Earlier text: WHY DO THEY MISREPRESENT US?THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.
By George I. Butler
It is said that “straws show which way the wind blows,” and no doubt the saying is true; and if the wind should become strong enough to gather up things much heavier than straws, and sweep them along, the direction of the current would be unmistakable. Things are much in this shape concerning the progress of the “Sunday law” question. Any thoughtful person can readily discern the forces at work to bring about that which we have long been expecting, the enforcement by law of the Sunday institution. Even infidels can see this. I clip from a recent number of the Springfield (Mass.) Republican the following extract:— “The free-thinkers are considering whether they won’t ‘join in’ and take a vote or two in national politics. That is, Mr. Abbott’s call for the First Annual Congress of the National Liberal League declares that its principal business will be to decide the question of entering the presidential campaign of 1880 on a platform combining these elements: viz., 1. Total separation of Church and State [the italics are theirs], to be guaranteed by amendment of the United States Constitution; including the equitable taxation of church property, secularization of the public schools, abrogation of Sabbatarian laws, abolition of chaplaincies, prohibition of public appropriations for religious purposes, &c.; 2. National protection for national citizens in their civil, religious, and political rights, to be guaranteed by amendment of the United States Constitution, and afforded through the United States courts; 3. Universal education the basis of universal suffrage in this secular Republic, to be guaranteed by amendment of the United States Constitution, requiring every State to maintain a thoroughly secularized public school system, and to permit no child within its limits to grow up without a good elementary education.” Who cannot see that an effort of such a character on the part of those opposed to religion is well calculated to precipitate the struggle on the Constitutional Amendment question? In every great struggle there are always opposing forces; and the final success of one party is often as much due to the opposition of the other as to its own exertions. Opposition develops latent force in the other party, which otherwise would never have been brought out. Who supposes slavery would have been abolished so soon, if the South had remained quiet with what they had, and had not precipitated the conflict? So here in the Sunday movement, the effort of skeptics, German infidels, and those who hate religion, to secularize everything in our government, to keep open saloons on Sunday, and do other things of like tendency, will stir up the churches to oppose them, and enforce by law their religious tenets. There is something very suggestive in this talk of amending the Constitution. One party wants the word “God” so placed in that venerable document as to give it a religious caste, that they may be authorized to legislate on religious matters, for the upholding of Sunday. The other party wants the Constitution so amended that this government shall become entirely secular. We may be sure this last course will never be permitted until the churches of our land have unitedly contested it; and when these do unitedly take hold, they can carry the country. United, they can carry through any measures they would be likely to advocate. Evidently the free-thinkers see the struggle coming. Last winter, for the first time in my knowledge, agents of the Sunday movement traveled through the leading towns of Iowa, advocating the amendment of the Constitution. These meetings were largely attended. The largest churches were opened for them, showing that the principal denominations were listening favorably. They circulated tracts quite extensively. One of these tracts was placed in the post-office box of the elder of the Knoxville church. Its title is as follows: “Sunday Laws and Sunday Liberty: A Few Plain Words on Some Rights and Duties of American Citizens.” The tract speaks of the importance of Sunday observance in this country and its contrast with foreign practices, tells how this state of things was brought about, its necessity, &c. Quotations are given from the decisions of the supreme court in New York in behalf of Sunday as a civil institution, and an attempt is made to make it appear that the stability of our institutions largely depends upon Sunday rest. We are told that other nations are studying our example; that in many parts of Europe “the question of Sunday rest and its maintenance by law is engaging earnest attention;” and that “our system of Sunday legislation is being studied with care.” The tract adds: “For the sake of our fellow-men in other lands, as well as for our own sakes, should we vigilantly maintain it.” It says further, “The American Sunday laws are not obsolete traditions left as dead letters on our statute books. They are a vital part of our free republican institutions, which is the growth of two centuries’ experience in the problem of adjusting the mutual rights of members of civil society, so as to secure the largest measure of personal liberty consistent with the general good.” “The Sunday laws have uniformly been sustained by the highest courts, as in harmony with the principles of our government.” “Those whose religious convictions do not require the suspension of business on Sunday cannot claim exemption from the restraints of law which are necessary to protect the rest and worship of others. The Mohammedan or Mormon cannot claim exemption from the statutes against polygamy, though his conscience may not forbid, but rather enjoin, the marrying of more than one wife. Liberty of conscience may not interfere with the public welfare.” “The provisions made in some of the States for those who keep Saturday as the Sabbath are necessarily limited and exceptional, inasmuch as the rights of the few must be restricted by the competing rights of the many.” This tract is published by the New York Sabbath Committee, 31 Bible House, New York; and of course stands as a representative document. The references in the above to the rights of seventh-day observers, comparing them with Mohammedans and Mormons, are truly suggestive. The appeal to the civil law, by which to enforce the observance of Sunday, is plain enough for a child to see. Thus we see that the forces to be arrayed for the full development of the Sunday movement, are taking shape. When the free thinkers make a call for their “First Annual Congress of the National Liberal League,” and declare its “principal business” is to decide upon the question “of entering the next presidential election upon this issue of secularization, or of separating Church and State,” who shall say this is not getting to be a great impending question? And when the National Sabbath Committee, located in New York City, sends forth its lecturers all over the country, appealing to the law, and trying to form a public sentiment in favor of enforcing the papal Sunday institution by the law, classing the observers of God’s holy Sabbath with Mohammedans and Mormons, who are violators of God’s law, surely the issue is explicit enough. And instead of these being mere straws which show which way the wind blows, it would seem as if the current had become strong enough to sweep in most anything, when even the infidels are talking of making these things a national issue. The present aspect of national parties, the settlement of most of the past party issues, the process of disintegration so clearly apparent, also point to the same result. New questions must soon attract the public mind. It would be very reasonable, at least, to suppose that the issues we have been considering will soon be live issues before the American people. These things point to the nearing of the end. DAY ONE TO THE SABBATH.
By W. M. Jones
The rendering “the first day of Sabbath,” is good in part, but not quite clear enough for the English reader. He may understand it day one of the Sabbath that is past, or of that which is coming. Some one lately wrote, “First day after the Sabbath,” but the Shemetic languages, and especially the Hebrew, give the idea of tendency toward, or of proceeding on to the coming Sabbath. This is true of each of the six days; and when speaking in Hebrew, the Jews of to-day, say, Yom ekhad Beshabbath, יום אחד בשבת the preposition be, (that is Beth—and sheva) is to be understood of tendency forward NOT backward. Hence Day One to, or One Day to; Two Day to and Three or Third Day to the Sabbath; for all belong to the coming Sabbath, and not to the Sabbath that is past. There was no Sabbath till six days had elapsed, and so of every succeeding Sabbath. We must pin our first-day friends to this overwhelming truth, that according to nature’s chronological law there cannot be a Sabbath without six preceding days. The Hebrew idiom, for the hebdomad or our Romanized and Saxon watch time—otherwise, week, is the most perfect. The Sabbath by that idiom controlled the elapsed six days. The first, second, and third days looked forward to the seventh day as the END of the cycle, just as the laboring man naturally wants rest at the end of six days of toil. This idiom is conserved in the Greek, but with majestic force, by employing the genitive plural instead as in Hebrew of the dative singular. So we read Elohim, pl., instead of El, sing., for God. Mia tone Sabbatome should be understood from the Hebrew standpoint; for our New Testament, though in a Greek garb, is nevertheless dyed with Hebrew coloring, or in other words, was written under the shade of Abraham’s oak; and though the word Sabbaths is employed when fastening the six days to one Sabbath, it is rather the DIGNITY of the Sabbath that is intended; the Sabbath being the ruling head or end of each of this easily understood division of time. Allow me to refer you to my Chart of Days in the bound part of the Memorial recently sent to the REVIEW Office. In the Persian, Turkish, Bengali, and Hindostani languages you will see that I have corrected them, by drawing the pen through the word from, and have supplied proceeding on to or, simply to the Sabbath. See also the Targum Dialect and Chaldee Syriac on page 18. On the same page note the article, “The Table of Days;” and also at page 24 the articles, “Chart of Days,” and “Day One to the Sabbath.” I have been at long wearied study with natives and with numerous authorities before me—I cannot say how long, but for many years—and I find but one uniform testimony, which confirms nature’s order, as given in the first chapter of Genesis. Any Hebrew Rabbi, who is at all versed in his tongue, will sustain the idea that Beshabbath means to or toward the Sabbath. The Greeks were too near Shemdom not to understand that their own idiomatic use of what we call the week was an intensified conformity to the Hebrew idiom or form of expression. The starting point was not with the Sabbath, but with the First Day, or Day One, and so on to the Sabbath—the end—or hitching post for the cycle of seven days. The whole thing is simple and striking. Our word week is not a literal translation, but it is the best we have, unless we resort to a cumbersome use of words which no one would relish in English. Therefore the first day of the week is good enough. Mill Yard, London. W. M. JONES. THE GERMANS.
By James Sawyer
A few weeks before the Michigan camp-meeting I left Battle Creek, intending to visit the Swedes in Northern Michigan. As I had heard that there were Swedes in Grand Rapids, I made an effort to find them and distribute tracts and papers among them. There are many Germans in the city, and it seemed to be a good opportunity to find some of them. The first German I visited bought a German pamphlet. I learned from him the whereabouts of others, but was called away to attend to other matters. About three weeks passed, and I returned to my work as colporteur among the Swedes and Germans. I found the German to whom I sold the pamphlet ready to purchase another, and found another person in his shop who wished to purchase an English tract on the same subject as the one the German had obtained. The German desired me to come again. I visited many families of Germans and found some willing to read tracts and even to pay for them; and some of the Catholics took tracts. A German on the cars, who was from Chicago, said there were eight German Methodist churches in that city, fifteen German Lutheran, and six German Evangelist, besides a great number of German Catholic churches. As we drew near Suspension Bridge he said there was one German Lutheran church at the Suspension Bridge and one at Niagara Falls. He gave me the names of prominent members in these churches, which I will send to the agent of the General Tract Society. We believe the third angel’s message has not fairly begun its work, even among the foreigners in our country. Many of the Germans as well as the Scandinavians, are yet to receive present truth. There are probably ten times as many of the Germans as of any one class of foreigners in our land, and an effort to help them may be made, on the part of the colporteur at any time, since there are tracts already published in this language. We cannot help looking for a good future in the T. and M. work among this people. The country places will of course be more favorable than the cities; for in them strong drink and tobacco are obstacles to reform. But it should be the desire of every one to see all, without regard to nationality, rejoicing in hope of salvation through the gospel. JAMES SAWYER. The interest in this place is considerable, and our attendance has continued unabated, notwithstanding the weather has been rainy and very unpleasant a large portion of the time since my last report. Our audience is composed of the intelligence and talent of the place, and we were never favored with better attention. Sunday evening we had about three hundred out to listen to a discourse on “the End of the Wicked,” which was received with very general favor. S. B. Whitney. New Connecticut, Oct. 27. We commenced meetings at Green’s Corners, about seven miles south-west of New Connecticut, on the 16th inst. We have given eleven lectures so far. We are now in the midst of the Sabbath question, and the interest increases. After the lecture Thursday evening, the people made a rush for reading matter treating on the Sabbath, and soon took all we had. We spoke on Matt. 24 last Sunday, and one old gentleman, a Methodist, said he had believed in the soon-coming of our Lord for many years, but had said nothing about it; and he was ashamed that he had not. “The truth is, my friends,” said he, “it is unpopular.” The people are very kind and friendly. We have just received a call to labor in the village of Plessis, three miles from where we are now holding meetings. We have also a nominal interest in the Webster district, distant four miles. To-day we met with the friends in New Connecticut, and find them firm and zealous. H. H. Wilcox. M. C. Wilcox. I held six meetings on Marsh Creek, in Jewell Co. Six are keeping the Sabbath; others are convinced and I think will soon take a stand. The interest increased to the close of the meetings: should have continued longer had it not been for my appointment at New Liberty. We closed our meeting at New Liberty the 29th. This has been a good meeting for the brethren. I was glad to meet Bro. Wing of the Iowa and Nebraska Conference, and for the help he rendered in the meeting. We celebrated the ordinances. Bro. E. G. Currier was ordained elder of the church. I go from here to Hanover, Washington Co., which will be my post office address for the present. J. N. AYERS. In the SIGNS of Oct. 25, Bro. J. N. Loughborough gives a short report from the North Pacific Mission where he is now laboring. After speaking of his journey, he says:— “I reached Salem on the 13th, thirty minutes after the hour of my first appointment. Bro. Van Horn was speaking to a full house on the subject of love to God and man. After the discourse a brother was baptized and united with the church. At 3 P. M. the ordinances were celebrated in this church for the first time. It was a blessed occasion. We were gratified to meet some fifty Sabbath-keepers together from the churches of Salem and Eola, a point some five miles distant. We have had interesting meetings both in the preaching and business matters considered. All are looking forward with interest to the formation of a Conference in this North Pacific mission. These Sabbath-keepers, only about one year in the faith, seem desirous to move in harmony with the body of God’s people, to learn duty and do it in the fear of the Lord. One more was baptized on Sunday. “Our people are occupying a neat little church which they rent from the Methodist society. The work here is not finished by any means, as there are many who listen, and look with favor on our cause and the truth.” WISCONSIN T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By H. W. Decker; Mattie A. Kerr
Pursuant to notice, the general meeting of the Wisconsin T. and M. Society was held at Neenah, Oct. 26–28. The attendance of directors and brethren was larger than we have had before during the past two years. Union, and earnestness of purpose characterized all the deliberations. The first session, held the evening after the Sabbath, was opened with prayer by Bro. Baker. The secretary’s report was read and accepted. The president then presented and explained the different items of business that would come before the society. After remarks by Bro. Olson and others the meeting adjourned to call of Chair. First-day, nine o’clock A. M. Meeting opened with prayer by Eld. Olson. All members of the society present were invited to participate in the business of the meeting. It was voted to purchase a new top for tent No. 5; also to adopt the constitution as revised by the committee appointed by the General T. and M. Society for that purpose. The Chair was authorized to appoint a committee of three on resolutions. O. A. Olson, N. M. Jordon, and S. S. Smith were appointed said committee. Voted, That we recommend our brethren to continue their donations to the general fund for the ensuing year. Voted, To donate one hundred dollars to the General T. and M. Society out of the general fund. Voted, To indorse the president’s order for 10,000 Health Annuals for this Conference. Voted, That the president be authorized to issue license to colporteurs. As an incentive to diligence in selling the Health Annual, the president offered a reward of five dollars to the person who shall sell the greatest number in this Conference up to the time of the next general meeting. Adjourned to call of Chair. At 2:30 P. M. the third session was opened with prayer by the president. The Committee on Resolutions reported as follows:— Whereas, The tract and missionary work has proved an efficient means in spreading the light of present truth; therefore, Resolved, 1. That we pledge ourselves to enter into the work with renewed earnestness. 2. That in view of the growing importance of the T. and M. work we earnestly urge all the brethren to become members of the T. and M. Society. 3. That we consider it the duty of all to pay a sum equal to one-third their S. B. pledge for the T. and M. work. 4. That we appreciate the earnest and efficient zeal of our president, and pledge him our hearty co-operation. Report accepted and adopted. Report of last quarter read, as follows:— Families visited, 149; letters written, 92. Received for membership, $3.00; by donation, $62.41; on book sales, $7.64; for new subscribers, $20. New subscribers for REVIEW, 1; INSTRUCTOR, 9; REFORMER, 1; SIGNS, 1. REVIEWS sent to friends, 64; INSTRUCTORS, 15; REFORMERS, 29; SIGNS, 28; No. of periodicals distributed, 873; almanacs, 112; tracts and pamphlets, pages, 45,570. Received during quarter, $234.52 Paid to SIGNS Office, $160.00 General fund: Received, $24; paid out, $20; on hand, $4. The last session was mostly occupied in devising the best means to distribute reading matter and secure subscribers for our periodicals. H. W. DECKER, Pres. MAINE T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By J. B. Goodrich; R. J. Goodrich
The fourth quarterly meeting of the Maine T. and M. Society was held with the church at Norridgewock, Oct. 21, 1877. President in the chair. Meeting opened by singing and prayer. The minutes of the previous151 meeting were read and accepted. The report of the workings of the T. and M. Society for the last quarter was also read, showing the following summary:— | Districts. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Total |
|---|
| No. of members |
63 |
37 |
60 |
|
25 |
185 |
| ” Reports returned |
34 |
18 |
38 |
2 |
8 |
100 |
| ” Donors |
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
| ” Families visited |
33 |
20 |
34 |
1 |
146 |
234 |
| ” Letters written |
138 |
28 |
109 |
|
3 |
368 |
| ” ” received |
|
|
60 |
|
|
60 |
| ” New subscribers |
|
1 |
3 |
|
7 |
11 |
| ” Periodicals dist. |
1068 |
150 |
1176 |
4 |
26 |
2424 |
| ” Almanacs distrib. |
|
30 |
12 |
|
|
42 |
| ” Pages tracts & pamp. |
7358 |
44351 |
13180 |
449 |
20067 |
85410 |
| ” Loaned |
|
|
1774 |
|
|
1774 |
| Rec’d for Membership |
$12 50 |
|
$16 50 |
|
$3 00 |
$32 00 |
| ” by donation |
13 25 |
$5 08 |
16 75 |
|
95 |
$35 13 |
| ” from book sales |
1 10 |
21 80 |
|
|
2 00 |
25 80 |
| ” Periodicals |
6 25 |
4 00 |
|
|
4 00 |
14 25 |
| ” from each District |
1 33 |
30 88 |
33 25 |
|
9 95 |
107 18 |
| Libraries fur. (1) books |
7 |
|
|
|
|
7 |
Report of V. M. Society in Dist. No. 1 shows the following: No. of Signs taken weekly, 60; No. of Signs distributed, 1,020; No. of letters written, 195; subscribers with prize, 2; subscribers, 1; Signs sent free, 4; families visited, 8. Report of V. M. Society in Dist. No. 3 is as follows: Signs taken weekly, 50; No. of families visited, 25; letters written, 177; pages of tracts given away, 11,054; pages loaned, 1,774; periodicals distributed, 1,184; subscribers for Signs, 1. Remarks were then made by Eld. J. B. Goodrich, G. W. Barker, T. S. Emery, W. W. Putnam, and J. E. Baker, which were of interest to the meeting. Adjourned to call of Chair. THE SABBATH.
By L. E. Millne
I hail this day of holy rest,
While holy love inspires my breast.
Among thy saints I fain would meet,
And worship, Lord, low at thy feet. Come, Holy Spirit, at this hour,
And let us feel thy quick'ning power:
Oh, let each heart, by sin distressed,
Now bid thee come, a welcome guest. Come, Lord, and show thy smiling face,
Give tokens of redeeming grace:
Thy precious blood avails to-day,
To wash the stains of sin away. What purity is promised here!
The Lord hath pledged, why should we fear?
Our offerings now, O Lord, we bring;
Accept the tribute while we sing. Thy wondrous love, so full, so free,
The pardon purchased on the tree,
The Spirit, and the bride say, Come,
'Tis free for all, that beauteous home. The King in beauty soon we'll meet,
And friends, long-parted, then we'll greet,
The wonders of his love behold,
And walk with Christ the streets of gold. We took down our tent last Tuesday, the 23d inst., after having continued meetings nearly seven weeks. The interest remained good to the last. Bro. I. G. Colcord and son have returned home. They have helped much, and I miss them. We have hired the Christian church of this place in which to continue meetings in the future. Over thirty have thus far publicly said that they designed keeping the “commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” The congregation was large last night: as many were out as could be seated in the house. Four made a start the last two evenings; and there are many others for whom we hope and pray. We hope to build up a good strong church here. Brethren, pray for the cause in this place. REYNOLDS, GA.
By C. O. Taylor
This place is sixty miles from Griffin, in direct line from Griffin to Brooks Co. I found twelve here who had identified themselves with the advent faith as taught by first-day Adventists. They were decided and firm on the “life and death question,” with as much faith in the soon coming of the Lord. I was with them ten days, speaking fifteen times. As the result, twelve entered into covenant to keep all the commandments of God, and not forget Heb. 10:25. They appointed a leader and arranged for a Bible-class and Sabbath-school by appointing a superintendent. There is much interest in this section of the State. The prospect for future labor is good. With a consistent walk on the part of those now believing, a large company may yet come to the faith. On my way to Griffin, I became acquainted with Bro. J. S. Wimbish. About one year ago he gave himself to the ministry. He has received the advent faith in part. He is very clear and decided in his faith on the nature of man, state of the dead, &c. He possesses moral worth, is very decided, and bold to defend what he knows to be right and truth. He wants the truth. I am to meet him again here. He has spoken to this people once a month during the past summer. I hope he will yet stand firm on all the points of present truth. FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS.
By J. H. Cook
DURING the two weeks since we reported last, the excitement here has run high. Bro. J. D. Powers has held a discussion on the Sabbath question with Eld. Perry, Disciple. Immediately following came Eld. Beaman, a Disciple, and very much of a Christian gentleman. But of necessity he must try his hand and exhibit his skill as an antagonist. We reviewed him before a full house. We admired the man: he was lovable, affable, and courteous. We can but hope that he may yet see the truth and be identified with the people of God. We supplied him with reading matter, which he thankfully received. As the immediate results of the presentation of the truth, five more kept last Sabbath, three of whom joined the church. We have organized a church of nine members. The Advent Sabbath faith is entirely new here, and various are the speculations in regard to it. In the minds of many who do not read very extensively there is a suspicious feeling existing toward strangers coming with what they call “new things,” especially if they come from the North. As usual in other places, the cry of Mormon, impostor, and false prophet, is raised, and if these fail the whole is capped with “soul sleeper.” The people who have heard are, I think, about equally divided for and against us. We have met with as much courtesy and kindness here as in Kansas and Missouri. I see no reason why this is not a good field of labor; but it will require long and patient labor. We are of good courage, and happy in the Lord. Dear brethren, pray for the success of the truth in this new field. We came to Linneus, Oct. 16. Have visited the brethren and found them all holding on to the truth. We obtained ten subscribers for the Instructor, two for the Signs, one for Reformers, and one for the Review. Held four meetings with the brethren here on Sabbath and Sunday, Oct. 20 and 21. Two decided to keep the Sabbath. Wednesday, Oct. 24, Bro. Nickerson took us to Oakfield, where we held four meetings. Our Friday evening meeting was held at a private house by request of a sick lady. Four spoke in this meeting for the first time, and three arose for prayers. The sick woman and her mother were two of the four that bore the cross. Sunday, Oct. 28, held meetings in Linneus. Three were baptized. Two joined the church in Linneus, and one joined the Oakfield church. There are others who will doubtless go forward in baptism as soon as they have overcome the habit of using tobacco. There are many calls to hold meetings in other places. S. J. Hersum. IOWA AND NEB. T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By H. Nicola; L. McCoy
Quarterly meeting of the Iowa and Nebraska T. and M. Society convened at State Center, Ia., Oct. 20, 1877, at seven o'clock P. M. President, H. Nicola, in the chair. On motion, L. McCoy was chosen secretary pro tem. Oct. 21, 1877, society met at nine o'clock A. M., the president in the chair. On calling the roll of directors, F. H. Chapman of Dist. No. 1, Daniel Andre of No. 2, S. M. Holly of No. 10, Wm. Conklin of No. 4, and the vice-president, J. T. Mitchell, were found present. Reports of labor for the past quarter being called for were read as follows:— | Total |
District |
Report |
|---|
| 360 |
|
Families Visited. |
| 170 |
|
Letters Written. |
| $8,386.44 |
|
Money Received. |
| 3 |
|
New Subscribers with Premiums. |
| 106 |
|
New Subscribers on Trial. |
| 5,017 |
|
Periodicals Distributed. |
| 145 |
|
Almanacs. |
| 256,482 |
|
Pages of Tracts and Pamphlets Distributed. |
| 835 |
|
No. of Members. |
| 128 |
|
Reports Sent Out. |
| 924 |
|
Reports Returned. |
At five o'clock P. M. the society met, all officers and directors in attendance being present. The new constitution was read and considered; and after quite a general discussion, it was voted that under our constitution no amendment can be made except at an annual meeting. The president being duly authorized, nominated Bro. B. Van Doren, of Smithland, Woodbury Co., Ia., to fill the vacancy existing in the office of director in Dist. No. 11, whereupon he was appointed by the Board. On motion, Resolved that all books from the publishing houses be ordered through the State secretary. On motion, Adjourned, to meet at time of next quarterly meeting, at Knoxville, Iowa. H. NICOLA, Pres. L. McCOY, Sec. pro tem. [Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.] California T. and M. Society.
THE first State quarterly meeting of the California T. and M. Society of this Conference year was held in Oakland, Oct. 21, 1877. The report shows the following summary of work during the past quarter. Membership, 348; reports, 169; new members, 10. Families visited, 405; letters written, 213; pages tracts and pamphlets loaned, 41,384; pages given away, 79,476; new subscribers for SIGNS, 58; for other periodicals, 86; periodicals distributed, 7,951; libraries furnished, 4. The money received for memberships, donations, book sales, and widows and orphans, sums up $519.41, which, added to $481.41 received on the general fund, makes a total of $1000.82, an excess over last quarter of $87.84. California State Sabbath-School Society.
AT the State quarterly meeting held in Oakland, Oct. 21, a State Sabbath-school Society was organized. A constitution was adopted. J. E. White was unanimously elected State superintendent, and Alice Canfield State secretary and treasurer. The society recommended the adoption of Prof. Bell’s graded question books throughout the State. WANTED IN MAINE.
By J. B. Goodrich
WE want one or more in each T. and M. district in this State to canvass for the HEALTH REFORMER and SIGNS OF THE TIMES. We wish to put the “Family Health Annual” into thousands of families this year; and it cannot be done without an effort on the part of our T. and M. workers. Let all at once take hold of the work in earnest, and it can be done. Dist. No. 1 has set a noble example, having decided to take 1,000 Annuals. Dist. No. 2 will take 500; and let Dists. Nos. 3, 4, and 5 take hold in proportion, and a good work can be accomplished. Now is the time to work. The last T. and M. report develops the fact that there are gifts in this State that, when brought into the field and instructed how to work, can accomplish a large amount of good. The V. M. Societies at So. Norridgewock and Allen’s Corner, Deering, with their present organization, have performed during the past six months more real missionary labor than all the rest besides; and when we take into consideration the fact that in one vicinity twenty-six are now keeping the Sabbath as the result of reading, how can any excuse themselves and say, “There is nothing that I can do”? All are left without excuse. A long winter is before us in Maine, and people will have time to read. Thousands of families should be furnished with reading matter at once, and it can easily be done if all will take hold of the work unitedly. Let our brethren and sisters remember that the added one-third is for the support of the T. and M. work, and let it be sent in with their T. and M. reports, and then we shall not be held in suspense in reference to means to carry forward the work. Watch, pray, and work; and God will give the increase. J. B. GOODRICH. SCENES IN THE LAND OF THE BIBLE.
A correspondent to a Boston paper gives this beautiful yet pathetic picture of the land our Saviour trod:— One of the most delightful mountain views that charm the traveler is the sunset glow of Lebanon. Sailing out of the harbor at Beirout a few days ago, we were entranced with the delicate, changing shades that creep over the goodly mountain and linger upon the summit of Sannin. Scarcely had the outlines of Cypress died away in the west when the moon rose over the mountains to illumine our course by the shore. Our good steamer seemed like some “waterwitch” on a beautiful lake, as we watched the sparkling waves and counted the lights on the hillsides. As we passed the coast of the Phoenician cities, “in thought I saw the palace domes of Tyre” and all the “treasures of her merchandise,” but the sandy shore is a lonely waste where the fisher spreads his net. Passing Carmel, we were in the morning in the roads at Jaffa. Here at sunrise appear the flourishing gardens and orange groves extending far to the plain of Sharon. The old hillside city is still alive. Already the Arabs are besieging our steamer with their usual din and scrambling for positions. Little boats are dancing over the waves, waiting for officials, and commissionaries are presenting their credentials. Near us lay a dark, old steamer, with two thousand recruits for the Balkans, and the quay was thronged with their friends bidding them farewell. Along the sandy beach were weeping women, chanting in Arabic their piteous laments and wringing their hands with all the intensity of Oriental grief.—Sel. The Coming Conflict.
By Mary L. Williams
The powers of light and darkness, which have ever been in irreconcilable conflict, and which will remain antagonistic until truth triumphs over all opposing forces, are now marshaling their legions for a grand and fearful struggle. The time rapidly approaches when the great question will not be, Is this or that orthodox? but it will be, Shall we take the Bible alone as a rule of faith and life? Such is the nature of the coming conflict, as indicated by the signs of the times. Come it must, and come it will, and that, too, ere long. Scoffers may ridicule the idea, but the day to reckon with the “mother church,” and all who are in any way related to her or have commerce with her, will come, and will not be delayed, though men close their eyes to the portentous signs, and go on in foolish wranglings over ecclesiastical dogmas and human opinions. The papal power is as relentless in its hatred of the Bible and enlightened Christianity to-day as when, by solemn edict, John Huss was burned or Wycliffe’s bones were disinterred and reduced to ashes. It is folly to talk of a change in the spirit of the “man of sin, the son of perdition.” No change has taken place; none will, for none is intended. For ages the mutterings of papal thunder have been heard from across the wave, but now the flashes of the angry lightning blaze in our faces. The powers of earth are soon to be shaken: the set time to judge the great harlot and favor Zion is at hand. Soon Zion’s enemies will be overthrown; but before that is done, the hurricane of human passion, intensified by religious bigotry and blind superstition, will sweep in all its fury over the land. Silently and insidiously, but still certainly, the minions of the pope are laboring to destroy all that stands in the way of papal supremacy, temporal and spiritual, in the United States and elsewhere. Danger has come, but the nominal churches sleep on. To this country religious truth and freedom were compelled to fly, to seek an asylum in the wilderness, and hither has the “man of sin,” with his army, followed; and to-day they stand ready and waiting for opportunity to strike Protestantism to the heart. It is time Protestants were laying aside Romish rites and ceremonies, such as Sunday-keeping and infant sprinkling, and many other things about which neither Christ nor the apostles ever uttered a single word. “To Rome or to the Bible”—to this test all must come, and then the contest, if we may so speak, will be between the “man of sin” and those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. But God is soon to judge and destroy the “great harlot,” and all who are in affinity with her, and whom she has made drunk with the wine of her fornication. Retribution may appear slow in coming, but it will come. Cold unbelief and unconcern may seem good enough now, but the ways thereof are the ways of destruction. Lot will soon have passed out of Sodom, and “the salt of the earth” have vanished; and then the rebellious and careless will be like stubble for the fire. The down-trodden law will assert its dignity and vindicate its honor. All hail to the day when these things shall be fulfilled. The cross shall then give place to the crown, and gladness supplant sighing and tears. Hope shall change to fruition, and the exile reach his eternal home. Oh! let us rejoice and give thanks that such promises have been left us. Let us stay ourselves upon them, and feed upon their preciousness. They are “well-ordered and sure,” and cannot disappoint us. Time may intervene, and great changes may occur before they are fulfilled, but they are all immutable and abiding. The command of Jesus is, “Occupy till I come.” We must keep steadfastly to the duties of our post, for the enemy is ever found at his. Jesus never meant that the signs of his coming should frighten us, or make us unhappy. He meant that the hope of his return should be the comfort of his people in their trials, and should inflame their zeal, and inspire hopes of redemption. Insults Are Like Counterfeit Money
“Insults,” says a modern philosopher, “are like counterfeit money. We cannot hinder their being offered, but we are not compelled to take them.” Cheerfulness.
By Eliza H. Morton
A SMILING face helps recommend religion to the world, therefore it is the duty of Christians to be cheerful. Cheerfulness sweetens toil. The hands move faster, and the wheels of every-day life run smoother, when the heart is full of sunshine. Why should we not be cheerful? The ransom price has been paid. The joys of faith and holiness and the everlasting glory of the other world may be ours. If the Sun of righteousness shines in our hearts, shadows will disperse, clouds disappear, and gladness take the place of heaviness. Let us then drink deep draughts from the Fountain of joy and bask in the “Light of the world.” If we do this, our faces will grow radiant with smiles. Glowing songs of praise will fill our hearts, and pleasant, gentle, loving words drop from our lips. Our lives will grow more beautiful day by day, and we shall finally enter the palace of the King, and in the “Land of Beulah” remain for endless years.