The work of God is a work of faith. Webster says faith is an implicit reliance on the testimony of another. The Bible, which is the highest authority, says: “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith will make the testimony of God a living reality. The individual does not walk by sight, but the word is a lamp which lights up the path of every one who believes. Faith is practical; therefore faith will lead the person not only to see the light, but to walk in it. It is a living, active principle.
Every step taken in the cause of God is as much a step of faith in the nineteenth century as it was when God led Israel through the wilderness. Our faith grasps God’s testimony concerning the present truth. Are there scores everywhere who will embrace the truth? Will the number of faithful men and women swell to one hundred and forty-four thousand, who out of the last generation will finally stand upon Mount Zion? Does the word teach us that we have reached the last part of the last generation of men that will live on this earth? Our faith says, Yes. It becomes us, then, to act accordingly.
Had we a score of years in which to talk about warning the world, there would be more consistency in dallying along for a year or two. But the providence of God is far in advance of us, and we have no time to lose. Many are the expressions that show that the work of God will move with great alacrity near its close; and it becomes us to act accordingly: “For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness; because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.” “Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city.”
God has committed this truth to men and women, and if you, dear reader, are a believer in it, then you thereby become responsible to enlighten others. God will hold you to an account. The day of Judgment will reveal that talents were lent us of God to use in his service. We have not a moment to spare.
S. N. HASKELL.
KINGMAN, ME.
By James Sawyer
At Kingman, I stopped with a tanner who had sent his children to school to me in New Sweden. At this place I found Swedes, Norwegians, and French. It was proposed that meetings be held for the benefit of the Swedes. The next evening about fifteen assembled. Two meetings were appointed for Sunday. It was suggested that the speaking be in English, as some thought all the Swedes could understand that language; but when the hour arrived, a few Americans came, but only a part of the Swedes. On being informed that the remarks would be alternately in Swedish and English, the Swedes came. At the evening meeting the house was crowded with Americans and Swedes. The Lord gave me freedom.
My appointments made it necessary for me to go to New Sweden the next day; but the Swedes and Americans united in inviting me to return. One American urged me to return, and stop at his house. An intelligent Swede, who was very much interested in the truth, resolved to throw away his pipe. I am grateful for the kindness manifested by these friends.
At New Sweden I found a home with Bro. Holm. JAMES SAWYER.
Being a Christian Means Being Like Christ
By McLeod
To be a Christian is not a mere play upon a word; but expresses the fact, that as love, purity, goodness, truth, mercy, and the like, are one and the same in all beings, so must the believer, who possesses them in kind, be one with Christ who possesses them in perfection. He must see his ideal in Christ; must see all that he loves realized in Christ; must see the deepest desires of his soul met or to be met in being made like Christ; and must recognize it as Heaven itself, to be with Christ, and like Christ forever.—McLeod.
MICHIGAN
By M. B. Miller
Alaiedon, Locke, and Tyrone.
In company with Bro. E. P. Giles and Alex Carpenter, directors of T. and M. districts Nos. 2 and 11, we met with the church in Alaiedon, Nov. 3 and 4. The object of the meeting was the starting of T. and M. labor, as directed by the Conference, in the above-named districts. A good interest was manifested by the church here in the T. and M. Society, more especially in the financial part of it. The one-third was voted for 1878, and donations to the amount of $26.75 were made, to help on clubbing for the Signs and paying for the Health Annual.
On Tuesday we were called to attend the funeral of sister Poss, of Pinckney. Wednesday and Thursday we visited lone Sabbath-keepers in Livingston Co.
Friday Bro. Alex Carpenter and myself came to Locke. We commenced meetings that evening. Sunday forenoon a business meeting was called, but a trial of long standing prevented the transaction of any business. But the Lord graciously aided in adjusting the difficulties, and a satisfactory settlement was effected.
The one-third was voted, and $6.75 raised for the Health Annual.
Nov. 13 and 14 we were with the brethren at Tyrone. This is a part of the Holly church. They have had very little preaching, consequently were hungry for the word of life.
In all these meetings the Lord has given us liberty in preaching his word. We firmly believe that God's hand is set to this work, that of the T. and M. Society not excepted.
M. B. MILLER.
MAINE
By S. J. Hersum
I held meetings in Oakfield, Oct. 30 to Nov. 3. Two business meetings were held. The meeting Sabbath afternoon was one of the best I ever attended in this county. It seemed that the Lord gave evidence that he approved the steps the church had taken to put away iniquity from among them. May the Lord help them to press together that he may work in their midst.
Sunday, Nov. 4, had a business meeting with the church in Linneus. Bro. George L. Byron was ordained deacon.
Commenced meetings Tuesday evening, Nov. 6, in a meeting-house about two miles north of Monticello Creek. Have held three meetings, with an average attendance of about forty. My courage is good.
S. J. HERSUM.
A TESTIMONY FOR THE TRUTH.
[The extract below is from a private letter from H. C. Shipley, Frederick Co., Va., under date of Nov. 1, and is given to show that the third angel’s message has the same bearing167and produces the same impressions, at the South as at the North. J. O. C.]
You asked how I enjoyed the quarterly meeting. I answer: Very much, except that there was a shade of disappointment at not seeing Bro. Lane, whom I hoped to meet there. It was truly a season of grace to me.
I still mourn over my weaknesses, while trying to overcome former evil practices; but I thank God, who giveth the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. My religious views have made me many enemies, and since you were here they have refused to employ me as a physician; consequently I am compelled to resort to teaching for a livelihood. When my present engagement ends next spring, I do not know what I may do. If it be the will of God for me to go and declare this message, I want to be prepared to obey.
By request of the church, the minister came on Monday last, and preferred charges against me; which were, the holding and practicing doctrines not Methodistical, such as keeping the seventh day, &c., to which I pleaded guilty, and invited him to a friendly discussion of the topics under consideration. After three hours’ friendly talk he said, with a smile, he thought I was a little heterodox, but advised me to maintain the views; “for,” said he, “they cannot be controverted.”
My heart is in the work, and I feel better satisfied with my religious experience now than ever before, and in order to appease my offended brethren of the M. E. Church I shall be obliged to seek pasturage with another flock. God bless you. Remember me in your prayers.
What Will It Matter?
“All things work together for good to them that love God.” Rom. 8:28.
What will it matter, by and by,
Whether my path below was bright,
Whether it wound through dark or light,
Under a gray or golden sky,
When I look back on it by and by?
What will it matter, by and by,
Whether, unhelped, I toiled alone,
Dashing my foot against a stone,
Missing, perhaps, the angel nigh,
Bidding me think of the by and by?
What will it matter? Naught, if I
Only am sure the way I’ve trod,
Gloomy or gladdened, leads to God;
Questioning not of How, or Why,
If I but gaze on him by and by.
What will it matter? What the sigh,
If, in my fear of slip or fall,
Closely I’ve clung to Christ through all,
Mindless how rough the path might lie,
Since he will comfort me by and by?
TEXAS TENT.
By R. M. Kilgore
Peoria, Hill Co., Nov. 12.
Our meetings in the tent closed last evening. We have had a good hearing from the first, notwithstanding the fierce and bitter spirit of opposition that has been so manifest. We hear of none who have let go their hold on the truth, while some others of influence are yielding to the truth, and casting in their lot with us.
The tent has now been pitched some four months in Texas. About one hundred and twenty have accepted of the truth and have commenced to keep the Sabbath. We shall now try to hold what we have gained. We lay the tent away for about four months, when we expect to pitch it again for another siege. We all go to Cleburne this week to attend the general quarterly meeting, and then I return here to feed the flock and assist about the meeting-house enterprise.
R. M. KILGORE.
NEW YORK.
By S. B. Whitney
Groton.
Our meetings here are still continuing, although the weather has been very unfavorable and the attendance small. We are not, however, without encouragement; for a few are deeply interested, and some have commenced to keep the Sabbath.
The Congregational minister, a very popular man, who has been in a few times and tried to oppose some, failing in this, has opened a protracted meeting. The time for which we hired the hall having expired, we have procured and fitted up a vacant school building for meetings, which is much less expensive. S. B. WHITNEY.
Watts Flats, Chautauqua Co.
By Chas. B. Reynolds
I COMMENCED meetings here Nov. 7. Friends from Blockville have fitted up a suitable hall, and furnished it with all necessaries. There is bitter opposition here. Strenuous efforts are made by the Methodists and the United Brethren to compel people to stay away. The weather favors the enemy at present; but people are beginning to come; our congregations increase in numbers and interest.
The Blockville church is firmly and unitedly moving forward, bearing the cross, with eyes steadily fixed upon the crown.
The Jamestown church, despite much bitter hostility, are all holding on. Miles Grant’s book against the Sabbath and the testimonies is being circulated here. This, in the end, will help us; for honest-hearted people are eager to read the testimonies, and find it makes quite a difference whether we study them to find faults in them to cavil over; or to find faults in self to prayerfully correct.
The miserable subterfuges and petty meannesses to which enemies of the truth claiming to be Christians resort, is, to every intelligent mind, good evidence of the soundness and truth of our position. Men always use the best arguments they have. The Bible condemns them; truth overthrows them, and in despair they fall back on idle denunciations, gross personalities, malicious misrepresentations. Such poison carries its own antidote.
“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”
CHAS. B. REYNOLDS.
NEBRASKA
By Chas. L. Boyd
I held meetings two weeks in the Stonegar school-house, four miles west of Seward. During this time prejudice seemed to be giving way in the minds of many, and I hoped some would be led into the light of the third angel’s message. But at this juncture a ministerial association of the U. B. Church was held. Their presiding elder is one of the most bitter enemies of the Advent doctrine. Nearly all the professors of religion of this neighborhood are members of that church. Six or more ministers were in attendance at their meetings, and the people were warned, in public and in private, against those who were sowing seeds of discord.
This meeting closed on Monday. I had made appointment to speak on the following Sunday evening on “The Change of the Sabbath.” On going to the school-house, I found the people assembled, and was informed by the minister that the doctrine which I was preaching had a tendency to cause dissensions, and there being more need of union than divisions they thought it not best to permit my meetings to proceed any further. As they had taken this responsibility upon themselves, and, contrary to the laws of the land and of society, had sought to stop the advancement of truth, I submitted without controversy, and leave the issue between them and the God they profess to be serving.
I now take Bro. Daniel Nettleton toward his field of labor, hold a few meetings in the Hackworth school-house, and then go to a new field, from whence I have received urgent calls.
One of the chief objects of my coming here has, I trust, been realized. The Seward church, with which I have met every Sabbath, needed help. Their standard is raised higher.
Brethren and sisters, be faithful, lest, coming suddenly, He find you unprepared.
CHAS. L. BOYD.
DAKOTA AND IOWA.
By E. W. Farnsworth
I met with the church near Elk Point, Dak., Oct. 27 and 28. I was glad to learn that the members of this little company, although scattered in different parts of the county, were holding on faithfully to the truth. Our meetings were free and interesting. I baptized four, and three united with the church.
I then went to Sioux Valley, to visit our Swedish brethren and sisters. The meetings here were full of interest. We organized a small church; most of those who are keeping the Sabbath entered heartily into it. I baptized one at this place. This little company has met much opposition; but the Lord has given strength to stand, and additions have been made to their number. Bro. Lars Peterson was ordained elder of the church.
Nov. 10 and 11 I met with the church at Smithland. My heart was made glad to see this church once more united and trying to labor together. The preaching was mostly of a practical nature, and was well received. This church has had a valuable experience the past year. Many things have been overcome, many lessons learned, and with diligence and watchfulness, this may become one of our strongest churches. I baptized three at this meeting, who united with the church.
May the cords of brotherly love be drawn closer and closer about them.
E. W. Farnsworth.
Smithland, Iowa, Nov. 15.
GUSTAF A. CARLSTEDT
By Gustaf A. Carlstedt
Benona, Oceana Co., Nov. 15.
I HAVE been laboring since my last report in New Era and the settlement of Claybanks. I gave eight lectures in New Era; but the interest was not sufficient to warrant my staying, so I left for Claybanks and this place. One lady became interested in the truth in New Era, and I gave her reading matter. I visited some families in the settlement where I had previously lectured, and found four Swedes who had decided to keep the Sabbath, and others who, I expect, will yet decide in favor of the truth.
I have given four lectures in Benona, and preached a funeral discourse. The interest is good here, so far. A great many have been out to the meetings. I had some opposition, after two discourses, from some that attended. One evening the school-master tried to prove that Christ came at the destruction of Jerusalem, and the other evening a U. B. preacher presented some objections. He had rather confused ideas, and I had no difficulty in showing their wrong positions.
Three Swedish families live at this place, and one of them is very much interested in the truth.
GUSTAF A. CARLSTEDT
KANSAS
By J. N. AYERS
Hanover.
We closed our meetings here the 10th. The weather has been very stormy, the nights cold and dark, and the attendance small. We organized a church of six members. Several others will unite the first opportunity. Bro. Benj. F. Truex was ordained elder, and Bro. G. W. Briles was chosen clerk and treasurer. Their Sabbath meetings will be kept up. The place of meeting is at the Eagle school-house, six miles south of Hanover, Washington Co. Can the director of Dist. No. 2 visit them soon? They need tracts, and some of them will become members of the T. and M. Society.
I am now on my way home, where I shall remain a few weeks, until my health improves. I am fearful that I shall not be able to labor much this winter. My limb is badly inflamed, and must have rest.
J. N. AYERS.
Osawkee Church Meetings, Meeting-House, and Ordinations
By N. W. Vincent
Osawkee.
On the evening of Nov. 2, Brn. Stevens and Sharp commenced a series of interesting meetings here. The church, at great sacrifice, have just erected a neat and substantial meeting-house. For the most part all seem desirous to work in Christ’s cause to the utmost of their ability.
The discourse at the funeral of sister Maggie Metzger, Nov. 4, was preached by Bro. Stevens; text, James 4:14. At the funeral of sister Hedge, Nov. 11, Bro. Sharp preached from Rev. 14:13. The death of these dear sisters is a loss deeply felt, not only by the church here, but by the entire community.
As the meeting-house was not quite finished, its dedication was deferred. Four persons, three of them influential heads of families, united with the church, two being baptized the last day of the meetings. Both the speakers had good freedom, and preached the word with clearness and power. Bro. Wm. Dail was elected and ordained elder; and Brn. Adams and Dick were elected deacons.
At a business meeting the church adopted the following resolution:—
Resolved, That we respectfully request that a Biblical Institute be held in our church about the middle of February next; and that we pledge ourselves, to entertain, as far as able, all who shall be in attendance. N. W. VINCENT.
CALIFORNIA
(Abridged from the Signs of the Times.)
Sacramento.
Of the meetings here Bro. W. M. Healey says: “Our congregations have not been large; but we feel assured that good is being done. Our people are becoming more fully established in the faith, and others acknowledge that we have the truth. We have baptized one since our last report.”
Vacaville, Nov. 5.
Bro. B. A. Stephens reports that seven are keeping the Sabbath here as the result of the meetings thus far. Two Sabbath meetings have been held, with encouraging results each time. Those who have taken their stand for the truth have done so under strong opposition.
THE CAUSE IN WISCONSIN.
By H. W. Decker
Our State quarterly meeting, held at Neenah, Oct. 26-28, was an occasion of interest. We look back upon it as one of the best of the kind ever held in the State. Union and harmony characterized every action. The importance of our time, and the magnitude of our work, seemed to be more fully realized by the brethren than at any time before. Every one was in harmony with the measures advanced by the General Conference, and all pledged themselves to carry them out to the best of their ability. We much regretted that all our directors could not be present, and thus better learn what is wanted at the present time. I would ask you to examine closely the report of the meeting, as given in REVIEW No. 19, present volume, and prepare yourself to enter at once upon the winter's campaign.
God has committed a great truth to our trust. Time is short: the work demands haste. Now, brethren, to accomplish this work requires a united effort. We expect that every director will feel his responsibility, and at once visit every church in his district, to give instruction to the librarians and members, and to see that active efforts are made at once to judiciously circulate the Health Annual, and obtain subscribers for our periodicals. There is no time to lose; do not postpone this work. As you have shown your willingness and efficiency in the past, we have confidence in you now. We are now in good time, and there is no reason why we should not more than double the amount of work of previous seasons.
We have arranged to hold general meetings in different parts of the State, and, as far as possible, to visit every company of Sabbath-keepers. To accomplish this, we have divided the State into two districts, eastern and western. Bro. Olsen is to take the eastern, and I the western. We shall do all in our power to advance this cause; but in order that the object may be gained we need your co-operation, which we expect to have. Now, do not wait till we come, but go to work at once; and when we come we will unite with and aid you. We shall also make earnest efforts for the revival and building up of the cause wherever we go.
Brethren and sisters, buckle on the armor, and take hold of this work as never before. Soon it will be said to the faithful, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
H. W. Decker.
BIBLE STUDY.
By S. E. Pierce
In every age of the world it has been the duty and the practice of God's true children to become familiar with the word of the Lord and with the doctrines of Christian faith, so far as the true light has shone in that particular age. Of this we have abundant evidence both in the Bible and in the biographies of devoted Christians. But in these last days, when the people have “heaped to themselves teachers” who cry, “Peace and safety,” and “teach for doctrines the commandments of men,” professed Christians have grown very lax in the study of the word of God. They have been content to let the blind guides lead them, while they also remain blind; and we are assured that both will fall into the ditch.
Considering, then, that there is so strong a tendency in the religious world to neglect the study of the Bible, and that we are so much the creatures of habit and influence, is it not possible that we are asleep to this important duty? I have felt truly ashamed for my superficial knowledge of the Bible, and for the little pains I have taken to serve the Lord, by the religious customs of those who have so much less light. For example, the Jews have, to this day, large portions of the Old Testament scriptures at their tongue's end, and, blind as they are, will pray to God for a half hour or more before presuming to enter upon the business of the day. The Roman Catholics, too, furnish a marked example of diligence in their religious forms and services, and in educating their children in their religion.
Anciently God's people were earnestly commanded to teach their children when they rose up and when they sat down, and when they walked by the way; and I believe that God would have us educate ourselves and our children in the truths of his word. It seems to me that children eight or nine years of age, and upwards, may know for themselves what the Bible teaches on such subjects as the Sabbath, the soon-coming of our Lord, the resurrection, the new earth, and the punishment of the wicked. They may also understand the close and practical yet beautiful examples of love, forbearance, and the duty of forgiveness, inculcated in the teachings of Christ.
And then the numerous histories of good and bad men, and of their success or failure in doing right, may be profitably read.
Mr. Moody, in his “Anecdotes,” thus speaks of his visit among the Scotch:— “There is no place I have ever been in where people so thoroughly understand their Bibles as in Scotland. Why, little boys could quote Scripture, and take me up on a text. The whole nation is just educated, as it were, with the word of God. Infidelity cannot come there. A man got up in Glasgow at a corner, and began to preach universal salvation. ‘O sir,’ said an old woman, ‘that will never save the like of me.’ If a man comes among them with any false doctrine, these Scotchmen instantly draw their Bibles on him. I had to keep my eyes open and be careful what I said there. They know their Bibles a great deal better than I did.”
And can it be pleasing to the Lord that we who are so especially and so highly favored with light and truth, should fall behind other worshipers in zeal for the Lord and in a knowledge of his word? We, dear brethren and sisters, who look for “such things”—things that this world never saw—the personal appearing of our Saviour upon the white cloud, the previous “time of trouble such as never was,” terminating in the seven last plagues in which is poured out the wrath of God without mixture of mercy—surely, we cannot afford to “sleep as do others,” but should be fortifying ourselves and our children against the delusions of Satan.
We are assured that the Scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation; hence it is of the utmost consequence that we acquaint ourselves fully with them.
May the Lord help each of us to increase our diligence in studying his word, and in his service. S. E. PIERCE. Franklin Co., Vt.
THE SABBATH.
By Wm. H. Mills
In looking over a book called the “Young Christian’s Guide,” published in 1821, I find the following directions for keeping God’s holy day, which are not only appropriate for the young but for all who claim to keep the Lord’s Sabbath:—
“The Sabbath day is to be considered one of the greatest blessings God has given to man. The business of our callings, the things of time, the cares of this world, occupy much of our attention on the week days, so that, with many, it is exceedingly difficult to find a few hours for meditation, prayer, and praise. The Sabbath, therefore, is a welcome day to a good man; a day in which he wishes to forget all the toils and cares of the week, that he may hold communion with God, remember the mercies he has received, look up for fresh communications of divine strength, and anticipate that rest which remains for the people of God.
“Avoid everything that has a tendency to weaken your regard for the Sabbath; begin, carry on, and end it with God. Make it a long day: it is grievous to think how some shorten the time for devotion by unnecessary sleep, attention to dress, providing dinners, seeing their friends, and pursuing many other trifling objects. Consider it always as your best day, a day sacred to God, a day in which you solemnly dedicate yourself to his service; and in so doing, at the coming of the Lord, thou shalt reap life everlasting.”
Wm. H. MILLS.
Macomb Co., Mich.
TO MY FRIENDS.
By J. B. Frisbie
As some would like to know where I am, I will say that I am at home, in Chelsea, Mich. My will is good to work; but I have not been able to hold meetings since the first of last September, when I took a severe cold. I cannot endure spring and fall changes, and the severe cold of winter, any more.
“The harvest is great, and the laborers are few.” I am glad that God is raising up young men for the work. When we look at the fallen condition of the world, we might almost say in the language of the apostle (1 John 5:19), “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” J. B. FRISBIE.
EVENINGS AT HOME.
The long evenings that follow the short days are made in some families the happiest of all happy times. The cares of the day are ended; the mother's resting-time has come; the father has dropped all sorts of business worries and perplexities; and the whole family throw themselves with zest into the innocent pleasures of the home circle.
It is well for the women of the household to remember that the pleasant evenings at home are strong antidotes to the practice of looking for enjoyment abroad, and seeking for pleasure in gay and forbidden places; for relaxation and recreation will be indulged in somehow by most men, and happy are they who find in the home circle the diversion they need. A lively game, an interesting book read aloud, or, in musical families, a new song to be practiced, will furnish pastime that will make an evening pass pleasantly.
A little forethought during the day, a little pulling of wires that need not appear, will make the whole thing easy; and different ways and means may be provided for making the evening hours pass pleasantly—for making them a time to be looked forward to with pleasant anticipations. We visited once in a large family where it was the duty of each sister, in turn, to provide the evening's occupation, and there was a pleasant rivalry between them as to whose evening should be the most enjoyable. The brothers entered fully into the spirit of the simple home entertainments, and were as loth to be obliged to spend an evening away from home as their sisters and parents were sorry to have them absent. Every one spoke of this family as an uncommonly united one; for each member showed a strong attachment for the home to which each one contributed so much pleasure.—Sel.
Christians Nourishing One Another Like Garden Flowers
CHRISTIANS are like the several flowers in a garden, that have each of them the dew of heaven, which, being shaken with the wind, they let fall at each other's roots, whereby they are jointly nourished, and become nourishers of each other.—Bunyan.
IN THE MORNING.
By J. F. Bingham
“Weeping may endure for a night [Hebrew, in the evening], but joy [Heb., singing] cometh in the morning.” Ps. 30:5.
Our sorrow will be done
And Paradise be won,
In the morning.
Our darkness will be gone,
An endless daylight dawn,
In the morning.
Our toil and pain will be
Forgot by you and me,
In the morning.
All our dim doubts will die,
And truth be clear and nigh,
In the morning.
These aching hearts will rest,
Pillowed among the blest,
In the morning.
—J. F. Bingham, in Christian Union.
THE CHILDREN AND THE SABBATH.
By A. C. B.
How can I teach my children to love the Sabbath? How can I induce them to keep it to the honor of God and to their own profit? These are questions that come with force and deep interest to the mothers of little children. I offer a few thoughts: In the first place, love the Sabbath yourself. Meditate on the law of God, and pray until you are full of holy gladness that you are privileged to understand its true meaning and obligation. As you move about the house attending to your duties, the children will catch your spirit. Begin some of your preparations on Thursday—sweeping, for instance—that you may not have too many cares pressing you on Friday. Then let the children, as soon as they are old enough, assist you. Have them arrange their toys for your inspection before bathing time.
They may keep their books, papers, cards, pictures, anything that is suitable and pretty, in a neat box, to be used only on Sabbath days: in this way the enjoyment is new every week. Let a long new slate pencil be sharpened ready for use; and slates and sponges, all clean, be hung in their places. If they have a Noah’s ark, or a set of picture, letter, or motto blocks, they can be used with great profit and pleasure as a means of instruction, and should be reserved for Sabbath. Then, with cooking all done, house in order, and clean clothing on, all will be looking forward eagerly to the beginning of holy time. Little feet will be running to the windows, and sweet, earnest voices asking, “Mamma, isn’t Sabbath almost here?”
Show the children that you look forward to this as a time of especial blessing, and your faith will gain the reward for yourself and for them. Let family worship be earnest and pointed. A short Bible story will be acceptable to the little folks before bed-time, and a few songs in which they can join, will be all the enlivenment they ask.
Let all be up early in the morning. We do not cheat ourselves on week days, let us not cheat the Lord on the Sabbath. After a simple breakfast, let each take part in family worship, thanking God for this blessed rest-day, and asking for his grace to assist in spending it aright. If near a house of worship, church and Sabbath-school will occupy the morning; if not, let each home be a meeting-house, and, with the blessing of God, I know this will be great gain. After dinner, which should not be as hearty as on other days, the little ones will be eager for their clean slates, with the nice new pencils, and their box of Sabbath books. Part of the day should be given to them, and they should understand that, when left to themselves, they hold a trust, not only from you, but from God, which they ought, in all honor, to strive to keep sacred.
One hour at a time is long enough to leave children from three to ten years of age to amuse themselves; for the arch-fiend is busy, and often finds good soil in young hearts. As the hour for evening worship draws near, let each talk freely of the way the day has been spent, and think how God’s record-book stands. Self-examination is easily comprehended by a child, and is excellent discipline for the growing mind.
I have kept the Sabbath alone with my children for nearly three years, and God has blessed my efforts; for they love the Sabbath, are glad when it comes, sorry to see it close, and often exclaim, “How short Sabbaths are!” A. C. B.
Hermitage, Mendocino Co., Cal.
MAKETH FLESH HIS ARM.
By August Rasmussen
This is a sin very generally committed when the Sabbath question comes up. The great majority say, We cannot keep the Sabbath; for if we do, we shall lose our friends; and we shall lose our employment. Poor weak people generally trust more in a human being than in God.
But “it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Ps. 118:8. “Thus saith the Lord: Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.” “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is; for he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green: and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” Jer. 17:5, 7, 8. AUGUST RASMUSSEN.
PLEASANT BEDROOMS.
There is nothing more indicative of refinement and genuine culture in a family than bright, cheerful, and tastefully-decorated bed-chambers. Tasteful decorations do not necessarily mean expense, and it is possible to make a chamber look very pretty at a very small outlay. Indeed, in many instances no outlay at all will be required beyond what would be incurred under any circumstances. The women of a family, especially, are apt to pass a good portion of their time in their bed-chambers, and in some households the sleeping apartments are used alike for sewing-rooms, sitting-rooms, and nurseries. It is worth while to obtain all the innocent pleasure we can find in this life, and there can be no doubt that life is pleasanter if most of its hours are passed in cheerful-looking apartments.
Life's Hard Conditions and the Refining of Patience
By Gail Hamilton
LIFE has such hard conditions that every dear and precious gift, every rare virtue, every genial endowment, love, hope, joy, wit, sprightliness, benevolence, must sometimes be put into the crucible to distil the one elixir—patience.—Gail Hamilton.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
AFTER a lingering illness occasioned by a combination of diseases, Helen E. Poss, wife of Daniel Poss, died in Pinckney, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 3, 1877. Sister Poss, with her husband, embraced the third angel’s message 19 years ago, under the labors of Elds. Cornell and Lawrence. Ever since she has been a faithful servant of the Lord; and now her husband and two daughters deeply mourn the loss of a devoted companion and mother. A funeral address was given from Rom. 14:7–9.
M. B. MILLER.
DIED, in Battle Creek, Mich., August 30, 1877, Willie E., son of Joel and Zylphia Wheelock, aged 8 months and 24 days. Though his little life was numbered by months, yet perfect patience and sweetness were manifest under the keenest sufferings. It was hard to have death fold his icy arms about this lovely form, but the hope of clasping it again when the touch of immortality shall be given to it, cheers the lonely hearts of parents and friends, who love him so dearly. May there be a complete reunion then.
“Joy of our hearts
Our household pride,
Could love have saved,
Thou hadst not died.”
Sympathetic remarks by Eld. J. O. Corliss, from John 16:22.
M. D. A.
The Biblical Institute at South Lancaster, Mass.
By R. F. Cottrell
Though others have reported these meetings, it may not be amiss for me to say a few words. We had in view two worthy objects: 1. To study the word of God; 2. To seek a preparation by the Spirit of God to qualify us for the work of publishing the truth in such a manner as to make it successful in the salvation of men. We felt that the former without the latter would not accomplish the object we had in view. And we humbly hope that some progress was made toward these results.
The church at South Lancaster seemed to labor unitedly to make the Institute successful. Their constant toil to sustain the work in providing for their guests, together with attendance at the lectures and their zealous spiritual labor in the social meetings, will not soon be forgotten by those who were present. If those from abroad do not appreciate these efforts, and are not stimulated with a like zeal to put their energies into the cause of God and labor with diligence, perseverance, and self-sacrifice in the work of God, it will be their own fault, and will tend to their own loss.
I am sanguine, however, that the object of the Institute will not be lost. Solemn pledges were made, which will be remembered by many, if not by all; and if these are carried out, the blessing of the Lord realized at these meetings will prove a prelude to the joys to come, when the class, the teacher, and all who labored so faithfully for the objects, will meet again. When we gain immortality all will feel that it is cheap enough, even at the sacrifice of all we have and are.
Our Institute is past, and we are separated, no more thus to be assembled on earth. Some who were present were on the way to Europe, to labor as missionaries in this closing message. But we can look back to the scenes of our privileges and blessings at South Lancaster as a bright spot in our earthly pilgrimage. And may this inspire us with zeal to be prepared for the heavenly meeting. R. F. COTTRELL.