This term is the mildest that can be applied to the position of the Sunday advocates in California, in their relation to the Pacific Press. The society which is trying to enforce the Sunday law is called the “Home Protection Society.” The organization of the liquor dealers formed to oppose the law, is called “The League of Freedom.” The Home Protection Society disclaim any connection with the arrest of W. C. White for keeping the office of the Signs open on Sunday. The League of Freedom also disclaim it. It seems to be an act which they are both unwilling to own; and their course shows that they feel themselves in something of a dilemma.
A lengthy report of a meeting of the Home Protection Society in the Oakland (Cal.) daily Times of Feb. 24, refers to certain resolutions offered in the meeting, one of which, in its preamble, stated that “the design of the Sunday law is not to disturb any who conscientiously observe Saturday as the holy Sabbath, unless they willfully disturb the peace and quiet of Christian people on the Lord’s day.”
That the one who offered this spoke not by authority, but only as an individual, is evident from the utterances of religious papers, and other religious teachers who state explicitly that “Seventh-day Adventists can have no reasonable cause of complaint if the law is enforced upon them.”
A resolution was adopted, “That the Society disclaim any connection with the arrest of Mr. White.” Yet the remarks made seemed to indicate that some of the members, at least, wished to show that there was some reason for his arrest. For instance, a Mr. L. said that “it looked as though the Seventh-day Adventists were fighting the Home Protection Society. They wanted Saturday. It had been asserted that Mr. White was working in the interest of the League of Freedom.”
If Mr. L. knows anything of the position of S. D. Adventists, he knows, and knew, that that assertion was false. Again he said: “It looked as though the Pacific Press was playing into the hands of the League of Freedom when they issued a pamphlet advocating the enforcement of the Sunday law on Saturday.” (Italics ours.)
This was the wildest thrust of all. The tract referred to, on the Sunday law, repudiates the idea of enforcing the Sabbath on anybody; and this Mr. L. well knew. But the idea of enforcing “the Sunday law on Saturday,” is, as the Signs well remarks, “worthy of the most brilliant punster that ever graced the ‘Emerald Isle.’”
Some of those who are not connected with the Society can see more clearly, it appears, than the members themselves. Thus the Independent, of Oakland, though favorable to the Association, says: “Several members were of the opinion that the Seventh-day Adventists were in sympathy with the League of Freedom. These gentlemen had evidently not perused the pamphlet recently issued by the Adventists, in which they declare themselves in favor of suppressing the liquor traffic entirely.”
That this is the position of S. D. Adventists, and has been for years, all know who have any acquaintance with our views and work.
One of the officers of the Association said: “If Mr. White is going to fight the law, he is our enemy, and we must fight him from the word, Go. If he is going to play into the hands of the League of Freedom, I, for one, will prosecute him.”
Another member of the Association said: “Mr. White has seen fit to plead, ‘Not guilty;’ and it would be inconsistent for the Society to step in and defend him. If he had pleaded, ‘Guilty,’ I would be in favor of the Society’s paying the fine.”
Compare this with the statement mentioned above, that “the design of the Sunday law is not to disturb any one who conscientiously observes Saturday as the holy Sabbath,” unless such person is a disturber of the peace. Such are not to be held as violators of the law. Bro. W. C. White conscientiously observes the seventh day, and is not charged with violating the peace. The design of the law, then, is not to touch cases of this kind; and yet they ask him to plead guilty to a violation of the law!
These are specimens of the confusion that evidently exists in their own minds on this subject, and of the awkward position they find themselves in.
Another member of the Association, to his honor be it said, rose to a clear conception of the nature of the case, when he said that “there was a higher law than the law of man,—the law of God. I do not believe in violating the law of God by enforcing the law of the Legislature.”
Five thousand copies of a tract on the Sunday law were issued from the Signs Office, and speedily distributed. The churches of Oakland and San Francisco distributed 2,500 copies of the tract. Another edition is already called for, and has ere this been provided. Its publication is timely, and it will do immense good, not the least evidence of which is the uneasiness it is causing among those who are involved in the inconsistencies of the Sunday law.
The California Christian Advocate, the organ of the M. E. Church on the Pacific coast, wilts entirely before the question of enforcing Sunday as a divine institution. It says: “We cannot sustain it before the people, if we claim its sanctity as a religious institution. It is necessary to the life and health of the people.”
To this ground the advocates of Sunday enforcement are fast coming. And this is only history repeating itself; for it has ever been that when divine sanction to sustain the inventions of men has been found wanting, appeal to the civil arm is the next resort.
But while they claim that Sunday desecration is only the violation of a “police regulation,” they cannot forbear revealing the fact at almost every turn that it is as a religious institution, after all, that they want it enforced. Thus a resolution in the Home Protection Society asserted that “the weekly rest and worship of the Christian Sabbath is a right guaranteed both by the laws of God and of the State.” Yet later on in the proceedings, the same person thought that the Seventh-day Adventists, in carrying on their printing business on Sunday, did not violate the letter or spirit of the law of man; but they did violate the law of God! Now look at their position: Sunday observance is only a “police regulation,” a law of the State. It cannot be made to stand as a religious institution, inasmuch as there is no law of God to support it; but, secondly, in working on Sunday Seventh-day Adventists do not violate the letter or spirit of the law of man (which expressly forbids work on that day), but they do violate the law of God (which says nothing about it)!
It is a Scripture adage that the legs of the lame are not equal. Does the reader discover any limping in the Sunday system?
GEO. I. BUTLER
By George Ide Butler
Encouraging.
It is said, “There is nothing succeeds like success;” and there is nothing that encourages the heart like good tidings of success. The firm believer in the message finds no joy equal to that which he feels when the work moves forward prosperously. This cause, to him, is the cause of God. His hopes are enlisted in it, his heart is full of it. It embraces all that is most dear to him, the coming of Christ, the eternal rest, the establishment of the reign of righteousness in the earth, the full salvation of all the good and faithful. The scope of the cause is to reach these results. No wonder we hail every encouraging omen with joy. The last few years have had many discouraging features; yet there has been a constant steady growth of the cause, and its influence has been at the same time increasing. But we all look for a far greater increase of light and power in this message. Its light is to lighten the world.
During the last week, good news from different directions has come in,—some of it in reports to be published, some in private letters. We are glad to hear good news from Iowa. Bro. Nicola gives some interesting items. Eld. Frank Evans is considered, perhaps, the ablest debater the Methodists have in the State of Iowa. He has had three debates with our ministers in the past, and is the champion usually called in to help their cause when in danger. It is no small cause of gratification to me that we have a truth so plain that every young man during the first year of their labors in the cause can meet such a man as Mr. Evans, and the truth come off victorious. Bro. Nicola writes that there are as many as fifty Sabbath-keepers in that vicinity who have embraced the truth since last June.
The labors of Eld. O. A. Olsen among the Scandinavians in the western part of Iowa have been greatly blessed the past few months. The cause among that people in Iowa has languished since Bro. Hanson's sickness. In Weston and Elkhorn there has been a rousing interest. In the latter place, thirteen have been baptized, twenty have recently joined the church, and a meeting-house is to be erected. The interest is greatly increasing among them. God is good, and the work is onward.
We have also good news from Bro. Conradi, who is laboring in Dakota among the German Russians. He is the only one in this country preaching in that tongue. He has organized a T. and M. society of sixteen members, and raised money for the purchase of German tracts. These and more are ready to join us, and the interest is extending all around among this people in that section. Many of the German Russians there are Mennonites who have left Russia to escape oppression, and have come here for the sake of worshiping God according to the dictates of their consciences. May God walk among them, and by this means cause the light of truth to reach many more of their countrymen here and in the Old World.
We have also encouraging news from Bro. Andrews and the work in Switzerland. “He gets out for a walk nearly every day, and we hope soon to see him as well as before the Conference.” “Our hearts are of good courage. We have received many interesting letters this month, and many subscribers. Bro. Ertzenberger's meetings at Tramelan thus far promise good success, and we feel that the Lord is blessing his cause here in old dark Europe.” These words came in a private letter to the Office. Knowing the interest felt by our people in Bro. Andrews' health and work, we cannot resist the desire to let the readers of the Review rejoice with us. They will remember that his earnest labors at the Swiss Conference last fall had the effect to prostrate him physically, and since that time he has been quite185We rejoice that he is improving. Our people will rejoice that his earnest labors under great darkness and prostration are beginning to have a visible effect. This will gladden his heart even more than it can ours. God will make this faithful “seed-sowing” bear fruit to his glory. It takes longer in Europe to move the people to decided action than here. Difficulties we cannot realize in this land of light and liberty hinder our missionaries at every step. We know them all to be men of God. Their earnest prayers and faithful labors must bear fruit. God will fulfill his promises, and we shall not regret our little sacrifices of means. But we rejoice that the Lord has given us the privilege, though at a distance from them, of sharing with these men the blessing of doing something for the Master. We expect shortly to see souls embracing the truth all through Europe. We shall, if we continue to work in faith.
Thus we have encouraging news from the work in four different languages and in different parts of the world. The truth is onward. Earnest work—however dark the prospect, will see fruits of our labors. Devotion to the cause and to God is what we need. God will see to the fruits of our labor, if we are diligent in sowing the seed.
GEO. I. BUTLER
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
By George I. Butler
There are various ways in which we may render assistance in advancing the cause. We may do it by our influence, setting such an example as will decidedly work in its favor wherever we are known; also by our labor in canvassing, scattering reading matter, and preaching or writing. And we may effectually advance the cause of God in the use of our means. Money represents labor. Wealth is created by the labor of somebody. Every good cause in the world has need of money, the representative of value in our world. There are many people who cannot write or preach acceptably, or even scatter reading matter with the best of success. But God has given them talent to acquire property with greater success, perhaps, than those who excel in other directions. If these have the love of God and his cause in their hearts, they can labor as effectually in advancing the cause as those who can write or preach in its favor. They can do this by using their means, which represents the garnered fruits of their toil, good calculation, and economy, where it will be effective as the other class of workers. The teacher could not give his whole time to preaching, or the writer to writing, unless partially sustained by others. All the extra amount of time those are enabled to work in consequence of this assistance more than they could if left to their unaided efforts, counts as the time of him who renders the necessary help by his means. The latter is really working through the former. The same principle applies in the work of our institutions. The good these do in the world is really to be divided up, and set to the account, not only of the special workers in them, but to those also who give of their means to establish them. Without this means, they could not have existed, and hence their work would not have been done unless others could have been found to bestow the necessary means. Every soul saved by means of the light emanating from our Publishing Association will be saved, not merely by the instrumentality of those who have clothed the truth in language, but also by the efforts of every donor who gave his hard earnings, and thus assisted in furnishing the means for publishing it. The good that is contained in every tract, book, and issue of our periodicals, is thus shared in common by all who have contributed to bring the publishing institutions into existence. In this way all can be workers for God in saving souls. This fact will be a source of joy to every one who really loves the cause of God. Every believer should desire to do something to advance the cause.
Some say, If I could do the good that some minister or editor can do, how gladly I would labor. It will be seen that they really share with them in all their useful work, by sustaining them in their labor, and furnishing means by which their good thoughts may reach their fellow-men. This consideration ought to make us all ready to help where means are needed.
It has been stated time after time that the Publishing Association needs the assistance of all its friends. It is pecuniarily embarrassed. If this embarrassment should continue to increase, and hard times should set in, as may be the case, the usefulness, if not the existence, of this institution might be jeopardized. We have no idea our people will consent to such a state of things. But now is the time to go to work to place this most important of all our institutions in a position of prosperity. This can be done easily by our people, without any great sacrifice, if they will take hold of it. There is wealth enough among them which could be spared, really to the advantage of the possessor, to place all our institutions above want. But if the rich will not take hold of this, others will. Our people will never consent to see this important arm of our strength left in embarrassment, or jeopardized in any manner. I will mention a few things which should be done, and would be a relief to the Publishing Association.
1. Loans of money without interest.—There are many among us who could just as well make loans without interest as not. That is to say, there are those who could spare thousands of dollars, in sums less or more, according to their ability, and give the interest to the institution for a time, and never feel the loss of it,—never be deprived of a single blessing they now enjoy. But perhaps they will say, I need that money to use in some speculation,—buying more land, or stock, or some patent right, or something else. No doubt they could find uses for it; but in many cases if they would forego that speculation, and put their money in some place where it would be useful, they would be better off even in a pecuniary sense, and much better off in a spiritual sense. How many men have lost their hundreds and thousands in these speculations, to my personal knowledge! How much has gone for patent rights! enough, it seems to me, in some such way, to nearly pay all the indebtedness of our institutions. How will men give an account of their stewardship, knowing, as they do, that the cause is suffering for the need of this very money. The spirit of speculation is ruining many of our people spiritually. It blinds their spiritual senses. It takes the love of the truth from their hearts, and puts out their spiritual eyesight. What will rich Sabbath-keepers say in the day of God, who know the cause needs their help, and instead of giving it will invest their means in worldly speculations? It will be a terrible day for them. It will not be long before such opportunities to do good will all be in the past. Now, such can render real assistance.
Many of our people could better place their money in the Office on deposit than in some worldly bank. For thirty years past this institution has never failed to pay every dollar deposited in it, when called for. Hundreds of saving banks and other worldly institutions have gone under, and their depositors have come to grief. Why will not our people favor their own institutions, a part of their own cause, rather than these worldly banks? A great many have deposited money in this Office; but most of these persons are very urgent for interest. I have been greatly surprised at this. Most of the banks of our country refuse to pay interest on deposits, unless for long time, at a very low per cent. They claim that it is a real advantage to the depositor to have some place of safety in which to deposit his hard earnings, where he can call his money out at any time, rather than to have it where it is liable to be stolen or burned up by fire, etc. This is no doubt the case. If the money our people deposit in banks were in the REVIEW Office, without interest, it would enable this institution to pay off the interest-bearing notes and help us thousands of dollars every year; and it would be just as well, and even safer, for our people than the course they now pursue. The Office could send it to the depositor at any time, on short notice, in draft or money order, and this means would be a real help to the cause all the time.
2. Loaning money at low rates of interest.—On some money the Office has been paying interest as high as seven and eight per cent. This it cannot afford to do. It ought not to do it. The government obtains money at three and a half and four per cent, all it needs. Such notes are at a premium. Religious institutions are the safest of any. This one has stood through crisis after crisis and panic after panic, and never failed its creditors in a single instance. It ought not to pay over five per cent, unless, in extreme cases, to those who are unfortunate or poor. Our wealthy brethren ought to be willing to loan money at five per cent. Some seem to think they are showing considerable love to the cause by putting their money in here and getting for the use of it from six to eight per cent. In this they are showing full as much love for themselves. They could not probably loan it anywhere else safely on any better terms. Here they get it when called for, and know it is safe. There ought to be many of our brethren who would loan money at five per cent, besides those who loan it without interest. Then we could cut down interest, and the Association would be relieved from some of its embarrassment.
3. Money ought to take stock.—Most of the old pioneers have taken stock in the early part of the work, and some at great sacrifice. Many who have come into the truth later have never done so. Our people ought to take $50,000 of stock in the Publishing Association the present year. They could do this, and never feel the loss of it. It would be money put to a noble use. May God help our people to feel the importance of doing their duty by helping in the work by their means. It would be a disgrace to let our institutions be embarrassed and crippled for the lack of means. Soon it will be said to us, “Give an account of thy stewardship.” These words will seem painful to those who have neglected these opportunities for doing good. “Work while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work.”
GEO. I. BUTLER.
THE EUROPEAN MISSION.
By George I. Butler
In another column the reader will find some encouraging news from Bro. Andrews and the work in his mission. Some weeks since, an appeal was made to our people in behalf of this mission fund, and the statement was made that this fund was entirely used up, and was in debt to this Office several hundred dollars. We are glad to say that the friends of the cause, with their usual liberality, have been remembering this mission since that article appeared, and about $500 has been paid in already. The fund has now a small balance in its favor. We feel thankful to our people for these contributions. We hope others who are able will continue to contribute to this mission, till several thousand dollars shall be placed at its disposal. Our people can do it as well as not, and never feel it. Money is plenty in this country.
Some of our people are becoming wealthy, and, I fear, covetous. The only way such can hope to have the blessing of God is to give liberally. If they will make the right use of their wealth, they may lay it up in “bags that wax not old;” it will then be an eternal treasure. If they do not, it will “burn their flesh as it were fire” in the great and trying day just before us. “Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth.” “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil.” “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” It would be well for the worldly minded to study such scriptures as these. Would it not be better to take some of our worldly treasure and transfer it to a safer place? We can do this in doing good. Do we not all wish to share with this servant of God, who is toiling to the very utmost of his strength in great feebleness to get the light before those dwelling in darkness? Would it not be as well for us as “to buy more land to raise more corn,” etc.? We may share his labors and privations, and also his reward, by making some sacrifices of our means to help him in the good work of saving precious souls. We may also gladden the hearts of the faithful workers, and bring the blessing of God to our own souls. Think of this, dear brethren, and act.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
INDIANA
Star City, March 15.—The Lord has wrought here with power. Entire families have embraced the truth; and as I visit from house to house, heads of families, without solicitation, inform me of their fixed determination to keep the Sabbath. The Spirit of God has moved mightily upon the hearts of sinners, and men who never bowed in prayer humbly unite in petitions to God for pardon. Tears of contrition pour from the eyes of the hardest-hearted, and night after night the house of worship is filled to repletion with deeply interested listeners. This is God’s work, and the power of the truth. Pray for the work here.
A. W. BARTLETT.
Coal City, Owen Co.—Have been holding meetings here during the past three weeks. The turn out is still good, ranging from one hundred to three hundred. Have just finished giving the Sabbath question. Held our first Sabbath meeting last seventh-day. Fully one hundred were present. Have not tested them on the Sabbath question as yet, but expect to do so soon. Have in some $19 worth of books. Quite a number seem deeply interested, and we hope some will take a decided stand to obey.
Last November Bro. Nelson and wife, of the Patricksburg church, moved here. They came armed with seven thousand pages of reading matter furnished by the local T. and M. society at Patricksburg. With these tracts they furnish nearly every family in the village, and the interest in our meetings is the outgrowth.
S. H. LANE.
MICHIGAN
Sand Lake, March 5.—Commenced meetings with the church here Feb. 17, and closed last evening. We had some good seasons together, and all the brethren are of good courage. Seven made a start in the Christian life, and were baptized. Eight united with the church. All the members pledged the tithe for the present year. There have never been any trials or divisions in this church. The members have walked together in love, and as a consequence their influence in the community is good. May they continue to enjoy the blessing of God. D. A. WELLMAN.
Hazelton, March 8.—We came to this place one week ago, and found the brethren busily at work completing preparations for the dedication of their house of worship. They have erected a neat, commodious edifice, that would do credit to any community. It is 28x40, with 16-foot walls. There is no violation of the principles of acoustics in these proportions, hence we found the house easy and pleasant for the voice. It has a plain but tasty inside finish of ash and black walnut; a double-deck rostrum, with an elevation of about sixteen inches above the main floor, spans the rear of the auditorium, and is crowned with a pulpit that for design and finish is a credit to the builder.
According to appointment, the dedication of this house took place Sunday, March 5. As the roads were almost impassable, the seats were but comfortably filled. Bro. U. Smith delivered the dedicatory address, which will not be soon forgotten by those who enjoyed the privilege of hearing it. By provisions made at the time of the dedication, the house is free from debt, and enough was subscribed to complete it in all its outer appointments.
Bro. I. D. Van Horn and S. H. Lane laid the foundation for this church by tent labor bestowed about nine years ago. There are now forty-nine members; and the church has grown to its present size mostly by its own inherent vitality. I find this people willing and obedient, and I see no lack of a disposition to do their part in supporting the ministry and the cause of missions. The least that can be said of them is, that they are a noble, generous, Christian assembly; men and women who will take their personal grievances to the hill of Golgotha, and leave them in the cleft of the rock. This is a promising field for spiritual labor. E. P. DANIELS.
Among the Churches.—Since my last report, I have labored with the Jackson, Napoleon, and Hanover churches. At Hanover some differences had crept in which did not tend to the preservation of a spirit of love and harmony,—a spirit which should ever characterize those professing to be the disciples of Christ. Our testimony was well received, as was witnessed by the confessions made and resolutions expressed. This is a young church, and with the spirit of unity, zeal, and devotion which now prevails, will certainly prosper.
Feb. 27, came to Fairfield, Lenawee county. This is the only remaining church in this section. Found them all holding on faithfully, and working together in perfect harmony. As the roads were almost impassable, I remained here but one week, holding meetings in the Christian church Sabbath and Sunday, and each evening through the week, and spending the rest of the time in earnest labor from house to house. Our Sabbath meeting was one to be remembered. The outside attendance was large, filling the house most of the time. Our efforts in this direction were mainly directed to the removal of prejudice.
These meetings have been a source of strength and encouragement to me as well as to the church. Some not taking the REVIEW have decided to subscribe for it; and as with the other churches I have visited in the district, so with this,—nearly all take the REVIEW, and with few exceptions all pay tithes. That this church may have the blessing of God, be led by his Spirit, and be gathered in the final day of triumph, is my sincere prayer. A. W. BATHIER.
NEBRASKA
By Charles L. Boyd; George B. Starr
Richmond, March 3-6.—The meetings here have been well attended, and I trust profitable both to the church and those outside.
On my way here I responded to the “Macedonian” cry from Franklin and Bloomington, and held one evening meeting at each place. The interest was marked. All over this State the earnest cry is heard, “Come over and help us.” Brethren in the work, we have no time to waste. Laborers will soon receive their reward. CHAS. L. BOYD.
Palmyra, March 8.—Our meetings here continue. Sunday morning last, a discourse on the Sabbath was preached by a man considered the most able here. The churches united, attending the service. The grounds taken were the usual ones, but not so well sustained by scriptural evidence as usual. He stated that the disciples were at prayer when Jesus met with them. In Mark 16:14 it was proved in reply “that they sat at meat;” and they could hardly be eating and praying at the same time. He commended the act of Constantine as very fit in one so lately converted from heathenism. It was not so apparent when it was shown that the edict was issued in A. D. 321, and his conversion did not occur till A. D. 323. The Lord helped in the reply given in the evening, and the house was well filled, although the Baptists did not give their appointment, as in the morning.
As usual, the people are divided. Some, however, are not satisfied, and we hope other ministers will be crowded to publicly confirm their position to sustain the Sunday, that a reply may make manifest to the honest that the matter is unproved.
We hope, through the blessing of God, that good work may be done here. We feel sure our brethren are constantly praying for us. GEO. B. STARR.
The Southern Field.
By C. O. Taylor
The experience of the last month has had its joys and sorrows. At the monthly meeting in Choctaw county all the church-members present decided to commence reading the Bible through. The meeting in Mississippi was well attended by those not of our faith. Some who came quite a distance expressed themselves well pleased, and said they should avail themselves of an opportunity to hear more.
The outside interest was very good in Washington county. The house was quite well filled. The prosperity of this church has become a source of envy to the great enemy of all good, and he is seeking to divide and break it up. He will certainly ruin some unless they move wisely. He has made a bolder attack on some in this county than I have ever before heard of in the experience of the people. They, being “aware of his devices,” stand firm. I notice one good feature among us,—the more are reading. The people here take more copies of the REVIEW, Signs, and Good Health than ever before. This is very necessary to a growth in the knowledge of the truth. We know that the ground becomes impoverished, if no fertilizers187are used to keep it in good condition, and after a time the crops become poor and scanty. So it is with the mind. If the store of facts and ideas is not replenished by reading, study, and observation, its action becomes vapid and dull.
C. O. Taylor.
P. S. My address from this time will be Silas, via Bladen Springs, Choctaw Co., Ala. *Signs of the Times, please notice. C. O. T.
LUTHER'S EASTER HYMN.
By Martin Luther; Catharine Winkworth
WRITTEN IN 1524; TRANSLATED BY CATHARINE WINKWORTH.
In the bonds of death He lay,
Who for our offense was slain,
But the Lord is risen to-day,
Christ hath brought us life again.
Wherefore let us all rejoice,
Singing loud, with cheerful voice,
Hallelujah!
Of the sons of men was none
Who could break the bonds of Death,
Sin this mischief dire had done,
Innocent was none on earth,
Wherefore Death grew strong and bold,
Would all men in his prison hold.
Hallelujah!
Jesus Christ, God's only Son,
Came at last our foe to smite,
All our sins away hath done,
Done away Death's power and right,
Only the form of Death is left,
Of his sting he is bereft.
Hallelujah!
That was a wondrous war I trow,
When Life and Death together fought,
But Life hath triumphed o'er his foe,
Death is mocked and set at nought;
'Tis even as the Scripture saith,
Christ through death has conquered Death.
Hallelujah!
The rightful Paschal Lamb is he,
On whom alone we all must live,
Who to death upon the tree,
Himself in wondrous love did give.
Faith strikes his blood upon the door,
Death sees, and dares not harm us more.
Hallelujah!
Let us keep high festival
On this most blessed day of days,
When God his mercy showed to all,
Our Sun is risen with brightest rays,
And our dark hearts rejoice to see
Sin and night before him flee.
Hallelujah!
To the supper of the Lord
Gladly will we come to-day,
The word of peace is now restored,
The old leaven is put away.
Christ will be our food alone,
Faith no life but his doth own.
Hallelujah!
—Lyra Germanica.
AMOT, SWEDEN.
By J. G. Matteson
In company with Bro. Rosqvist, I arrived at this place yesterday. Bro. R. has not quite overcome a severe cold which he contracted while in prison, yet he is able to labor. We left the brethren in Christiana in good courage. They meet four or five times a week in my absence. On the Sabbath they have prayer and social meeting in the forenoon, and Sabbath-school in the afternoon. Sunday evening one or more of the brethren speak in the hall, and Friday evening a prayer-meeting is held. Then they have a health and temperance meeting twice in each month. Four or five new Sabbath-keepers have commenced to meet with us.
Amot is a railroad station not far from the Norwegian line. There is no city nor village here, only farmers and day laborers living around, besides lords, officers, and owners of factories. Some Sabbath-keepers live in this vicinity and meet every Sabbath, but no church is organized yet. We had a meeting last night. About seventy persons met, and a good degree of interest was manifested. Some are convinced of the truth, and many people like to hear advent preaching. Meetings have been appointed every evening this week. The language differs but little from the Norwegian in this place, yet the people read Swedish. We incur no danger here of persecution from the State church. The priest in this town is brother-in-law to a Baptist minister, and favors religious liberty.
We still ask an interest in the prayers and hearts of our brethren beyond the Atlantic. Pray that the cause may be advanced in old Sweden also, and souls prepared for the coming and kingdom of our Saviour. J. G. MATTESON.
Amot, Feb. 22.
MINNESOTA
Fairmont, March 6.—Have visited the company that embraced the truth at Herrick's school-house in December last. I found them pressing on in the good way. They have a good interest in their meetings, even children taking an active part in them. The Sabbath-school has proved a blessing, and is increasing in numbers and interest. It numbers now thirty-eight members. A goodly number have signed the teetotal pledge. We hope that love and union will prevail among them always, and that their robes of character may be found spotless in the day of the Lord Jesus.
W. B. HILL.
Hutchinson, East Hutchinson, and Grove Lake.—In company with Eld. H. Grant, we left Medford Feb. 1, and reached Hutchinson Friday evening just before the Sabbath. The brethren here are all in union and harmony, and the church seems to be in a prosperous condition. We enjoyed a very pleasant Sabbath and first-day here, and have reason to believe the Lord blessed the effort. Sunday Elds. Grant and J. Fulton organized a V. M. society of thirty-three members. They take twenty-three copies of the Signs. The brethren and sisters are of good courage to engage heartily in the missionary work. We hope their efforts will be blessed to the salvation of precious souls. There is quite an outside interest here.
Monday, Feb. 6, we went to East Hutchinson. This company is a branch of the Hutchinson church, and sustains meetings and Sabbath-school about six miles from the village. We found the company here somewhat discouraged. Trials had found their way among them with the usual result. We held meetings here nearly two weeks, and at times the Lord seemed near by his Holy Spirit. We believe he is ready to work for his people, and when they lay aside the little differences that seem so great to them, and serve him with a full purpose of heart, they will experience more of his blessing.
The most of the brethren and sisters here seemed willing to engage in the T. and M. work, and Sunday, the 19th, we organized a V. M. society of twelve members. Thirteen copies of the Signs are taken. A few more covenanted to pay the tithe. The Lord will bless this little company, if they are faithful in his service.
Wednesday, the 22d, we started for the northern district, and reached Grove Lake Friday evening. We held meetings here with this church about a week, but the condition of the roads prevented many from getting out. We had good meetings with the few, and we think the Lord blessed the effort.
Sunday, March 5, we organized a V. M. society of twelve members, taking fifteen copies of the Signs. Took three subscriptions for the REVIEW, and one for the College Record. The V. M. society here have experienced some trouble in obtaining names and addresses; and if any of the friends of the cause know of persons who they think would be interested to read, their names would be gladly received by Mrs. David Emmerson of Grove Lake, their secretary. We hope and pray that the Lord will bless the church and V. M. society at Grove Lake.
G. M. DIMMICK.
W. B. WHITE.