Mr. Talmage of the Brooklyn Tabernacle has taken an unusual method of gaining and imparting knowledge of the sins and dangers of New York.
With two of his elders and a police escort he descended to the lowest haunts of vice for observation. He gives the result, preaching from the text, "And the vale of Siddim was full of slime pits."
The description which he gives of some of these dens of pollution is simply horrible; it is not our intention to re-produce the picture; but some of his remarks, and his conclusion, are worthy of general consideration.
In those places where dancing and dissipation are carried on through all the night, he saw none of the laboring classes. "Hard work," he said, "is the friend of good morals." The young men whose parents are able to keep them without work and furnish them money to spend, are almost certain to go to ruin in the cities.
Said Mr. T.: "Give a young man plenty of wine, and plenty of cigars, and plenty of fine horses, and Satan has no anxiety about that man's coming out at his place. He ceases to watch him, only giving direction about his reception when he shall arrive at the end of his journey."
And yet many parents make slaves of themselves, and deny their children the privileges and education which they need to become useful in the world, for the sole purpose of laying up money for their children to spend after they are dead.
Mr. Talmage confidently denies the assertion, constantly made, that the authorities cannot break up these haunts of vice. They have 2,500 policemen in New York city; he says, "Swear me in special policemen, and give me 200 police for two nights, and I will break up all the leading haunts of iniquity in New York. These abominations are to be charged either to police cowardice or police complicity." That both cowardice and complicity have much to do with the toleration or even shielding of crime in our large cities, there can be no doubt; but that such haunts could be so broken up as not to be revived in some quarters, we fear is not true. Satan's emissaries are too devoted and too persistent to be easily foiled.
Again, Mr. Talmage says that vice is on the increase. "Decent people," he remarks, "have no idea of what is going on. The foundations of New York and Brooklyn are struck through with rottenness. If iniquity advances in the next hundred years, as in the past, there will not be a vestige of moral and religious influence left."
It is of some interest to notice how these statements and warnings are received. It is generally understood, even by those who cannot give a well defined reason for the belief, that such is the real condition of things in these cities. But ministers in their pulpits, and some of the editors of religious papers, are denouncing Mr. Talmage for arraying these things before the public. They seem to choose to be blinded to the real condition of the world, and continue to tell their hearers and readers that "the world is growing better." True, they do not look so confidently for the millennium to come soon as they did a few years ago, but they are not willing entirely to yield their delusive hope of a "good time coming."
The reader who wishes to know what the Lord has revealed of the future, even of the last days, will find it briefly expressed in the following Scriptures :—
Answering a question concerning the time of his coming, Jesus said, "Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." And unfaithful servants shall join with the world in folly, and say, "My Lord delayeth his coming." Matt. 24 : 13, 48-51.
Paul said, "In the last days perilous times shall come." Of men he speaks, "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." "Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." 2 Tim. 3 : 1, 5, 13.
Again, speaking of the time of the coming of the Lord, he said, "The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." 1 Thess. 2 : 2, 3.
Peter says, "There shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming." 2 Peter 3 : 3, 4.357There is no need that any be blinded in regard to these things. Paul says, "But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief"; and, "Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." 1 Thess. 5 : 4; Heb. 9 : 28.
Jesus said at that day it will be as it was in the time of Noah; they "knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so also shall the coming of the Son of man be." Matt. 24 : 39. But Noah knew; and they might have known, but they would not heed the warning sent to them. "Even so shall it be."
May the Lord help us to "discern the signs of the times;" to heed the warning, and "escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Luke 21 : 36.
Holiday Presents.
By Ellen G. White
The holidays are approaching. In view of this fact, it will be well to consider how much money is expended yearly in making presents to those who have no need of them. The habit of its custom are so strong that to withhold gifts from our friends on these occasions would seem to us almost a neglect of them. But let us remember that our kind heavenly Benefactor has claims upon us far superior to those of any earthly friend. Shall we not, during the coming holidays, present our offerings to God? Even the children may participate in this work. Clothing and other useful articles may be given to the worthy poor, and thus a work may be done for the Master.
Let us remember that Christmas is celebrated in commemoration of the birth of the world's Redeemer. This day is generally spent in feasting and gluttony. Large sums of money are spent in needless self-indulgence. The appetite and sensual pleasures are indulged at the expense of the physical, mental, and moral power. Yet this has become a habit. Pride, fashion, and gratification of the palate, have swallowed up immense sums of money that have really benefitted no one, but have encouraged a prodigality of means which is displeasing to God. These days are spent in glorifying self rather than God. Health has been sacrificed, money worse than thrown away, many have lost their lives by overeating or through demoralizing dissipation, and souls have been lost by this means.
God would be glorified by his children should they enjoy a plain, simple diet, and use the means intrusted to them in bringing to his treasury offerings, small and great, to be used in sending the light of truth to souls that are in the darkness of error. The hearts of the widow and fatherless may be made to rejoice because of gifts which will add to their comfort and satisfy their hunger.
Let all who profess to believe the present truth calculate how much they spend yearly, and especially upon the recurrence of the annual holidays, for the gratification of selfish and unholy desires, how much in the indulgence of appetite, and how much to compete with others in unchristian display. Sum up the means thus spent all needlessly, and then estimate how much might be saved as consecrated gifts to God's cause without injury to soul or body. Mites and more liberal gifts may be brought in, according to the ability of the giver, to aid in lifting debts from churches which have been dedicated to God. Then there are missionaries to be sent into new fields, and others to be supported in their respective fields of labor. These missionaries have to practice the strictest economy, even denying themselves the very things you enjoy daily, and which you consider the necessaries of life. They enjoy few luxuries.
If after prayerful consideration of this matter, you are not moved to prompt and zealous action, we shall know that you have forgotten your first love, that you have lost sight of the sacrifice Jesus has made for you that you might be blessed with the gift of eternal life. Said Christ, "If any man will be my disciple, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Self-denial is a mark of Christianity. To offer to God gifts that have cost us something, a sacrifice that we shall ask him to use to advance his cause in the earth, will be pleasing to him. The Saviour will accept the free-will offerings of every one, from the oldest to the youngest. Even small children may participate in this work, and enjoy the privilege of bringing their little offerings. While we have been mindful of our earthly friends from year to year, have we not neglected our heavenly Friend? In bestowing our gifts liberally upon our friends, have we not forgotten God and passed him by?
"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
Heavy debts are upon several of our churches. Let us consider from this time how we may economize in expending our means, and help to remove these incumbrances. As Christians, we should follow the directions of the inspired apostle: "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves."
The apostle Paul gave directions to Timothy similar to the instructions given by Peter: "I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."
It would be well pleasing to God if extra ornaments, twice so explicitly forbidden in the word of God, were laid off. Now is a favorable opportunity to present these as offerings to God. They may be sold for something, and the money thus received may be used to advance the precious cause of truth. Let the wearing of useless trimmings and adornments be discarded. Extravagance should never be indulged in to gratify our pride. Our dress may be good quality, made up with plainness and simplicity, for durability rather than for display. Our appetites must also be brought into subjection, and not gratified to our injury. The question should come home to every heart, "How much owest thou unto my Lord?" He has granted us privileges and blessings without number; and now should not the bands of selfishness be broken and removed from us, and the just claims of God and humanity be met?
Missionaries are planting the standard of truth in foreign lands. Publications must be multiplied, and scattered like the leaves of autumn. These silent messengers are enlightening and molding the minds of thousands in every country and in every clime. As a people, we come far short of moving forward as fast as the providence of God opens the way. He gives the command, "Go forward." Thousands are thirsting for living truth. The Macedonian cry is coming to us from every direction, "Come over and help us." We look about us and inquire, "Who will go?" One and another may respond, "Send me. I long to do something for my Master." But to do this requires money.
Time and again I have had presented before me a vision of people, across the broad ocean, standing in perplexity, and pale with anxiety, and earnestly inquiring, "What is truth?" Say they, "We want the bread of life. Our churches are backslidden from God. We want to find the old paths. We want to come back to the simplicity of gospel religion." Our tears will flow as we see this picture, like a reality, rising vividly before us. The voice from Heaven pleads, "Go ye therefore into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." While so great a work remains to be done, shall not we, as Christ's followers, arouse to a sense of our God-given responsibilities, and be active in doing our part?
The lands that have never heard the truth are yet to hear it. They are to become vocal with the praise of the last note of warning. If the church of God will now use all her talents of means and of influence according to God's order, the great work may be carried forward gloriously. We need men who are adapted to the work. Money is also needed to carry it forward. Let the church show that she is in earnest. A steady stream of means from each member will keep the treasury supplied with funds. "Bring ye," says God, "all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house." If all the sin-offerings and peace-offerings and thank-offerings are brought into the treasury, it will be seen that souls will not be so dark and backslidden from God. They will show by their works that they have a lively interest in the success of the truth, and the advancement of the glory of God in the earth. That which costs little, we have no special interest in; but that in which we have invested our means, claims our interest and attention, and we will labor to make it a success.
We see the churches of our day encouraging feasting, gluttony, and dissipation, by the suppers, fairs, dances, and festivals gotten up for the purpose of gathering means into the church treasury. Here is a method invented by carnal minds to secure means without sacrificing. Such an example makes an impression upon the minds of youth. They notice that lotteries and fairs and games are sanctioned by the church, and they think there are things fascinating in this way of obtaining means. A youth is surrounded by temptations. He enters the bowling alley, the gaming saloon, to see the sport. He sees the money taken by the one who wins. This looks enticing. It seems an easier way of obtaining money than by earnest work which requires persevering energy and strict economy. He imagines there can be no harm in this; for similar games have been resorted to in order to obtain means for the benefit of the church. Then why should he not help himself in this way? He has a little means, which he ventures to invest, thinking it may bring in quite a sum.
Whether he gains or loses, he is in the downward road to ruin. But it was the example of the church that led him into the false path.
Let us stand clear of all these church corruptions, dissipations, and festivals, which have a demoralizing influence upon young and old. We have no right to throw over them the cloak of sanctity because the means is to be used for church purposes. Such offerings are lame and diseased, and bear the curse of God. They are the price of souls. The pulpit may defend festivals, dancing, lotteries, fairs, and luxurious feasts, to obtain means for church purposes; but let us participate in none of these things; for if we do, God's displeasure will be upon us. We do not propose to appeal to the lusts of appetite or resort to carnal amusements as an inducement to Christ's professed followers to give of the means which God has intrusted to them. If they do not give willingly for the love of Christ, the offering will in no case be acceptable to God.
Death, clad in the livery of Heaven, lurks in the pathway of the young. Sin is gilded over by church sanctity. These various forms of amusement in the churches of our day have ruined thousands who, but for them, might have remained upright and become the followers of Christ. Wrecks of character have been made by these fashionable church festivals and theatrical performances, and thousands more will be destroyed; yet people will not be aware of the danger, nor of the fearful influences exerted. Many young men and women have lost their souls through these corrupting influences.
While God in his providence has laden the earth with his bounties and filled its storehouses with the luxuries of life, there is no excuse whatever for allowing the treasury of God to remain empty. Christians are not excusable for permitting the widow's cries and the orphan's prayers to ascend to Heaven because of their suffering want, while a liberal Providence has placed in the hands of these Christians abundance to supply their need. Let not the cries of the widow and fatherless call down the vengeance of Heaven upon us as a people. In the professed Christian world, there is enough expended in extravagant display, for jewels and ornaments, to supply the wants of all the hungry and clothe the naked in our towns and cities; and yet these professed followers of the meek and lowly Jesus need not deprive themselves of suitable food or comfortable clothing.
What will these church members say when confronted in the day of God by the worthy poor, the afflicted, the widows and fatherless, who have known pinching want for the meager necessities of life, while there was expended by these professed followers of Christ, for superfluous clothing and needless ornaments expressly forbidden in the word of God, enough to supply all their wants?
We see ladies professing godliness wear elegant gold chains, necklaces, rings, and other jewelry, with a profusion of feathers and ribbons and expensive trimmings, while want stalks in the streets, and the suffering and destitute are on every side. These do not interest them, nor awaken their sympathy; but they will weep over the imaginary sufferings depicted in the last novel. They have no ears for the cries of the needy, no eyes to behold the cold and almost naked forms of women and children around them. They look upon real want as a species of crime, and withdraw from suffering humanity as from a contagious disease. To such, Christ will say, "I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not."
But on the other hand Christ says to the righteous: "For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matt. 25: 35-40. Thus Christ identifies his interest with that of suffering humanity. Deeds of love and charity done to the suffering are as though done to himself.
"As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the coming of the Son of man." There will be feasting and merriment, sorrow and want and anguish, until the end comes. Then the wicked shall reap that which they have sown-corruption.
Mrs. E. G. White.
Reports from the Field.
By Editor
(Condensed from Review and Herald.)
Missouri.
SEDALIA.—Elder G. I. Butler reports interesting meetings after two months' absence from the newly-formed church there. Several more have commenced to keep the Sabbath. He says, "It was a pleasant sight to me Sabbath morning to see forty Sabbath-keepers assembled for their meeting where a few months before there was not one."
Ohio.
BOWLING GREEN.—Elder Canright reports a good work. Four heads of families embraced the truth, and about twenty-five youth commenced to serve the Lord. Fifteen were baptized. Meetings were held day and night; backsliders were reclaimed, and some who had continued the use of tobacco renounced it. About a dozen joined the tract and missionary society. After a sermon on the tithing system, with only one exception, all signed a covenant to give the Lord one-tenth of their income for the coming year.
Wisconsin.
CLAY BANKS, DOOR Co.—Elder O. A. Olsen reports a series of meetings with a tent. Over thirty have commenced the observance of the Sabbath, and twenty-six were baptized. Only one of the number was making any profession of religion before these meetings were held.
A portion of N. W. Wisconsin belongs to the Minnesota Conference. John Olive reports that about fifty have embraced the truth in that section during the past year.
Michigan.
JEFFERSON, HILLSDALE Co.—Brother M. B. Miller reports six baptized.
BROOKFIELD, EATON Co.—Frank Starr reports a good interest. Three commenced to keep the Sabbath, though the truth on that subject had been but partially presented.
MONTEREY.—Elder H. M. Kenyon reports eight baptized at this place and five at Gaines, with a growing interest in the Sabbath-school work.
Massachusetts.
MIDDLETON.—Elder G. F. Haines reports labor through the month of October. Eight decided to keep the Sabbath, and others are investigating.
Iowa.
OLIN.—Twenty are reported as having signed the covenant, and others deeply interested.
WINTERSET.—Elder J. H. Morrison reports, November 12, that eight had decided to obey the truth, six were baptized, and fourteen were added to the church.
Minnesota.
GENOA.—Geo. M. Dimmick reports ten have begun to keep the Sabbath, and others interested.
Kansas.
BENNINGTON, OTTAWA Co.—M. Enoch reports five have signed the covenant.
Important Correspondence.
By John Nevins Andrews
The following letter from Dr. Ribton and the accompanying letters from Egypt are worthy of special attention, and will deeply interest every reader. They show how the Lord is at work, and should encourage faith and the spirit of real consecration to the cause of Christ.
J. N. A.
LETTER FROM ITALY.
We are aware that our brethren in America are now engaged in one of the most important conferences that they have held since they first began to proclaim the commandments of God; and we have directed earnest prayers to the throne of grace that the Divine Wisdom may guide you abundantly in all your decisions, and furnish you with all that is necessary for the prosecution of the great work that is now opening out in every part of the globe.
A short time since, I wrote to you saying that in the Mediterranean work I felt myself in a great strait between the two countries, Italy and Egypt, in both of which I am needed; and asking you to ask the Lord to guide me to a decision; for I have great faith in the testimonies of his will which he gives to the brethren who form his church of the latter days. I fully believe that spiritual gifts have always accompanied, and will always accompany, his true servants, and recognize clearly why they were removed from the church. And I ask the Lord to give me clear evidence to guide me in this matter.
I have just received very important correspondence from Alexandria, which I inclose, (translated). As I mentioned in my last report from Egypt, the brethren there asked earnestly for help that they might take a hall, being excluded from the Scotch church, where they used to meet, on account of the Sabbath. I replied that I could not make a promise in the name of the brethren without first receiving their reply, but that if they found it necessary to take a hall to save their church from being scattered, we would do without ours in order that they might have one, until I could confer with Brother Andrews as to what can be done. They have been obliged to do so, and having no means of their own, this dear brother, whom I think God has given us to carry the Sabbath into many places, has defrayed the expenses with some money which must be refunded in the month of December, and in order that no increased expense may be incurred thereby for the present, we shall do without our hall until Brother Andrews tells me what can be done.
It was in the month of March that Brother Bertola left Naples for Alexandria. Great and unexpected obstacles were raised to his departure, and had it not been for a sum of money raised by the sisters and kindly sent to my wife, he could not have gone. These dear sisters did not know what a work they would set going when they raised that money. You see the fruits now. May God bless them, and all the brethren who are making such sacrifices for the sealing of the hundred and forty-four thousand.
There is great need of my presence in Alexandria now. Seven have been baptized, and many others are inclined to listen to our teaching. But next month, Brother Bertola, who is a man of years, will have to go, and two minsters are coming, with all the influence and prestige which their standing gives them, to preach against the Sabbath and baptism, denouncing us as innovators, and warning all, at the peril of their soul, not to listen to these doctrines (just as they do here); and the only one to stand against them will be Brother Rupp, who is neither minister nor doctor, but only a young employé at the courts. It is true God enabled David to kill Goliath, and this young brother is very full of the Spirit; but these two great men will do their best to crush him and frighten the weak ones. It is very important that I should confer with Brother Andrews about affairs here as soon as he returns.
From the turn that affairs are taking now, I think I am needed in Egypt more than I am here, and that the brethren here could stand without me; but I have asked you to ask the Lord for me. If he indicates Egypt, I should go there to work permanently, as the work does not tell if it is not followed up for a considerable time. With much Christian love from my wife and from the brethren here, believe me yours in the hope of the kingdom.
H. P. RIBTON.
Naples, October 8, 1878.
Baptism and Sabbath Work in Constantinople
By Romualdo Bertola
FROM BROTHER BERTOLA.
VERY DEAR BROTHER RIBTON : I did not reply to your welcome letters of the 25th of August and of the 1st inst. because I was waiting to be able to send you an account of important events, which I can now relate. My departure for Constantinople is still deferred on their account. I feel in the greatest embarrassment; because on the one hand I see a band of believers, increasing every day, and growing in the life-giving influence of the Spirit of God, with a marked evidence of gifts among the brethren that have been converted; and, on the other, much necessary expense that must be incurred, and no one here that can help me.
On the eve of the return of Dr. Yule, president and director of the Scotch Mission, in whose rooms we used to hold our meetings, on the eve of the arrival of Sig. Pietro Monnet, both of whom are on their way back from the Waldensian Valleys where they went to attend the synod of that church, we are in open rupture with Sig. Cerioni, the Waldensian minister here; for having heard of our baptism yesterday, in the evening he mounted the pulpit, and said publicly that, not being able to accept our new baptism nor the Sabbath, he resigned his post and intended to retire into private life.
It is quite certain that as soon as Dr. Yule hears these scandals (as Sig. Cerioni and his friends call them), he will no longer permit us to use the meeting room which he has hitherto lent us gratis, especially as we have not a recognized minister among us, nor any regularly authorized person who can assume the conduct of our newly formed church. Thus we find ourselves upon the street, and our only trust is in our Heavenly Father, who has called us forth from this perverse generation to serve him, and who is powerful to open for us a way.
I shall be obliged to remain here all the month of October, though at a great sacrifice in my business, in order to set everything in order and confirm these dear brethren in their Christian duties; for there are others who have begun to attend our meetings, have accepted the word, and have already asked to be baptized. But after November 1st, it will be absolutely impossible for me to remain any longer; for I have a heavy contract with a house in Milan, which must be executed, under a threat of losing 12,000 francs ($2,400) if I do not fulfill my engagement; but after that I shall be free.
I come now to speak of the work of yesterday, a solemn and most eventful day for us. We had arranged to have our baptism on Sabbath, but many things prevented it, and we were obliged to choose the falsely so-called Lord's day, which, as it happened, was a great day both for the Arabs and the Jews; for the latter it was the beginning of the new year, and for the former it was the feast of Ramadan. It was in the midst of this great excitement that we, having hired an omnibus at a high price, for on such days no carriages can be obtained, left the city for the banks of the Nile, and followed its course for more than an hour, until we found a place adapted to our purpose. Here we changed our omnibus into a tent for our sisters; and when all were ready we passed under the shade of a great mulberry tree. After prayer and reading the Scriptures, we sang a hymn composed by Brother Rupp expressly for the occasion. We then descended into the water, and I baptized them all, each of them confessing their faith that they died to the world, to walk in Christ in newness of life. After the baptism we sat down under a beautiful palm tree, and partook of a repast, first offering up a fervent prayer. Then, after reading again from the word of God and singing another hymn, we returned to the city. We met in my room to break bread, only those who were baptized partaking of it; for it seemed to us to be right at that time.
Brother Rupp has just brought me your letter of the 23d inst., and among other things I learn that three of our brethren are about to be baptized. This has encouraged us all here, and we thank the Lord that his Spirit is also working with power among you. May their example and ours encourage many of the timid and weak in faith, and may our brethren remember that when once we give ourselves truly to the Lord we must not look back, but obey without caring what the world may say or think about us, knowing that one day we shall be called to judge the world. Salute them cordially and tell them that the cause of the Lord we also suffer, but with cheerfulness, knowing that we thus imitate our Saviour, who, the Just one, suffered for the unjust.
We now need many tracts upon the Sabbath and on baptism. Send them to us as quickly as you can. We also want Bibles with references, and copies of the Italian edition of the New Testament with the Psalms, also a large Bible for the reading desk. You can send all by the steamer that leaves every Thursday.
And now we earnestly solicit your prayers; and we trust that the Lord will come to our help, so that many may honor him by a complete observance of his word.
Your brother in Christ, ROMUALDO BERTOLA. Alexandria, Sept. 30, 1878.
A Prayer.
By Thomas Ellwood
O THAT mine eyes might closed be
To what concerns me not to see;
That deafness might possess mine ear
To what concerns me not to hear;
That truth my tongue might always tie
From ever speaking foolishly;
That no vain thought might ever rest,
Or be conceived within my breast;
That by each deed and word and thought,
Glory may to my God be brought;
But what are wishes; Lord, mine eye
On thee is fixed—to thee I cry.
Wash, Lord, and purify my heart,
And make it clean in every part;
And when 'tis clean, Lord, keep it too,
For that is more than I can do.
—By Thomas Ellwood.
LETTERS FROM EGYPT.
By Giuseppe Rupp
DEAR BROTHER RIBTON: I do not now take up my pen to reply to your last valued letter, but to give you some details of the work of the Lord that is now being accomplished in Alexandria. On Wednesday evening, September 25, we had our usual meeting at the house of Brother Bertola, who gave a discourse on the subject of baptism, after which eight persons offered themselves for that rite, among them myself. After a conversation on the spiritual subjects we separated, each of us filled with devout impressions.
On Thursday evening we met again in the room lent by the Scotch church for holding services in Italian. About twenty persons were present. Brother Bertola was to speak on the subject of present truth, and was about to commence, when we were all surprised by the appearance of Sig. Cerioni, elder of the Italian church. You may imagine how our dear Bertola felt when he saw before him this man who is so hostile to the sacred truths that we preach. For a moment he was on the point of giving up speaking, but with all the frankness that marks a true Christian, he spoke the truth boldly, and truly did honor to the work we have undertaken. I rejoiced. I felt that it was not Bertola that was speaking, but the Spirit of God that dwells in him. All present, with the exception of Sig. Cerioni and his satellites, were greatly edified.
Sunday morning, September 29, was set for the day of baptism. We first went to the service held by Sig. Cerioni; and as he knew that we were about to be baptized, he gave a discourse recommending us to unity, saying that divisions bring paralysis upon the work of God. He concluded by saying that it was our duty not to follow these importers of new doctrines, who are trying to separate us from Christ. His discourse, however, had the effect of giving us new courage, and as the clock struck twelve, eleven persons seated themselves in an omnibus that was starting for the Nile. After about an hour's ride we reached an open place traversed by the river, where we pitched our tent. We read the sixth chapter of Romans; we spoke at length on baptism; we sang hymns joyfully to the God of Israel; and then descended into the river, where our dear Brother Bertola baptized us in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Oh! sublime inheritance of faith! We seemed to see heaven open and Jesus prepared to receive us! It was in this river that, thirty-six centuries ago, the son of Levi was miraculously saved to become the conductor of the people of God; in this river also we were buried, to live no longer to ourselves, but to Him in whose name we were baptized. Blessed our God, whom alone we wish to obey. Amen!
After we had come up out of the water, we sang a hymn, and as it was now three o'clock P. M., and we had not yet taken any food, we sat down upon the grass, and partook of a meal together. On the evening of that day so solemnly to be remembered by us, we met in Brother Bertola's house to commemorate the death of our Lord Jesus.
The course which we have taken, although it has separated us from many who were formerly our friends, has been the means of arousing others. Four other persons, among whom are my loved father and my brother, are almost ready to follow our example, and there are others who will soon do likewise.
But if on the one side we are spiritually prospering, on the other we are in great distress, finding ourselves without a hall and without means to procure one. (Brother Bertola is making great sacrifices to help us in this.) The warfare has commenced, and already calumnies and insults are flowing from the mouths of our enemies; but if God is for us, who can be against us? We ask your prayers, dear Brother Ribton, and those of all the brethren with you, that God may give us freedom of speech, and that we may be always ready to defend our faith; pray also for the conversion of our enemies, and do all you can to help us. Send me tracts as quickly as possible.
May grace and peace be with you and your family, and all the brethren in Naples, and all those who are awaiting the coming of our Redeemer.
GIUSEPPE RUPP.
Alexandria, Sept. 30, 1878.
Opposition from the Italian Evangelical Church
By Giuseppe Rupp
FROM BROTHER RUPP.
DEAR BROTHER: I hasten to write you that what we had foreseen has taken place. Yesterday evening, Thursday, we attended the meeting of the "Italian Evangelical church," where we found Dr. Yule and Sig. Monnet, just arrived. They excommunicated us, they would not allow us to speak, in addition to which "as Christians" they slandered us, calling us robbers, dissenters, seducers, and deceivers. May the Lord not impute to them their iniquity, but enlighten them by his grace. Meanwhile we invited them to discuss the question with the Bible in their hand; but they would not accept our invitation.
We think ourselves honored in being calumniated for the name of Christ and for his sacred truth. All those who were not on our side have abandoned us; but our dear baptized brethren are strengthened in faith and are prepared to continue the good fight. We have a good prospect of victory along the whole line. Pray, and pray continually for us. Our dear Brother Bertola, in the affair of yesterday evening, laying aside all personality and not rendering insult for insult, did honor to our cause; so also did all our brethren, who conducted themselves at the same time with firmness and humility. May God bless them!
Send us tracts on baptism as quickly as possible, and whatever hymns you can that explain the "present truth." Many thanks for the tracts already received, which I can promise you will all be used to good advantage.
Brother Bertola salutes you in much love.
Your Brother in Chirst,
GiUSEPPE RUPP.
Alexandria, Oct. 4.
Ground to Powder.
By M'Laren
“I REMEMBER away up in a lonely Highland valley, where, beneath a tall black cliff; all weather-worn and cracked and seamed, there lies at the foot, resting on the green sward that creeps round its base, a huge rock, that has fallen from the face of the precipice.
“A shepherd was passing beneath it; and suddenly, when the finger of God’s will touched it, and rent it from its ancient bed in the everlasting rock, it came down, leaping and bounding from pinnacle to pinnacle, and it fell; and the man that was beneath it is there now! ‘ground to powder.’
“Ah, my brethren, that is not my illustration; that is Christ’s. Therefore I say to you, since all that stand against him shall become ‘as the chaff, of the summer threshing-floors,’ and be swept utterly away, make him the foundation on which you build; and when the storm sweeps away every ‘refuge of lies,’ you will be safe and serene, builded upon the Rock of Ages.”—M'Laren.
How to Acquire a Good Memory.
We read too much and think too little about what we read; the consequence is, the most of the people we meet know something, in a superficial way, about almost everything. Not a tenth part of what is read is remembered for a month after the book or newspaper is laid aside. Daniel Webster, who had a rich store of information on most every subject of general interest, said that it had been his habit for years to reflect for a short time on whatever he read, and so fix the thoughts and ideas worth remembering in his mind. Any one who does this will be surprised to find how retentive his memory will become, or how long after reading an interesting article, the best portion of it will remain with him.—Templar's Magazine.
Live for Something
Dr. Chalmers instructs us to "Live for something. Do good and leave behind you a monument of virtue that the storm of time cannot destroy. Write your name in kindness, love, and mercy, on the hearts of thousands you come in contact with year by year; you will never be forgotten. No; your name, your deeds, will be as legible on the hearts you leave behind as the stars on the brow of evening. Good deeds will shine as the stars of heaven."
The Wise in Heart
THE wise in heart will recieve commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.—Prov.