The interest manifested by the Bostonians several months ago over the coming and preaching of Mr. Moody continued to the close. Thousands and thousands flocked to the Tabernacle to hear and see the great revivalist. Hundreds were turned away daily unable to obtain even standing room in the immense building. Long before the hour of opening the doors, thousands congregated around the building, waiting admission, enduring the pelting rain or the chilling northeast blasts, to say nothing about mashed toes and bruised limbs occasioned by the impatient crowd. Those nearest the entrances must have suffered the most excruciating pain by being pressed against the walls of the Tabernacle; and some received nearly fatal injuries in this way.
That the reader may judge somewhat of the immense crowds of people which impatiently waited an entrance to the Tabernacle, I would state that in seven minutes from the opening of the doors, over seven thousand individuals had passed within the building. Mr. Moody has completely won the hearts of the people, not as Absalom did, but (as they say) by his straightforward, practical, Bible truths, such as the following, for instance, which I extract from his sermon as published in the Boston Journal of April 27, 1877. His discourse was upon the ten commandments, which are represented as weights. He says,
“Now let us put in that next weight,—Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. How many are there in this assembly that love and reverence the Sabbath day? There are some who tell us that we have got away from the old Puritan idea into a liberal Christianity, that the Sabbath was made for man, and he should make the best use of it. ‘Let us have our institutions open, let us go out driving; a Sunday spent in the fields and with fast horses is better than a Sunday spent in church.’ Let me say right here, my friends, any nation that has given up this Sabbath has soon gone down. The only hope of this republic is to hold on to the Sabbath. It will be a dark day for this country when it gives up the Sabbath. A few years ago I was in France, and it was hard to tell when it was Sabbath. Everything went on as on any other day. I talked with some of the workingmen, and they said the poor man had no day of rest. Now look and see where France is. A few years ago it stood among the first of the nations, and now it is gone down, like Italy and Spain. It gave up its Sabbath, and God gave it up.
“If this nation gives up the Sabbath it will not be long before we go down. May God bring our nation back to the old Puritan ideas of the Sabbath. We do not want our trains running on the Sabbath. I do not know but that is the reason why railroad stocks have gone down. I do not see how a Christian man can put his money into a railroad that is running trains on the Sabbath. They say that business is important, but how much has Boston got by putting money into Western roads that run trains on the Sabbath? The time has come for Christian men to take a stand and withdraw from railroads that run Sunday trains. I think there is power enough in this country to preserve the Sabbath, and if not, I think the quicker we find it out the better. It will be a dark day when we give up the Sabbath, and give up to the foreigners and infidels that are trying to break down the Sabbath day. May God sink that truth into every heart.”
Can ye not see whither we are drifting?
M. WOOD.
THE LORD IS GOOD.
By R. F. Cottrell
How great is his goodness toward us who are so undeserving! Even in these last days, these days of degeneracy and degradation of our race, he is willing to enlighten, lead, and save, us. And should we feel it a hardship to do and to suffer in his cause? Should we not rather esteem it a privilege to follow the self-sacrificing example of Him “who gave himself for us”? Oh! what have we cost? The Son of God gave HIMSELF for us. No reserve; life, soul, and being were freely given. He poured out his soul unto death, receiving in his own person the penalty which was justly our due.
What shall we render to God for this matchless kindness shown to us? Shall we esteem it a hard thing to follow Jesus, to bear the cross, to follow his example of self-sacrificing labor for others? Are we not debtors to him and to those for whom he died, to do all in our power to save them?
We cannot reach the sublime height of our Savior’s love and sacrifice; but we can look up to it, and press in that direction. And is not this a privilege? Oh! for a spirit to willingly enter into fellowship with his labor and sufferings for the good of others!
R. F. COTTRELL.
DRESS NEATLY ON THE SABBATH.
By D. M. Carright
On several occasions I have observed brethren and sisters come to meeting upon the Sabbath day in their every-day clothing, brethren with dirty shirts and collars. If this were the best they had, or could consistently obtain, no one would find fault. But on the next day, Sunday, they come to meeting dressed up in much better clothing; or if they go visiting, or go to another church to meeting, they take more pains with their dress and general personal appearance.
This seems very offensive to me, and I believe it is offensive to God. It shows a disrespect for the Sabbath and for the worship of God and for the presence of his people. I always think, and am seldom deceived in this, that such persons are only half in the truth. It is a very sacred thing to go to the house of God to meet with the Lord on his holy day. This is the time, if ever, when God draws near his people.
Anciently when the Lord was to come especially nigh to his people, he said to Moses, “Go unto the people, and sanctify them to-day and to-morrow, and let them wash their clothes, and be ready against the third day; for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon Mount Sinai.” Ex. 19: 10, 11. This shows that the Lord notices these things.
Again, when Jacob went to worship before God, we notice he gave his household special direction upon this subject. “Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments.” Gen. 35: 2. Brethren and sisters, let us show our respect for God, for his worship, and for his holy Sabbath, by appearing neat, clean, and tidy in the house of God.
D. M. CARRIGHT.
THE WESTERN NEW YORK CAMP-MEETING.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Everything thus far is favorable for this meeting. All our people in this region calculate to go. Last Sunday the friends here (Allegany) ordered twelve tents. Let others do the same. Two families can unite, and rent a tent 12x17. The cost is only a trifle. All west of Syracuse are expected to come to this camp-meeting—from Genoa, Catlin, all in Pennsylvania, etc. We get return tickets free on the Buffalo, New York, and Philadelphia R. R. Inquire for camp-meeting tickets to Aurora. Brethren in Allegany County and most of those in Cattaraugus County can easily go to this road to take the cars, and thus secure half fare all the way.
One-half our brethren who will attend this meeting live near enough to come with teams, or even on foot, if they have no money. Let us show some energy and interest in the matter. This is all the meeting you will have till next fall. Scattered ones are particularly invited. It will be a shame to our Lancaster friends if they don't every one turn out, and stay all through the meeting. Last fall some near Rome came Sabbath morning, and left Sunday afternoon. We want no such shameful example at this meeting. D. M. CANRIGHT.
TEXAS
By Jos. Clarke
Deckman, Dallas Co.
We feel encouraged at every step we have taken in this work of teaching the freedmen. If we realize no more than we have already experienced in seeing the little group of pleasant faces from day to day in the school, and the opportunities had for conversation with these really worthy people, we have now had our wages for leaving our friends and brethren and home at the North.
We intend to do all we can, but our brethren must not expect too much. The school now numbers twenty-three pupils, and is on the increase. Possibly it may yet satisfy the most enthusiastic; but if not, it is better to do a little than rust in selfish repose. The South should claim hosts of good, devoted persons from the North, who would come at their own expense, who are willing to be small and despised if they may but give relief to these people who are only grieving and praying for good teachers that will teach them how to read and write.
Mrs. Clarke and I teach the school each a part of the time. Yesterday I addressed the freedmen, who assembled at the humble school-house they have erected, to hear our first appeal to them, the reasons of our coming, and our objects and plans. I do not know who were most interested, the speaker or the audience. By a vote they requested us to address them again next Sunday.
These people are hungry for mental aliment, and many of them hunger for the bread of life. At the close of our meeting, Fayette Jordan observed that we deserved a beating for not addressing them till this late day (for we have been here since February), and old Aunt Fancy, a devoted and noble freedwoman, who is “grandma” to most of the children in the school, raised her hands to heaven, and praised the Lord. We felt very happy to say, Amen and Amen. Jos. Clarke.
OHIO
By H. A. St. John
New Antioch.
It was at this point in Clinton County that Eld. T. J. Butler, assisted in the last part by Eld. T. M. Steward, held a tent meeting last summer. Perhaps no meeting in the State, in all our past history, ever created an interest so general, and widespread, as the one above referred to. If this interest could have been followed up by a change of talent, and with able and efficient men, it is impossible to conjecture what the result would have been. We are happy, however, to report that a company of about thirty intelligent Sabbath-keepers are to be found in Antioch and immediate vicinity.
We began meetings here on Friday evening, May 11, and continued until Monday evening following. Bro. T. J. Butler was present, and assisted much in the meeting. A good degree of interest was manifested from the outside. On Sunday night it was estimated that not one-half the people that came, could get into the large school-room where our meetings were held. Our friends felt assured that an audience of twelve or fifteen hundred people could easily have been gathered had there been a place to convene them. A good work evidently remains to be done in Antioch. Eld. Butler will continue meetings over next Sunday, and then, if the way opens, will begin the summer campaign with tent near by. He will be assisted by Eld. Wm. Cottrell.
Pledging weekly to sustain the cause was considered and generally adopted. We talked about T. and M. work. Some donations were made, and an order for publications made out. Eight copies of SIGNS OF THE TIMES will be taken for distribution. Initiatory steps toward building a church were also taken.
We feel a deep interest in this people. Rarely do we form so strong an attachment in so short a time. We thank God for the good work that has been done here. There are sufficient talents, means, and numbers to make a strong church here if they walk with God. H. A. ST. JOHN.
NEW SWEDEN, MAINE.
By James Sawyer
The first of April, the Swedish brethren met to organize a church. It was thought best to set aside the old organization. The result of the meeting was the choice of A. G. Olson, elder; John I. Gelotte and Frederick Anderson, deacons; A. G. Petersen, clerk; and John I. Gelotte as treasurer. The elder and deacons were then set apart by prayer and the laying on of hands. The Spirit of the Lord was present on the occasion. Thirty-two signed the covenant, and about ten more are ready to join at the earliest opportunity.
The ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated for the first time. As baptism was administered, an unusual manifestation of God's Spirit was present. The Baptist friends manifested much respect toward us on this occasion.
Systematic benevolence to the amount of more than $50 was subscribed by those present, and others have increased this to $81.29. We collected subscriptions for the SWEDISH HERALD to the amount of $16.00, and the church donated $5.50 of funds on hand toward the Swedish Mission.
Our friends in New Sweden express a desire to send the truth to their kinsmen in old Sweden. The Swedish Colony in Maine has representatives from every province in Sweden. We hope this will be the beginning of a good work in that land.
On our return to Battle Creek, we stopped among the Swedes in Bangor. We were welcomed by them; and they said a hall was ready if we would give lectures on the prophecies in their language. At Allen's Corner we met our dear Bro. Goodrich and other American brethren, and had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with several Swedish brethren from Portland. Three of them had lately embraced the truth.
We thank God for his blessing upon the Swedish mission in Maine, and for the interest which the American brethren manifest for the Scandinavians in that State.
JAMES SAWYER.
Battle Creek, May 20.
Indiana Tract and Missionary Society, District No. 2
By John W. Covert
INDIANA T. AND M. SOCIETY, DIST. NO. 2.
WHEN Bro. Haskell was with us at the dedication of the Alto church, four companies were represented, including those at La Fayette, who will soon be organized into a church. Bro. H. presented the plan of clubbing the Signs, and explained so clearly the work of distributing them, that each one saw he could do something.
We voted to pay “the one-third,” and then agreed to take 52 copies of the Signs: for Alto, 20; Ervin, 12; Bunker Hill, 10; and La Fayette, 10. Three weeks have passed since Bro. H. was here, and our quarterly meeting has just closed, and we are now ready to begin the work of another quarter. Do not think you are excusable because you live so far away you cannot attend the167meetings. You can write us a letter, and send your report with it. We want to hear from you at least once a quarter.
Now all you have to do to get to work is to let us know that you are willing to co-operate with us. Have as many Signs changed to your address as you can use. Then gather names of persons that you think would be interested in reading them, and send them the paper. When you have sent one, two, or three numbers, write them a letter. Do not get discouraged, but continue to work. “Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days.” It is not always the crop that ripens first that is worth the most. Do something if it be ever so little.
Report if you have sent only one number of the Signs. We want a separate report from each member at our next meeting. We received only 17 reports yesterday; yet these 17 reports showed that 16,315 pages had been distributed, an average of nearly a thousand to each report. But that report was not right. It represented more than 17 members. Our librarians should reject family reports. If there are five members in our family, we want five reports from that family. Do not add your report in with any body's. Procure a blank at the first of each quarter, and keep it where you can produce it in thirty seconds; then record your work when you do it. Sum it up at the end of the quarter, and make out your report, and give it to the librarian in time for him to get his church report made up before the meeting.
When you make out your report, do not commence writing in the first blank place you come to, without knowing what it is for. But read the blank. Four-fifths of our brethren need to study the blank. If it says, “Money Received by Donations,” and you have received money from any one, or if you pay it from your own purse to the librarian, then put it down in that line, but be sure and place the cents in the cents column. If you have received money from book sales, put down the number of pages sold. When you add up the money column put the sum in the line for “Total Amount of Money Received.” If you pay for any of our papers for friends, do not report it as “New Paying Subscribers,” but as “Copies Sent to Friends on Trial.” Neither when you send a few numbers of Signs to a person is it “Copies Sent to Friends on Trial,” but “No. of Periodicals Distributed.” When your report is filled, sign your name to it, and send it in time. There is no need of your waiting till the Sunday morning of the meeting to hand in your report. We want earlier reporting. We want better reporting. We want more reporting. Do not do this because you are obliged to do it, but because you want to do it. The faults mentioned are not anticipated, but actually exist, and nearly all of them have been prominent at each of seven successive meetings. During this quarter be energetic, be punctual, be correct.
JOHN W. COVERT, Sec.
NEW YORK.
By S. B. Whitney
I have closed my labors at Parma for the present. Last Sabbath several were baptized, and a Sabbath school was organized with three large Bible classes of adult persons besides the children. They have two weekly prayer-meetings in addition to their Sabbath meetings.
The attendance and interest were good to the very last. The following testimonial, signed by many prominent citizens, and published in the (Rochester) Sunday Morning Herald, was handed us before we left:—
TESTIMONIAL TO A WORTHY CLERGYMAN.
“The Adventist clergyman, who has been so successfully conducting a course of lectures and services at the Institute for the last three months, has brought his labors to a close. The Rev. Mr. Whitney appears to have reaped golden opinions in the neighborhood; the great majority of the citizens having found embodiment in the following testimonial, which has been presented to him, and which will express the public sentiment better than we are able to do:—
“Rev. S. B. Whitney: Your protracted labors amongst us having drawn to a close, we, the undersigned, desire to convey to you this evidence of our regard and esteem. This action on our part, the simple result of spontaneous feeling, is entirely unaffected by the varied influences of sectarianism; and you will please accept our sentiments as the expressions of a purely personal tribute.
“Your grand deliverances on the law of God, your highly instructive lectures on the prophecies, your earnest sermons on the faith of Christ and the teachings of the apostles, have been regularly attended by many of us for nearly three months. Novelty undoubtedly attracted some persons at the commencement, but as the Bible was opened, leaf by leaf, and passages usually regarded obscure because woven into intellectual chains, were explained, those who came at first as passive listeners soon remained eagerly to investigate. We believe that your positions as advanced here are in harmony with scriptural truth and gospel spirit. To say that your ministration has evoked unwonted interest, is feebly to express its result; and in view of the pleasurable experience you have occasioned us, we most cordially commend your exercises in biblical thought and research to the careful consideration of those of our fellow creatures who can believe that the intelligence with which their Creator has endowed them is a factor in the solution of Truth, as applicable to their own cases, and who are sufficiently free from the trammels of bigotry to care little at the confusion of its elements. We admire the temperate demeanor which has characterized you, and attended you, triumphant, through a period pregnant with trial and annoyance. We believe you to be a sincere expounder of your profession. In your social visits you have impressed us no less with a natural kind-heartedness than with the other bearings of a Christian gentleman. You will at all times receive a hearty welcome amongst us. We trust that good health and your wonted energy will sustain you wherever your labors may lead. For our own parts, we are selfish enough to hope that neither the trials and prejudices which you may encounter, nor even the new supporters whom you may enlist, will efface us entirely from your memory; but that now and then you will cast a thought back upon your Parma friends, who number amongst themselves many whose names may be wanting on the muster roll of your denomination, but who still find it in their hearts thoroughly to respect you as a man, a Christian, and a minister.”
“Here follows a large number of signatures.”
The Baptist revival has ended in a church trial, not on our account, however, but because one of their members had the moral courage to express his disapprobation of some of the operations of their evangelist.
S. B. WHITNEY.
ILLINOIS
By I. G. Coucher; G. W. Colcord
We held meetings at Gridley, May 4 to 6. The neighbors of our brethren and sisters manifested a desire to hear. One has lately commenced to keep the Sabbath. This church sent $58.73, s. b., to the treasury by my hand.
We have now held seven meetings at Martinsville. One was immersed. Some have made mistakes, which, if not soon corrected, will cause their names to be dropped. Others have unwisely allowed the sharp traders of this world to roll a crushing weight of debt on their minds. How such are crippled! They are not “ready to distribute.” And, worst of all, some do not appear to realize the folly of thus allowing the monster Debt to devour them. Were all the means used in the cause of God that even S. D. Adventists waste, the sacred treasury would not lack. Brethren and sisters, we should be economical.
On our way down here we looked for, and conditionally chose, a camp-ground.
I. G. Coucher.
G. W. Colcord.
BEAVER CREEK, ROCK CO., MINN.
By S. Fulton; W. B. Hill
We have just closed our labors at this place. The Lord has opened the hearts of a few honest souls to receive and obey the truth. We leave a company of eighteen united in keeping the commandments of God, with weekly prayer and social meetings, Sabbath meetings, and Sabbath-school established among them. We think this is an excellent field for labor. Pray for us.
S. FULTON.
W. B. HILL.
NEBRASKA CITY, NEB.
By Chas. L. Boyd
The first Sabbath in this month I met with the church at Nebraska City. Two were baptized, and the ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated for the first time. The 12th and 13th, I met with the friends of Washington and Burt Co's, where Bro. Bartlett labored last winter.
One earnest sister has lived here during the past five years, sending up her prayers to the God of Israel for the ingathering of souls around her. Her prayers have been heard, and some honest persons have accepted of the third angel's message, and are now rejoicing in its glorious light. I trust a church will be organized here before our soon-coming Conference.
CHAS. L. BOYD.
OSWEGO, KANSAS.
By L. D. Santee
Our quarterly meeting at Oswego was held May 12 and 13. A good spirit and perfect harmony prevailed, and all seemed to be trying to draw near to God. The S. S. treasurer's book showed a good degree of promptness on the part of the church. Five more united with us at this meeting.
L. D. SANTEE.
RHODE ISLAND.
By James C. Tucker
The monthly meeting at Curtis’ Corner, R. I., May 9, was of much interest, and, we trust, of great good to all that were present. The president of the N. E. Conference, Bro. M. Wood, of South Boston, Mass., was with us. He gave an interesting discourse on missionary labor, by which all were encouraged. After his discourse, nearly all gave a verbal report of labor. Some expressed a wish that they had more of the Signs to send out, stating that as they venture out, the field seems to open before them. JAMES C. TUCKER.
TENNESSEE
By Orlando Soule
Since May 8, I have spoken as follows: twice at Coopertown, four times at the Sycamore Mills, four times at the Sycamore Chapel, and once at Edgefield Junction. At Coopertown nothing special was accomplished save the establishing of family prayer at one house. At Sycamore Mills, the house was crowded with attentive listeners at the last. Three left off their tobacco, and many acknowledged that we have the truth. Some over six dollars' worth of books were purchased.
At the Chapel, things are encouraging. When Bro. Owen left, ten had signed a covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Since then, six more have signed it, among whom are the local elder and the acting deacon of the Disciple Church. The elder is a man of fine talent and good education. He is county surveyor. The deacon is a justice of the peace, and has some influence in the neighborhood. There are also six or seven keeping the Sabbath, who have not signed the covenant, making in all some over twenty Sabbath-keepers there. They have Sabbath meeting and Bible class. Two have signed for the Review.
ORLANDO SOULE.
PARDONED
SORROWING sinner, weep no more.
Christ is standing at the door;
Haste, and on his pierced feet
Pour thy heart’s oblation sweet.
He will love thee,
He will love thee,
And will leave thee nevermore.
He hath seen the bended knee,
He hath heard thy contrite plea;
Not in vain thy soul hath wept,
Not in vain its vigils kept;
While yet praying,
Hear him saying,
“All thy sins I bear for thee.”
Saved from wrath and sanctified,
Through the blood of his dear side;
Never from thy happy heart
Let the heavenly Guest depart;
He is with thee,
Bid him with thee,
Ever, evermore, abide.
—Sunday-School Times.
Bro. Kilgore Begins Work in Dallas
By E. G. Rust
Dallas.
Bro. Kilgore is now here, and has commenced in earnest in his work and labor of love. He spent Sabbath and Sunday last, May 12 and 13, with the church here in Dallas, and all feel that they never heard more deep, heart-searching preaching. We all feel grateful to God and our brethren of the General Conference that Bro. Kilgore is with us. E. G. Rust.
IOWA
By George I. Butler
Met with the church of Monroe Thursday, May 8. Spoke three times. Reorganized S. B. It was increased from $40 to $140. The one-third for T. and M. work was added, and a club formed for ten copies of the Signs. I never had better hopes of this small church than now.
I met with the church at State Centre, from May 4 to 9. Held eight meetings. Systematic benevolence was reorganized, and one was received into the church. Thirty copies of the Signs were ordered, and the one-third was voted. This is the strongest church in numbers and financial strength in our Conference.
Met with the Smithland church from May 10 to 15. A difficulty among leading persons in the truth, which seriously threatened the prosperity of the cause here, was settled. Every person accepted of the settlement, and all determined to work in union. One was received into the church, and many more will be, we think, if those from whom they should expect good examples will set them. This is the last church difficulty of any note that I know of in the State. Bro. Farnsworth was with me, and greatly assisted in the labor. The Lord has greatly blessed his labors here and elsewhere this year. We hope that hereafter the older members will not stand in the way of those who come out under his preaching. GEO. I. BUTLER.
WHAT WE NEED IN ILLINOIS.
By F. M. T. S.
SOMETHING is required for the success of our Society, and it behooves us to look into the matter, to see if we cannot find and apply what is needed. In case of sickness, we first determine the disease, then apply the remedy. That we are gaining ground is evident; but that we are not up to that high standard which we ought to be, is also apparent. We lack promptness in action, which, if persisted in, will eventually make us a powerless member in the General T. and M. body, to which Illinois belongs.
Action without purpose is useless; but for us to have no purpose when we think we are the bearers of the last message which God has sent to the world, is simply to deny our professed belief. It is like building with one hand and tearing down with the other. Noah had a purpose, and his actions supported his announced convictions. If he had lain supinely under some sharp tree, wished the cause of God all success, and hoped for a speedy completion of the ark, yet never put forth his efforts for its construction, when God closed the door, Noah would have been on the outside.
Do we say that Noah, being a leader, ought to devote all his energies to the promulgation of the communication from the Lord? This does not excuse us. 1 Cor. 12: 20 says, “Now are they many members, yet but one body;” and in verse 22 we find that the members of the body which seem more feeble are necessary. What does necessary mean? That which we cannot well do without. If the ear were to give up its office because it could not grasp or make gestures like the hand, where would we be? Take another illustration: When the commanding officer gives his men the order to march, suppose about half of them think themselves of no particular use, and do not obey, but remain inactive; and all from this excessive feeling of humility, that their doings amount to nothing. What would be the effect produced? Imagine the struggling appearance of such an army. Over such a foe as that, victory would be an easy matter. Shall we present such a careless appearance to our enemy whose great strength and stability is described in Eph. 6:12? “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places;” and this foe is represented as so formidable that we need the whole armor of God in which to array ourselves for a successful contest.
Now shall we be “so humble” as to do nothing because we estimate our powers too low? This estimating our powers whether high or low is a view of self in either case. Let us take our eyes off ourselves, and looking at the great cause, the salvation of souls in a short time, take our stand in the formation of so orderly a body that our tiny selves will be lost in the appearance of the straight lines. We are not attracted by the personal appearance of soldiers A, B, or C; but we look at the company as a unit, admiring their simultaneous movements; yet A, B, or C, by thinking he is useless, may spoil the whole design by not doing what is expected of him and that which he is perfectly able to do.
Let us turn from these simple illustrations to the demands of our Society. We are told when drawing a straight line to place one eye on the objective point and draw to it. Is not order the objective point and prompt action the drawing to it? Let us remember the swiftly flying moments are bearing us past the working period. In the work of the Lord, let us learn to be prompt in the execution of small duties. Is there a letter or card to go out, let the next mail contain it; is there any information to be gained or given, let it be immediate. Is it fair to have a letter of inquiry from one uninformed lay by three or four weeks before it is answered? Does not the King’s business require haste? Do not let your secular labors, for all have those, and yet some leave them, to attend to working in the more important matters. Are not there some unnecessary things to which you are giving your strength and time?
Let us not merit the curse of Meroz. You all know what Meroz did; simply nothing. What did the man with the one talent? Just nothing at all. Do we want his penalty? Christ says, “He that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Are you scattering that which the Saviour has earned, working against him? Yes, you are against the Redeemer if you do nothing. Let us from this moment resolve together, to do, and do promptly. F. M. T. S.
“MY HANDS ARE TIED.”
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Yes; I have heard that so many times within the last few weeks that I could say it in my sleep. “My hands are tied.” So says brother A, and so repeats brother B, and so cries brother C; and so it goes. But how are their hands tied? Oh! one has bought a large piece of land. It does not bring him anything; he has no ready money. His hands are tied. Ask him to do for the cause of God,—“My hands are tied.” Ask him to pay on b. s.; he has no money, no income. Ask him to take the papers; he has no money, and yet he is worth from three to fifteen thousand dollars, though he is getting to be an old man of from fifty-five to seventy years. What is he waiting for? Oh! he wants to sell, very badly. But how badly? Not badly enough to sacrifice a hundred dollars on five thousand. No; he had rather live and scrimp himself, and work beyond his strength, and give nothing to the cause of God, and even do without our periodicals, than to sell off a few acres of land and untie his hands.
Another man’s hands are tied in another manner. He has all in a farm, or an extra farm, or some fine stock, and so his hands are tied. Can’t get a dollar. Money is all tied up, debts are pressing. “Must pay my debts first,” he says; and there he is.
Here is another poor old man; his hands are tied; and his wife’s hands are tied also. How are they tied? They are both perhaps from sixty-five to seventy years of age. Not a child in the world, or if they have, they are all grown up, married, and were provided with comfortable homes long ago; and this old couple, who fear God, and love this message above everything, who believe the world is coming to an end in five or ten years at the outside, and who know they cannot live a dozen or fifteen years any way,—these same old pilgrims have from three to ten thousand dollars tied up in a large farm, and their time is all tied up in taking care of it.
How much more sensible it would be for them to sell that farm, and buy a neat, snug little house and two or three acres of land for one quarter or one-third of what they have invested in that which is a burden to them! If they would do this, they could live much more comfortably, have fewer cares, more time to serve God, with several thousand dollars out at interest. Their hands would then be untied, and they could help the cause of God. Why don’t you do it, brethren and sisters? “Oh! we cannot get anything for our place. Everything is down in the market.” Well, friends, the house and lot you want to buy is down just as low as your property, and a little of your money will buy a good deal from other people just as well as a little of their money will buy a good deal of yourself, so that excuse don’t amount to much after all. But suppose it does? Hadn’t you better sacrifice a few hundred dollars, and get your hands untied for the five or ten years you have yet to live, than thus to go down to the grave, and leave somebody else to untie your property and scatter it in six months for you? I guess it would be sold then, and at a much larger sacrifice than you would need to have made yourself. Besides, if you would untie your hands now, you might have the satisfaction of putting some of your means into the cause of God while you live. It is needed now very much. It may not be five years hence.
Where is the sense in an aged couple of from sixty to seventy years with not a child at home, keeping a great house and barn and a large stock and farm, keeping hired help, and working and fretting out their lives in that manner? When you had a flock of boys and girls or young men and women around you, and were hale and strong yourself, that was not only very sensible but very enjoyable. But that day is past now, and your circumstances are changed. Had you not better shape your affairs a little different for the balance of your life? Come, fathers and mothers, don’t be so willing to sit there with your hands tied. I am afraid it is a little comfortable to you. If it is not, show your uneasiness by making some effort to get out of it.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
THE JUDGE AND THE FARMER.
By L. J. Kirkwood
On a bright Sabbath morning, by the side of a country road, running along the Hudson, not many miles from New York, two men stood talking together. One was a judge of high social standing and legal distinction, the other was a stone-mason, and their conversation was about the building of a new wall near the place where they were standing, to consult about which the judge had sent for the mason on this Sabbath morning.
Just coming into sight as he trudged along the road on his way to church was a plain Scotch farmer, well known as a God-fearing, Sabbath-keeping, honest, hard-working man, neither fearing nor asking favor of the great or rich. His chief ambition in life seemed to be to raise a large family of children in the fear of God and honorably in the sight of men, which his example was well fitted to do.
In the midst of an animated explanation of what he wanted in a new wall, the judge caught sight of the farmer. Stopping suddenly he said: “There comes David S——; it will never do to let him see us talking business on the Sabbath morning; we will just step behind this bit of wall until he passes.” And the judge and the mason crouched down behind the wall until the plodding footsteps of the farmer echoed faintly in the distance, and the good man passed from sight, all unconscious of the silent reproof his appearance had caused; while the judge, with feelings one would think befitting to his manliness, crept from his hiding place, to continue his conscious and confessed desecration of the Lord’s day.
The next morning the incident was related to the farmer by the mason, who was himself a Scotchman, though, unhappily, not so conscientious as his friend. He told the story with some glee, adding,
“Wha wad a’ thot, maun, that ye had sic a power in ye as to mak the judge hide behind the wall for the fear o’ ye?”
Is not this an illustration of the force and influence of a sincere Christian character, though devoid of the adornments, in the world’s sight, of either position, wealth, or learning? All these together could not resist the silent sermon of the good man’s life, which brought home to the haughty judge the conviction of his sin.—L. J. Kirkwood.
BE NOT DECEIVED.
By R. P. C.
God rested upon the seventh day. This made it his Sabbath. He then appointed each seventh day to come to a sacred rest; thus “the Sabbath was made for man.” He has never revoked that appointment. Yet people say they think it better to keep the day of the resurrection of Christ. The Scriptures give us baptism as an emblem and memorial of the resurrection. Who gave men the right to add to this, and, to do so, to take away from the law of God the day which he appointed? They may think it a very pious act; but God may think otherwise; it may be found at the last day to have been a very impious act. Is it not best to reconsider before it is too late?
R. P. C.
THE LORD'S CORN.
A mission station in the Indian Territory was at one time my house. Tobaccowell, one of our neighbors, was a member of the little mission church, and like many a white professor, was spasmodically zealous for the glory of God. One Sabbath he listened to a sermon from Gen. 28:22—“And of all that thou shalt give me, I will surely give the tenth unto thee.”
At the close of the service he said to the missionary,
“Me plant big corn-field next week. Me make it ten pieces; plant all, then one piece be the Lord's corn.”
He did so; the part of the field to be devoted to the Lord was ploughed and planted with great care. But when the time for hoeing had arrived, our neighbor hoed his own corn, but did not find it convenient to hoe the Lord's. As the season advanced, the Lord's corn, uncultivated and dwarfed, and Tobaccowell's well hoed, tall and thrifty, produced a sad and striking contrast.
The sight of that cornfield has been a life-long lesson to me; and whenever I find myself more devoted to my own personal interests than to the glory of God, I say to myself, I am neglecting the Lord's corn.—Religious Intelligencer.