa, Dec. 19, 1871. North Creek, N. Y.
By S. B. WHITNEY
My labors in this place closed for the present Dec. 10. Left twenty-two fully decided to keep the Sabbath. This opening I consider very providential, as the minds of many seemed all prepared for the truth. Quite a number told me they had been praying especially for light for a year or more; and although it brought a great cross to some, yet they gladly received it when it came. There is much prejudice and opposition in the community, but the friends all seem firm. All the public opposition I met, was one discourse against the Sabbath, by a Methodist minister, which only tended to confirm the believers, awaken interest in unbelievers, and which I reviewed with good effect. Sold and gave away several dollars’ worth of books, and obtained several subscribers for the REVIEW and Instructor. A prominent citizen of Indian Lake has also embraced the Sabbath by reading. M. D. CLARK
By M. D. Clark
LAST Sabbath was our monthly meeting. Bro. Bartlett met with us and gave six lectures. Four made a start for Mount Zion. To-day three more made a covenant with God. Within four weeks we have had eight conversions. A brother, formerly from Wisconsin, has confessed his backslidings and is once more trying to make his calling and election sure. May God’s grace be sufficient for these dear soldiers of Jesus. How much we feel the necessity of a deeper work of grace in our own hearts, that others may see that God’s law has had its converting influence, and changed our wicked and deceitful hearts, so that we can manifest that love which is an evidence that we have passed from death unto life. The brethren are reaching out by faith, and it is wonderful how willing God is to send his blessing. Oh! how careful we should be not to grieve God’s Holy Spirit, but keep pace with the message until we receive the crown. Burt Co., Neb., Dec. 17, 1871. AFTER the Ohio camp-meeting I held four meetings with the church at Bellville, which were a means of strength and encouragement to the believers. The resident members of this church are mostly females, and they greatly need and desire a good Sabbath-keeping family to move among them, that would give them a man thorough, whole-hearted, and devoted, to fill the office of an elder. They have a small house of worship, neat and comfortable; and the village is a pleasant and thriving one. Sunday, Oct. 8, preached twice in Knox Co., near Bro. Grant's. From thence journeyed to Licking and Franklin Counties. Held a few meetings in New Albany in an old school-house. We would have continued here longer, but no convenient place for meetings could be obtained. The meeting-houses in the place were closed against us. Held several meetings at Rhode's Corners, three miles from New Albany, in private houses. Here we found a number anxious to hear the reasons of our faith. Three more decided to keep the Sabbath of our Lord. Most of our meetings here were held at the residence of D. D. Woods, Esq. This generous brother, together with his worthy companion, treated us with kindness and respect. May they ever love the holy Sabbath and kindred truths, and hear Jesus say, “Well done,” at last. May the Lord bless all the dear friends here and in New Albany, and may they never dare to trample upon the solemn truth of God presented to them, but so obey it that they may be sanctified thereby. Sunday, Nov. 12, came to Bro. W. T. Carson's in Knox Co. Spent the Sabbath following in Bellville, then came to Bro. Bisel's in Richland Co., where I am now holding meetings. May the blessing of God attend the effort. H. A. ST JOHN. Darlington, Ohio, Dec. 5, 1871. Signs of the Approaching End
By W. E. Morton
BRO. W. E. MORTON writes from Deering, Maine: A look around upon the world at large is sufficient to convince any one that the end of probation is near and hasteth greatly. Iniquity abounds. The love of many has waxed cold. The state of society to-day is accurately described by Paul in 2 Tim. 3: 1, 5. All nature seems to proclaim that some great event is at hand. The commotion of the elements on sea and land, the unrest of the nations, the condition of the popular churches, and above all, the rapid advancement of present truth, are sure signs to the student of prophecy that we are rapidly approaching the heavenly meeting. The rapidity with which events move forward, and the results that are accomplished, should awaken the thought that the closing scenes of this world's history are but a little way in the future, and may be nearer than many of us suppose. Oh! that the honest in heart would awake to the importance of keeping all God's commandments and the faith of Jesus. The prize is worth the pains necessary to gain it. We cannot afford to lose eternal life. Then let us battle valiantly with sin and Satan, and in a little from this, we shall come off conquerors. A Reader’s Encouragement
By R. L. Buck
Bro. R. L. Buck writes from Fayette Co., Iowa: Dear brethren in the Office, my heart is with you in your good work. May the Lord bless you and give you strength to spread the light of this third and last warning to fallen man. I have received the paper for most three years. It has given me light and courage to put away my sins. Answers to Prayer in Michigan
Bro. A. Rasmussen writes from Montcalm Co., Mich., that a good work has been done in his house, and among his brethren there, in special answers to prayer, according to the many promises of the New Testament. He feels that they have reason to praise God, and be encouraged to claim his promises. A Testimony from Union County
By J. E. Simonds
SISTER J. E. SIMONDS writes from Union Co., Iowa: I have just returned from Osceola, thankful that I had the opportunity of attending that meeting. We all felt that God's Spirit was there to bless. I love present truth, and am glad that my lot has been cast with the people of God. May the Lord bless Brn. Butler and Canright. Let us live up to the light we have. Let us go often to the Lord in secret prayer although we may be numbered with the lonely ones, as I am. This is a means of grace that we can all avail ourselves of. A RICH young man of Rome had suffered from a severe illness; but at length he was cured, and recovered his health. Then he went for the first time into the garden, and felt as if he were newly born. Full of joy, he praised God aloud. He turned his face to the heavens, and said, “O thou almighty Giver of all blessings, if a human being could in any way repay thee, how willingly would I give up all my wealth!” Hermas, the shepherd, listened to these words, and said to the rich young man, “All good gifts come from above; thou canst not send anything thither. Come, follow me.” The youth followed the pious old man, and they came to a dark hovel, where there was nothing but misery and lamentation; for the father lay sick, and the mother wept, while the children stood round naked, and crying for bread. Then the young man was shocked at this scene of distress. But Hermas said, “Behold here an altar for your sacrifice! Behold here the brethren and representatives of the Lord!” The rich young man then opened his hand and gave freely and richly to them of his wealth, and tended the sick man. And the poor people, relieved and comforted, blessed him, and called him an angel of God. Hermas turned and said: “Ever thus turn thy grateful looks first toward heaven, and then to earth.”—Krummacher. It is the mountains that first reflect the morning’s red wing; the mountains that glow with the sandals of departing day. On them the law was given amid thunder and cloud; on them the sermon was uttered amid sunshine and peace. All day they are covered with grandeur, and “visited all night by troops of stars.” From their white distaffs flow the threads of great rivers; they lift old Winter upon their shoulders, and June lies asleep at their feet. The Master's voice was sweet:
“I gave my life for thee;
Bear thou this cross through pain or loss,
Arise, and follow me.” I clasped it in my hands:
“O thou, who diedest for me;
The day is bright—my step is light,
’Tis sweet to follow thee.” Through the long summer day
I followed lovingly,
’Twas bliss to hear his voice so near,
His glorious face to see. Down where the lilies pale,
Fringed the bright river’s brim,
In pastures green his steps were seen,
’Twas sweet to follow him. Oh, sweet to follow him.
“Lord, let us here abide;”
The flowers were fair, I lingered there,
I laid his cross aside. I saw his face no more,
By that bright river’s brim;
Before me lay the desert way,
’Twas hard to follow him. Yes, hard to follow him
Into that dreary land.
I was alone—his cross had grown
Too heavy for my hand. I heard his voice afar,
Sound through the night air chill;
My weary feet refused to meet,
His coming o’er the hill. The Master's voice was sad:
“I gave my life for thee;
I bore the cross through pain and loss,
Thou hast not followed me. “So fair the lillied bank,
So bleak the desert way,
The night was dark, I could not mark,
Where thy blest footsteps lay.” “Fairer than lily banks,
Softer than grassy lea,
The endless rest of those who best
Have learned to follow me. “Canst thou not follow me,
All weary as thou art?
Hath patient love no power to move
Thy slow and faithless heart? “Canst thou not follow me?
These weary feet of mine
Have stained red the pathway dread
In search for thee and thine.” O Lord! O love divine!
Once more I follow thee;
Let me abide so near thy side,
That I thy face may see. I clasp thy pierced hand,
O thou, who diedest for me;
I’ll bear thy cross through pain or loss
So I may cling to thee.” Beware of the Spare Bed.
By Ellen G. White
In our itinerant life we have suffered much by sleeping in beds that were not daily used. Beds that are not daily exposed to the air and sunlight, will gather dampness. And there are but very few who understand the necessity of having the sun and air come freely into their sleeping rooms, that bed and bedding may be kept perfectly dry and free from impurities. Beds that have been left unused for days, and even weeks, in the damp season of the year are dangerous to the health and life of those who sleep in them. When visitors are expected, the parlor stove may be for the first time set up, and a fire kindled in it, and the parlor bedroom opened. And this is considered sufficient preparation to make the friends comfortable. But the bed and bedding, if not carefully separated and aired, are not safe for any one to use. I have had a very afflicting experience in sleeping in damp beds. I slept with my infant two months old in a north bedroom. The bed had not been used for two weeks. A fire was kindled in the room, and this was considered all that was necessary. Next morning, I felt that I had taken cold. My babe seemed to be in great pain when moved. His face began to swell, and he was afflicted with erysipelas of the most aggravating form. My dear babe was a great sufferer for four weeks, and finally died, a martyr to the damp bed. A few weeks later, I accompanied my husband to fill appointments in several places. In four of these places we had the misfortune to be assigned the spare bed in rooms opening from the parlor. The stove was set up in the parlor adjoining these bedrooms the very day we were expected. Dampness had entered every part of these unheated, unventilated rooms. The windows had not been raised, and were carefully covered with paper curtains, and outside of these drapery, and the blinds were carefully closed. The air had not been permitted to circulate freely through the house, and the precious sunlight was excluded as though it was an enemy. Why was there need of windows at all when they were not used? It would have saved expense to have made these houses without windows. Our good-hearted friends received us cordially, and we should have enjoyed our visit, had it not been for the dreaded spare bed. At the first two places we visited, we took severe colds by sleeping in their damp, unused beds, and we suffered greatly with rheumatism; but tried to fill our appointments. In the third damp bed, we lay nearly one hour trying to get warm; but the clothing was literally wet. We were under the unpleasant necessity of calling our friends; for we felt that it would be positively fatal to life and health to remain in that damp bed. Our friends cheerfully renewed their fires, and the bedding was removed from the bed and thoroughly dried. We returned home from that journey, and exposure, to suffer for months. I feared that I should be a cripple for life. My husband was afflicted with pain in the chest and lungs, and he had a severe cough for months. After three months of almost helpless suffering, and careful treatment, by the mercy of God, I was able to walk. “We have been exposed on our late journey to “death in the spare bed.” We have taken colds, which have settled upon the lungs, causing soreness of the flesh. Since our fears have been aroused, we have been careful, and have been under the necessity of close questioning in regard to our beds. In some cases, we have removed the bed clothing, and have dried it by the fire, before we ventured to sleep. This may have given the impression that we were very particular, and perhaps notionally. We own that we are particular. We value life which God has preserved, by a miracle of his mercy, from the death in the spare, damp, and moldy beds. In the case of all these beds, where the air has not circulated through the rooms daily, the bedding should be removed and thoroughly dried by the fire, before being slept in. Sleeping rooms should have the windows raised every day, and the air should circulate freely through the rooms. The curtains should be withdrawn from the windows. The blinds should be fastened back. And the blessed sunlight should thus be invited in, to brighten and purify every bedroom in the house. The Northwestern Christian Advocate speaks touchingly upon this subject under the caption of “On one occasion, having need to see a minister early the morning after Conference adjourned, I went to his boarding place, one of the choicest in the city. He and his room-mate were making their toilet, and revealed their presence by hoarse and almost incessant coughing. Their entertainment had been most hospitable; but they had been assigned to the ‘spare room,’ in that case an elegant apartment, reserved for favored guests. The spacious and yielding bed had an inviting look, but a damp and moldy smell. Indeed, the whole apartment revealed an alarming unfamiliarity with sunshine. But it was the ‘best room,’ and any intimation from them that both room and bed were damp had seemed rude and ungrateful. So they occupied the room and bed, and contracted colds, from the effects of which one has since died, and the other still suffers. “Said a pale and haggard sufferer not long since, ‘I think I should be able to visit my appointments at least a few times more, if friends would not persist in putting me away in their chilly spare rooms and damp beds.’ When such cases have run their course, doctors may say, ‘Died of hepatized lungs;’ but more will understand them if they say, ‘Died of sleeping in spare beds.’ “The motives of good people cannot be questioned; but unwittingly they literally ‘kill with kindness.’ In the name of the brotherhood, I protest if we are to occupy the ‘spare room,’ and sleep in the ‘spare bed,’ they should be dry and well aired. We certainly do not elect to be suicides from courtesy, and you would not give us Death for a bed-fellow!”