Earlier text: Present Aspects of the PapacyEditorial Correspondence.
By John Nevins Andrews
WHAT SHALL BE DONE FOR EUROPE?
I feel the most intense interest to see the work of God advanced in Europe. Here are millions of people who are breaking the commandments of God, and yet are ignorant of the fact. They are trampling in the dust God’s holy Sabbath, and are not conscious of their guilt. For this guilt, however, there is a great weight of responsibility upon those whom God has enlightened with the knowledge of his truth. Moreover, the great day of God is near and hasteth greatly. Few of the vast multitudes of people in Europe have any knowledge of the near advent of Christ. If the day of God comes upon them without their being warned, what account shall we render to God for our neglect to warn them? Shall we plead that our worldly business was so profitable we could not think of neglecting it to carry them the truth, nor even to use our means to send the truth by others who were willing to carry it? Many will have no better plea than this, and so for shame will stand speechless before their Judge. I hope it will be pardoned if I speak very freely. I do it not with a disposition to dictate, but from a heart of intense desire to witness the advancement of this most sacred work. We must give warning to our fellow-men of the swiftly hastening Judgment, and we must lead them to keep the commandments of God. This is our work, and the time in which to do it is brief. Then comes the reckoning, and our business is to meet that with joy and not with sorrow. Our work is to be accomplished partly by the living preacher, but principally by publications. Yet what an immense undertaking is this! It is not simply that there are millions of people to be reached, nor even that these millions do not speak the English language. They speak a great number of different languages, and each nation must have the truth in its own tongue. But with God’s blessing, all this is possible. He will not do our work for us, but if we will do our part he will add his blessing, and that will count. One thing inspires hope, God has gone out before us. The case of the Sabbath-keepers in the vicinity of Elberfeld, Prussia, shows how God is at work. Here are Adventist Sabbath-keepers who have been raised up not only without help from abroad, but even without a preacher among themselves. I have information which I deem authentic of other bodies or companies of Sabbath-keeping Christians in several countries of Europe. It is my conviction that we shall find Sabbath-keepers scattered all over Europe. This indicates that God has set his hand to the work. Another thing which seems to be very providential is, that all these nations of Europe have many of their people in the United States, and that most of these different nationalities are represented in the body of Adventist Sabbath-keepers. These Sabbath-keepers cannot but feel for their own countrymen. They will write them the truth as best they can. Alas! that our excellent publications in the English language cannot be made available by them for the instruction of their friends at home. Without doubt some of these persons will see it their duty to return to their own countrymen. But let none do this who have not first advised with those who fill responsible positions in the work in America. If there are those from the different nations of Europe, now in the United States, who have mastered the English language, and have received a good knowledge of the truth of God, and have a real heart-work, and can express what they have in their hearts, perhaps God will use some of these persons as missionaries to their own countrymen. But I beg of such to take advice from our wisest counselors as to their own fitness for such responsibilities. If we have young men of approved piety, and of good understanding in the Scriptures, and of capacity to teach, who understand no language but the English, I believe that this class may furnish valuable laborers in the various nationalities of Europe. I think that if such young men were willing to give themselves to the work, and if they could set out with the approval of those competent to advise, they would speedily become able to speak the language of the country to which they should go. I think the persons best adapted to teach the speaking of a foreign language are those who understand that language well and do not understand the language of the person they are teaching. The learner cannot use his own language, and cannot fail to learn the pronunciation and use of the language which he hears correctly and distinctly spoken. But let none come to Europe for the romance and sight-seeing of the journey. This kind of poetry will speedily turn to sober prose. The comforts and conveniences of common life in Europe do not compare with those of America, at least not to a person of American ideas. We want those men who are willing to labor, even though they do not find their own tastes and preferences met in their surroundings, and who will never think of quitting the field till the time comes for the laborers to cease their toil, and to bring in their sheaves of well-ripened grain. The chief instrumentality in setting the truth before the people of Europe must no doubt be the press, as we have proved it in America. And here, even with God’s special blessing, and with the marked interposition of his providence, there must be an immense amount of severe toil and painful labor. What is put in print must not only be the truth of God, but it must be according to the grammar and the peculiar idiom of the language used. And here are the many languages which in some form must have the truth in print. How this can be accomplished remains to be seen. But success is certain if we only labor in God. The weapons used by Joshua in the siege of Jericho, and by Gideon in warring upon Midian, show how God can use feeble instrumentalities to accomplish mighty results. But while there are great difficulties in the advancement of the work in continental Europe, we must not overlook the fact that the inhabitants of the British Islands speak the same language with ourselves. Here are many millions of people whom we can reach by our publications just as they issue from our Office in America. And our preachers can enter upon the work in Great Britain and Ireland without the painful labor and the delay necessary in acquiring the use of a foreign language. I think the time has come when I should express the intense desire of my heart concerning the proclamation of the truth in these countries. When in England I made very diligent inquiry after those observing the Sabbath, and those friendly to it. In particular I looked after those whose names I had obtained from friends in America, or from the REVIEW. Here I met painful disappointment. The readers of the REVIEW will remember the letter from an English Methodist minister which was published last summer. I had high hopes of this man. Indeed, I thought if I found him in the same frame of mind as when he wrote that letter, I would perhaps spend two or three weeks in labor in his place. I therefore wrote him a letter the night we landed in Liverpool, and offered to call on him, or, if he chose to do so, invited him to call on me in London. As he did not answer this letter, after some days I wrote him again from London, and this letter also he neglected to answer. I have since learned from Bro. Stillman, of Brookfield, N. Y., that he received my letters, but had concluded that the Sabbath truth would cost him too much, and so had accepted flattering offers from the Methodists, who evidently had begun to fear that they should lose him. My searches after those interested in the Sabbath, through the instrumentality of our publications and of our people in America, came to nothing. I think there are such individuals in England, but I did not find them in the cases I sought them. I felt a very deep interest in the few Seventh-day Baptists of Great Britain. Two of these ancient churches are not yet extinct. The church at Mill Yard, London, and the Natton church in Gloucestershire, have each a remnant holding fast the commandments. At Mill Yard, Bro. Jones is earnestly at work as a preacher, but the circumstances of the case confine his personal labors to that place. He has, however, by advertising, found a few persons, either keeping the Sabbath or ready to receive it from the publications he has sent them. A little Sabbath meeting of these persons was organized in Glasgow at the time of our visit there. And in several places in Great Britain and Ireland, there are scattered Sabbath-keepers. I think there are in all about thirty Sabbath-keeping Christians in these countries. What shall be done for Great Britain? Probably our American Seventh-day Baptist brethren will send one of their most efficient ministers to Glasgow. If so, may God grant him great success in turning men to the commandments of God. How far will this go toward meeting the urgent necessity of the case? A Sabbath-keeping minister in London, and another in Glasgow, with their personal labor confined principally to those two cities, when there should be a hundred faithful men to labor in the different cities and towns of the kingdom. Here is a great harvest field, and hardly any to labor in it. The Sabbath truth was planted in America by an Englishman. In common with the S. D. Baptists, we, as a people, owe a debt of gratitude to the Sabbath cause in England, to the men that were whipped, imprisoned, and put to death, for the truth’s sake. It is time for us to pay some of this indebtedness. The responsibility in this case is not confined to the Seventh-day Baptists. May they discharge their indebtedness, so that it shall not stand against them in the Judgment, and may we do the same thing also. There is room for more commandment-keeping125 ministers in Great Britain and Ireland than both bodies can find men to send as missionaries. Nor is there occasion for contention or jealousy between us. God forbid that we should not rejoice in their success in leading men to obey God. Herein our work and theirs are identical. But we have also a work to do which, as yet, they do not share with us. We understand from the prophetic word that the coming of our Lord is at the door. We must give to our fellow-men the solemn warning of a swiftly hastening Judgment. God has connected this warning with the preaching of his commandments in Rev. 14, and especially in the third angel’s message. This most solemn message he has committed to us as a people. We cannot look to others to fulfill this responsibility for us. The people of England must hear upon this great subject. It seems to me that the time has come for us to enter upon this work. We have a vast store of most precious publications that need no work of translating, as here upon the continent, to fit them for use. We have efficient men to take this work in hand, and to make it a great success. Bro. White has spoken of Bro. Loughborough for the English mission. This would be an excellent choice, I am sure. Would that we could send more than one of our experienced ministers to this great field. Perhaps some younger men could be joined with them in the work. I leave all this to the wisdom of our General Conference Committee. But I am sure that we ought not to delay this work longer. Our Lord is coming. How long we shall have a time of quiet for our work we know not. Let us arise and take hold of the work. No greater privilege was ever given to the sons of men than that of sharing in the burdens of the work of God. I hope the time is at hand when we shall see a great work in the British Islands and on the Continent. If we are faithful to the work committed to our trust we shall see the salvation of God. May he bless the cause of truth in the old world. May he put the spirit of labor and of sacrifice into all our hearts. And whatever have been our failures in the past, may it appear in the Judgment that from this time forward, till our work is finished, we have done what we could. La Coudre, Neuchatel, Switzerland, March 19. Cheering Reports.
By S. N. Haskell
LETTERS which are being received from different parts of the world show, first, that the truth concerning God’s law and Sabbath is constantly finding its way to honest hearts. Secondly, that those who thus receive the Sabbath are at once imbued with the missionary spirit. They are not satisfied with simply partaking of the spiritual food that is drawn from God’s treasure house, the Bible, themselves; but are anxious that their friends and neighbors should rejoice in the same glorious truths. A gentleman of some influence in Scotland, who has recently embraced the Sabbath, writes thus hopefully: “He who has brought me to the light can bring the whole people. I want tracts and small pamphlets. You have no idea how anything in the shape of leaves stitched together takes with our people. A pamphlet has a glamour, as we say to the people, and is carefully read and preserved. Should you kindly send me pamphlets, please let some of them be in Danish, German, and Swedish. We have crowds of vessels belonging to these nations in Glasgow harbor, and I should like to pass some Sundays with the sailors, and try a little missionary work among them.” The following is another from abroad. James Scott, a man whose soul seems to be stirred to get the truth before others, writes: “I can assure you that the Lord has begun a good work here [Elgin]. I believe there are hundreds convinced. A Baptist promised to distribute the ‘Address to the Baptists’ and some other publications. He was convinced from my own tract, and intends to do all he can to bring over his congregation and brethren to the observance of the Sabbath. A clergyman of the church of Scotland sent for one of the tracts. I called to get his opinion. He said, ‘None could say more upon it;’ but he could not as yet see his way clear to its observance. I have good hope of him. He is a good man. We are to have the subject debated in our Society at the end of next month.” This Bro. Scott labors five days and goes out Sundays distributing tracts and doing missionary work. Miss Jennie Flott, connected with a Presbyterian missionary effort in Mexico, one who has been compelled to make sacrifices for the truth’s sake, writes: “I have been reading Eld. Smith’s work ‘Mortal or Immortal,’ and it throws much light on what to me have always been great mysteries. His arguments seemed so truthful and candid that I gave the book to the missionary to read. He, instead of giving the information I so much desired, gave me ‘Dick’s Theology’ to read. But unfortunately for me Mr. Dick quotes Plato, Socrates, etc., and says that the doctrine of the immortality of the soul, coming from such sources as these, cannot be doubted. But where is the Bible view, if not wholly ignored? “The missionary advised me to burn all such trash as Mr. Smith’s book. But what would that avail after having read it? The very ashes would proclaim the truth which fire could not destroy. Instead of following his advice I sent the book to a dear friend. I took advantage of the holidays to inclose a number of these tracts with the Christmas presents I sent to my friends, believing they would not be offensive. They all assure me that they have read the tracts. And, oh, how can I be thankful enough! my youngest and best-loved sister says, ‘Dear Jennie: I have read the books you sent, and believe every word in them to be true.’ A letter from a friend received last evening says, ‘Annie has come out on the Lord’s side.’ Pray for me that we may truly be found on the Lord’s side when our Saviour comes.” The following is from the Missouri and Kansas Conference. We insert it here, not only to show how God is blessing his truth, but also for the encouragement of those who have given of their means to assist that Conference in keeping their ministers in the field during the past winter:— “The cause is prospering in this Conference. The money sent to the Conference enables the ministers to keep in the field. Bro. Chaffee and Long are having good success in Daviess Co., Mo. Bro. Rogers reports a good interest in Johnson Co. He has sent for Bro. Cook to come and help him. Bro. Wood reports good results from Barton County. Bro. Lamont is having a good interest in Labette and Howard Counties, Kansas. “Bro. Smith Sharp is having good success in Miami County. He has been holding meetings three miles west of Osawatomie. The house is crowded every night. About twenty take part in the Sabbath meetings. He is now holding meetings in Osawatomie. Calls come in from every side. The harvest is ripe, but the laborers are few. “The Signs and Voice are doing a good work. People are anxious to read. Tracts are taken wherever they are offered; but we are out of them at present. Hope to have some soon. In hope of eternal life, J. N. AYERS. “Farmville, Linn Co., Kansas, March 31, 1875.” If the above extracts were only the result of some impulsive movement, they would not give so clear an idea of the nature of this work. But, like the sturdy oak, which increases in strength until it becomes a mighty tree, this work has grown gradually, and its effects are now seen in every part of the civilized globe. Shall we Have the Bible?
By Roswell F. Cottrell
FOR more than twenty years it has been evident to me that this is to be the great question of our day. At a time when increasing light is beaming forth from the Scriptures of truth, according to the prediction of prophecy, Dan 12: 4, 10, infidelity, under new and insidious forms, rears its mighty and unblushing face, and with “progress” for its motto, it intends to do nothing short of sinking the Bible to oblivion and banishing its faith from among mankind. And it is not only the outside, non-professing world that is being, and will be, affected by this movement, but the professed friends of the Bible are giving up the faith, and many of them are doing their best to help forward the increasing infidelity of the times, some in an open, and others in a covert, way. These profess great reverence for God, while, from what they are pleased to call the light of science, they teach principles clearly atheistic. Modern spiritualism, which commenced its public work in 1848, struck the key-note of “progression,” and the latent and covered infidelity of men of all grades and in all stations has been, and is being, rapidly developed. What causes have prepared the way and led to this unparalleled raid against the Bible and the Christian faith? How does it happen that such gross infidelity is so suddenly developed, even among professed believers in the revelation of the Bible? The deep depravity of the human heart, the “carnal mind” which is enmity against God, is not subject to his law, cannot, and will not be, naturally chooses to disbelieve and disobey God. Men are infidels because they choose to be. Pride, the evil root from whence sprung the first sin, I Tim. 3: 6; Isa. 14: 12-14; Eze. 28: 12-17, holds the heart from yielding to God. And the improvements of our day in arts and sciences, the inventions and achievements of men, tend to foster pride, and make man deify himself, and wish to dethrone the Almighty. But it is “withal, a very polished age;” and infidelity, not willing to bravely fight under its own proper banner, and wear its own proper uniform—not willing openly to proclaim its own atheism—makes profession of “devout belief in God” and “steals the livery of the court of Heaven to serve the devil in.” It will even profess faith in the Bible, provided it be allowed to interpret it to its liking. And this is the grand point. Here is the point where professed Christians have set an example for unbelievers of every grade to nullify the claims of the Scriptures. The Bible has been interpreted to suit every creed, and uphold every departure from its plainest teachings and requirements. The learned Origen early set the example of interpreting the plain statements of the Scriptures allegorically; and infidels now will refer to him, when they wish to set aside what the Scriptures declare. The plea is that they do not mean what they say; but something else; anything which the interpreter judges most desirable, that which will establish his own faith and practice. Take a few examples in which Christians have laid a foundation for infidels to build upon. To avoid the rocks of materialism, they have described God as a being “without body, parts, or passions,” not dwelling in any place in particular, but being as truly in any one place as in any other; setting aside those scriptures which speak of his dwelling place, his holy habitation, in the heavens, whence he looks down to earth upon the children of men. Infidelity chimes in: God is everywhere and in everything; as much in a rock or tree as anywhere else. He pervades all nature; is the God of nature; and the artful leave us to infer, while the less cautious bring out their own conclusion, as one did in my presence recently, that there is no God but nature. What will our Christian friends say to this? They have laid the foundation, others build thereon. Again, take the plain and very explicit duty of keeping the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Christians will read this precept which clearly enjoins the keeping of a specified day, the seventh of the seven, because that was the day on which God rested, and which he blessed and sanctified, that is, separated it from the other days of the week and appointed it to be a sacred memorial of himself and his creative work, and after reading the commandment as it is, will begin to tell you that it does not mean what it says, in words something like the following: “It is very clear that the design of this commandment is to require that one-seventh portion of our time, namely, one day in seven, should be kept holy to the Lord, as a Sabbath day or day of rest.” The text does not say this at all; but this is what they think it must mean. It would be no more absurd to interpret the first commandment—“Thou shalt have no other gods before me”—to mean that we must make choice of a god whom we will worship, and have no other. This commandment is not so explicit as the fourth. The “me” of the first commandment is dependent for its identity on the facts which are stated in connection with the fourth. Take these explanatory facts from the Sabbath commandment, and you may not only choose your own day for a Sabbath, but you may choose the god you will worship. This shows what interpretation can do. Those who would have no Sabbath and no God drink with avidity such interpretations. Many of them have sense and reason enough to know that if the Sabbath precept does not specify a particular day which all are required to keep, then there is no sacred day, and we may choose one day in seven or ten, or no day at all. The tendency and logical sequence of such interpretation is no-Sabbathism; and those who would have their lager beer and amusements on Sunday are able to see it. For to teach that the commandment, as originally given, requires no particular day, but only one day in seven, and, on the top of this, that the day of the Sabbath has been changed (from one indefinite and unspecified day to another), and now requires us to honor a particular Sunday, is much more than preposterously absurd; how much more, language is incapable of expressing! We might add other instances of Christian interpretation that foster infidelity (and perhaps will at another time), but these are enough to show that the professed friends of the Bible, with their interpretations, have opened the way for the enemies of God and revelation to force upon us the great question of the day, namely, Shall we have the Bible? Nothing answers the purpose of infidelity better than the large license of interpretation which the friends of the Bible have put into their hands. Now the only hope for those who would retain the Bible is in returning to what it says, instead of telling what it must mean. It would be well for interpreters to take the advice of Wm. Tyndale, who was the first to translate the New Testament from the original Greek into the English, in 1526, under the heading, “To the Reader,” he says, “Marke the playne and manyfest places of the Scriptures, and in doutfull places, se thou adde no interpretation contrary to them: but (as Paul sayth) let all be conformable and agreynge to the faith.” These interpretations have worked, and are working, mischief. Better lay them aside, and let the Bible speak for itself. A poet has sung: “God is his own interpreter.” So let it be. R. F. COTTRELL. The Revivals of the Day.
By A. C. Bourdeau
Much has been said and done in these parts, as well as elsewhere in this country, to get up revivals, during the present winter season. Leading representatives of the different denominations, and especially those of the Young Men's Christian Association, have taken an active part in this work; and very high-sounding accounts of their success, and of large numbers of converts, have appeared and been lauded in nearly all the journals in the land. But it is evident that there are many candid observers here and there, who are strongly inclined to the opinion that these revivals cannot effect any permanent good while they are based upon feeling and excitement, instead of being founded upon principle, or upon immutable truths applicable to our times, and calculated to produce a real change for the better in the life and practice of the convert. A week ago, I was on board a train passing near St. Johnsbury, Vt., where it is claimed that upwards of three hundred have been converted in a revival recently, when I noticed that several passengers in the car had become warmly engaged in giving their opinions of the revivals of the day. One remarked that he “would give more for one convert, who honestly and sincerely searched the Scriptures to know the truth for himself, and who applied the principles of morality and of pure Christianity to his own individual case in a manner to affect his practice, than for ten, or even twenty, converts who had religion driven into them merely through excitement, enthusiasm, or fanaticism, and who moved only from feeling and not from principle.” Another one observed, that he thought the gentleman was right; “for,” said he “some time since we had a revival in our town that resulted in eighty-three converts, but now they have all gone back, except one who seems to stand firm, and another one who is just on the point of stepping off.” And a third one added, that his minister had told him of “a place where, a few weeks ago, there was a revival which brought out fifty-two converts; but all had given up religion, except five.” Better results cannot be expected from these revivals, when it is only enjoined upon any one, to say, “I love Jesus,” to become a convert. The prophecy truly says, “They have begotten strange children; now shall a month devour them with their portions.” Hos. 5:7. It is rarely the case that any of them endure through the winter months. In this season of the year, when the tide of revival is up, it is easy for some to leave their worldly pursuits, for awhile, to float along in the channel of religious excitement; but in the busy season, when the tide is low, they are frequently found reaching out after worldly gain, and in a far worse position than they were before they started in religion. We are evidently living amid the perils of the last days, when many are content with “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” 2 Tim. 3:1-7. Yet, dear reader, there is a present truth for this age. “We have also a more sure word of prophecy,” which shows us our whereabouts in this world's history. We may reasonably look for the soon appearing of Christ, who will “purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” And we may have our faith revived; and we may more zealously heed the last warning message, in patiently waiting for the Lord, and in keeping “the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ.” Let us remember that “he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” A. C. BOURDEAU. Waterloo, April 5, 1875
By D. Downer
CLOSED my labors at Hurricane Grove, March 26. The roads were constantly bad while I was there. As soon as the interest became good, the bad roads kept people away from meeting, still we had a great blessing. One sister was sick, and made up her mind she must die. We followed the directions of James and she immediately recovered. She did not suffer any pain from the time prayer was offered in her behalf. Our last meetings at this place were the best, and we leave many warm friends at Hurricane Grove. Fifteen have promised to keep the Sabbath; other candid persons are reading. I sold and gave away 5,000 pages of tracts, and obtained 19 subscribers for the Reformer and 25 for The Voice of Truth. March 14, attended quarterly meeting at Mt. Hope. It was a meeting long to be remembered. God came very near to us by his Spirit. The report of Tract and Missionary labor was truly cheering, as it was nearly double that performed during the quarter before. Two more took their stand with us at that meeting. Am now going to visit the churches in Pepin County. Since April 1, I have preached one discourse at Waterloo. Ten or more have decided to keep the Sabbath at this place. This church is now in a prosperous condition. Others will soon be added to their numbers if they continue faithful. My address will be Galesville, Trempealeau Co., Wis. D. DOWNER. Seventh General Quarterly Meeting of the Wisconsin T. & M. Society.
By O. A. Olson; A. D. Olson
This meeting was held at Sand Prairie, March 28, 1875. Meeting opened by call of the Chair. Prayer by Bro. Osborn. The secretary not being present, Bro. A. D. Olson was chosen secretary pro tem. The report of the last meeting was called for, read, and accepted. Then the report of the workings of the Society for the last quarter were read, which present the following summary:— No. of members at the beginning of the quarter, 447; increase 41; total membership, 488; No. of districts, 15; No. reported, 10; No. of families visited, 479; No. of letters written, 67; No. of subscribers for The Voice of Truth, 862; Reformer, 453; Advent Tidende, 68; Review, 4; Instructor, 45; Reviews distributed, 112; Instructors, 95; Reformers, 111, Signs, 22; No. of copies of the Voice distributed, 3; pages of tracts and pamphlets, 61,410. Moneys received on membership, $9.00
" " " donations, 217.48
" " " booksales, 30.74
" " " subscriptions, 5.70
" " " widow and orphans’ fund, 3.00 The treasurer’s report is as follows:—
Cash on hand from last quarter, $332.73
Rec’d during the quarter, 213.56
Paid out during the quarter, 196.50
Balance, $349.79 Remarks were made in reference to the importance of our time and work, after which the meeting adjourned to call of the Chair. O. A. OLSON, Pres.
A. D. OLSON, Sec. pro tem.
Monroe, April 6, 1875. Cedar Falls, Iowa.
By John Matteson
It is nearly four weeks since I came to this place. I have labored in this vicinity, mostly in Grundy County. Five years ago this was probably an easy field to find entrance among the people; for then they flocked around any and every preacher that came along; but now they have a priest, and most of the people are entirely controlled by him in religious matters. Besides this, the Baptists have, for the last two years, labored hard to fill the minds of the people with prejudice against us, and they have succeeded well in this. The Baptist preacher was also informed beforehand of my coming and arrived here a week after me. For two weeks he held opposition meetings, and tried to counteract my influence as far as possible. Yet the Lord has helped us, and the truth has gained some ground. During last winter nine souls were converted to the truth by reading our books and papers, which were first introduced among them by American brethren. Since I have been here, some four more have commenced to obey the truth. All seem hopefully converted, not only to the truth, but to the Lord. They have laid aside their tobacco and also commenced to reform in other directions. We still have hope of gaining others in this vicinity. Early Camp-Meetings.
By M. E. C.
It seems that camp-meetings began to be held by the Methodists about seventy-five years ago, and that they were then attended by the blessing and power of God. But the people were then more humble and devoted than the Methodists of the present day. It was much easier then to maintain a spiritual and prayerful frame of mind than it is since the latter-day perils have come upon the world. Instead of less watchfulness and prayer there is now need of more, as the power of darkness has greatly increased. The same conditions fulfilled now will bring the same blessings from God, who is the same in every age of the world. The following extracts from “Father Boehm’s Memories of a Hundred Years,” mention some things of interest in connection with the first camp-meetings. M. E. C. “I think camp-meetings began to be held by the Methodists about the beginning of this century. The Presbyterians and Methodists first held them as union meetings, and the Presbyterians finally withdrawing, the Methodists, finding that they were useful, continued to hold them. The first camp-meeting that I remember was held on the Peninsula, between the head of Chester and Smyrna, in 1805. There were a number of tents on the ground, in which families dwelt, and the preachers of the region were generally present. Dr. Chandler was in charge. A remarkable phenomena took place while the meeting was in progress, which I remember with great distinctness. A minister was preaching one day from the stand, to an attentive congregation, when a cloud came up from the west betokening speedy rain. The people began to be uneasy, and show signs of seeking shelter, when Dr. Chandler rose in the stand and in a positive manner told the people to remain seated, declaring that no rain would fall upon the encampment. The preachers were quite startled by this bold declaration, thinking that the doctor had overstepped the bounds of prudence, and that he would be confounded by the result. But, strange to say, just before the cloud reached the camp-ground it divided—one portion moving to the right and the other to the left—pouring out rain on either side, while no rain fell upon the camp. The impression produced by this striking event resulted in the conversion of very many souls.” “Such a remarkable occurrence, signalizing the first camp-meeting held on the Peninsula, could not but create a favorable impression on the public mind in regard to these meetings. They continued thereafter every year, and in increasing numbers. They were occasions of great solemnity, and most respectful and reverent attention was given to the services by the religious portion of the community. The opening of a camp-meeting was an event that moved the country for many miles. All sorts of vehicles would be seen moving in the direction of the encampment, containing, in many instances, the utensils and provisions needful to the family during a week’s sojourn in the woods. The audiences were commonly very large, frequently numbering several thousands. As a rule, the meetings were under the direction of the presiding elder. The preaching was plain and pointed. “There were several features which characterized those early camp-meetings. One was, great attention was given to prayer. “The request was made from the stand that the members in attendance should be careful to observe their times of secret devotion, especially at morning and evening. Family prayer was faithfully attended to in the tents. Then an early morning hour was set apart for public prayers at the altar. During the intervals between the preaching services, prayer-meetings were constantly held. In those prayer-meetings, the whole membership, with the ministers, were accustomed to engage. I remember seeing in one of those prayer-meetings three men of much promise kneeling side by side, seeking a deeper work of grace. They were Governor Bassett, of Delaware, James Sterling, of New York, and Judge McLean, afterward one of the United States Supreme127 Court Justices. This, I think, was about 1808, though I am not quite positive as to the year. “Another feature of those camp-meetings was the effort that was made to bring mourners forward for prayers, and get them converted when forward. A great deal of powerful exhortation was directed to this end, and the results were glorious. “A marked feature of those meetings was the singing. A multitude of voices would blend as one in holy song, rolling a volume of melodious sound through the surrounding solitudes, and causing the air to quiver as with pulsings of joy. The power and effect of those inspiring melodies resounding in the wilderness were indescribable.” “Whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” Prov. 29:25. THERE'S a bright future coming, cheer up weary soul,
For if thou art faithful thou'lt reach the blessed goal.
The joys thou shalt cherish in glad coming years,
Shall blot out the traces of past bitter tears.
When distress is around thee and gloom shrouds thy way,
Look beyond the dark present, there's warm, rising day;
Trust thou in that One whose sweet promises are
A balm for the wretched, when plead for in prayer. When the cold rains descend on the pale forest flower,
And the wild winds sweep by, and the stormy clouds lower,
It bows its weak head till the fierce blast is o'er—
Then looks in bright faith up to God as before,—
And he who has promised the faithful his grace,
Looks down on the floweret with merciful face;
And sends the kind sunshine in mild, soothing gleams,
To warm its cold bosom with plentiful beams. And the gentle wild-bird, though her frail nest be torn,
Many times from the bough—and its scattered sticks borne
Far away by the tempest—yet still with regret,
She does not despair but worketh on yet;
And he, who doth list to the sparrow's low cry,
Will not pass unheeding the humblest by,
But he smiles in approval, and straightway the nest
Holds the dear little fledglings within its soft breast. O, man! made in wisdom, with soul high and free,
In the flower and the bird there's a lesson for thee!
Will thy far-seeing lore let thee sink in despair?
When the dumb creature's instinct makes life's journey fair?
No, no! rise thou godlike! lift up thy sad eyes
Turn thy thoughts from thy sorrows, beyond the fair skies;
Pray God to send down his bright hope from above,
To cheer thee, and guide thee to regions of love.