Earlier text: Miss West’s Missionary WorkA NUMBER of articles and paragraphs clipped from the Boston Journal, have been sent us, from which it appears that the question of making voting a duty, and compelling it by law, is considerably agitated in the East. We think there is a step demanded, more important than this; namely, to restrict the privilege of voting to those who can intelligently use it. We have often wondered why, in a government like this, the very existence of whose institutions depends upon the intelligence of the people, a certain degree of education was not made an essential qualification for voting. What right has a person to cast a vote which is to have its influence in the course and destiny of this government, who can neither read nor write, and who consequently cannot inform himself in reference to any of the vital questions respecting which he is called upon to decide? What right has a man, who, viewed from a mental and moral stand-point, is simply a mass of human flesh, actuated by ideas about as brilliant as those which may be supposed to animate the intelligent countenance of a hippopotamus, and understanding about as much respecting the genius of American institutions as the comparatively noble animal referred to—what right has such a man to the privilege of controlling these institutions in the least degree? Let the restriction named above be adopted, and what an enormous and disgusting fungus is at once severed from the body politic. And it is nothing against the proposition that this fungus pertains principally to one party. It might be bad for the party, but it would be better for the country. What is the great danger attending the elective franchise as it now exists in this country? It is, that unprincipled demagogues will control, to their own selfish and diabolical ends, the votes of the ignorant masses, every one of which is as potent as the vote of the most enlightened and skillful statesman. Take the Roman Catholic priesthood. They are enemies of our institutions. They are crafty and designing, working with steady, patient, unflinching purpose, to secure the control of this country. And they hold in their hands the vote of every Irish Catholic from one end of the land to the other, which they can use for their own purposes. So between unprincipled political aspirants and crafty priests, the government is drifting into the hands of its enemies. But let the educational restriction be imposed, and vicious demagogues and designing priests are smitten as with paralysis. The dagger with which they aim to strike American liberty to the heart is wrenched from their grasp. And no one would be wronged by this restriction; for the ignorant myrmidons now manipulated by ambitious and artful leaders to their own ends, are not elevated by the possession of the ballot. The government is degraded, but they are not helped. If the design is to elevate the masses, let a beginning be made with that which is the basis of all true elevation, namely, education. The man who can read, though not permitted to vote, is far higher in the scale of being than he who is permitted to vote, but is not able to read. And, to speak more directly in reference to the article from the Boston Journal, we believe this would be the quickest way to secure the result there called for, that is, the attendance of the better classes of citizens at the polls; for the intelligent and refined will be more ready to attend when they can do so without being crowded and jostled by a degraded, ignorant, and vicious mass of humanity, and without having to stem a tide of unmitigated filth and drunken obscenity. D. BURDICK: We gave the article from the Tribune on Recognizing God in the Constitution, simply to show that not a few perceive the evil that is to result from the movement, and raise the warning. And we look upon these utterances as not a little providential. They will help to open eyes when the test shall come. W. J. HAYNES: We think the baptism of fire mentioned in Matt. 3 : 11, refers to the wicked. He [Christ] shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, or [as some translate it] with fire; those baptized with the Holy Ghost, being those who receive his Spirit and are converted to the Lord; and the others, the wicked, who are to be overwhelmed in the lake of fire. Robinson in his Lexicon, under the word βαπτίζω, paraphrases the passage thus: “To overwhelm, richly furnish, with all spiritual gifts, and to overwhelm with fire unquenchable.” The “fan” mentioned in verse 12, would naturally symbolize the means by which the separation is to be accomplished between the righteous and the wicked; the figure being taken from the process of threshing, or of separating the wheat from the chaff, in use among the ancients, in which an instrument called a fan was used. And inasmuch as it is said in immediate connection that he will gather his wheat into his garner, which means the gathering of the righteous into the mansions of the Father’s house, the winnowing or fanning process must denote those events by which this great separation is put between the righteous and the wicked; in other words the events by which the nations are dashed to pieces, and (using the same figure) become like the chaff of the summer threshing-floor. Dan. 2 : 35. The second coming of Christ with the judgments which precede it, and the glory which attends it, will accomplish this. By the term “floor” is probably meant the place where the wheat and chaff now are, mingled together—this earth, which is to be the territory of Christ’s future kingdom, and out of which, as expressed in the parable of the wheat and tares, Matt. 13, are to be gathered all things that offend, and them which do iniquity. R. J. LAWRENCE: We have forwarded your communication to Bro. H. C. Blanchard. ANSWER. The writer of 2 Sam. 24 : 24 speaks simply of the threshing floor, and oxen for sacrifice, for which David gave fifty shekels of silver; while the writer of 1 Chron. 21 : 25 speaks of the “place,” including much more than simply the threshing floor; and for this, David gave six hundred shekels of gold. See Smith’s Bible Dictionary on these passages. TWENTY-FIVE DISASTROUS EARTHQUAKES IN 1869 AND 1870.
A CORRESPONDENT sends us a long article clipped from the Boston Journal, giving a remarkable list of earthquakes which have occurred within the past two years, from which we take the following extracts:— Philosophers divide earthquakes into three classes, viz.: (1) The disastrous and destructive, comprehending all those capable of overturning buildings, destroying ships, and convulsing the earth; (2) The severe, those capable of forming rents in houses and fissures in the ground, and (3) the harmless, which cause a shock, but are too feeble to destroy life or buildings, or rend the ground. Of the one hundred and forty-nine earthquakes experienced in New England between the years 1638 and 1850 inclusive, nearly all were of this last-named class, this kind being by far the most numerous. A writer in one of our popular monthlies supposes that thirty thousand shocks of earthquake, comprising all classes and all degrees of severity, have been felt over the whole earth during the past hundred years, which, if true, would realize the conception of Humboldt, who imagined some part of the earth to be perpetually trembling under these remarkable visitations. The writer of this has himself enumerated over four thousand shocks which occurred in the two years 1867, 1868. Of great and terrible destructive earthquakes, only one each year is registered by Mallet, Ponton, and other historians of these phenomena, as happening between the years 1800 and 1865. In 1867–68 the number of this first class of earthquakes increased alarmingly, no less than eleven occuring in the following places and countries, and in the order here named, viz.: Algiers, in Northern Africa, the island of Mitylene, St. Thomas, in the West Indies, the island of Formosa, the Sandwich Islands, Northern Ecuador, Peru, Chili, Ecuador, California, and Jalisco, in Mexico, while others of a frightful character have taken place under the floor of the ocean; this number of the kind destructive of cities, villages, and human life, by which over one hundred thousand human beings were estimated to have perished, being far in advance of any previous two years in this century. So remarkably was the earth convulsed during this period as that it attracted the universal attention of scientific men, and occasioned no small amount of conjecture, as well as some degree of alarm, though no generally accepted and satisfactory solution of this extraordinary unrest of the earth has yet appeared. Then follows a list of earthquakes, after which the article concludes as follows:— On reviewing the foregoing list, we find here registered some twenty-five disastrous earthquakes, all occurring within the two years ending December 31, 1870, and the list may be, and probably is, yet incomplete, owing to our imperfect information of what is transpiring in distant countries. These terrible convulsions, though not on so grand a scale as those of the two preceding years, 1867 and 1868, are so terribly destructive of human life, are nevertheless most extraordinary as respects their number and severity, and overwhelmingly demonstrate the truthfulness of the views of those savants who hold that the earthquake forces are by no means becoming more and more quiet and dying out, but on the contrary, from some unknown cause, are increasing in activity. At any rate, there is enough in the earthquake record of the past four years to justify the remark of the scientific writer in a late number of Blackwood's Magazine, who says: "We have been passing through a remarkable period of terrestrial phenomena—more remarkable, certainly, than any which has been witnessed by the present generation." And we may add, it is by no means certain that we have reached the end of the earthquake term. And here we may also be permitted to state that in the absence of any and all established theories of the earth's internal structure, by which to account for the terrible convulsions of which we are writing, there is increasing evidence for regarding very favorably the generally accepted belief of the earth's interior being a molten, fiery mass, considered as the only one that fairly accounts for all the varied and well-known phenomena of earthquakes felt and witnessed on the surface crust. In harmony with this opinion, there is plausibility in the conclusion of Prof. T. M. Thorpe, who imagines the great shocks of 1867–8 to have been caused by the breaking off of immense masses of solid earth from the inner crust, which, falling into the lava caldron below, agitated it into gigantic, throbbing and rolling waves, that heaved the outer crust with great throbs and throes. Indeed, the theory of this scientist, who has made seismic action a special study, together with his wide-spread and sagacious conjectures of a series of great earthquakes the whole world over, made on the occurrence of the destructive shock at St. Thomas, in October, 1867, and subsequently published in all the papers, was amply supported and borne out to a sad reality in the experience of the three or four years that have followed the utterance of his prediction, during which time the earth, the emblem of all that is stable, has agonized in deep and mysterious troubles for which the Lord of nature affords at present no remedy. Assuredly, this generation of men are the witnesses of events of the most startling character and marvelous significance. Oh! for a prophet's glance to read the future aright! Christian Benevolence vs. Church Gambling.
By J. H. Waggoner
THE proceedings of the “State Christian Convention,” lately held in East Saginaw, Mich., as reported in the Detroit Tribune, contain some stirring testimonies on this subject. The essay, read by Mr. Bangs, of Ionia, plead for the Bible system of tithing, and deprecated the modern expedients of festivals, socials, &c., for raising means to support the gospel. The following extracts are interesting:— “Man is God’s steward; he can claim nothing as his right. Tithes and sacrifices were rendered to God in the patriarchal age. The firstlings of the flocks, and the first fruit of the field, with one-tenth of all the increase, belonged to the service of God, and his approval is recorded for our instruction. . . . According to the Mosaic law, the least asked was one-tenth, while the wealthy were required to give according to the wants and necessities of the church. “True, this law was proclaimed under the Jewish dispensation; yet it is still in force. The proper rule of Christian benevolence is, ‘Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him.’ This simple plan secures the object designed by God, secures an abundance of money for all the purposes of Christ’s cause, and develops the benevolence of the church, while it subdues the selfishness of human nature. The tendency of the plan is to secure an honest calculation of the amount; an important consideration when we remember the power of human selfishness to pervert the judgment. The apostolic rule requires that every one give something; the rich from their abundance; the poor, their mites. “Other expedients assume multitudinous forms, such as festivals, oyster suppers, ice-cream, strawberry and neck-tie socials, etc., ad infinitum. I do not object to the rich feeding the poor, but this modern plan makes the whole thing irregular; some are compelled to pay too much, while many others pay nothing. These plans ignore the idea of rendering to God what is his due. Every one expects a compensation for what he gives, and grumbles if he does not get it. [Modern benevolence.] A few do the work, and pay the expenses. This creates more selfishness than benevolence. . . . Each does not give as God has prospered him. The poor must give as much as the rich, or be excluded from the privilege of giving at all, or from the enjoyment of the gathering. There can be no difference in the prices of suppers or neck-ties. No one gives; each expects an equivalent. . . . What can be done to remedy the evil? The answer is, to educate the people according to the Scriptures on the subject of benevolence. Distinguish properly between self-interest, personal or community profit, and pure benevolence. Thus, and thus only, shall we give a right direction to legitimate efforts.” Instead of a few short extracts, as I intended, I have given most of the essay; but I think this will not be regretted by the readers of the REVIEW, and especially by those who love the Scripture rule of systematic benevolence. The “discussion of the topic” elicited some rich things. “Rev. Geo. Jachin, of Washtenaw county, thought that all grab-bag socials, &c., were no better than gambling.” And such must be the decision of all who candidly view the matter in the light of principles and true piety. But, when we consider that these expedients are adopted by the body of American Protestant churches—that they are their chief means of supporting the gospel, as they hold it, what a scene is presented! The great religious, aye, Christian bodies of the day, in this most Christian land, sustaining their worship by gambling! And must we still be blamed for saying that they are fallen? Is it not nearly time to raise the cry, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and receive not of her plagues”? “Rev. J. H. McCarty, of Adrian, thought that it was doubtful whether the State could be brought up to that high standard. He presented for the edification and instruction of the convention, some figures. Fifty members giving fifty cents a week, and one hundred members giving twenty-five cents a week, and fifty giving ten cents a week, for a year, would make $3,120 from a church of two hundred members. A church of three hundred members giving fifty cents a week, would raise $7,800 in a year. He said that the experience of church socials had, in East Saginaw, been the almost total destruction of theatrical and minstrel shows. The young would rather go to these socials than to the public halls. He was not sure that it would be good policy to give up these socials.” Mr. McCarty’s figures certainly afford a strong argument in favor of systematic benevolence; showing what may be done by small sums given regularly or by method. This is proof that the only remedy for the selfishness so largely prevailing among professed Christians, is found in obedience to the Bible rule of giving. Some seem to overlook the fact that it is a Bible rule, and stigmatize it as a “rigid law of taxing,” and they thereby show a large development of stinginess or impiety. But the plea offered by Mr. McCarty in favor of socials seems not quite satisfactory. My last quotation is in answer to that point. It sounds like the utterance of a true heart. “Rev. Geo. Duffield, of Saginaw City, said that they should ask twice; first of God, and second, of man in Christ’s name. While we have church socials, how is it with the social prayer-meeting? When the church social empties the theater by taking its place, he must protest against it in God’s name. The stumbling-block in the way of many sinners is the fact that professing Christians are not willing to use their money for God.” If we note the faults of others to find fault with them, or to boast of ourselves, they will condemn us as well as them. There is a lesson in this report for all who believe that “the end of all things is at hand,” and who expect soon to give an account of their stewardship. J. H. WAGGONER.
Newton, Mich., March 5, 1871. Hasting unto the Coming of Christ.
By D. T. Bourdeau
We need not tarry here many years before the coming of Christ. Aside from the numerous chains of prophecy which show clearly that the Son of Man is near, even at the doors, and that the generation now living, having heard the genuine proclamation of his coming, will witness his glorious advent in the clouds of heaven, we know that the church, by consecration, faith, and corresponding good works, can accomplish the work assigned unto it, in overcoming, and bringing souls into the truth, in a very short time. To illustrate, we will make a very moderate calculation. We will suppose that there are but ten thousand believers in present truth, and that each believer will make it a point to make at least one convert each successive year for the next five years, and that those embracing the truth through their instrumentality, will follow their example in winning souls to the truth. The first year we would have twenty thousand believers; the second year, forty thousand; the third year, eighty thousand; the fourth year, one hundred and sixty thousand; and the fifth year, three hundred and twenty thousand. This would leave a great margin for apostates. Now I do not claim that the Saviour will come in just five years. The definite time of his coming is not revealed in the Scriptures. But I hope he may come before that time. And much will depend upon the faithfulness of the church whether the Lord will come in three, four, or five years. Brethren and sisters, shall we believe, be up and doing, go up at once and possess the goodly land? or shall we through unbelief, and lusting after the so-called luxuries of Egypt, and through fear of inward and outward foes that we have to overcome, linger in the wilderness, go over the same ground again and again, until we learn the lesson the Lord would have us learn. The coming of the Lord must be very near. We have come more than a quarter of a century in the last generation; and the Saviour himself declares that this generation will not pass till all these things be fulfilled. He cannot bear with the indifferent much longer. Let us have more faith in God, and be more in earnest while laboring in his cause, that we fall not by the way, and that others take not the crown we might wear. The heart is, as it were, the pasture in which multitudes of thoughts are fed every day: a gracious heart, diligently kept, feeds many precious thoughts of God in a day. It is a most miserable state for a man to have everything according to his desire, and quietly to enjoy the pleasures of life. There need be no more to expose him to eternal death. God sees everything—this is consoling to the upright. A correspondent informs us that in a protracted effort just held by the Baptists in Leighton, Mich., this argument was used to prove the abolition of the law: “Seeing ye have put off the old man [God] with his deeds [the law].” And he significantly asks if this is not the most God-dishonoring argument yet devised—a question which is sufficiently answered by the asking. Progress of the Cause.
By A. C. Bourdeau
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. LAST Friday, the 24th inst., I drove my horses and carriage from Bordoville to Jericho, thirty miles, over a very muddy road. In the evening, held a meeting in Bro. Roscoe's house, spoke on holding fast the profession of our faith, etc. Text, Heb. 10: 23–25. The friends present heartily responded to the word spoken, with cheering testimonies. Was glad to find that one more had embraced the Sabbath since I had met with them last. The next day, Sabbath, met at the house of Bro. Bernies, spoke on the three worlds—the heavens and the earth which “were of old,” “the heavens and the earth which are now,” and the “new heavens and a new earth” which will be the final abode of the saints. 2 Pet. 3. The social meeting which followed, was profitable to all present. Yesterday I drove thirty-six miles through the mud, to this place, and got here just in time to join my brother and several others in going two miles to Munger St. school-house, in North Middlebury, where we found about sixty who listened attentively to a discourse on the second angel's message. This was my brother's eighth discourse at that place. Having expected me last Friday, he had appointed extra meetings for last Sabbath and Sunday. He was enabled to speak three times each day, after holding evening meetings through the week. I remain with him to continue this series of meetings as long as the interest will demand. New Haven Mills, Vt., Feb. 27, 1871. Wisconsin.
By Isaac Sanborn
SINCE my last report, I held meetings with the Avon church one week. It was a precious season, as there I met with some who embraced the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus under my labors sixteen years ago, and are still waiting for the Lord. The good cause is getting hold of a good many minds in that vicinity, that I think will yet embrace the truth in the love of it. Our meetings were full and interesting. Bro. George McDowell was ordained elder, and Bro. Henry Decker was appointed deacon. From Avon I went to Albany, and spent a few days. This church seem to be united in this work. They labor at present under one disadvantage, which is the want of a convenient place to hold meetings. It is hoped that they will be able to build before long. I think with the proper amount of labor a few miles west of Albany at the right time quite an addition might be made to the number of the church. From here I went to General Conference, and spent one week most delightfully, as it was the first privilege of the kind that I have had for four years. I felt much encouraged and strengthened as I witnessed the advancement the good work of the Lord had made, and is now making. I returned to my field of labor with new courage, and am determined to do all I can to forward the good cause. I commenced meetings at Muscoda, Grant Co., according to appointment in REVIEW. I find much prejudice here, yet there is some interest. The Congregationalist preacher gave two opposition sermons last first-day and evening. He said he would discuss with a man that was capable of going to the root of the Greek and Hebrew languages; therefore he would not discuss with me, because I would not make such pretensions. I asked the elder before his congregation if he understood both Greek and Hebrew to the root. He said he did. In the evening he spoke against our views on prophetic time, and I dwelt especially on the seven times, and time, times, and dividing of time, in Daniel, asserting all the while that it did not mean years, but did not tell us what it did mean. After he had closed his meeting, I asked the privilege of asking him a question, as he had just asserted that God said what he meant and meant what he said, and that those prophecies were a revelation to man. Said I, As you say you understand the root of the Hebrew, will you be so kind as to tell us what God does mean by the term seven times and time, times, and dividing of time? After pressing him hard, he acknowledged that he did not know; at which the congregation gave way to laughter, much to his confusion. I reviewed his first sermon last evening, and review the other this evening, the Lord willing. Just what the result of my labors will be here, I know not yet. I expect to commence meetings at Dover in Iowa Co. next Friday evening, March 3. Muscoda, Wis., Feb. 28, 1871. Parental Responsibility.
By Albert Stone
THERE is a solemn trust committed to heads of families, and all who have the care of children in these last days. The prevailing apathy on this subject is an alarming feature of the present time. If Christian parents are drowsy on this subject, they should awake to a sense of their duty. There are weighty reasons to conclude that the salvation of your children may hang on your action. Parental defection is displeasing to God. Deeply interesting and important instruction is found on this subject in the Bible history of Abraham and Eli. Trace these cases respectively to their final issue. See in the former the strong incentives to fidelity, and in the latter, the terrible consequences of unfaithfulness. And let none make up their minds that similar results will not follow similar action on the part of others. Faithfulness in domestic life is a duty we owe to God, as well as to our families. So it is simply a question of obedience. Will you obey God, and prove yourself a Christian? A practical answer to this question is being given in every household. It is not what we profess, but what we do, that makes up our character in the sight of God. Let us not deceive ourselves with vain hopes. If we ourselves are really walking in the narrow way that leads to life, we shall covet earnestly to have our children with us, and shall be likely to use all the means we can consistently to have them with us. Our blessed Lord has expressly declared, If ye were the children of Abraham, ye would do the works of Abraham. John 8 : 39. That it is a duty from which none can by any means be excused, to use every proper means to effect the salvation of our children and our households, is obvious to all reasonable minds. Our Heavenly Father has, in a most remarkable manner, opened the way for the comparatively easy performance of this great duty, in the ardent love and affection which intuitively dwells in the breast of every parent for his offspring. It is in this endowment that the great kindness of our Heavenly Father appears in a very remarkable manner. In this the parent is made the almoner of God's gracious providence to the children. See the mother bending over the sick cradle of her infant. What assiduous care, what tears, what midnight watchings, unceasing labors, what forgetfulness of self! How sensibly wounded is her heart! This is God's providential care, which he has graciously thrown around the years of infancy, childhood, and youth. This is one of the most noble endowments of man in his fallen state. This noble, instinctive principle must not cease when physical wants are supplied, nor confine itself to them. It must go farther. It must train those loved ones in the way they should go. It must teach them of God, of Heaven, and of eternal life. It must agonize for their final salvation, and put forth corresponding efforts. It must manifest itself in a way of instruction, correction and reproof, in a way of example, and of importunate and unceasing prayer to God, that these means may prove effectual. There must also be confidence in the efficacy of these divinely appointed means, that when legitimately used, they will not be used in vain. Do not procrastinate this work. With many it has already been put off too long. Soon it will be too late. The harvest will be past and the summer ended. The Lord is coming. The wheat and the tares will soon be separated and assigned their respective positions in the Judgment. The seven last plagues will soon sweep over the earth, leaving it desolate and uninhabited. The saints will soon be crowned with victory and glory. Let us work while the day lasts. Christian Love.
By L. Lawson
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.” Eph. 5: 1, 2. How affectionately the apostle addresses the Ephesians when he commands them to walk in love! This language is recorded for the benefit of every professed follower of Jesus; and if appreciated by them and reduced to practice, it will prove equally beneficial to all. May the Lord help each one of us to be followers of God as dear children, and walk in love, as Christ has loved us. This love, indeed, was great; so strong was it, that he gave himself as an offering for us. He tasted death for us; he reconciled us unto his Father and our Father; and now we can choose obedience or disobedience. Will we not, then, yield obedience to God, and walk in love as our Saviour has loved us? Will we not, at least, make an effort in that direction? If our love for one another and the cause of God is so strong that we will be willing to give ourselves for that cause and one another, God will accept it as a sweet-smelling savor. Then let us follow our blessed Saviour, and thus “be followers of God as dear children.” Although many of our associates, who remain unconverted, may give us cause to fear that we may be persecuted, let us remember that Jesus has gone before, and marked the way with his own precious blood, and we cannot be mistaken as long as we see the guide-posts which he has set up along the way. Although there may be, even, brethren and sisters who are cold-hearted, and act indifferently toward one another, let us remember that it is because they have not the mind of Christ. Let us read carefully Ephesians 5, and try to reduce to practice all the good advice therein contained. That we are living in the last days is unmistakably true. Signs are continually thickening around that are to usher in the coming of Jesus. We need much of the Spirit of God to aid us in the work of overcoming, and to help us to live consistent lives, that we may not become stumbling-blocks to sinners. Let us walk in love, and thus exert a good influence over those with whom we are surrounded, that they, seeing our good works, may be led to embrace the truth, and finally, if faithful, be saved in Christ’s everlasting and peaceful kingdom. “THE HEAVENLY LAND.”
By J. A. Gregory
From the throne a fountain gushes,
In its waves are light and love,
Light eternal from it blushes,
Filling all the courts above. Angel tongues repeat the story,
Of a Saviour’s love so sweet;
Angels cast their crowns of glory
At the great Redeemer’s feet. Here are voices round me ever,
Blither than the morning’s voice;
Here are hearts that time will never
With its rolling years divorce. There the rose sends out its odors,
And the lily its perfume,
Healing trees along the borders
Of the golden city bloom. There the day is ever beaming,
One eternal Sabbath day;
From the throne a light is streaming,
Lighting all the heavenly way. On the tree of life is growing
Apples like transparent gold;
Better far its juices flowing,
Than the nectar famed of old. Come, oh! come, and drink its waters,
From the dews of love distilled,
Sons of God and angel daughters,
’Tis for you the cup is filled. South-western New York.
By R. F. COTTRELL.
SINCE my last report, I have held a series of meetings in a school-house in Cherry Creek, Chautauqua Co., with a good interest, though not a very large attendance. There is reason to hope that there will be some fruit of this effort. After this, I attended the monthly meeting at East Otto, Cattaraugus Co., on the first Sabbath in February. We had an interesting meeting. The interest in the neighborhood is still good, better than when I was there last. One, I was told after the meeting, resolved to keep the Sabbath. There is good reason to hope that more will be gathered in there. From this meeting, a severe affliction (a most painful abscess) upon my invalid son called me home. I have been at home three weeks, attending him, in turn with my wife, night and day. We are thankful that he is much relieved, and the abscess seems to be healing. But it has reduced him to feebleness. We hope, however, that the Lord will, in answer to the prayers of his people, raise him up to health. We would pray with resignation. Adel, Iowa.
By M. F. Clark
THERE is room for a great work here if we had the workmen. Bro. Canright has been here lately and spent a few days. We had some happy seasons while he was here. Present truth has done much for me, not only on the Sabbath question, but on the state of the dead and the destiny of the wicked. It has cleared my mind of all those mysterious imaginings connected with the doctrine of the immortality of the soul. I would that I were able to teach this truth to the world.
M. F. CLARK. Monroe, Wis.
By O. H. Pratt
The Lord is at work for us here in Monroe. Since our last camp-meeting, we have enjoyed much of the sweet Spirit of the Lord. There seems to be a gradual coming up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. In our last quarterly meeting, the brethren from McConnell's Grove and Avon, met with us; and as we united together in the worship of God, our hearts were knit together like David and Jonathan's, and we were led to exclaim with the psalmist, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name.” Bro. Sanborn was with us to impart unto us that sweet consolation from the word of God which we so much needed. The Lord bless him. We believe that time is fast drawing to a close, and what we have to do must be done quickly, that we may be like men waiting for their Lord when he shall return from the wedding. And as we cannot properly be considered as waiting, until we have our work done, let us all be in earnest in the work of putting away all our sins and becoming pure and holy before God. Above all, do not let us forget to remember those at the head of the work, that our prayers may go unitedly to that God who rules all things, that he may bless and sustain them and give them strength to perform the great amount of labor they have to do.
O. H. PRATT.
Monroe, Wis. “They Feared the Lord, and Served Their Own Gods.” 2 Kings 17: 33
By I. G. Camp
Is it possible for any one to worship the Lord and at the same time be serving their own gods? We cannot be serving the Lord and at the same time worshiping our own gods. For his servants ye are to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness. But it is a lamentable fact that we can have an outward form of worshiping the only living and true God, while we are serving our own gods, the work of our own hands, which our own fingers have made. What an insult to the God that made the heavens and the earth, for us to bow down before him and profess to worship him, and to go in and out with those who do worship God in spirit and in truth, while our hearts are far from him, our affections set on things of the world and not on things above. Is it possible, my dear brethren and sisters, that this is the case with any of us? If so, I pray God to deliver us from it. For hypocrisy is to be abhorred, and self-deception to be feared and dreaded. But we need not be deceived. With all the helps that God has given us, we may know if we are worshiping the Lord and serving our own gods. We cannot deceive ourselves or the people of God but a little while longer. The time is near at hand when they will return and discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. I want to be numbered with those who shall worship God in the beauty of holiness.
I. G. CAMP.