It is alleged, as an objection against our work as a people, that nine-tenths of those we gather in are from the churches of various denominations; that is, that not more than one in ten of our number are from the ranks of unbelievers and those that have never before made profession of faith in Christ.
Now it is the worse for those who make this allegation, and the worse for professing Christians generally, that it is not true. Many of our number have come from the ranks of non-professors and even avowed infidels, and a large proportion is made up of conversions of young people who never before professed faith in Christ. It is true that our message gathers some from almost every church. But is this really an objection to our work? Viewed from a sectarian stand-point, it doubtless is. It is a matter of regret to churches to see their members leaving them; and there is the more reason for it if their most conscientious and spiritual members are taken.
But view it from another stand-point. Admit for a moment that our message is really the fulfillment of God's promise in the prophecy of the “third angel,” and is consequently a Heaven-sent warning, as we believe without a doubt it is. In this case it is the highest commendation of any church that, amid the general worldliness of professed Christians, it still has many members retaining so much of the spirit and life of godliness as to believe and obey a message from Heaven. In this view of the subject, that church stands highest in God's estimation that contributes the greatest proportion of its members to make up the “remnant” which are distinguished and described as those that “keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Would to God that more might be found in the churches. But thank God that there is, even at the present time, a remnant according to the election of grace. See Rom. 11: 1–5.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Access to God.
This, from the pen of Dr. Hamilton, is delightful to ponder:—
However early in the morning you seek the gate of access, you find it already open; and however dark the midnight moment when you find yourself in the sudden arms of death, the winged prayer can bring an instant Saviour near; and this wherever you are.
It needs not that you ascend a special Pisgah or Moriah; or put off your shoes on some holy ground. Could a memento be erected on every spot from which an acceptable prayer has passed away, and on which a prompt answer has come down, we should find “Jehovah shammah, the Lord hath been here,” inscribed on many a dungeon floor. We should find it not only in Jerusalem’s proud temple, and David’s cedar galleries, but in the fisherman’s cottage, by the brink of Gennesaret and in the upper chamber where Pentecost began.
And whether it be the field where Isaac went to meditate, or the rocky knoll where Jacob lay down to sleep, or the brook where Israel wrestled, or the den where Daniel gazed on the hungry lions, and the lions gazed on him, or the hill-side where the Man of sorrows prayed all night, we should still discover the foot of the ladder let down from Heaven—the landing-place of mercies because the starting point of prayer.
—Sel.
TURKEY
By A. C. S.
EACH day during the past week the cable news has indicated the certainty of a conflict of arms between the Servian and Turkish armies.
Prince Milan had departed from Belgrade to join his army in the field, and the bishops had gone forward to bless the troops, on Thursday; and the London Daily News' Paris dispatch, of Friday, says:—
“Advices from Belgrade say that the apathy and hesitation manifested a few days ago have been succeeded by a real political frenzy.”
The same dispatch says, “The Montenegrin delegates are positive that the prince will eventually join the Servians.” And a Vienna dispatch says, “Advices from Cettigne announce positively that a treaty of alliance was regularly ratified between Servia and Montenegro two weeks ago.”
The Paris correspondent of the London Times repeats that Prince Milan, on leaving Belgrade, harangued the troops and people as follows:—
“SOLDIERS AND PEOPLE OF SERVIA: I leave the capital to join the valiant army which will aid me to fight victoriously the traditional enemy of my country and religion. Adieu until after victory.”
“ST. PETERSBURG, JUNE 30.—The representative of Russia at Belgrade, acting on direct orders of the emperor, has to the last moment done everything in his power to dissuade Prince Milan from invading Turkish territory. The prince, however, declared that, being urged by the people, he could not remain a passive spectator after the acts committed by the Turks in Bosnia and their violation of the Servian territory. Had the porte accepted the suggestion of appointing him viceroy of Bosnia on condition of his recognizing the sultan’s full sovereignty, the prince believed the insurrection and the consequent threatening aspect of affairs would have been averted. The porte would not negotiate with Servia, and he was compelled to yield to the public feeling of the country, and must act accordingly.”
“LONDON, JUNE 30.—The Times' Constantinople correspondent says: “The new sultan is overwhelmed with the difficulties of his position, and contemplates abdicating in favor of his younger brother.”
“The Turkish government has formed the desperate resolution of enlisting 80,000 Bashi Bazouks, with a view to preventing the spread of the insurrection by the constant menace of a general massacre of Christians.”
Notwithstanding these movements, in London there seems some hopes of averting the conflict.
“The Times' Vienna dispatch, of July 1, says, Notwithstanding Prince Milan’s departure for the front, immediate action seems to be deferred, as dispatches were sent on Thursday to the Servian agent at Constantinople containing important communication for the Porte. From this it would seem that Servia will, after all, try negotiation before appealing to arms. The above intelligence is confirmatory of the previous report that Servia had sent an ultimatum to Turkey.
“BELGRADE, JUNE 30.—It is stated on reliable authority that an ultimatum was sent to Constantinople on Wednesday, and will probably be handed in to-morrow or Sunday.”
While some dispatches express the hope that the war may be localized, still others affirm that no confidence can be placed in the mutual forbearance of England and Russia.
If the great, final, prophetic battle at Armageddon is not indeed near at hand, the indications are that the “beginning of the end” is very near.
A. C. S.
GERMANY
By J. Ertzenberger
Though I have kept silence since my report of Jan. 20, I have not been idle, but have labored for the good of souls, publicly and in private.
I have had to struggle against perplexing difficulties. Finally, I felt it necessary to call on Bro. Andrews to come here. The 7th of March I had the great privilege of meeting him at Cologne. It had been just a year since he left Germany. He remained three full weeks among us, earnestly laboring for the prosperity of the cause. His visit was timely, his labors faithful and a blessing; but not without great pains-taking on his part. However, there are those, who could not receive him, nor accept his Christian counsel, on account of their hatred and envy. Poor souls!
Though the enemy is going around to hinder as much as possible, five more have taken a stand to keep all of God's commandments. We have had the pleasure of seeing them in our Sabbath-meetings. May they be a light to others.
March 4, two were baptized; March 25, three; and May 27, five adults. Half of these persons had once been immersed. But since they became enlightened on the nature of the divine law and Sabbath, they became satisfied that they were not in a proper state to be baptized when they were first immersed, because they then lived in the transgression of God's holy law. Thus they wished to be baptized aright.
March 28, I have held my first lecture in Langenberg, a city of five thousand inhabitants, about ten miles north of the place where I have been lecturing. This place is an entirely new field of labor. There is not one Christian Sabbath-keeper there. Nearly the whole population of the city belong to the Evangelical National church, to which they are much attached. Silk-weaving is their main business, which they perform mostly in their respective dwellings.
This lecture was the very first biblical lecture held in that place. Although the lecture hall is again a room in a hotel, it is the best opening I could possibly find. In this country neither school-houses nor meeting-houses are opened for lectures by those who are not pastors of the leading National churches. And to get a suitable hall for $7 in gold a month is a good chance.
In spite of the circumstances, not less than one hundred and fifty persons have been present. In the intelligent-looking congregation, I recognized the owner of one of the city newspapers. Good attention was paid to the word spoken. The people quickly entered the hall; they left it in an orderly manner at the close of the lecture. Considering all things, I think it was a success. To God be all the praise! I hope to give a course of lectures there.
Without doubt, by-and-by the pastors of the National church will be stirred up very much. I need wisdom from on high, to act in such a way as to meet the approval of my divine Master. I want to follow him. I wish to serve him. He has been very good to me. Though the battle has been a hard one nearly all the time that I have been in Prussia, he has sustained me graciously and blessed my feeble efforts in his vineyard.
“’Tis sweet to work for Jesus,
“There’s resting by-and-by.”
I ask an interest in the prayers of God’s dear people.
It is with heartfelt gratitude that I acknowledge the reception of several packages of German tracts printed at the REVIEW Office. I received them with thanksgiving to God, and with prayer to him to make them a means of great good, I distribute them. May the unknown giver himself share in the blessing of God!
J. ERTZENBERGER.
Vohwinkel, bei Elberfeld, Prussia.
CHAS. B. REYNOLDS
By Chas. B. Reynolds
N. Y. & PA. TENT, NO. 3.
Pitched tent No. 3, in a pleasant grove, about half a mile from Clear Creek, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and commenced meetings June 16. When we came here, we found no person who evinced the least interest,—could hardly get anything done, even by paying liberally. This place is over seven miles from any Sabbath-keepers. The weather, until the past three days, was unfavorable. It was rainy and muddy, and the nights were very dark; yet the interest has steadily increased and the attendance has been good—mainly the same persons every night. Now our desk is loaded with beautiful flowers, and all seem to desire to make our sojourn pleasant.
Have delivered fourteen discourses. The subject of “immortality and the end of the wicked” has been candidly received; next first-day, July 2, we expect to reach the “law and Sabbath.” Then comes the test. Sustained by the prayers of God’s dear children, we humbly, but confidently, expect to report good results.
Bro. B. H. Brown, of the Chittenango Falls church, is with me, and proves an efficient tent master.
CHAS. B. REYNOLDS
AROOSTOOK CO., ME.
By J. B. Goodrich
During my stay in this county, I baptized thirteen at Oakfield, and organized a church of eighteen members. I expect others will join soon. Some converts spoke for the first time in our last Sabbath meeting. Several have commenced the work of reform in good earnest; thus far the Lord has helped them, and he will still help them if they trust in him.
At Linneus, I baptized five, and organized a church of thirteen members. May the Lord help these brethren and sisters to live the truth, and others will soon join them. Thus the work moves on, and the truth will finally bear off the victory. To the Lord, be all the praise. But Satan still lives, and he will do all he can to destroy what has been done. I do not expect to find a place on this earth in its present condition where he will not show himself; but the gold will shine, and it is not every one that saith, Lord, Lord, that shall enter into the kingdom, but he that doeth the will of our Father which is in Heaven.
June 10, we held a T. & M. meeting at Dist. No. 3. It was a very interesting occasion. It was cheering to hear the testimonies of those who have been led to embrace the truth by reading tracts and papers. Our people are not half awake to the importance of the work in which we are engaged. The T. & M. Society is doing a good work, and yet we are not doing all that we ought to do. We show just how much faith we have in this message by our works.
A person who can find nothing else to do but to murmur, and find fault with others who are trying to do something in the wide harvest field, is developing his own folly and will soon find himself so far in the rear that he will be left entirely out of sight. The message is onward. It will go without me, but I cannot be saved without the message. I may fail, but the work endures forever.
It is no use for a minister to complain of others because they have no more ability and power, when he himself is standing in the way. May the Lord help us in Maine to arise and put on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the adversary.
But James tells us that “the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity;” and no man can tame it. “It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
Says Paul, “Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.” But God is faithful, who will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that we may be able to bear it. It is safe trusting in him, he will give us the victory.
J. B. GOODRICH.
June 15, 1876.
NEW MARKET, VA.
By E. B. Lane; J. O. Corliss
At the time of our last report, we were using the M. E. church at this place. The Lutheran minister advertised that he would speak against us, and we announced it publicly. The church and all other public places were then closed against us, and opposition discourses were preached and published until a general feeling of distrust seemed to prevail. At this time our Sabbath congregations numbered about fifty; some had taken a decided stand for the truth, and many others seemed on the point of committing themselves. A few of us stood the test and are firm. Sabbath meetings are held regularly in a private dwelling-house, with a small congregation of about twenty when all are together.
May 4, we pitched the tent, and remained three weeks; reviewed the opposition discourses and regained an influence as far as possible; yet we were unable to bring the interest up to its former standing.
SOLILOQUY.
At Soliloquy, a country church about five miles from New Market, we gave a course of lectures with good attendance. We also held a few meetings in the school-house of an adjoining neighborhood. We have established Sabbath meetings with a general attendance of nearly fifty. The good, melting Spirit of God is with us from week to week, and the influence of our meetings seems lasting. A Bible-class and Sabbath-school have been organized, in which all take a deep interest.
A DISCUSSION.
The Disciple denomination of Edinburg challenged us for a public debate on the Sabbath question. After evading it15for some time, to the injury of the cause, we concluded to accept the challenge. The discussion occupied ten sessions of two hours each. Their position was the old thread-bare one that the law is abolished, which was easily refuted, at least in the minds of candid listeners, giving the truth a decided victory.
THE DUNKARDS.
The strongest opposition we have met has been from the Dunkards, as they take a firm anti-Sabbath ground. They have fined such members as have observed the Sabbath, and expelled them, and exerted their power in every possible manner to intimidate others whom they thought interested. Some good, honest souls, however, have taken a decided stand for the truth. God bless them!
THE TENT
A faultless pattern, fifty feet in diameter, 7 ft. top, 8 oz. wall, double guys fastened with turned clamps, stakes turned and pointed, etc., all nicely painted, with oil-lamps, etc., at a cost of $275.00. We have it pitched at Mt. Jackson. Have had a moderate attendance, and expect to remain only this week. We are of good courage in the Lord.
E. B. LANE,
J. O. CORLISS.
ILLINOIS
By G. W. Colcord
April 14–17, I attended the church and T. & M. quarterly meeting at Aledo. Three were immersed. Received $40 on the State tract debt.
April 18, I spoke in the city of Rock Island, in Dart’s Hall, to a goodly number of interested hearers. Two ministers were in my audience. Bro. Kendall writes me he is convinced that Rock Island is a promising field. Oh! for more laborers to enter the fruitful fields of Illinois.
April 19, 20, spoke three times in Bro. F. Simonson’s neighborhood, near Hillsdale. Sister S. writes that one has since commenced keeping the Sabbath.
April 21, I came home and remained over two Sabbaths. I spoke a few times to the brethren and sisters of the Clyde church, and to the many friends of my childhood. One meeting was particularly affecting. In the afternoon of the same day we enjoyed a communion season. Sunday evening, April 30, I talked with freedom to a large congregation of my relatives and neighbors, then distributed several hundred pages of tracts among them. The word is received at Coleta that some of my wife’s relatives have embraced the Sabbath under the labors of Bro. R. M. Kilgore, near Marshalltown, Iowa. This adds to the interest at C. Thus the Lord’s servants working in Iowa aid us in Illinois. Human influence! how extensive its power eternity alone can tell!
May 3–8, held meetings with our Scandinavian and American brethren and sisters in Chicago; also looked after the tent interests of our Conference.
May 13, 14, Bro. R. F. Andrews and myself held a few meetings at Watseka, Iroquois Co. At the same time, Bro. Morin was holding meetings with the French in W. When I left, he hoped to raise up a little band of souls devoted to the truth. Met Bro. B. F. Merritt, who has been holding a few meetings in this county. He intends to give a course of lectures under one of our sixty-foot tents at Sheldon.
May 20, 21, attended the quarterly meeting at Kankakee. It was very encouraging. I examined the offered camp-ground, and decide it worthy of acceptance.
May 27, 28, held meetings in the Legg school-house, near Waldron, where Bro. Stevard gave a course of lectures last winter. Friends came from Kankakee and St. Anne. One was baptized.
June 3, 4, I spoke four times at Lovington. Baptized four. Two of these were converts to the truth at Cerro Gordo.
June 9–11, spoke several times at Oakland. Baptized six; organized a church of twenty-three members. Bro. H. P. Ritchey was chosen and ordained elder; Bro. S. T. Bland was elected church clerk; Bro. W. Bitner, church treasurer.
Nineteen attended meeting from Bro. Bitner’s neighborhood, where, in 1873, ’74, Mrs. C. and self were treated as never before nor since. Our meetings in St. Omer school-house were closed by interference of almost a mob! Leading church members came to that last meeting, fired with whisky, and armed with revolvers (if I am correctly informed), threatening to “egg” us; and thus “break up” our meetings! We received no bodily injury, but in disgust we closed the effort. Some of the gang have since left the country in disgrace.
None of the nineteen who attended my late meetings in Oakland took part in this miserable affray; but one sister said she was glad to receive baptism at my hands, because she had opposed me. Now we are friends. Four lately ceased using tobacco. The clouds rise a little; the sky begins to appear, and I am encouraged with reference to Coles County. We had an ordinance meeting here yesterday.
G. W. Colcord.
Lovington, Ill., June 18, 1876.
T. J. BUTLER
By T. J. Butler
OHIO TENT, NO. 1.
We closed our first series of meetings at Sabina, Clinton County, last night. Had a good hearing. Our sixty-foot tent was too small on several occasions. Candor and interest were apparent through the entire meeting, and so far as we have been able to learn, there is a very general acknowledgment of the truth, both among the laity and ministry. But we found it impossible to organize a society at present, as the cordial feelings prevailing in the churches seemed to promise the people the privilege of believing and living the truth in the communions already existing.
Much good seed has been sown at this meeting, and we feel confident that many good people will continue to cherish these solemn truths. May the good Spirit of the Lord continue to water the word, and impress the heart. Brethren in Southern Ohio have made great sacrifices for this meeting, and we confidently believe the Lord will bless their sacrifices; and that the leaven of truth will continue to work in Sabina till many shall cease to follow the traditions of men, and stand under the banner of the third angel, as he announces, “Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”
We go to Antioch to-morrow, to pitch our tent in one of the handsomest localities in Ohio. The prospects for a large hearing are very flattering. Brethren and sisters, let your hearts go up to God for success.
T. J. BUTLER
June 27, 1876.
OHIO TENT, NO. 2.
By Wm. Cottrell
We have been here over three weeks. Have given in all twenty-three discourses. We have the Sabbath question fairly before the people. We have every reason to believe that some are deeply interested. They admit that they are troubled over the Sabbath. We are not discouraged. We intend to hold on here until it seems duty to leave. The farmers are so busy that we do not have a large number from the country.
Bro. Guilford is canvassing the country, supplying the people with reading matter. Sr. Guilford is also here. She commences canvassing this morning. Pray for us, brethren, that the Lord may bless his truth, and that souls may be saved.
Wm. Cottrell.
Frazeysburg, Muskingum Co., July 28, 1876.
THE ANGEL'S CALL.
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17.
Soft through the air an angel's voice
Sweet bids us to our Father's home;
It bids the weary soul rejoice—
“The Spirit and the bride say, Come.”
Oh! turn and list to that sweet call;
No more in paths of sin to roam.
Ye sick and faint, ye sinners, all,
“Let him that heareth, too, say, Come.”
Ye saints, whose lips are parched and dry,
Whose paths lead toward that heavenly home;
Take up the soul-entrancing cry!
“Let him that is athirst say, Come.”
Oh! beauteous fount, whose limpid flood
Shall ever flow for you and me;
Thy waters are the living God;
Drink, then, and live—for all ’tis free.
Come, sin-sick souls, and quaff its waves;
Drink deep of everlasting joy.
From sin, its crystal water saves;
Let songs of praise your lives employ.
—Sel.
T. M. STEWART
By T. M. Stewart
OHIO TENT, NO. 3.
The interest seems to be increasing, the notice of the meetings is extending. I put a notice in the Plymouth paper, and the people from the country came in to-night (Sunday), so I think we had about three hundred. Those in the tent seem candid and attentive, while those outside were orderly and quiet.
Prejudice is strong here and it will take some time to remove it. Last night I contrasted the work of Christ with that of antichrist in reference to the law and the Sabbath. The people seemed interested. May the Lord qualify us for the sacred work before us.
T. M. STEWART
Plymouth, June 25, 1876.
ONTARIO
By GEO. A. KING, JR.
On Sunday, June 4, the brethren at Wyoming repaired to Lake Huron, where five were buried in baptism. The ordinances were celebrated among us, all cheerfully taking part. A church of eight members was organized, and three others signed the covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and will be baptized at the first opportunity. Systematic Benevolence was organized to the amount of $65.28. A Tract Society was organized with eleven members.
There are now about seventeen Sabbath-keepers in Lambton County, besides children. Many others are reading, and still others are friendly to the truth. The meetings we have had here have been very cheering to us. They have lifted us above our discouragements, have brightened our faith and hope, and have given us full confidence in the message; and we feel very grateful to the General Conference for sending Bro. John Fulton to visit us. If he can return and stay with us, we shall be glad.
GEO. A. KING, JR.
Camlachie, Ontario.
WISCONSIN T. & M. SOCIETY.
By Ole Andres Olsen; E. R. Gillett
The fourth annual session of the Wisconsin Tract and Missionary Society was held at Sparta, Monroe Co., Wis., June 16-20, 1876. Meeting opened at 9 o'clock A. M., June 16; prayer by Eld. Atkinson. The last annual report was called for, read, and accepted.
On motion, A committee on nominations was appointed by the Chair; C. W. Olds, N. M. Jordan, and S. S. Smith were chosen said committee.
Voted, That the Chair appoint a committee of three on re-districting the State; H. W. Decker, E. O. Hammond, and S. D. Smith were appointed.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
SECOND SESSION.
Meeting called at 2 o'clock P. M., June 18; prayer by Bro. Sanborn. Nominating Committee reported as follows:—
For President, H. W. Decker; Vice President, John Atkinson; Secretary, E. R. Gillett; Treasurer, E. O. Hammond; Librarian, E. R. Gillett. Directors: Dist. No. 1, Thomas Bickle; No. 2, E. O. Hammond; No. 3, Alma Dreulard; No. 4, C. R. Ackley; No. 5, Eli Osborn; No. 6, O. A. Hegg; No. 7, Wm. Egar; No. 8, Rufus Baker; No. 9, A. Patton; No. 10, no appointment; No. 11, S. D. Smith; No. 12, J. P. Jasperson; No. 13, E. J. Rice; No. 14, James Mulhollen; No. 15, O. Hawley; No. 16, J. Hanson; No. 17, Walter Reed. Approved.
The Committee on re-districting the State reported that Racine Co. be taken from Dist. No. 1, and be known as Dist. No. 16; that Brown Co. be known as Dist. No. 17. Accepted.
Report of treasurer was read, as follows:—
Rec'd from treasurer, $27.15
From other sources, 411.29
———
$668.44
Paid out, $407.45
On hand, 260.99
———
$668.44
Rec'd on camp-meeting fund, June 18, 1876, $101.75
E. O. HAMMOND, Treasurer.
Voted, That the resolution passed at the last annual meeting, to the effect that Bro. White should receive “all the pledges to the Pacific Mission defraying our indebtedness at the Office at present, and use the remainder for the purposes for which it was pledged,” be rescinded.
The secretary's report of the workings of the Society the past year is as follows:—
No. of families visited, 1,102; No. of letters written, 405; new subscribers obtained: for REVIEW, 31; INSTRUCTOR, 181; REFORMER, 106; TIDENDE, 66; SIGNS, 86; HAROLD, 6; Battle Creek College, 15. Distribution of reading matter: Periodicals, 2,704; almanacs, 1,500; tracts loaned and given away, pages, 240,774.
Adjourned sine die.
O. A. OLSEN, Pres.E. R. GILLETT, Sec.
SUNDAY AN INSTITUTION TO BE DESTROYED.
By W. B. Hill
“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8.
Here we are informed that the works of the devil are to be destroyed, and if the Sunday institution is one of his works, which we think can be clearly shown, it must pass away. There are two institutions before the Christian world, the Sunday and the seventh day, each claiming to be the Sabbath of the Lord. Let us briefly glance at their origin.
Speaking of the seventh day, Jesus says, “The Sabbath was made for man.” Mark 2:27. Consulting Gen. 2:1–3, we learn that God made it, and Moses told the children of Israel, “See, for that the Lord hath given you the Sabbath.” And again, God proclaimed the Sabbath with his own voice amid the grand and awful scenes that attended the giving of the law at Sinai, and he wrote it on the tables of the law. Thus it is clearly seen that God is the author of the seventh-day Sabbath, and, consequently, it must be a good institution; “for a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit.”
We will now examine the origin of Sunday. To do so we must search for it outside the Bible; for that blessed book contains no account of the institution whatever. In the absence of Bible evidence, we will do the next best thing we can. We will call upon witnesses that our first-day friends acknowledge to be reliable. Webster says, “Sunday, so called because this day was anciently dedicated to the sun, or to its worship.” The next witness will be Worcester, who says in his large dictionary, “Sunday, so named because anciently dedicated to the sun, or to its worship.” Here we see that Sunday had its origin among the sun worshipers, a people so blinded and deceived that they had turned away from the living and true God to worship the host of heaven.
We now inquire, Who thus blinded and deceived them? We read in 1 Cor. 4:4: “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not,” etc. Who is the god of this world? Rev. 12:9 will tell us: “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.” We have found him. It is the devil and Satan. He is the one that has done this work.
Here we have it clearly expressed. The devil deceived the people, and led them to worship the sun. Sunday-keeping was a part of this worship. Here we plainly see the origin of the two days. The Sabbath comes from God, the Sunday from Satan.
And let us inquire again, Is it reasonable to suppose that Christ trampled his Father’s holy Sabbath into the dust, and exalted the devil’s institution to be the Lord’s day? Let us be careful, and look again into this matter. Satan deceiveth the whole world. Perhaps he has deceived us. “To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa. 8:20.
In conclusion, we claim that, as the Sunday institution is a work of Satan, it will be destroyed. The time is brought to view in Isa. 24:1–6. We call attention especially to the 5th and 6th verses: “The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate; therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.”
When these transgressors are burned up, and none left but those who have not transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, or broken the everlasting covenant, Sunday-keeping will be no more. But not so with the Sabbath. Amid the glory and beauty of the new earth, God’s people will keep the holy Sabbath. Isa. 66:22, 23.
W. B. HILL.
MONROE CO., WIS.
By O. A. Johnson
MARCH 12, I commenced to speak to the people at Mt. Pisgah, Wis. The school-house was well filled the first evening, and the congregations continued good for about three weeks, when the meetings were broken up by bad weather and muddy roads. After a little more than a week, I resumed them, but on account of the bad going the number in attendance decreased. I continued to speak from three to five times a week, as the circumstances would permit. I met some opposition from different persons, but it seemed that the opposition had a tendency to help the progress of the work rather than to hinder it. The result of my effort, thus far, is that fifteen have commenced to keep the Sabbath. These, added to the few who were there before, make the number of Sabbath-keepers about twenty.
June 9, Eld. Olson came to my aid, and held a number of meetings with us. On the following Sunday, nineteen covenanted to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. On the same day sixteen were baptized by Eld. Olson. We expect to return soon, and organize them more fully and get them into working order. I have realized much of God's blessing as I have feebly tried to show the people their duty to God, and the necessity of preparing for judgment. I desire to remain humble before God, and to do his will.
O. A. JOHNSON.
Mt. Pisgah, Wis., June 21, 1876.
N. Y. & PA. T. & M. SOCIETY.
By B. L. Whitney; E. H. Whitney
The N. Y. & Pa. Tract and Missionary Society held its third quarterly meeting for this year at Kirkville, N. Y., June 17 and 18. Meeting opened by prayer and remarks. Minutes of last meeting read and accepted.
Report for quarter just closed called for, and read as follows:—
Money rec'd for membership, $20.00
“ “ “ on donations, 184.67
“ “ “ book sales, 32.88
“ “ “ periodicals, 463.60
“ “ “ W. & O. fund, 11.00
Total, 712.15
After further remarks by the president and others relative to the work, the meeting adjourned.
B. L. WHITNEY, Pres.
E. H. WHITNEY, Sec.
LESSONS OF LOVE.
Let the heart once grow cold in its love to the Saviour, and how soon the lips and pen will be putting interrogation points after Christ’s sweetest and most satisfying assertions! When the eye has no capacity for light, but turns dead in its socket, how easy it is to argue that there is no light at all.
The soul must be in sympathy,—ready to answer back to God,—in order to attain to the highest knowledge; and love is the golden telegraphic wire which binds the creature to the heart of the Infinite.
Ah, this love of God! It comprehends our being in all possible ways, beautifying, strengthening, enriching, satisfying! It holds us close up by the pulsing heart of our Father, and by its intuitional teachings makes us understand all we are in fact and in possibility! It allies us with our Maker whose name is love. It is a better instructor than all the philosophies of the ages; for in its presence, these vanish like the ghostly fog-wreaths under the morning sun.
So, let love to God abound in the heart, stimulated by meditation and prayer, and skeptical thoughts will be far less frequent. —Sel.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
Death of Wm. H. Reynolds
By Mayette Langdon
DIED, of consumption, in Mendon, Cal., May 14, 1876, Wm. H. Reynolds, son of Nathaniel and Aurelia Reynolds, aged twenty-eight years, one month, and nineteen days. He had a great desire to be a Christian, but never united with any church. He was very favorable to the doctrines of S. D. Adventists, and at the time of his death had been an observer of the Sabbath for some time. He was attending school in California, and would have graduated in June and received a State certificate. Funeral discourse by Mr. Vose, Christian minister, from John 11:23: “Thy brother shall rise again.” MAYETTE LANGDON.