“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10.
It is quite common for professed Christians, especially in our missionary meetings, to say that to labor for Jesus would be the height of their ambition; but they have no tact for it, they have not the ability nor qualifications requisite for a successful worker in the Master's vineyard. Yet these same individuals will drive a sharp trade, make shrewd bargains, and they are year after year accumulating wealth. If you ask them to canvass for our periodicals, to sell the Health Annual, or to circulate tracts and other reading matter pertaining to the third angel's message, they are ready to present the old threadbare excuse—“slow of speech;” yet in conversation about worldly matters, where their own personal interests are concerned, they are quite as fluent as others. Brethren, these things ought not so to be. The opportunities now afforded us for improving upon the talents which God has intrusted to our care will soon be in the past; then, if we have failed to improve them, the epithet “wicked and slothful servant” will be applied to us. Jesus says of the careless, indifferent one who hid his Lord's money in the earth, “Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
God does not require us to perform impossibilities. He places no heavier burdens upon us than we are able to bear. The Lord asks us to yield our hearts to his service; if they are “broken and contrite,” he will make us humble instruments of accomplishing good to others. Because we have not the meekness of Moses, the purity of Joseph, the patience of Job, the eloquence of David, or the devotion of Daniel, we should not become discouraged and withdraw from the work assigned us as harvesters for Jesus. God forbid that any should draw back; for thus saith the Lord, “If any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.”
We have the assurance that in the closing up work of this world's history, the gifts will be multiplied in the church. The gift of helps stands quite prominent among the rest. Helps to sustain the cause of Christ by our means; helps to forward the work of God by a well-ordered life and a godly conversation; helps to preach the doctrines of Christ by making our lives a living witness for the truth which we profess; helps to bring a knowledge of the truth for this time before others, and thus hasten the coming of the Lord. What a privilege to occupy such a position.
Reader, have you not some near and dear relative that is out of the ark of safety? Have you not some neighbor or friend that is perishing for the want of God's precious truth? Can you sit down quietly, fold your arms, and feel at ease, when we are right upon the verge of the loud cry of the third message? The Saviour says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and be led to glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” It is the will of God that we act as faithful watchmen upon the walls of Zion. But those who know their Master's will and do it not shall be “beaten with many stripes.”
Let none plead inability and want of tact as an excuse for not engaging in this noblest of all enterprises. We have a never-failing source of strength, wisdom, and understanding to which we may apply. And we are exhorted to “prove” the Lord; let us take him at his word and trust in his promises.
Many of us profess to know and love the Lord, but in works we deny him. “Faith without works is dead.” Jesus invites us to labor for him a little while only. We must work while it is called to-day; for the night cometh when no man can work. If we should lay aside the busy cares of this life for at least a short period each day, and devote a portion of our time, talent, and means to the service of God, we might render acceptable service to him, and be laying up for ourselves a good foundation against the time to come. In seeking to help others, we help ourselves. None but those who labor for Jesus know how blessed it is to enter the whitened fields and glean for the Master. There is “resting by-and-by” for the faithful worker. “In due time we shall reap, if we faint not.” Let this fact stimulate us, brethren and sisters, to labor on as missionary workers. We are either for Christ or against him. Who will show themselves on the Lord's side? There will never be a greater need for workers, nor a more urgent call for means to forward the work of the third angel's message, than at the present time.
Much time has been lost; it can never be recovered; therefore let us double our diligence to improve the small portion that remains, taking heed to the testimony of Paul: “Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” 1 Cor. 15:58. M. WOOD.
So. Lancaster, Mass.
A SABBATH CONVENTION.
[THE following from the Congregationalist of Sept. 25, may be of interest to the readers of the REVIEW. It speaks for itself. G. F. HAINES.]
It has become a question, and an immediate one, whether New England shall not hold a Convention for the rescue of the Lord’s day, all denominations taking part in the movement and being there represented. Will not ministers and laymen let themselves be heard on this question? Associations, conferences, clubs, can do important work for the day, and can especially prepare the way here; but must we not have a Convention? The very agitation of forming one would stir our six States to a new interest in their own Sabbath. Planned rightly, carried out consistently, pertinaciously followed up through a large committee, possibly by a Sabbath organization in counties or towns, the Convention would do a great deal toward setting right our New England, and would arrest the attention of the whole country. Shall it not be held? Are clergymen all aware of what we have already lost—lost beyond an easy recovery? Are church members, good citizens, parents, aware of it? All will say, Few are alive to it.
No two years in the last ten have made such ruin and havoc as the season now closing. And already devices are announced for a bolder, brisker campaign next summer. We are credibly informed that eleven hundred picnickers, with baskets, from Lowell, passed in their long, long train, through the Salem station, on their way to their holiday grounds at Revere, on a single calm morning of the Lord’s day. Salem itself run over, as has been her wont, with her own population and people from the towns around en route for the “Willows,” or other spots, perhaps on an excursion by steamer, or railroad, possibly in carriages for the camp-meeting grounds in Hamilton. Which shall we ask first? Where are the consciences of the lovers of pleasure? or, where are the consciences of the managers of railroads and of the owners of steamers?
Sacredly and solemnly, if the views and convictions of large-minded living men, and of the best men we have had in all times past, as to the appointment, meaning, uses, and value of the Lord’s day are not to be thrown away, how can New England answer to herself, and to the God of our fathers, for what she has done, or so quietly accepts?
Things Preferable.
“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Ps. 118:8.
It is better to be saved in a storm than to be lost in a calm.
It is better to have Christ’s poverty, and be rich in faith, than to have the world’s wealth, and not be rich toward God.
It is better to preach the whole gospel of Christ in a humble tent, than to preach a partial gospel in a gorgeous temple.
It is better to sit on the ground with freedom of speech, than to recline in a palace, with the lips sealed.
It is better, like the apostles, to be poor yet making many rich, than to be rich, yet starve precious souls by not giving them meat in due season.
It is better to be defeated in a good cause than to be successful in a bad one.
It is better to suffer on the side of right, than to reign on the side of wrong. Success which is the result of wrong-doing brings a curse with it.
MAINE
By Samuel J. Hersum
Maysville, Aroostook Co., Nov. 19, 1878.
I COMMENCED meetings in this place the 14th. The people seem to have a desire to hear. There has been a good attendance considering the number of inhabitants. We have visited the brethren at Washburn. The most of those who took hold of the truth last summer are still holding on, and are strong. They have had considerable opposition; but that will cause them to grow stronger, if they are sanctified by the truth. We need the prayers of our brethren, that we may have the Spirit of God to lead us in our labor for the salvation of souls. We shall continue our meetings here as long as it seems to be duty. Brethren, pray for us.
SAMUEL J. HERSUM.
CLYDE, OHIO.
By Dudley Marvin Canright; A. O. Burrill
WE have just closed our labors here. Have not accomplished very much, as the weather has been unfavorable. This is the second largest church in Ohio; but they are greatly scattered. Not more than half of them usually meet together at once. They have a very neat meeting-house which cost them about twenty-five hundred dollars. There was a debt of almost a thousand dollars upon this. Just before I came the brethren made arrangements to divide this debt among themselves so that it is now all provided for, and the church will stand clear. They have thus made a move in the right direction, and God will bless them for it. This is a very rich and lovely country. It seems to possess almost every advantage possible, and a good proportion of the brethren are well off and abundantly able to help largely in the cause. Quite a share of them are in middle life, just at the season when they should be strong in the work.
The Sabbath-school here needs some improvements. The tract society has done very well. They have also a good Vigilant Missionary Society. Thirty-nine copies of the SIGNS had formerly been taken here; they now take sixty-one copies.
The church is in harmony generally, though there are some matters of difficulty which we hope to see settled up shortly. We were sorry to find that some of the members have neither pledged nor paid S. B. for years; and some who have pledged have not paid anything for the past year. God cannot bless such slackness in his work. Nearly all present entered heartily into the tithing system for 1879.
The outside attendance was very small, yet there were a few deeply interested. Brn. St. John and Guilford will labor together in this district during the winter. We expect to dedicate the new church at Newark within a month. We wish to see a general rally of all our friends in that section at this time. We now go to Dunkirk, and other new churches, to aid them.
Our permanent P. O. address is Clyde, and any letters sent there will be forwarded.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
A. O. BURRILL.
A REMINISCENCE.
By John Norton Loughborough
The State of New York was my home until twenty-two years of age. I was born in Victor, Ontario Co., Jan. 26, 1832. At sixteen I made a profession of religion. I bore my first testimony in a religious meeting in the house of Bro. Jonathan Lamson, near Clarkson Center, Monroe Co.
My first attempt to preach was made at Kendall Corners, Orleans Co., Jan. 2, 1849. I was seventeen the 26th day of the same month. I obtained permission of the trustees and minister of the Baptist church to hold meetings in their house. After two discourses had been given to large audiences on the fall of man and the restitution through Christ, I was told that they had decided to hold a singing-school in the house, and I could occupy it no longer.
I was invited by a Mr. Townsend to a school-house about four miles south of Kendall, where I gave five discourses. I was kindly entertained by this family, but as I had not a large stock of subjects matured, my tarry was short, although urged to stay longer in the neighborhood. While here I was attacked quite roughly by a Methodist minister. There happened to be also in the house a Universalist minister who was a special foe to the former. The Universalist, being requested to speak, gave the Methodist doctrine of eternal misery a very good refutation, after which I noticed both of their positions.
From Kendall, I journeyed on to a school-house near Two Bridges. Here I arrived near noon and obtained my dinner at the house of a Mr. Button near the school-house. After dinner I walked four miles through deep snow to see all the trustees, making sure of the school-house as long as I should wish to speak in it; I then circulated my appointment through the school, and in the evening commenced my work with a crowded house. I learned afterward that they “all rushed out to hear the boy preach.”
After the first discourse I told them I was a stranger there, that I had come to hold a few meetings with them if they could entertain me while I was there. Mr. Beardsley stepped forward and invited me to go home with him. I made my home at his house most of the time I was in the neighborhood. He embraced the doctrines taught. Others were kind and considerate of my wants. Nine discourses were given in this neighborhood; and thus was fairly opened my life as an itinerant.
I have often thought of this my first move in preaching. Striking out thirty-six miles from home, among entire strangers, with only $3.00 I could call my own, and even this was given to me by an Adventist brother after I had decided to start. As I have seen how God raised up friends then, it has encouraged me to trust him in greater emergencies.
Nearly four years from this time, in September, 1855, I first heard on the subject of present truth at the house of our beloved Bro. James White, at No. 124 Mount Hope Avenue, Rochester, N. Y. I took a public stand for the Sabbath, in that house, the first Sabbath in October of that year. During the winter I commenced to proclaim the views of Seventh-day Adventists, confining my labors to New York, and Potter Co., Pa.
In April, 1853, I visited the West. I spent five months in Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana, then came back into the State of New York. Bro. Cornell was with me in most of these meetings. How much we sought God together! How we felt our dependence upon him! God blessed at every point. Souls embraced the truth because the Lord was with us. God was with us because we felt our own weakness, our need of him, and earnestly sought him daily. Like efforts will produce like results still. God does not change.
Since 1853, I have spent two years in the State of New York, and the rest of my time has been spent in other States, a little more than ten years having been spent on the Pacific coast. It has been a matter of interest to me to spend the last two weeks in this my native State, and to note the onward march of present truth. Already has the cause assumed such proportions here that it has become a matter of necessity to divide New York and Pennsylvania into two Conferences. Here I meet more than a score of laborers, many of them young men who have lately taken hold of the work. If these all keep humble and make God their strength, we may look for still greater advancement in these Conferences.
At Wellsville, our church was nearly filled with Sabbath-keepers, and I was told that as many more were detained at their homes by bad roads. Twenty-two years ago I passed through Wellsville; there was then scarcely a Seventh-day Adventist there. The Lord has been greatly blessing his truth. The recent meeting seemed to have an encouraging effect upon those assembled. The Lord met with us in power. I spoke seven times with good liberty.
The Conference in Rome, N. Y., was well attended. Although a season of much business, it has been a time when we have shared much of the Lord’s blessing. The ministers’ prayer-meetings at 6 A. M. every day were a source of strength. I spoke ten times during the Conference. While speaking to ministers and people of our lack, of our source of strength, and of God’s willingness to help us if we seek and serve him aright, I was myself corrected, admonished, and blessed. “He that watereth shall be watered also himself.” We go to-day to Danvers, Mass.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Rome, N. Y., Nov. 21, 1878.
WORK WHILE THE DAY LASTS.
By Mary L. Williams
[The following article was addressed to the brethren of the South, but is just as applicable to those in all sections of the country.—Ed.]
The time has come for us to put on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand, having our loins girt about with truth, having on the breast-plate of righteousness, and our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all, let us take the shield of faith, that we may be able to quench the fiery darts of Satan. Let us get ready our sword, the word of God; and let us pray always, with all prayer and supplication, not forgetting to heed the Saviour’s admonition to watch.
Having thus prepared ourselves for the work, let us labor unselfishly for the advancement of the cause of truth; let us exemplify the life of our adorable Redeemer, and thus win precious souls to God. We must be men and women of stamina,—men and women who can stand firmly for the principles laid down in the word of God, and who can meet temptations and the rude storms of life with fortitude and cheerfulness. Satan has been building fortifications between the minds of the people and God’s truth, and they must be removed before the warning message of the third angel can reach the heart.175
Brethren and sisters, let us go forward. The foe is strong; but all Heaven is interested in this last great struggle with the powers of darkness, and the Captain of our salvation will lead us to victory. Angels watch to see how faithful we are in the work set for us to do. A record is kept, and eternity will tell how we have wrought. Soon Jesus will come to reward every man according to his work. May this Conference year be one long to be remembered, on account of the great number of precious souls saved. Mary L. Williams.
Horse Cave, Ky.
OUR GUIDE.
By P. Alderman
We have a lamp of heavenly light,
Why should our footsteps stray?
And more and more its light will shine
Unto the perfect day.
'Tis hung for all, this lamp so bright,
Though few behold its radiant light.
The holy word will guide our feet
Through dangers yet to come;
Not long we tread the vale of tears,
And just beyond is home.
O light of lights! O truth divine!
Forever on my pathway shine.
If anxious care or lonely fears
Over our spirits roll,
We listen, and the whispered peace
Comes sweetly to the soul.
We look, to find the glowing rays
Shine all the more in darkest days.
Pilgrim and stranger though we be,
Our chart will safely guide
From earth and toil to rest and Heaven,
If we by it abide.
It lightens up the narrow way,
Why should our footsteps ever stray?
P. ALDERMAN.
CHRISTIANA, NORWAY.
By John G. Matteson
Another week has passed. I have been busy writing and preparing for meetings. I have earnestly sought the Lord for help and strength, and have realized in some degree the presence of his Spirit. I have never commenced a course of meetings with greater interest, and desire that it may prove a success through the mighty help of God.
Last night we held our first meeting. Probably about three hundred were present. They filled the room for meeting and our private rooms, as well as the entrance and stairs. A large crowd went away because they could not get into the house. The word spoken made a solemn impression on many hearts. Some over one hundred small tracts were distributed, and I sold tracts for Kr. 5.10 ($1.36). A brother who is a good hand at canvassing would be a great help to us in this city. May the Lord direct for his own glory.
Oct. 28. JOHN G. MATTESON.
NEBRASKA
By CHAS. L. BOYD
David City, Nov. 18.
Last Sabbath was a good day for the David City church. The Sabbath-school received especial attention, and a deep interest was manifested in it.
May God bless this company as they take hold of the missionary work.
CHAS. L. BOYD.
MINNESOTA
By N. Battin
Getty's Grove, Nov. 18.
The audiences have not increased in size since my last report, yet there has been interest enough on the part of those who have attended to justify a continuation of the meetings. None have yet taken a decided stand, but some persons of real worth are almost persuaded. Bro. Mead has come to assist in the work.
We feel the necessity of a thorough consecration to God, and make a special request that the people of God remember us in prayer. N. BATTIN.
MICHIGAN
By E. H. Root
The church in Wright has enjoyed a precious season under the zealous and faithful labors of Eld. E. B. Lane. God has in a special manner worked for us. We have had marked evidence of his willingness to bless the efforts put forth to advance his cause. We had nearly lost our reckoning; but the clear and pointed testimony borne, accompanied with the Spirit of God, enabled us to see our wrongs, and to engage individually in the work of seeking God. A number who have professed the truth from ten to twenty years have a brighter experience than ever before. Some of our children are getting an experience in the things of God, and quite a number have made a start for the first time. We feel to praise God for the good work.
E. H. Root.
WISCONSIN
By O. A. Johnson
DEBELLO.—I was at Debello two weeks, holding meetings nearly every evening and on Sabbaths and Sundays. While laboring with the tent, I was challenged to discuss the Sabbath question; and as I could not hold a discussion then, I postponed it till October. This discussion took place while I was at Debello. I think the results were good. The brethren were confirmed in the faith as they saw truth and error contrasted. Two families accepted the truth.
AVALANCHE.—I came to this place Oct. 25, and held meetings till Nov. 17. Last Sabbath we organized a Sabbath-school of about twenty-five members. Nine signed the covenant, and there are nearly as many more who observe the Sabbath and meet with us. A leader was chosen, and Sabbath and weekly prayer meetings were appointed.
I now intend to assist Bro. P. L. Hoen, who has been laboring among the Norwegians at Bloomingdale, about three miles from Avalanche, and also to labor with the church at Mt. Pisgah.
Nov. 19. O. A. JOHNSON.
IOWA
By G. V. Kilgore
Last evening we began meetings in a Union meeting-house near Flint post-office. About one hundred and fifty were present. The prospects are favorable, and by the blessing of God we trust some will receive the truth.
The truth was preached at this place about two years ago without any apparent fruit; but one good family embraced the Sabbath some time afterward. Now this family want others to embrace the truth near them. Thus the seed, when sown in good ground, springs up, sometimes after many days. Pray for us.
G. V. KILGORE.
SANTA ROSA, CAL.
[Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.]
The work at Santa Rosa, where Brn. Healey and Rice are laboring, is moving steadily onward. Some are giving up tobacco and other bad habits. Yesterday, Nov. 10, seven were baptized.
The pastor of the Presbyterian church of this place, in preaching on the Sabbath question, said the fourth commandment never enjoined the keeping of the seventh day, and read Exodus 20:8: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” “There,” said he, “thousands of people haven’t discernment enough to see that the seventh day is not commanded;” and again, “God never blessed the seventh day, but only the Sabbath institution.”
Could it be possible that the man thought he had given all of the fourth commandment in Ex. 20:8? Verses 9 and 10 read: “Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God,” etc. Could it be possible he never read Gen. 2:3: “And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it”? He admitted he could not find any place in the New Testament that said the Sabbath had been changed, but claimed examples to prove it, and of course failed to find them. But about as strong evidence as he had was, “the fact that the first day is so universally observed shows there must be a divine appointment for it.” Would not that kind of an argument prove a divine appointment for lying; for it is a fact that it is quite universal? We need not dwell further upon such a mass of contradictions. May the Spirit of God help to open the eyes of the blind, that they may see his truth in all its beauty. The church was filled to hear the review. May God bless the word spoken.
THE SUFFERINGS OF THE APOSTLES.
By C. N. Stuttle
Shall we say that our burdens are more than we can bear, or that the way is too narrow? Do we find many thorny hedges that it seems almost impossible for us to surmount? Do we meet the scoffs of this world? Is the finger of scorn pointed at us? Do Satan’s fiery darts fall thick and fast around us? Let us remember the sufferings of the apostles.
James was summoned to appear before the Sanhedrim, who required him to renounce his faith in Christ. And that he may make his renunciation in a most public manner, they carry him to the top of the temple, and threaten to throw him down if he does not comply with their request. It cannot be that his thoughts are of the danger that threatens him, or of the scoffs of his persecutors; for instead of gratifying their request we hear him exhorting others to confess Christ; upon which he was ordered to be thrown down from the place where he stood. This fall did not kill him. As he raised himself, bruised and bleeding, to his knees, he prayed God to have mercy on his persecutors; and while he was praying that they might be forgiven, they poured upon him a shower of stones. Thus died James the Just.
Nor are the sufferings of Paul less worthy of notice. The Lord said he would show him what great things he must suffer for his name’s sake. Let us follow him through his life of sorrows. Does he not stand firm when brought before priests and councils? Does he complain while he receives many stripes from his persecutors? Do we hear him say the cross is more than he can bear, when before the king? When he received his sentence from Nero, he did not tremble, but triumphantly exclaimed, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” And after a solemn prayer, he gave his neck to the fatal stroke.
The apostle Peter suffered death on the cross; but he did not murmur while being led to the place of execution. No; instead, we hear him begging that he might not be crucified in the same manner in which his Lord suffered, but with his head downward, feeling unworthy to meet death in the same position. This request was complied with, and he gave his life for the cause of his great Redeemer.
Andrew, after being scourged in a most unmerciful manner by order of the proconsul, was led away to be crucified; and as he neared the cross he kneeled down and saluted it in words similar to the following: “I have long desired and expected this happy hour. The cross has been consecrated by the body of Christ; I therefore come joyfully and triumphantly to it, that it may receive me as a disciple and follower of Him who once hung upon it.” After praying earnestly and exhorting the people to be firm in the faith he had delivered to them, he was fastened to the cross, from which he taught and instructed the people for two whole days, after which he died.
Can we not also confide in the care of the Lord? Did not the apostles trust in his promises? and are they not left for us as well?
How apt are we to trust in our own strength. Let us get out of self and lean upon the arm of God, and believe that he is not man “that he should lie, neither the son of man that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” The psalmist says, “He will be our guide even unto death.” Yes; we can trust Him who gave his only begotten Son, that through him we might have eternal life.
Then, though the way seems dark and dreary, though at every turn we meet foes that would lead us in the by-ways of sin and folly, though we are tempted until there seems no way of escape, we may find consolation in the promise, “Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
How many precious promises we find in the word of God adapted to all our wants in this life, to strengthen and encourage us. Let us, then, go forward, overcoming all our sins, fighting life’s battles cheerfully and with courage, that we may have it said to us, “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” C. N. Stuttle.
Vernon, Mich.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
Died of internal cancer, in Battle Creek, Mich., Nov. 22, 1878, Bro. Joseph Young, aged 85 years, 10 months, and 21 days. He was born in Oneonta, Otsego Co., N. Y., Jan. 1, 1793, and was married to Miss Elizabeth Van Wert, Dec. 22, 1814, with whom he lived happily until her death, which occurred Aug. 26, 1854. In 1856, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Tubbs, who still survives. In 1836, he removed to the then new State of Michigan, and settled in Battle Creek township. In 1861 he sold his farm and moved to the city of Battle Creek, where he has since resided. He early united with the Presbyterian church, in which for fifty four years he faithfully and acceptably filled the office of deacon.
Soon after his location in this city, he commenced, without any special solicitation, but voluntarily, an examination of some of the distinctive features of the S. D. Adventist faith. Becoming in due time convinced that these were correct, he naturally inclined to a connection with this people. Accordingly, at his request, in 1875 the Presbyterian church of this city gave him and his wife liberal and cordial letters of commendation to the S. D. Adventist church here, with which they united March 6 of that year. Bro. Young held his new views with much satisfaction to the time of his death.
He leaves a companion, seven children, twenty-four grand-children, and eleven great grand-children. His family relations have ever been most pleasant, and to the last his children paid him that affectionate deference which is due from a child to a parent. He also enjoyed in an eminent degree the confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens.
During his protracted illness he was a great sufferer; but he bore his afflictions with Christian fortitude and patience. The funeral was held the 24th. A large gathering of relatives and citizens, especially his old acquaintances, testified to the respect and esteem in which he was held by all who knew him.
“The golden dawn of the day of God
Shall smite on the sealed eyes;
The trumpet’s sound shall be heard around,
And the sleepers awake and rise.
“The night is over, the sleep is slept,
They are called from the shadowy place;
The pilgrims stand in the glorious land,
And gaze on the Master’s face.”
U. S.
Fell asleep in Jesus, at the residence of her son, R. J. Cramer, in Dalleny, P. Q., Oct. 17, 1878, Mrs. Hill, in the seventy-first year of her age. She had been a Christian for many years, and was much respected.
J. H. Fowler.
Died at Buffalo Springs, Colorado, Nov. 1, 1878, infant son of Jas. and Susan Parmelee.
J. Parmelee.
Died at Fremont, Waupaca county, Wis., Sept. 27, 1878, Mary Elizabeth, daughter of George and Belle Shafer, aged one year and eight months.
“Still reigns the tyrant Death in sable power;
Sorrow and mourning wait at his command;
For tender bud as well as blooming flower
Fades ’neath the touch of his relentless hand.
“But ah! there is a land whose shores are nearing;
The ills of earth its soil shall never bear;
Of that bright world there stands this promise cheering,
Death finds no entrance—pain no victims there.”
Vesta J. Olsen.
Died at her residence near Coopertown, Tenn., Oct. 23, Sister Sallie Clinard. She embraced the truth about a year ago, while I was holding meetings at that place. Sister C. lived and died strong in the faith. A husband and three children mourn her loss. May the Lord lead them to obey the truth and to meet her in the resurrection.
S. Osborn.
Died in New Shoreham, R. I., Nov. 4, 1878, Elijah Macomber, aged about 55 years. Bro. M. had symptoms of consumption ten years ago, and for two years has been unable to work. He suffered considerably, but had the blessed hope to comfort him in hours of distress. He was in the first and second messages, and knew the power of truth. Eighteen years ago he heartily embraced present truth, and until he died kept the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. A wife and son mourn his death. May they each seek comfort in the Lord, and be prepared to meet the husband and father again when Jesus comes.
P. C. Rodman.
Died of diphtheria, on Long Island, in Cumberland county, Maine, Nov. 5, 1878, Eva H. Griffin, daughter of Alpheus and Ellen Griffin. Words of comfort by the writer, from Jer. 31:16, 17.
S. H. Whitney.
A CRIME AGAINST THE FAMILY.
The Rev. Alfred M. Christopher, of Oxford, England, writes: “I will vouch for the thorough truthfulness and accuracy of the subjoined painful account.”
In Dublin resides a family consisting of a father, mother, and three children—two girls and one boy. The father is a professional man, and necessarily much engaged in his calling. He has, however, been entirely devoted to the interests of his children, working hard for them, and giving them the best education Dublin could supply. He is a strict Presbyterian, and most earnest and decided in his religious convictions. The mother has been a most tender and affectionate parent, completely devoted to her children, thinking of them in everything, and in the course of many years has only left them once or twice for short periods of time. The children were doing well in their studies, and giving every promise of success and usefulness in their future lives.
About five and a half years ago a Roman Catholic servant was admitted into the family. She at once set about the task of corrupting the principles of the children, and of leading them astray from the Protestant faith. In February, 1874, the three children, then of the ages of thirteen, eleven, and ten, respectively, were admitted into the Roman Catholic Church by one “Father” Hall, of the Carmelite convent in Whitefriar street, Dublin, without the knowledge and consent of their parents. In July, 1876, they were taken secretly in a cab to Cardinal Cullen, who—again without the knowledge and consent of their parents—confirmed them.
In February, 1878, the father accidentally discovered the deception that had been practiced upon him. During the four intervening years the children had been residing at home, attending family worship, going regularly to school on week-days, attending on Sundays the Sunday-school of their church, and never by word or deed giving any indication of what had taken place. Trained skillfully in the art of deception by those who had led them astray, they lived one protracted lie in the sight of their parents, who had no reason to suspect anything wrong in them. When they were at last found out, they at first denied everything.
“We are Protestants, and intend to remain Protestants,” said the three with one voice.
When, however, lying was no longer of any avail, they changed their cry, and alike with one voice exclaimed, as it were, in unison, “We are Catholics; we are Catholics.”
They have since openly defied and disobeyed their father, refusing to attend church with him, or to be present at family worship, or otherwise to submit to his lawful authority in the religious ordering of his household.
They had evidently been instructed, first to systematically lie and deceive, and then to be openly defiant. When remonstrated with by their father for their lying and deceit, they replied, “It is no harm to tell lies in the cause of religion!”
Thus discord and misery have been introduced into a happy family, a respectable home has been broken up, and many fond hopes have been blighted. The father is in the deepest distress, and the mother almost broken-hearted; while the children—as may be gathered from the above narrative—are demoralized to the core of their nature, alienated from their nearest relatives, whose hopes for their future are utterly destroyed. It is well that parents should know the dangers to which their children are exposed from a system which in the sacred name of religion attempts to subvert the nearest relations, and to sunder the most sacred ties of the human heart. Religion can thus recklessly interfere with family life, deprive the parents of the control of those dear to them in the most important of all concerns, and teach the young to lie, deceive, and at last to openly defy their parents. Such an invasion of the family circle, and such a trampling upon parental rights, is surely not to be tolerated in a free and civilized country.—N. Y. Observer.
WHY IS IT?
By J. E. Green
I have been wondering why our T. and M. meetings are so poorly attended. At our last district quarterly meeting three churches ought to have been well represented, but one of them failed to have any representative there (this same thing occurred too in July), but had a good report; one church was represented by two sisters, but did not report in season. The meeting was held with the third church, but most of the members who lived at a distance were not present.
I wonder if it is impossible to have our meetings better attended. I know that it is sometimes very difficult for our brethren who are farmers to leave home; but in the majority of cases one or more from each household might attend the meeting. “The horses have to work so hard it seems cruel to drive them so far on the Sabbath.” Well, would not the Lord bless us accordingly, were we to let our teams rest a part or all of the sixth day, that they might come up to the Sabbath refreshed and ready to carry us to these gatherings which those at the head of the work have seen proper to appoint? Is it necessary for us to work ourselves and teams so hard all the six laboring days, up to their closing hours, that we cannot attend upon the Lord’s work on the Sabbath? I had to work very hard in order to leave the family comfortable during my absence, and the long ride on sixth-day afternoon looked like quite an undertaking; but I was well paid for my effort. The Lord was there, and it is good to go where the Lord deigns to meet with us.
Brethren and sisters, the time of our next district quarterly meeting is approaching, and let us try to have it well attended. Time is short, and soon our last quarterly meeting will have passed; soon we shall be called to hand in our last great report, and I wonder if we shall all be ready to hand it in with joy. Soon the grand and final meeting of God’s faithful ones will open, and I wonder if any of us will be too tired or too busy to attend it.
Jefferson Co., Wis.
J. E. GREEN.
The Sabbath of the Lord.
By H. H. Smith
Welcome, sweet day of rest,
Appointed ere the fall,
Which God hath sanctified and blessed,
And made for man, for all.
In memory of our God,
Of his creative powers,
Of all his wonders on record,
We spend these sacred hours.
Oh! may no deed profane,
Or thought, or even word,
Thy holy Sabbaths, which remain
Forever, saith the Lord.
Oh! help us while we pray,
Indite for us our prayer;
Our hearts on this thy holy day,
To worship thee, prepare.