THESE are the words of the Apostle Jude, evidently written for the people of God in the "last time." In the third verse of his sententious epistle this "servant of Jesus Christ" says: "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye SHOULD EARNESTLY CONTEND FOR THE FAITH which was once delivered unto the saints." "Contend for the faith!" How suggestive an expression! The Apostle is looking down the vista of time, amid the perils of the last hours of probation, saw the antagonistic principles of Truth and Error arrayed in close combat, and hence his admonition to the soldier of the cross. If not before, we have now reached a crisis where we can determine the necessity of the Apostle's exhortation. The people of God are compassed with dangers, and the combat deepens. Trials always test the valor and faith of the Christian; and it is by these that many stumble and fall; still the Holy One of Israel has declared he would have a "tried people." Jude, by the prophetic Spirit, saw the Lord's children in conflict with the enemies of truth—he saw them in violent rencounter with the powers of darkness, the beast and his image, and in addition to the outward pressure, he saw traitors and cowards in their ranks, "spots in their feasts of charity," so he cheers them on to the contest and says, "Contend for the faith!"
We do not suppose this refers so much to certain Christian graces, and emotions of the mind, as it does to the letter of the truth. Joy, peace, and love, are a natural result of being obedient to all the commandments of God. God's people are made the depositaries of his truth, and this makes them extremely unpopular, and lest in an evil hour they should prove recreant to their high trust, he tells them to contend for the faith. The doctrinal views of Seventh-day Adventists are such as to render them obnoxious, and make them a sort of target for opposers to shoot at. But the man who can breast opposition in a Christlike spirit, who can stand the shock of attack without beating an inglorious retreat, such an one is morally brave, and for him there awaits a "crown of rejoicing." The words of the Saviour are, "He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved." And again, "Strive (i. e. agonize, or strain every nerve,) to enter in at the strait gate." Says Paul, "I press toward the mark." And he exhorts the church to "Fight the good fight of faith;" "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;" "So run that ye may obtain;" "Strive together for the faith of the gospel;" "Labor therefore to enter into that rest;" "Stand fast in the faith; quit you like men; be strong."
These are only a few of the strong terms which the Bible uses to excite us forward in this glorious work. And let God's people press together and there is no fear of the result. For
"The Hand that bears all nature up,
Shall guard His children well."
On to Mount Zion, is the watchword which seems to pass from the highest in command to the lowest subaltern in the ranks. Let the Devil pit his legions against the columns of Prince Immanuel, we will press forward; He who wrought out salvation for us is our leader, and in his strength we are well able to go up and possess the land. This is a period of endurance, and "eternity's years will tell for our faithfulness now." We are to be like the Highland trooper who "never learned to beat a retreat!" Satan, by some wily feint or bold attack, will seek to get the vantage ground, but God's people must buckle on the armor and trust in Him who is higher than the heavens, and "over all, God blessed forever."
Brethren, let us all "contend" for that faith which was once delivered to the saints.
An Explanation.
By J. M. A.
WHILST the brethren so kindly remember the sick preachers at "Dr. Jackson's hospital," by their tokens of liberality and Christian regard, it is proper that a few words of explanation be given, that all may act understandingly, and without prejudice or partiality, and as I took the liberty a short time since, in connection with the donation of Bro. Root, to make a suggestion for the benefit of our afflicted preachers, I will now take the responsibility of saying what seems to me proper under the circumstances.
In the first place, it should be understood, that the object of donating to these ministers, under the present circumstances, should not be for the purpose of increasing their personal wealth or capital stock, (if by rare chance they happen to be possessed of any such tangible substance,) but rather for the purpose of paying the heavy expenses they have to incur during their stay at Dansville, and the support of their families meantime.
This being the prime object in view, it may be seen from some of the receipts given in the Review, that there is a considerable inequality in the distribution of donations among the several ministers, considering their respective expenses. The expense of Bro. White and family, and the team that they have the use of, is about forty dollars per week; and Bro. Loughborough's, including his family expenses at home, is about half that amount. Hence, money that is sent in for our invalid preachers, when not otherwise directed, is distributed between them in the ratio of their expenses. Those brethren, therefore, whose liberality has been thus disposed of, will understand and appreciate the reason for so doing. Other brethren, doubtless, to avoid what might seem to be showing partiality, have divided their bounties equally between Brn. White, Loughborough and Bourdeau, which in fact, under existing circumstances, is very unequal.
Bro. Bourdeau went to Dansville early in the Summer, since which time he has been receiving liberally from the hands of his brethren. He has now so far recovered his health, as to be able to leave the institution, and go home. The brethren have nobly and generously provided for him during his stay at Dansville, so that his expenses there have been amply paid, and something over, for which, together with the measure of health restored to him, all should feel thankful. He is now at home, comparatively free from expense. Not so, however, with Brn. White and Loughborough. They were sent to the "hospital" at a more recent date, and though they have been kindly remembered thus far, it should be borne in mind that their expenses are very heavy, and probably must be so for some time to come. Pardon me then, brethren, for suggesting, that in making future donations for invalid preachers, we observe the true principle of equality.
Bro. Bourdeau's kind and Christian heart will excuse you for the present, from further drafts upon your benevolence, and also pardon me for saying what I have. Neither will Bro. Loughborough consider himself slighted, should he fail to receive as much from your liberality as Bro. White. I make the foregoing statement that, in this important matter, the brethren may act understandingly, and without fear, prejudice or partiality.
Let the ball keep rolling. Meantime let thousands pray that God may interpose speedily in behalf of his afflicted servants.
J. M. A.
They are Wide Open.
THE catalogue of crime for 1865, presents an appalling record. Murder, robbery, violence, drunkenness, immorality, defaulting, and a general looseness in society, seems to be the order of the day. May God in mercy pity his cause, and deliver his children from the general defection. An eastern religious journal says:
“The floodgates of vice and crime. Never perhaps, so widely opened before, in this country. And, alas! how they are thronged! And by all classes of society—the old, the middle aged, the young. The sight is pitiable to behold; it is truly heart sickening.
“Look at the crowd of reeling drunkards—an army of men little less than that which saved the Republic. Read the annals of crime of every possible description and of the deepest turpitude. Forgery, robbery, and murder are the order of the day. The Devil seems to be let loose, and hell to be mad to devour the sons of men.”
Meeting at Palestine, Iowa.
By C. M. Holland
DEAR BRO. WHITE: I wish to say to the brethren through the Review, that Bro. Ingraham arrived here on the 6th ult., and commenced meeting on the 8th; but the congregations were small at first, owing to his rather unexpected arrival, and the frequent disappointments we have had heretofore. But as the news circulated that the meeting was in progress, the people came in till the house was well filled with attentive hearers; and as he moved out under the blessing of God, giving the warning note of the soon coming of our blessed Jesus, it awakened quite an interest in the neighborhood, and cheered up the little flock with the hope of soon beholding Christ's smiling face, and dwelling in peace at home.
On first-day evening we met to attend to that humbling ordinance of washing the saints' feet, and also the Lord's Supper; and as we bowed in obedience to His gracious command, we could say—
“Oh, how good it is for us to be blest,
And dwell where loving Jesus is!”
Then at night Bro. Ingraham spoke on the Ministration of Angels, which was entirely new to many, if not all present, and judging from my own feelings and conviction, I would say to the brethren, Walk carefully,6act rightly, lest they take their flight and you be left alone surrounded with the long dark night, without a ray of light to cheer the surrounding gloom; but in your darkness be left to drink the unmixed wrath of God. O, brethren, let us live so as to have their company, receive their instruction, their guidance, and their care. After bidding us adieu, Bro. I. took his departure for Lisbon, with the prayers of the brethren for his speedy return.
Yours in the hope of the soon coming of Jesus our Lord.
C. M. HOLLAND.
Palestine, Iowa, Nov. 20, 1865.
Trust in God, and Do the Right.
COURAGE, brother! do not stumble,
Though the path be dark as night;
There's a star to guide the humble—
Trust in God, and do the right.
Let the road be long and dreary,
And its ending out of sight;
Foot it bravely—strong or weary,
Trust in God, and do the right.
Medical Superstition.
By R. F. C.
Yes, Bro. Clarke, you are right. To die without a doctor is about as terrible to the people in general, as it is to the Romanist to die without a priest. The doctor flatters the patient and friends with the hope of recovery, till death actually occurs; and then the minister at the funeral tells the people they are not dead. The doctor says, They will not die; the priest responds, They are not dead—two assertions equally false, and received by the people with equal credulity.
But one would think that, in respect to the doctor, at least, they would soon learn their error by experience. It is said, “Experience teaches a dear school.” Still it would be better to learn in that, than not to learn at all. But some fail to learn in this school, because of the superstitions they have imbibed. They will follow the beaten track, though they might see that it ends in death. They must have a physician in case of sickness in their family, and will employ the same one, while one after another of their families is laid in the grave—a physician too that dare not profess to cure the disease, but pronounces it incurable.
Six, out of two families, five children and one adult, treated by the same doctor, had just been laid in the grave, when my son’s little boy was violently attacked by the same disease, diptheria. Our friends, who were acquainted with the disease, visited him, and having seen his symptoms, told my son he must make up his mind to lose the boy, but advised him, by all means, to send for a doctor immediately; and one who had just buried three children and his wife, who all died of that disease, advised him to send for his favorite physician—the one that had doctored all his family to death but one, (and afterward that one,)—recommending him as one understanding the disease as well as any one. But my son and his wife had made up their mind, that as all died with that disease who had a doctor, it would be no worse if one should die without a doctor—a decision marvelous indeed to our friends. They began to treat the child with water, according to the recommendation of Dr. Jackson, of “Our Home,” Dansville, N. Y., and letting him abstain from food till the symptoms were changed. Five days passed in painful, critical suspense—the boy wavering, as it were, between life and death—when the joyful change came; and in a few more days he was out to play, and has had more than his usual health ever since. We thanked God that he had blessed the proper means to the recovery of our much-loved Freddy, and hoped, too, that our neighbors would learn a lesson; but instead of learning it, they turned about and said he did not have the diptheria; that if he had, he certainly would have died.
Since people will follow the fashion, even to the gates of death, what marvel is it that they choose the traditions of men, in preference to the truth of God?
R. F. C.
“This is For Your Health.”
By G.
A FEW weeks since we gave a valuable table from Dr. Coles, author of the “Philosophy of Health,” on the comparative nutrient value of animal and vegetable foods. Herewith we present another table with remarks from the same clear-minded writer. Those who are interested in the Health Question will appreciate such reading. Let the documents be circulated.
“The following table, containing a few leading articles, shows the proportion, to each one hundred parts, of Azote, the flesh-forming principle, of Carbon, the heat-forming principle, and of Alkali for the formation of bone, contained in each article:
100 PARTS.
AZOTE.
CARBON.
ALKALI.
Wheat, about
21
62
2
Barley
14
68
3
Oats,
11
68
3
Beans,
31
52
3
Peas,
29
52
3
Potatoes,
2
22
1
Beef, Veal, Mutton,
25
“The lean meats contain no considerable amount of carbon or alkali; they abound only in azote, the basis of fibrine. The fat of meats abounds in carbon. The breadstuffs and some other vegetables, abound in both principles, and contain them much more largely than the meats.
“The objection to quadruped animal flesh consists mainly in its stimulating properties; which tend to inflame the blood, oppress mental activity, and enhance the grosser animal passions. This stimulus depends, probably, on the electricity which abides in the flesh after its vitality becomes extinct. It is electricity which keeps the constituent elements of the flesh in union; as electricity departs, these elements gradually lose their attraction for each other, and entire dissolution is the final result.
“In taking the meats, we take into the system the electric properties of dead animal flesh. These electric properties are not pure, like those of pure atmosphere; but consist of electricity recently the agent of their animal nature and developments, which still retains its stimulating agencies; which, being received into the system, becomes incorporated with, and a part of our own nature. How much better, then, that we content ourselves with that bread which from the beginning has been correctly denominated the ‘Staff of Life.’”
Virtue and Honorable Endeavors
To all men the best friend is virtue; the best companions are high endeavors and honorable sentiments.
The Gospel to the Gentiles,
By J. C.
“To whom we gave place by subjection; no, not for an hour: that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.” The first converts to the Christian faith, were mostly Jews. The first great outpouring of the Holy Spirit was at Jerusalem, and here was established the first Christian church.
These converts were made up mostly of the people of Israel, among whom were some of every other nation almost; but all were more or less under the influence of the rites and ceremonies of the Hebrew people.
Not being called at once to drop these rites and ceremonies, they were in great danger of incorporating the customs and forms of the Jewish church into the church just entering upon its existence, and thus in its incipient stage, marring the beauty and comeliness of the church of Christ.
The converted Jews were bigoted in their attachment to the customs of their fathers, and even the ardent and impulsive Peter, could hardly himself believe that the Gentiles could come upon the platform of the newly established faith, upon the same footing with the favored children of Abraham; and even his vision of the sheet, let down from Heaven, having upon it such symbols as conveyed to his mind most impressively the idea of a free gospel, and a Gentile church, we say even this proof did not so fully convince him of his bigoted prejudice for his peculiar customs, and against his Gentile neighbors, but that he occasionally faltered in his testimony to his brethren on this subject.
At this period, so interesting, not to that age alone, but important to all succeeding ages and times, we may say at this time, when such a danger impended as this, of a Judaized Christianity being bequeathed to the Gentiles, we see the wise plan of raising up a bold, prudent, learned, yet wise, common-sense man, to vindicate the truth, and clear it of Jewish forms.
It mattered not to him, how many or how devoted his opponents were; whether they were apostles or laymen, true or false, he saw through them all; and with wisdom and sound argument he sustained the right, and all in so noble and truthful a style, as convinced and won and pleased his brethren.
Peter, James, and John, chief of the apostles, admired his talent, loved his tender spirit, and bowed to his just reasoning, and yielded to his scriptural conclusions.
Alone he battled against Judaism, sometimes set upon by false Judaising teachers, at others by mistaken friends; and victorious over them all, his opponents yielded; the mistaken and bigoted but true-hearted Christian, confessed his error, while the heretical errorist sought only to evade the logic and force of Paul’s convincing eloquence.
Considering the time when Paul was placed in the field of labor, considering his talents, natural and acquired, his industry, his zeal, his prudence and foresight, his firmness, his amiability and Christian virtues, and the wide influence he exerted in his own time, and down to the present, we cannot too highly extol the wisdom of God, in granting to the church such a man, at the very time when he was most needed.
J. C.
Passing Away.
THE following selection from the Gospel Herald will administer comfort to those sorrowing hearts which are being torn by the afflictive dispensation of death. It is true our friends are “passing away,” but not long will it be so. The Lifegiver will come—the death-march will cease—and God's dear ones now locked up in the cold embrace of the fell destroyer, will awake to life and immortality. Glory to God! brethren, “we're going home, to die no more.” G.
Every season of the year has its lessons and suggestions. Every season is adapted to particular moral wants, as well as physical. There are lessons in each which not one of the rest contains. The Fall has its lessons, its suggestions, its emblems, and they are found in neither Winter, Spring nor Summer. It hath a voice of its own, a language of its own, a power of its own. It is its own peculiar preacher, and what powerful sermons! Whence does it speak? From yon blue sky; from those hazy hills; from these drooping flowers; from these seared and rustling leaves; from those twigs and limbs bare once more of their green and beautiful foliage. “Passing away!” say they. Nothing was ever spoken more plainly, more emphatically. The minister says it with no more force when he administers before the coffined remains; when he reads a funeral service at the tomb; when the shoveled earth sends back its hollow echo from the grave.
These days are wonderfully emblematic of death. They warn us how short is the summer of life. They point to the seared forest and say, “We all do fade as a leaf.” They point to the withered grass and say, “Which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven.”
Passing away! The flowers are drooping; and leaves are falling; the days are dying; the nights are fleeting; suns are waning; weeks are gliding; years are passing; and graves are opening every where to receive our mortal dust. Death levies on mortal life; infancy drops in its mite, ripe manhood brings its tribute, old age withholds not its offerings—all, all, is scattered at the King's feet. All die. Death breathes in the zephyrs of Summer, and shouts in the blasts of Winter. Daily do men die—in all seasons do men die, for “Thou bringest all men to thy banquet,” and—
“All seasons are thine own, O Death!”
But we fear thee not, O King. A King died who lives forever more. He conquered thee. He led thee captive. He took thy sting away. He turned a great light into the tomb. He showed to us immortality. He wrought out for us eternal life. He has prepared for us a rest. A mansion he has built. He will come again. He will take us home; and thou dark King, lift up thy scythe, thrust in thy sickle, cut down our dust; but Jesus is mightier than thou. He is thy conqueror. He is King of kings, and Lord of lords.
It is well that men be admonished of their frailty; that every falling leaf, every withering blade of grass, every frail and falling flower, should remind him of that end which surely cometh, and that land whence no traveler returneth. So noble are the ends of life, that we should often meditate how few the hours to fulfill the ends.
Let all who have lived to see the Summer close—close forever with many a fellow-mortal—let all resolve to fortify their lives with stronger purposes, and to ornament them with a practice decked out with every jewel of the Christian graces.
Passing away! it is true. But it is blessed to pass away from life's crosses that we may in the final gathering receive Heaven's crown.
Retaliation.
By Etta Booth
THE principle of retaliation was not instituted as a universal rule in the requisition of an "eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." Amidst the rich provisions of the Mosaic law for the orphan and widow, for hospitality and general humanity, this law was introduced as a preventive of evil.
The debasing influence of the Egyptian brick-yards, and the foul discipline of heathenish idolatry, had so thoroughly degraded the ignorant, headstrong Jews, it was necessary to apply the sword of justice in the strength of fear. But when the world was prepared, her paths made straight, and the glorious heraldings of Sion's bards fulfilled, the Prince of peace lifted up his voice and proclaimed, "Overcome evil with good."
And whenever this law has been acted upon, that imperative Christian admonition to "love your enemies," has harmoniously united to illustrate the sanctifying influence of a holy life. Joseph loved—his brethren hated. Which exhibited superiority of usefulness and power? Joseph's love subdued his wicked brothers, and disarmed them of all fear when trembling before him in conscious guilt.
The magnanimity of David quelled the murderous animosity of Saul. While engaged in his inveterate pursuit, Saul being delivered into David's hands, he harmed him not; but after Saul departed from the cave, David cried, "My father! see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in mine hand, from that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in my hand; and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my life to take it." "And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I." In this instance the iron purpose of revenge was softened, the execution of bloodshed prevented, and the most bitter adversary humbled to concession and tears.
"My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?" said the king of Israel to Elisha, when the bands of Syria "opened their eyes in the midst of Samaria." "Thou shalt not smite them; set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their masters." The Prophet's reply is worthy of great admiration, when the foul errand is considered which caused them to be led blind into Samaria; and the effective result again exhibits the power of that royal law, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." "So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel."
How very different the result of this generosity from that of the conduct of king Rehoboam, when the congregation of Israel besought him to make lighter the grievous yoke which his father had put upon them, how easily he might have conciliated the people, instead of following the counsel of conceited youth, and the malignant tyranny of his own heart. By gentleness he might have saved his kingdom from anarchy and ruin. While Elisha received the blessing of meeting evil with good, Rehoboam added evil to evil, ruled amidst tumult and wars, and left the nation in a state of rebellion, lasting separation and captivity.
A circumstance in the life of John the Evangelist, after his return from banishment, beautifully portrays the power of kindness. In visiting and consulting the prosperity of the churches, he observed with interest an intelligent appearing man who numbered one of their members. After a time he became intemperate and corrupt, through the influence of bad company, and was thus led away, when he joined a band of robbers, of whom he was made chief. When the venerable apostle heard these sad facts, his grief over the prodigal led him to expose himself in the robbers' haunts. When he was captured, he said, "Lead me to your captain." The bandit fled at his approach, but the apostle pursued, crying, "My son, why flyest thou from thy father, unarmed and old? believe me, Christ hath sent me." At these kind entreaties the robber trembled and wept, and at length returned to his companions in the church, and lived an exemplary Christian life.
Diversified as are human natures, and various as are the means of acting favorably upon them, and bringing their souls to Christ, retaliation never gained a victory. While kindness, prayerfully and faithfully exercised, will prove the efficient means of opening the fount of goodness in the most obstinate, self-willed heart, and if the balm exists on earth, will cure it of enmity against God.
ETTA BOOTH.
"Never Mind."
WHAT'S the use of always fretting
At the trials we shall find
Ever strewn along our pathway?
Travel on and "never mind."
Travel onward; working, hoping,
Cast no lingering glance behind
At the trials once encountered,
Look ahead, and "never mind."
What is past, is past forever;
Let all the fretting be resigned;
It will never help the matter—
Do your best, and "never mind."
And if those who might befriend you,
Whom the ties of nature bind,
Should refuse to do their duty,
Look to Heaven, and "never mind."
Friendly words are often spoken
When the feelings are unkind;
Take them for their real value,
Pass them by, and "never mind."
Fate may threaten, clouds may lower,
Enemies may be combined;
If your trust in God is steadfast,
He will keep you, "never mind."
ALMADEA WRIGHT
By Almadea Wright
From An Aged Disciple.
Bro. WHITE : I will say at the age of seventy-one years, I feel deeply interested in the truths of God's word. For eight or ten years past I have been searching the Scriptures to find what they taught, and therefore came to the conclusion that my religious teachers had not been correct on all points; but my prepossessions were such by educational training that I had a hard struggle to give up what I believed and practiced for half a century. But when I fully resolved to strive to obey God in all things, I found the needful help, I also found as is common in such cases, reproach, opposition, and some persecution, but I realize that the servant is not yet above his Lord. Oh, for more Christ-like patience to endure all things as seeing Him who is invisible, and by grace overcome from moment to moment. I realize it is of the Lord's mercies that probation is continued, whereby I may more fully work out my salvation with fear and trembling. O, what a privilege that we may come to Him in confidence and say, "Our Father." How glorious and compassionate the plan of salvation through his Son, whereby we are redeemed from death with the offer of eternal life! Truly Jesus is precious. I realize that it is through his merit and intercessions I enjoy the unmerited influence of the Holy Spirit to reprove, comfort, and purify. I never felt a stronger obligation to honor God by keeping all his commandments, (the fourth not excepted,) so as to have a right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city, where there will be no more sin, suffering, or death.
Yours in hope of the Gospel.
ALMADEA WRIGHT
Chateaugay, N. Y.
Is His Purse Converted?
Is His Purse Converted?—A Methodist laborer of Wesley's time, Captain Webb, when any one informed him of the conversion of a rich man, was in the habit of asking, “Is his purse converted?” Without the conversion of his purse, the good captain could give no credit to the conversion of the man. In this he agreed with Dr. Adam Clarke, who used to say, “He did not believe in the religion that cost a man nothing.”
The religion that costs a man nothing is no religion at all; and the being converted, all but the purse, is no conversion at all.
Letters.
By John Matteson
"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and others to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attachments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith.
From Bro. John Matteson.
SEPT. 26, myself and two brethren, started west, having fitted ourselves for the intended expedition. On the third day we came to the Des Moines river, having traveled about seventy miles. Here we were sadly disappointed. The numerous lakes in the surrounding country, which last year teemed with game, were now mostly dry. The early game had all froze out last winter. Then our brethren earned here above $130,000, a piece in three weeks: but now there was nothing to do.
This is a beautiful country, but wood is scarce. Twenty miles southeast, lies Jackson, by Spirit Lake, where the first Indian massacre occurred in 1857 under Inkpaduta. A little further north is the Minnesota river, and the fields that witnessed such cruel scenes in 1862. It is strange to think of the awful deeds and Heaven-daring crimes which have so recently been committed. Above 2,000 peaceable beings were murdered in cold blood by the red man; and 30,000 panic-stricken individuals fled from the tomahawk and scalping knife. Eighteen counties were made empty; and had it not been for the interposition of a merciful God, the Indian warrior would no doubt have carried out his purpose, to wit: to drive the white man beyond the Mississippi.
When I consider these things, I cannot help thinking of that fable, the conversion of the world. During twenty years the government had spent their thousands of dollars, and put forth many efforts, to civilize the Indians. They plowed their fields, built houses for them, and fences, furnished them with everything that is necessary for a comfortable living, sent missionaries to preach the gospel, and yet after all this, those fiends butchered the gray-haired minister whom they so often had assured of their friendship! The tenderest appeals, the most sacred ties of friendship, the pangs and screams of innocent sacrifices, would never touch those hardened hearts. Nay, when children, who had been shot down, rose up again, with the blood streaming down their face, they would knock them down with the butt of their muskets. Our millennial friends had better go to work in earnest now and try another twenty years! If these savages harden their hearts against the gospel, by what means are they to be converted? Does not God's word say that such "shall utterly perish in their own corruption?" Or, "He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy?"
Now the Indians are held in check by our soldiers. There is a fort here near the Des Moines, and one every six miles down to Sioux City. Nevertheless small parties of Indians will sometimes break through to steal and murder.
Oct. 4, we came back again, and I have since been working some for farmers. Blue Earth City is a thriving village, with a beautiful surrounding country of the most fertile soil. Houses are being built as fast as possible, and yet there is hardly room for the people, who are pouring in like a river. But religion and morals are rather low. On one of their Sabbaths I heard a political speech, which they called a sermon. The reverend preacher assured the people most eloquently that this Republic would stand forever! He exhorted the returned soldiers to be brave men that they might march under the stars and stripes when that flag should float under the banner of Prince Immanuel! The choir then sang, "The boys are coming home."
I tried my best to find a place to hold meetings, but some of the officers of the School-board were Spiritualists, and they said that all such protracted meetings were dangerous to the peace of the community. One of them had attended our lectures in another place, and he said it only excited and disturbed the people. There was only one more place in town fit to hold meetings—a hall owned by a Spiritualist. I went and hired that, but when, according to agreement, I came next Sunday to hold meeting, he had gone off, and I was told that a lady medium was engaged to come and lecture in the hall.
There are many Spiritualists here, and when I went away from this place, the words came to my mind, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit." Still I have no doubt but the Lord has some honest souls here also. Five miles west of the village there are a few who are endeavoring to live out the truth, with whom I met on the Sabbath. The Lord met with us, and we have been blessed, but I could find no opening to spread the truth further. Those who request preachers to come to such places, ought to look a little closer to the state of affairs before they put a brother to many inconveniences and large expenses which they are neither able nor willing to share.
Lately we have had much stormy weather. Oct. 26, I started to see a Norwegian brother who lived thirty miles off, and had requested me to come and see him. I arrived there Sabbath eve, having walked through the mud and water, some places knee deep, and faced a severe snowstorm all the afternoon. He is very lonesome and has not been to meeting for the last year. I spent the Sabbath with him, and we enjoyed its calm hours, and were refreshed from the Lord.
Sunday morning I walked sixteen miles to a Norwegian settlement where I had appointed meeting. I preached three times and visited six families. Some were interested, but most of them so prejudiced that there was no prospect for further meetings. The weather was also unfavorable. They were all new settlers, and a very dirty set of people. Here I had to sleep on a dirty floor, under dirty bed-clothes. Sometimes with four or five children and creeping things innumerable, and eat victuals mixed with dust and different things. And beside all this, I have had a cold for the last three weeks, and have still. Yet I have good courage and rejoice in the promise, "All things work together for good to them that love God." But I cannot help but think, what a great blessing those enjoy who have a clean home, and live in it.
Nov. 3, I went to Rice Lake, and there got on the stage to Albert Lea. Sabbath morning I went out to find a brother near Clark's Grove. I found him, and the brethren had appointed meeting here. Here is a large settlement of Danes, above fifty families, which are mostly Baptists. There are also many Norwegians living here. I found eleven Sabbath-keepers here, and eight came to meeting. Most of them have recently embraced the Sabbath. Some of them came eight and some eleven miles to meeting. But although they live so far apart they have kept up meeting all Summer. This is truly persevering. We had a good meeting, and were refreshed in the Lord. It is somewhat difficult to hold meetings here because the people live so far apart. Moreover my name has been duly published, and every one carefully warned not "to give ear to that deceiver when he should come." It was therefore thought best that I should spend a week visiting. I did so, and the Lord blessed my efforts. Next Sabbath we met again, and six new Sabbath-keepers met with us. We had a heavenly season. The Spirit of the Lord was there and we had freedom. All hearts were moved. They confessed with many tears that they had long resisted the word of God, but they would do so no more. It was joyful to see souls weeping and praising the Lord for friends for whom they had prayed, with whom they were now united sooner than they had ever expected. Sunday we had two meetings and enjoyed some blessing. In the afternoon I went to the Baptist meeting, and after they got through, I asked permission to tell what my Saviour had done for me. Some were ashamed to say no, others opposed. They took a vote and permission was granted. Then some went out, but most remained. The Lord gave freedom, and his Spirit moved many hearts, for which I feel to praise him. I hope it may be the beginning to remove prejudice, and the commencement of a good work. Pray for us, brethren, that the Lord may also here do great things for his people. I intend to stay as long as circumstances may demand.
JOHN MATTESON.
Clark's Grove, Freeborn Co., Minn.
A Sabbath-Keeping Testimony
By Daniel S. Evans
From Bro. Evans.
Bro. WHITE: I wish to say to those of like faith, that the Review and Bible are my only preachers; but thank the Lord, when the Review comes it brings me precious news of other places where the Lord by the hand of the messengers is causing the people to receive the truth; and I look forward in hope that the Lord will send some help this way. Since I received present truth it is very easy to understand the word of God. I was always taught to keep the commandments of God, and when by the instrumentality of Eld. Cornell I found out that I was breaking that law, my heart sank within me to think that I had broken the Sabbath of the Lord my God. But now, praise the Lord, I feel to rejoice that from that time until the present, my delight has been in the law of the Lord, which time has been ever since Eld. Cornell lectured at Memphis. I then left the M. E. Church, where I held the offices of class leader, and recording steward, for the honor of being a Sabbath-keeper, and that all alone, until by the aid of the Review and some publications which I received of Bro. Cornell, two others are now keeping the Sabbath. We are twenty miles from any other one that we know of. Pray for us, that our faith fail not.
DANIEL S. EVANS.