Signs of the Times, Vol. 6, No. 5.
THE GREAT CONTROVERSY,Page 1
Earlier text: SPIRIT OF PROPHECYTHE LORD'S RULE OF FORGIVENESS.
By James White
MATT. 18: 21, 22: "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven." The doctrine of Christ touching forgiveness is made exceedingly clear in the New Testament, both by plain declarations from his lips, and also by illustrations. In the model prayer of Jesus, called the Lord's prayer, he states the measure of Christian forgiveness in these words: "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." Matt. 6: 12. And at the very close of this prayer he adds: "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Verses 14, 15. The Lord's rule of forgiveness is liberal and just. Do sinful men desire forgiveness of their Lord? And do they long to share his pardoning love? Then let them as earnestly cherish feelings of forgiveness toward those who repent of injuries done to them. But the standard of forbearance and forgiveness with many is far below the rule of Christ as was Peter's. After listening to impressive words from his Lord, calculated to inspire in his ardent heart feelings of liberality and love to his brethren, he inquires if he should forgive his brother who should sin against him until seven times. Peter doubtless regarded seven times a great tax upon his patience, forgiveness, and love. But the Lord's rule is reached only by multiplying poor Peter's stingy sum by the number seventy. Seventy times seven would be the liberal sum of four hundred and ninety. And if we fall as far below the Lord's standard as did Peter, and if Christ's pardoning love to us is proportionate to our want of forbearance and love to the brotherhood, then we are minus the abounding grace and love of Christ in our hearts just sixty-nine seventieths of what we might share and enjoy, if we would cherish the same spirit of forbearance, forgiveness, and love toward our brethren, that we wish the Lord to manifest toward us. But the climax of instruction and illustration of the subject of forgiveness is yet to come, as set forth in the parable of the King and his servants. Matt. 18: 23-35: "Therefore is the kingdom of Heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down and worshiped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him and forgave him the debt. "But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants, which owed him an hundred pence; and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellow-servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not; but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me. Shouldst not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my Heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." Before commenting upon this parable, we wish to state that Christ uses parables for the more clear and forcible elucidation of divine truth. He takes the facts within our knowledge which will best illustrate his subjects. And while it may be conceded that all parts of a parable do not apply to the subject with equal adaptation and force, it is urged that the parables of Christ were selected in wisdom infinite, and that they properly represent the leading features of his subjects. It will not do to charge Christ with dealing in over-drawn illustrations. None of his figures are stronger than the facts illustrated by them. This leads us to notice the several points in the parable:— 1. The king who forgave his servant ten thousand talents, represents our merciful Lord and his pardoning grace. The value of ten thousand talents is between nine and ten millions of dollars! A brilliant transaction this, between our adorable Redeemer and the poor, lost sinner, properly illustrated by millions of gold coin! It is not, however, an exchange of gold for "greenbacks," or for fluctuating stocks, as occurs on Wall street, New York, or California street, San Francisco; but it is a transaction in which the sinner exchanges his guilt for the pardoning love of Christ. 2. The merciless conduct of the servant who had been forgiven the great debt of ten thousand talents, toward his fellow-servant who was indebted to him the small sum of an hundred pence, properly represents the great sin of unforgiveness among brethren. The value of one hundred pence is not far from fifteen dollars. 3. In the parable, he who had just been forgiven the immense debt of more than $9,000,000, as he fell down before his lord, and pleaded, "Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all," would not forgive his fellow-servant the sum of about $15, when he fell down before him, and repeated the same words, "Have patience with me, and I will pay the all," which had just moved the compassion of his lord toward him. 4. To apply the figure, it will be seen that under the same circumstances which call forth the pardoning love of Christ, represented by more than nine million, the happy recipient of matchless mercy refuses to forgive in a brother that which is represented by fifteen. This is indeed a fearful contrast between the subjects of grace and their gracious Redeemer, who says to his people, "Love one another as I have loved you." And yet men and women who have tasted the sweets of forgiveness will become chilled with the spirit of selfishness, and their hearts steeled by the power of Satan to that degree that they cannot do for a poor erring, repenting brother in the way of forgiveness a six-hundred-thousandth part as much as their Lord has done for them. And, according to the rule given in the Lord's prayer, that sinful men may expect to be forgiven only as they forgive their fellows, they are minus, to say the least, five hundred and ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine, six hundred thousandths of the abounding grace of God, which it is their privilege to enjoy. This is a terrible loss, immensely greater than any Christian can afford. And yet many sustain it for want of a liberal, forgiving spirit. And what seems most alarming in the cases of such, is the deception that is upon them, which is almost certain to hold them where they are. The language of the heart is, "I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." They enjoy great satisfaction in taking this flattering view of their condition. But the terrible deception they are under is exposed in the latter part of the same text: "And knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Oh, unhappy church of Christ! bearing crosses, suffering reproaches, and in her feebleness, standing under the weighty responsibilities of the last message! Christ stands and knocks for admission. Why not open the door and let him in? He says "Be zealous, therefore, and repent." Why not break down before God, and seek in good earnest for pure Bible religion? He says, "If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Oh! why bar the dear Saviour from our hearts, and starve and thirst for the bread and water of life, when there is such fullness in Christ? Why not come so near to Christ and Heaven that the flame of supreme love to God, and equal love to our fellows, may kindle to the very depths of the soul? The high privileges, the glorious deliverances, the triumphant victories, and spiritual understanding of the obedient and confiding are described in burning words by the great apostle in his epistle to the Colossians. It is because these blessings are obtainable that Paul desired and prayed that they "might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son; in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins." PRESENT TRUTH AND DUTY.
By Raymond F. Cottrell
NEVER was there a more important period in the history of the church and the world than the present time. Never was there a more important work in progress, in working out the great plan of human salvation, than the work of the present hour. Never was there a more awfully solemn and important message committed to the hands of men, than the message now being proclaimed to the world, the message of "the third angel," the last warning to men in a state of probation. Rev. 14 : 9-12. Never was greater light given to any generation since the flood, than is given to all those who will receive it at the present time. This lays upon us increasing responsibility, and demands the highest and most perfect moral character that the world has seen—a full sanctification to the will of God—so that it may be truly said of the church, "In their mouth was found no guile, for they are without fault before the throne of God." Rev. 14 : 5. The announcement has been made to the world, "the hour of his judgment is come." The state of nominal religion has also been set forth in the message, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen." Thousands are unaware of these facts, because they have not had interest enough in the fulfillment of the word of God to inquire. There were those in the days of Christ on earth who objected to his claims as the Messiah on the ground that according to the Scriptures "Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was." Jno. 7 : 42. Had they had the interest to inquire, they might have known that Jesus was of the seed of David, and was born in Bethlehem, not in Galilee. So there are multitudes now who not only do not inquire for the fulfillment of prophecy, but, in a land of Bibles, know little or nothing of the most important predictions contained in it. But these predictions are being fulfilled, even the closing messages of probation. The world are to be warned, as God has promised they should be; and it is the duty of believers to hold up the light and help give the warning, and so be instrumental in saving all that may be saved. Would that we might realize the importance and sacredness of the work to which God now calls us. God has important claims upon us; and we are accountable to him for the light we enjoy. Shall we fulfill our responsibilities, so that at last it may be said to us, "Well done?" At the coming of the Lord it is the duty of the wise and faithful servant to be found giving food to the household in due season, which is the truth pertaining to that time. "Blessed is that servant whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing." This is the needful preparation for that event. Who will have it? who will be found laboring to enlighten and save men? Who will give their energies to the work of spreading the knowledge of the present truth—the solemn truth which belongs to the present time? Brethren, shall we fail at last of the favor of God, because of our lack of interest in the cause of God and perishing humanity? If we love our neighbor, we will labor for his good. Jesus says, "Blessed are they that do." It is not the hearers, but the doers that shall be justified in the Judgment, Rom. 2 : 13. Jesus soon is coming, and his reward is with him, to give every man according as his work shall be. Rev. 22 : 12. The love of God and our neighbor should move us to active efforts to bless and save those for whom Christ died. What we do for them with a true motive, we do for Him. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." R. F. COTTRELL. IMPROVEMENT OF TALENTS.
By Ellen G. White
God designs that improvement shall be the life-work of all his followers, and that it shall be guided and controlled by correct experience. The true man is one who is willing to sacrifice his own interest for the good of others, and who exercises himself in binding up the broken-hearted. The true object of life is scarcely begun to be understood by many; and that which is real and substantial in their life is sacrificed because of cherished errors. Nero and Cæsar were acknowledged by the world as great men; but did God regard them as such? No! they were not connected by living faith to the great Heart of humanity. They were in the world, and ate, and drank, and slept, as men of the world; but they were satanic in their cruelty. Wherever these monsters of humanity went, bloodshed and destruction marked their pathway. They were lauded by the world while they were living; but when they were buried, the world rejoiced. In contrast with the lives of these men, is that of Luther. He was not born a prince. He wore no royal crown. From a cloistered cell his voice was heard, and his influence felt. He had a humane heart, which was exercised for the good of men. He stood bravely for truth and right, and breasted the world's opposition, that he might benefit his fellow-men. Intellect alone does not make the man, according to the divine standard. There is a power in intellect, if sanctified and controlled by the Spirit of God. It is superior to riches and to physical power; yet it must be cultivated in order to make the man. The right which one has to claim to be a man is determined by the use made of his intellect. Byron had intellectual conception, and depth of thought, but he was not a man according to God's standard. He was an agent of Satan. His passions were fierce and uncontrollable. He was sowing seed through his life which blossomed into a harvest of corruption. His life-work lowered the standard of virtue. This man was one of the world's distinguished men; still the Lord would not acknowledge him as a man, but only as one who had abused his God-given talents. Gibbon, the skeptic, and many others whom God endowed with giant minds, and whom the world called great men, rallied under the banner of Satan, and used the gifts of God for the perversion of truth and the destruction of the souls of men. Great intellect, when made a minister of vice, is a curse to the possessor and to all who come within the circle of its influence. That which will bless humanity is spiritual life. If the man is in harmony with God, he will depend continually upon him for strength. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect." Our life-work is to be reaching forward to the perfection of Christian character, striving continually for conformity to the will of God. The efforts begun upon earth will continue through eternity. God's standard of man is elevated to the highest meaning of the term, and if he acts up to his God-given manhood he will promote happiness in this life, which will lead to glory and an eternal reward in the life to come. The members of the human family are entitled to the name of men and women only when they employ their talents, in every possible way, for the good of others. The life of Christ is before us as a pattern, and it is when ministering, like angels of mercy, to the wants of others that man is closely allied to God. It is the nature of Christianity to make happy families and happy society. Discord, selfishness, and strife will be put away from every man and woman who possesses the true spirit of Christ. Those who are partakers of Christ's love have no right to think that there is a limit to their influence and in trying to benefit humanity. Did Christ become weary in his efforts to save fallen man? Our work is to be continuous and persevering. We shall find work to do until the Master shall bid us lay our armor at his feet. God is a moral governor, and we must wait, submissive to his will, ready and willing to spring to our duty whenever work needs to be done. Angels are engaged night and day in the service of God, for the uplifting of man in accordance with the plan of salvation. Man is required to love God supremely, that is, with all his might, mind, and strength, and his neighbor as himself. This he cannot possibly do unless he shall deny himself. Said Christ, "If any man will be my disciple, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Self-denial means to rule the spirit when passion is seeking for the mastery; to resist the temptation to censure and to speak fault-finding words; to have patience with the child that is dull, and whose conduct is grievous and trying; to stand at the post of duty when others may fail; to lift responsibilities wherever and whenever you can, not for the purpose of applause, not for policy, but for the sake of the Master, who has given you a work to be done with unwavering fidelity; when you might praise yourself, to keep silent and let other lips praise you. Self-denial is to do good to others where inclination would lead you to serve and please yourself. Although your fellow-men may never appreciate your efforts, or give you credit for the same, to work on. Search carefully and see whether the truth which you have accepted has, with you, become a firm principle. Do you take Christ with you when you leave the closet of prayer? Does your religion stand guard at the door, of your lips? Is your heart drawn out in sympathy and love for others outside of your own family? Are you diligently seeking a clearer understanding of scriptural truth that you may let your light shine forth to others? These questions you may answer to your own souls. Let your speech be seasoned with grace, and your demeanor show Christian elevation. A new year has commenced. What has been the record of the past year in your Christian life? How stands your record in Heaven? I entreat you to make an unreserved surrender to God. Have your hearts been divided? Give them wholly to the Lord now. Make a different life history for the coming year from the one of the past. Humble your souls before God. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to them that love him." Put away all pretense and affection. Act your simple, natural self. Be truthful in every thought, and word, and deed, and "in all lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." Ever remember that moral nature needs to be braced with constant watchfulness and prayer. As long as you look to Christ, you are safe, but the moment you think of your sacrifices and your difficulties, and begin to sympathize with and pet yourself, you lose your trust in God and are in great peril. Many limit the divine Providence, and divorce mercy and love from his character. They urge that the greatness and majesty of God would forbid his interesting himself in the concerns of the weakest of his creatures. "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not, therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." It is difficult for human beings to give attention to the lesser matters of life while the mind is engaged in business of vast importance. But should not this union exist? Man formed in the image of his Maker should unite the larger responsibilities with the smaller. He may be engrossed with occupations of overwhelming importance, and neglect the instruction which his children need. These duties of life may be looked upon as the lesser duties of life, when they in reality lie at the very foundation of society. Happiness of families and churches depends upon home influences. Eternal interests depend upon the proper discharge of the duties of this life. The world is not so much in need of great minds, as of good men who will be a blessing in their homes. E. G. WHITE. THERE was, in one of the Northern States, a deacon of remarkable liberality. To every benevolent and Christian enterprise he contributed with princely munificence. His brethren became apprehensive that he would reduce himself to poverty. After due consultation, the pastor was appointed to inform the deacon that his brethren thought him too liberal, and wished him to curtail his gifts. The pastor entered on the performance of the duty with all possible delicacy. “My brother,” said the watchful shepherd, “I am requested by your brethren to say that they fear you are too liberal, and are in danger of bringing yourself and family to poverty. They wish you to be more sparing in your gifts.” “But,” replied the deacon, “I have not yet reduced myself to poverty; my family are comfortably supported, my children are receiving an education, and my property is constantly increasing in value. I cannot give less—I have been thinking lately that I ought to give more.” The pastor found the deacon incorrigibly bent on doing good, and returned home deeply impressed with the words of the generous man, and earnestly meditating on his strong faith and disinterested liberality. Early next morning, the deacon saw his pastor approaching with hurried steps, “My brother,” said the minister, “I was wrong, and you were right. The Lord convinced me last night in a dream that you will lose nothing by your liberality. I thought I saw you standing on the ocean shore, with a large basket of crackers on your arm, You took out handful after handful of crackers and threw them into the water. The receding wave quickly bore them out of sight, and I thought your crackers would soon be all wasted. But I looked a little while, and I saw the rising wave bring them back to your feet swelled into large loaves.” “Why,” said the pious deacon, “this is just what I have been taught by my Bible: ‘Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days.’”—Sel. FAMILY READING.
By B. C. Stickney
MUCH has been said of late in the Review and Herald about family readings that our people may become better versed in Biblical knowledge. Our publications contain much that we should thoroughly acquaint ourselves with; and the writings of Sr. White furnish that which will be specially interesting for these occasions. We hear of some who have adopted this plan and find it very beneficial. This has been agitated somewhat in our churches and by our missionary officers, but there are many scattered brethren who especially need something of this kind; and we feel a special interest in having our people in this State take right hold of this matter. We take the following from the Review of January 22:— We recommend that every family of our people organize a home reading society. Let the exercises be held one hour each evening, only excepting those evenings when meetings or other duties occupy the time. And we have recommended that the readings for January, February and March, 1880, be the three volumes of “Spirit of Prophecy.” These volumes are rich in thought, and are highly spiritual and practical. We urge that in every family of Seventh-day Adventists in the land, reading exercises be instituted. Let the entire family be assembled at the fireside, and let different members of the family have the benefit of the practice of reading. And if circumstances will admit, let neighbors and friends be invited to join. We know of no better exercise to secure mental and spiritual culture than reading, and no books better than the volumes named. Let these be taken as a course of family reading, between January 1, 1880, and April 1, 1880. In the three volumes there are one hundred chapters, and between the dates named there are 78 week days and thirteen Sabbaths. Now it will be seen that the work can easily be accomplished by adopting the following plan, which involves only a little system, order, and perseverance, qualities which all should cultivate; namely, let one chapter be read each week day and two chapters each Sabbath, and the work is done with a little time to spare. The above is the plan which was proposed to commence January 1, and some are already going forward with it as recommended. But others have not yet commenced, and so are behind. Now we recommend that those who have not yet entered upon the work, procure the volumes immediately, and read two chapters each day till they catch up with the regular readers who began January 1. For instance, if you commence February 1, and read two chapters a day and two each Sabbath, you will be on the 1st of March up with those who began January 1, and have read one chapter a day and two on the Sabbath. Then all can go on through the month of March, reading one chapter a day and two on the Sabbath, according to the regular plan, and finish the volumes together, April 1. This might be called home missionary work; and in sending in missionary reports we would like it stated how many have this system established in their families, that we may know how extensively it is being adopted. B. C. STICKNEY
By B. C. Stickney
Two things are matters of daily astonishment to me—the readiness of Christ to come from heaven to earth for me, and my backwardness to rise from earth to heaven for him. Raising Oneself by Scandalizing Others
A PERSON who undertakes to raise himself by scandalizing others, might as well set down on a wheelbarrow and try to wheel himself. NEWS FROM THE FIELD.
By John Norton Loughborough
STILL our hearts are cheered by the progress of the work here in Great Britain. Since my last report the steward of the steamer has spent a second evening with us. He and his companion have fully embraced our views and are keeping the Sabbath, and desire to identify themselves with us in the truth. A sister near Birmingham, a governess in a first class family there, has taken her stand to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. Her name is one of a number I sent to the V. M. Society of Sheridan, Ill. The Signs of the Times, posted to her by that society convicted her upon the Sabbath. She saw our depository at Ravenswood advertised in the Signs, and immediately wrote here for books which letter led to a correspondence. She is now obeying the truth with the full permission of the family by whom she is employed. Praise the Lord. He is working on the hearts of the people. Bro. Veysey of Somersetshire is with us now, will remain a few days. God blesses as we pray together and talk of the truth and the Lord's leadings of his people in the rise and progress of this cause. On the evening of Jan. 11, we organized a National Tract and Missionary Society for Great Britain. Up to date of this writing we have obtained twenty-six members. Others will join who could not be present at the meeting. It was the pleasure of the meeting, as expressed by vote, that J. N. Loughborough should serve as President of this Society, and that Mrs. A. M. Loughborough serve as Secretary and Treasurer. It was voted to adopt the constitution recommended by our General Conference for the government of such societies, making application of its principles and regulations as fast as circumstances and the onward development of the cause here shall demand. At present only two districts were designated, to be known as the Hampshire and Somerset districts, yet our field of labor comprehends the united kingdom of Great Britain and any of her dependencies which we may be able to reach with reading matter and correspondence. For the present it was decided that Bro. Loughborough should act as director of Hampshire district, and Bro. Henry Veysey as director of the Somerset district; he to make such selection of Librarian as he shall deem proper. Sister J. L. Ings, of the Southampton church, was appointed Librarian of Hampshire district, and Bro. William Ings was designated as Superintendent of the work of placing reading matter upon ships. This movement has given a new impetus to the work here. It was a timely move. The church was stirred up to act, anxious to work, and, if we would obey Paul's injunction to Titus, "Set in order the things that are wanting," it was time to form this Missionary Society, for it is what is "wanted" to give form and efficiency to this department of our work. At no point of time since our mission was opened have we received so many favorable responses to Signs sent out in the same length of time as in the last few weeks. Many are reading with interest, and then send the papers to their friends in other parts. Public libraries are calling for our bound volumes for their shelves, and the Signs and Good Health for their reading-room tables. Prejudice exists to quite an extent against Americans, and there are reasons for this later than the wars following 1776 or 1812. Mormonism has made its raids and ravages among the people. I am told by the people here that it was a fresh band of fifty Mormons that had arrived in Salt Lake from Southampton, a portion of whom were forced to take part in the Mountain Meadow massacre. Some of them escaped from that den of iniquity (Mormonism) as soon as possible after it, and found their way back. Such came with some curious impressions of America and of some of its "clever Yankees." Shakerism has one of its camps near Southampton, and some think America is a "queer country" to turn out such sects. Those who read for themselves, and inform their minds, know these things are not tolerated by the better class even in America. But there are things that hurt worse than these. Before me is a statement in the Hampshire Telegraph concerning the recent visit of Dr. Talmage to this kingdom. Professedly he made the tour for his health. As stated in his last sermon in New York just before leaving, (which sermon Elder J. N. Andrews heard,) he was going to take a vacation for his health. It seems that over here he charged £100 ($500) per lecture for each of his regular lectures. The statement before me is relative to a lecture in Brighton, Sussex. Sixty pounds had been paid to his agent toward the £100 he demanded. The agent said Mr. Talmage would not lecture until the whole sum was paid. So the money was paid over to the agent. This report reads: "As the total fees did not exceed £60, while other expenses connected with the lecture amounted to about £20, the committee lost altogether £60, by their too enterprising spirit. After the lecture the facts of the case were stated to Dr. Talmage himself, who promised to communicate with the committee, but up to this time he has not done so." Such grasping of means may be refreshing to a man on a health tour, but what kind of influence is he casting on American ministers? It surely makes it harder for an American here who is determined to stand for the right. Some three years since, one H. S. Earle, well known in some parts of America as a Baptist Evangelist, or "Revival preacher," came to Southampton. When we arrived here, he was having large assemblies in the Philharmonic Rooms of the town. He took as an associate in his work, one Elder Meadows, a man of English birth, but who was educated in America. This man was ordained by Elder Earle. He was told in the charge, after ordination, that he was not to concern himself about the Old Testament, or about Christ's second coming, but to preach simply the gospel. Last summer Elder Earle spent in Palestine for his health. After his return some unpleasantness came up, which has resulted in establishing two separate meetings, and much bad feeling between the parties. Elder Meadows wrote a book setting forth his grievances. Soon after he was brought before the magistrates on the charge of publishing a libel, and after examination bound over in the sum of £200, to the next Assizes at Winchester, there to be tried for libel. This will give you some further idea of the situation in some respects in general, and at Southampton in particular. But what of all this? We expect to pursue the even tenor of our ways, and by God's grace live above such things, and prove to the people that the truth of God and the grace of God can do as much for Americans as it can do for Englishmen. God will bless us standing at our post. Amid it all the truth is gaining ground; in this we will rejoice. Under such circumstances it is good to be connected with those who have known our course, and to have their credentials. I was pleased with the matter in our last General Conference, that all our missionaries should receive special credentials from the General Conference. Such would be acceptable and timely here if such can be sent, and would be an additional testimony to that by the Conference of which missionaries are members. I am of the opinion of the blacksmith that said he could hammer out a reputation on his anvil; so in the name of the Lord, trusting in his mercy, we will stick to our work, sowing the seed, expecting God to water and cause it to bear fruit. Pray for us. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. NORTHERN EUROPE.
By John Gottlieb Matteson
THE mission in these parts is onward. Many doors are open for the proclamation of the last message. I give an extract from some reports for Tidernes Tegn. Bro. Tockzelius writes from Storfors, Sweden :— Dear brethren in Christiana : My visit with you was very encouraging and profitable to me, and I am also thankful for the instructions in Tidernes Tegn. I am still a preacher in the service of the Ansgar-society. When I returned from Norway, complaints were made by the Missionary Board. They said, that I had imbibed Advent doctrines, and that they were very dangerous. They warned me to desist from such views if I wished to remain with them. I was brought before a council, and the consequence was, that they unanimously retained me as a preacher. One of the leaders defended me, and insisted that the Advent doctrine was not so dangerous. Since that time I have tried to present the present truth, which has become very dear to me, both in preaching and conversation. This has caused much stir, and not a little opposition. Many search the truth, and some love it. A minister by the name of Erikson has received the truth and preaches it. I have listened to him several times, and rejoice to hear him boldly proclaim the faith. The Sabbath question weighs heavily on many minds. Religious liberty in Sweden is much limited; but some of the most prominent men in our country intend to bring an appeal before the Legislature to change the law in this respect. Pray for us dear brethren, that the Lord may help us. Do not forget this. This brother was baptised here last summer. Bro. A. Björk writes from Amot, Sweden :— I must tell you, dear brother, that the Lord has gained five souls for his holy Sabbath in this place, and we have hope of more. I have sometimes preached the truth, and have scattered many tracts since I was with you in Christiana, and quite a stir has been caused. They say that Matteson has led me astray; but many of these opposers have returned, after having read the tracts, and acknowledged that we preach the word of God, and teach the right way. The Lord has done much for us. Johansen, a colporter, has been reading our books, and now he reads our tracts in the congregation in the place of preaching. Bro. L. G. Olsen found some Sabbath-keepers in Uppland, and many were interested in the truth. He preached three times in the Baptist meeting-house, and found an open door for the gospel. Some wanted baptism. He is now trying to labor for the spread of the truth about Söderhamn. Bro. K. Brorsen has preached in nine or ten places since his last report. The meetings are well attended. Some have embraced the truth. The brethren in Dronninglund are of good courage, and labor diligently to spread the truth. Bro. Kristensen, the leader of their church, has helped him. He preaches also, as his time permits. In Christiana and vicinity the cause is onward. The Sabbath question is the most interesting theme in Norway. Tract workers and colporters can sell Sabbath tracts the best. A Sunday movement is on foot in Norway, very much like that in America. When the Sabbath was proclaimed, it started the Sunday friends. A Sunday-society was formed, which tries, as far as possible, to enforce Sunday-keeping by law. Their missionary and head-leader held a series of meetings aimed against the doctrines of S. D. Adventists, and then he went to the principal cities, from one end of Norway to the other, to labor for Sunday, and to inform the people that a man had come from America who wanted people to keep the seventh day; that he caused much stir, but his influence was dangerous and should be avoided. This same missionary attended the meeting of the Evangelical Alliance in Switzerland, and labored zealously for Sunday. Then he came back, and lectured about this in the Lutheran mission-house, which is next to our meeting-house. We hope some of the old friends of the Sabbath in Switzerland will soon do what they can for the Sabbath of the Lord. These movements are of the greatest interest in the light of prophecy, and we do not forget to call the attention of our friends in Northern Europe to these matters. This week, the last in the year 1879, has been full of work. Thursday and Friday I preached six sermons. The friends brought a Christmas-offering of about $32.00. (I preach at present in two halls in different places.) Sabbath I preached one sermon, and in the evening lectured to the Good Templars, by request. We had an interesting Sabbath-school Sabbath afternoon. Sunday I gave three discourses, and we held a Sunday-school. This school has lately been started, and counts seventy-three members. It promises to be useful. Monday was full of business and writing. One thousand signatures of tracts were printed. The paper must be printed on one side Tuesday. Monday evening the singers were drilled. Tuesday evening we had a social gathering for the Sabbath and Sunday-school. Two hundred and twenty-five persons were present. I spoke to them on the present condition of the cause. We had some interesting exercises with the Sabbath-school. Between four hundred and five hundred hearers attend the meetings regularly every Sunday evening. The truth is gaining ground steadily. Tuesday I finished writing copy for the paper. To-day, the last day in the old year, we have read proof, have twenty letters and other things to write, accounts to make up, tracts to mail, and the paper is coming off the press nicely, -1,250 copies. We read the reports of the General Conference with deep interest. Our hearts are with our brethren in America in this blessed work. My general health is better than it has been for many years. Thank God for his goodness.
Dec. 31. J. G. MATTESON.