Please explain 2 Cor. 5:8, and Phil. 1:23. Where can we find in the Bible testimony to show that the Sabbath was set back one day at the time of the exodus of the Jews, as I have seen stated by M. H. Fleming, minister of the M. E. Church. E. Needles.
Ans. 2 Cor. 5:8, and Phil. 1:23, are explained in our work on Man’s Nature and Destiny. Respecting the claim that the Sabbath was set back one day at the exode, as stated by some Methodist ministers, under the lead of P. Akers, there is no proof for it either in the Bible or anywhere else. It contradicts the Bible, and history, both sacred and profane. It is a mere subterfuge invented by men to try to avoid the claims of the fourth commandment, and a very silly one at best.
The Douay Bible renders 2 Pet. 1:20, “No prophecy of Scripture is made by any private interpretation.” Is this correct? M. C. W.
Ans. The word which in our translation is rendered “is,” and which the Douay translates “is made,” is ginomai, which is defined by Greenfield, “to come into existence, be created, exist by creation, to take place, come to pass, happen,” &c. We understand the idea to be that the interpretation of the prophecies is no man’s peculiar and exclusive prerogative; for, as the next verse states, as the prophecy was not given by the will of man, but by the Holy Ghost, independent of, and above, man, so the interpretation is not committed to any man’s fancy, but must be made according to the Spirit which gave it.
I find it stated in a Roman Catholic work “that in the whole history of the church from the nineteenth century to the first, no solitary example can be adduced to show that any pope or general council ever revoked a decree of faith or morals enacted by any preceding council or pontiff.” Is this true? M. C. W.
Ans. So far from being true, the whole history of the papacy is marked with the conflicting decrees and decisions of councils and pontiffs. On pages 313–321 of Gavazzi’s Lectures, is a lecture on the infallibility of the pope. From this we take at random, on pp. 317, 319, the following facts:—
Speaking of the doings of some of the councils, he says: “Nice, condemned Arius, and Constantinople absolved him. Constantinople condemned Nice, Lateran condemned Basle. A council of Ephesus condemned Eutyches, and, nineteen years afterwards, a second council of the same Ephesus absolved him. The Ecumenical council of Constantinople declared the bread and wine images of Christ’s body in Heaven; Lateran and Trent pronounced the fullest transubstantiation. Constantinople and Basle asserted that councils are superior to the pope. Lateran opposed the claim. Laodicea excluded the Apocrypha. Trent adopted them all.”
Of the popes he says: “Gregory the Great says, He who assumes the title of universal bishop is Satan; and Gregory VII. says the bishop of Rome is universal. Leo IX. is for, and Gregory XIII. against, infallibility. Pope Vigilius is against, and Innocent III. for, transubstantiation. Pius V. by a Bull declared the breviary correct; Urbanus VIII. declared the breviary of Pius V. full of errors. Sextus V. pronounces the Bible published by him correct; Clement VIII. says the Bible by Sextus V. contains two thousand capital errors. Clement XIV., by an infallible Bull, suppressed the Jesuits as fatal to the church and society. Pius VII., by another infallible Bull, re-established the Jesuits as useful to the church and society.”
He also mentions the case of Formosus, which marked the epoch from the ninth to the eleventh century, as recorded by Roman Catholic writers themselves:—
“Formosus became pope by invading the Basilica of the Vatican, where he erected an altar over the slaughtered bodies of the people. After a little he was overcome and dragged to death. His successor, Stephen, had his body taken from the sepulcher, dressed in Pontifical robes, brought into conclave, and questioned about the crimes it committed when living. Receiving no answer, Stephen ordered three fingers of the right hand to be cut off, the corpse to be stripped naked, and cast into the Tiber. He then excommunicated all the followers of Formosus, and cancelled all his acts, so as to cover his memory with ignominy. A few months after, another pope restored Formosus; a few days subsequently another condemned him and all his acts. And, finally, after seven or eight years, Pope John restored Formosus to all prerogatives and rights among popes!”
These are only a few particulars from almost an unbroken line of like testimony concerning the papacy. And when any Catholic writer, with all this before him (for they must all be aware of it), makes such assertions as our correspondent quotes above, he shows that he has partaken of the spirit of the Romish system, and given himself up to unblushing and unbounded dishonesty.
In the account of the Lord’s supper, Matt. 26:26, &c., we read that Jesus took bread and said, “Take eat, this is my body,” … “this is my blood.” Is not this strong proof of the real presence? M. C. W.
Ans. Not at all, any more than beasts which are used as symbols, are the kingdoms which they symbolize. For instance, Dan. 7:17: “These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.” Verse 23: “The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom.” Verse 24: “The ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise,” &c. The prophet had before his eyes only beasts in189their various forms; yet the angel said, These are kingdoms: not that a beast is really a kingdom, but only a symbol of one. Just so, Christ, when he spoke these words had not before him a portion of his own, or any other human body, nor a quantity of blood; but he had bread and wine, which might, and did, fitly represent or symbolize his flesh and blood. Moreover, he says of the bread, “This is my body which is broken for you;” 1 Cor. 11:24; and of the wine, “This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.” Matt. 26:28. But when Christ said this, his body had not been broken, nor his blood shed. Therefore a portion of his broken body and spilt blood could not have been there; and hence it is folly to talk about the “real presence” in the bread and wine of the Lord’s supper.
Answered by Letter: J. H. Waggoner, J. Fargo, Scientific American, E. P. Daniels, G. R. Bennett, M. W. Harris, D. H. Lamson.
CAN GOD ORGANIZE MATTER TO THINK
By Dudley Marvin Canright
(Continued.)
[Eld. Canright’s article closed in the last number of the REVIEW with a quotation from “The Philosophy of Reason,” by John Ware, M. D., showing how nearly the lowest forms of animal life and the highest forms of vegetable life approach each other. The subject is resumed as follows:—]
Of the functions of sensation and voluntary motion, the author says, “To the exclusive possession of these powers by animals, there are apparent exceptions. Some vegetables do move from place to place with as much apparent volition as certain animals; whilst there are some animals as immovably fixed to one spot as vegetables by their roots. There are also plants which exhibit motions seemingly as voluntary as those of some of the lowest animals, and for as definite a purpose. The sensitive plant is a striking example of this kind. The slightest touch makes its leaves suddenly shrink, and together with the branch bend down toward the earth. But the moving plant, or Hedysarum gyrans, furnishes a more astonishing example of vegetable motion. Its movements are not excited by the contact of external bodies, but solely by the influence of the sun’s rays. Its motions are confined to the leaves, which are supported by long, flexible footstalks. When the sun shines, the leaves move briskly in every direction. Their general motion, however, is upward and downward. But they not unfrequently turn almost around; and then their footstalks are evidently twisted. . . .”
“The Dionæa muscipula, or Venus’s fly-trap, a plant of Carolina, affords another instance of rapid vegetable motion. Its leaves are jointed, and furnished with two rows of strong spines. Their surfaces are covered with a number of minute glands, which secrete a sweet liquor, and allure the approach of flies. When these parts are touched by the legs of the fly, the two lobes of the leaf instantly rise up, the rows of spines lock themselves fast together, and squeeze the unwary animal to death. If a straw or pin be introduced between the lobes, the same motions are excited.”
“When a seed is sown in a reversed position, the young root turns downward to enter the earth, and the stem bends upward into the air. Confine a young stem to an inclined position, and its extremity will soon assume its former perpendicular direction.” The roots of a tree growing on dry or barren ground, in the neighborhood of that which is moist or fertile, become larger, longer, and more full in that direction than in any other, as if extending themselves to obtain the nourishment which can there be afforded them. If we twist the branch of a tree, so that the under surface of the leaves shall come uppermost, they gradually turn upon their footstalks till the proper side is exposed to the rays of the sun. This they will do repeatedly, until they have become injured by the exertion; and if the leaf be confined, so that it cannot resume its natural position, its stalk will become twisted by the effort to accomplish it. The sunflower, the leaves of the mallow, and some other plants, generally turn their faces toward the sun. The tendrils of plants, on the other hand, move toward the shade, in whatever direction it may be. In a greenhouse, if exposed to the morning light, they direct themselves toward the west, at noon to the north, and at night to the east. They are also attracted by opaque bodies.
“Instances of a similar nature are afforded by what has been denominated the sleep of plants. The leaves of many are folded together during the night, and droop as if dying. In some instances they are so arranged, when in this state, as to serve as a cover to the flowers or young fruit. The flowers of other plants follow the same law, and close at the approach of night, for the apparent object of shelter and protection. In many of these instances, the motions so nearly resemble those of some of the lower animals, that it is not easy to say wherein they differ in principle.”—Pages 18-20.
Of some of the very low animals he says, “They have a head, but no proper brain. The nervous system consists of a knotted cord, differently developed in different cases. They have the senses of sight, touch, and taste, and many of them probably those of hearing and smelling, though their organs are not obvious.”—Page 44.
“Animals of a higher grade are found with a less perfect and less innate knowledge, but with a power of acquiring knowledge, till we come to man, in whom no knowledge is possessed at birth, but a high capacity for its attainment.”—Page 392.
“The higher animals, though they come into life with various instincts, and often with much of the knowledge that is necessary to carry them into active operation, are capable, by observation, experience, and reflection, not only of modifying and improving them, of carrying them out more perfectly as they grow older, but also of applying them to subjects which do not originally fall within their province. Indeed, especially under the influence of education, they may be made to undertake operations which are entirely out of the sphere of instinct.”—Pages 394-5.
“In those animals in which instinct is not the sole principle of activity, intelligence enters in various degrees, partakes its dominion, and co-operates with it. Intelligence has no preconceived ideas, it is destitute of any original knowledge, but it acquires both ideas and knowledge. It thinks, reasons, judges; perceives the purpose for which it acts, and in this way renders the instinctive powers, with which it is associated, subservient to its ends; enlarges the sphere within which they operate, imparts to them new impulses, and suggests to them new motives for activity. Instinct, within the field which it embraces, is the most certain guide; but its original field is limited, and without the aid of intelligence it is incapable of extension. With this aid it may be modified and improved, and the modification and improvement may be transmitted in some degree to succeeding generations.”
“We have the most complete specimen of what instinct alone can do in such insects as the ant, bee, wasp, and spider; and of what intelligence can do, in such animals as the horse, dog, beaver, and elephant, and, more than all, in man. Instinct probably predominates in all animals below man, and the presence of a true intelligence is not directly detected below the vertebral animals, except among the higher species of the articulata and mollusca. Its influence becomes more marked as we ascend through fishes, reptiles, and birds to the mammalia; but it is only among the most elevated of the last that it assumes an important rank as a directing power, and it is never a predominant one except in man. This statement will be sufficient to show what a variety in animal character the influence of these two principles mingled in different proportions must produce, and to show also how difficult in each instance it must be to determine from which of them any given line of conduct on the part of an animal proceeds.”—Page 404.
“Man thus stands on an eminence high above all other animals; and yet, so far as we are able to analyze their character, their faculties are not specifically distinct from his, but appear to differ from them rather in degree than in kind. Animals exhibit the same sentiments, the same affections, the same emotions, the same passions as man. Their lives are governed by certain motives, and are directed to certain objects in common with his.”—Page 405.
“In its general plan, the course which creation has taken from its beginning appears to have been that of progressive improvement, bringing out in the first instance the humblest and simplest forms of life, and then gradually introducing in the midst of them those of a higher and more complex character.”—Pages 407-8.
I believe that this author has candidly stated the truth in the preceding extracts. We simply have an ascending gradation in the different forms of matter,—mineral, vegetable, and animal, lower and higher.
Here I might give innumerable examples of clearly defined reason, intelligence, or mind, in the lower animals. But waiving all this, we will grant just what our opponents claim; namely, that the dumb beasts never reason nor think; that they are wholly guided by instinct. Instinct moves them to eat, to drink, to open their eyes, to listen with their ears, to smell, to feel, to flee from danger, and to do a thousand things which we observe daily. This is all done by instinct, and the beast is merely organized matter, nothing else. Now see what follows from this; namely, that the Creator has so vitalized, so organized this matter that it can see and hear, can eat and drink, can rise up and lie down, can defend itself, can come at a call, or go at a command, work, build houses, and do a thousand things. Even Bishop Clark, writing against our position, makes the following wonderful admission:—
“In fact, surveying the whole ground, we can hardly wonder at the enthusiasm with which a modern writer, quoted by Mr. Brodie, kindles up: ‘There is,’ says he, ‘hardly a mechanical pursuit in which insects do not excel. They are excellent weavers, house-builders, architects; they make diving bells, bore galleries, raise vaults, construct bridges; they line their houses with tapestry, clean them, ventilate them, and close them with admirably-fitted swing doors; they build and store warehouses, construct traps in the greatest variety, hunt skillfully, rob and plunder; they poison, saber, and strangle their enemies; they have social laws, a common language, division of labor, and gradations of rank; they maintain armies, go to war, send out scouts, appoint sentinels, carry off prisoners, keep slaves, and tend domestic animals. In short, they are a miniature copy of man rather than of the inferior vertebrata. This description is highly wrought, but not so highly but that its substantial basis in fact will be readily recognized.’”—Man All Immortal, p. 95.
Reader, all this is done by mere matter. So the Bishop argues; so our opponents believe. Now if the blessed God can vitalize and organize matter so as to do all these wonderful things, can he not just as easily go a little farther and organize matter so as to think, be intelligent, and reason? We believe the conclusion is legitimate, and that facts in connection with the human mind show it is the truth. God has organized a material brain which does think and reason.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
(To be Continued.)
QUARTERLY MEETINGS.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
The system of quarterly meetings adopted by Seventh-day Adventists is proving a grand success. Each member of every church should realize that he has an interest in this matter. Wherever it is possible, there should be an attendance at the meeting the first Sabbath in each quarter. January of 1878 is near at hand. The elder or leader of every company will read the name of each member the first Sabbath in January, and a response is expected, either in person or by letter. No matter how far you may live from the place of worship, or how near you may be at the time of the meeting, send a report of your standing. Your case will come up, and some action will be taken in reference to your name unless you are represented in person or by letter.
If any alienation exists between brethren or sisters, read Matt. 5: 21–25 and act accordingly, that nothing may hinder the melting influence of God’s Spirit filling all hearts.
At this time the systematic benevolence should be paid promptly, also a sum equal to one-third of the amount of s. B., for the missionary cause. It is due the evening after the first Sabbath in the quarter or on the first-day following, as may be arranged by the leader of the church. If through the season the Bible plan has been followed,—“Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him,” it will be an easy matter to place it in the treasury of the Lord at this time. But if the tithe of the first-fruits during the year has been appropriated to your individual use, you may find yourself somewhat embarrassed. Be prompt in doing the Lord’s business, and his promises will be verified. “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase; so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Prov. 3: 9, 10.
A missionary meeting should be held at the time the s. B. is paid. The librarian should see that each member has a blank report in season to fill out for this meeting. After the report of labor has been read, the remainder of the time can be occupied in relating individual experiences. Thus from an hour to an hour and a half will be interestingly and profitably spent. If the librarian has no blank reports, he should send at once to the director or district secretary for them; and if he has none he should send immediately to the State secretary. This is an important time. The cloud of light is rising before the people of God. Success is attending God’s servants and the missionary effort as never before. Thousands are becoming interested to read, yearly, through the means of the tract societies alone. Soon the reckoning time will come. Now is the time to prove our loyalty to God and faithfulness in his service. S. N. Haskell.
DEDICATION AT WELLSVILLE, N. Y.
By B. L. Whitney
As will be seen by appointment in this paper, this meeting is to be held Dec. 21-23; and as this occasion has been looked forward to with much interest by the friends of the cause in this section, we expect a large attendance of the brethren and sisters. I will state briefly some reasons why this should be the case.
1. With but one exception, this is the only house of worship built or owned by S. D. Adventists in Western New York or Pennsylvania, and the building of this house at a convenient and accessible point for general meetings, is an enterprise in which all are interested. We have here a comfortable and commodious house, fully equal, and in some respects superior, to the one built at Rome last year; and we extend a general invitation to all the friends to attend its dedication. We also extend a cordial invitation to our S. D. Baptist brethren of this locality to be present on this occasion.
2. We need a general meeting in this part of the State. With the exception of the camp-meeting at Aurora last spring, there have been no general meetings in Western New York for years. At the general meeting at Rome, three weeks ago, there was a large attendance. Why should we not have even a larger attendance here?
3. After an absence of more than six months, we are again to be favored with the presence and labors of Bro. Canright. I had feared that the interest of the work in New England would prevent his attending this meeting, and indeed it has only been through the most earnest solicitation, and in consideration of the importance of the meeting, that he has consented to come. We are sure our brethren will show their appreciation of the interest he has manifested in our behalf, by making a special effort to attend the meeting.
Now we say to all our brethren, Come to this meeting. We want to see a general representation from all the churches in Western New York and Pennsylvania, and as many of those from other parts of the State as can come. In behalf of the brethren here I would say, They will cheerfully do all in their power to entertain all who will come, and they want none to stay away for fear of being a burden. At the same time, in justice to these willing brethren, I would suggest that in consideration of the fact that there will be so large an attendance, all who can should come prepared to take care of themselves, as far as possible. Bring bedding and provisions as far as convenient; and thus you will be better prepared to enjoy the meeting yourselves, and will help the friends here to the same privilege.
We would call the attention of the brethren in Monroe, Orleans, Niagara, Erie, Cattaraugus, and Chautauque Counties, to the fact that arrangements have been made for chartering a car from Dunkirk to Genesee (Wellsville), by which, with a good attendance, the fare on the Erie road will be reduced to half fare or less. The car will probably be attached to the train which connects at Dayton with the morning train from Buffalo on the Buffalo and Jamestown road. This will also make good connection with the train from Jamestown, on the same road.
Those coming on the Atlantic and Great Western road, would take chartered car at Salamanca. Those wishing to take the car at any station between Dayton and Genesee can do so. The car will probably return Tuesday morning. Buy no tickets, but arrange the matter of fare with the one who has charge of the car.
We want to hear immediately from every company of Sabbath-keepers who will come by this route as to how many will come; so that we may know whether more than one car will be needed. Further particulars next week.
B. L. WHITNEY.
Selfishness Discerned in Others and Ourselves
SELFISHNESS in ourselves gives us the keenest faculty to discern it in others, and makes us the most unsparing in condemning and despising it. Therefore, you may expect the most selfish one in the company to be the first to accuse others of selfishness.
SOUTHERN SWITZERLAND.
By D. T. Bourdeau
When we came to Switzerland, we thought we should soon commence public labors in new fields; but there are obstacles to meet in free Switzerland that are not met in laboring in the United States. Free halls are scarce, and we are obliged to obtain a license before we can act as colporteurs. The prices of public halls are high, and we cannot obtain them for several successive nights, as they are public property, and are designed to meet the public wants, and to be a source of profit, by being opened for concerts, balls, operas, and scientific lectures. The municipalities that control such halls are generally under the influence of the clergy, so that it is very difficult to obtain halls in which to preach views not in accordance with popular orthodoxy. It takes time to meet all these difficulties, and lay a good foundation for a permanent work.
I obtained permission of the authorities to preach in the city hall a number of specified nights. This permission was signed by a majority of the city council of Morges and marked “Free,” leaving us to meet only the expense of gas and the services of the porter, which would be seven or eight francs (about $1.75) a night. We accepted the offer. It was the day of a special fair, which afforded us a fine opportunity to publish the meetings; but we had no time to print hand-bills, and had to use old ones, requiring much writing to adapt them to this place. Sister E. Gabert, the teacher who lived near this place, and who will soon join the work at Bâle, was with us. She, Mrs. B., and our hired girl, who was converted under our roof, took hold with us, and we succeeded in publishing both for the city and for several surrounding localities.
My first subject was the Eastern Question. I spoke to a full hall. In our congregation were ministers, teachers, and representatives of three or four nations. God helped, and the people were very attentive. To meet the expense, we had hung two money-banks at the doors, and told the people that, though we had published “Admission free,” that all might hear, yet there were expenses to be met, and those who were disposed, and felt they were benefited by the lectures, had the privilege of dropping in their mites as they passed out. After returning from meeting, we found about 17 francs, more than enough to meet the expenses of two evenings, for which we felt sincere gratitude to God.
At our next meeting we had unusual liberty in speaking on the symbols of Dan. 2. We know not what the results will be; but we think it becoming to appreciate and enjoy present blessings, and trust God for the future.
Our third meeting is just closed. The interest is on the increase. Our little banks have thus far turned out enough specie in pieces from one franc down to one-fifth of a cent to meet the expense of the hall for six nights. Thus we are three nights ahead.
Pray for us that the word of God may have free course, and that our most earnest desire may be realized. I feel that God is bracing me up for the work. I shall lay hold on him, and shall triumph in his name. D. T. BOURDEAU.
Rue de la Gare, 19, Morges, Suisse, Nov. 19.
OHIO
By H. A. St. John
We had interesting meetings with the brethren and sisters of Van Wert, Nov. 3-5. Rain and mud prevented a full attendance from the country around. Nearly all those who accepted the truth last summer still hold on. One good sister took her stand to keep the Lord’s Sabbath at the time of our last meeting. Organization was entered into, but the ordination of officers was deferred. We hope to have a general meeting with this church during the winter, and to see good results from the same.
Sabbath and first-day, Nov. 24, 25, we spent with the Cleveland church. One interesting feature of this meeting was the presence of three persons of real intelligence, residing sixteen miles from Cleveland, in the country, who had embraced the truth by reading. Each of these took part in our meeting, and it is needless to say that although our number was small, we had a good meeting. Five or six persons altogether have accepted the truth by reading in one neighborhood. Such developments are, or should be, very encouraging to T. and M. workers. We expect a large and strong church of Sabbath-keepers will be raised up in Cleveland at no distant period. May those living there represent the truth by a consistent life. H. A. St. John.
WESTMORELAND, N. H.
By M. Wood
I MET with the company of Sabbath-keepers at Westmoreland, Dec. 1 and 2. We were agreeably surprised to find so intelligent a company among the blue hills of New England, who are in full sympathy with all the truths advocated by S. D. Adventists. Since Eld. Robinson left them, they have encountered considerable opposition, which has had a tendency to strengthen and establish them more fully in the truth. Bro. and Sr. Mason, of Walpole, who meet with this company, have been a source of great encouragement to them, by their presence and cheerful testimonies.
During the two days, we held six meetings. The intervening time was filled up with social meetings, which were seasons of profit and general encouragement to all present. The presence of Bro. Hastings and Buzzell, and their words of cheer and comfort, greatly added to the interest of the meeting. Sunday evening, I spoke on the Sabbath question. At the close of the discourse I took an expression, by a rising vote, to see how many would keep the Sabbath. Much to the surprise of all present, a Mr. Butterfield arose with the rest, thus signifying his determination to keep the Sabbath.
May God give grace and courage, and the good work speed on. M. WOOD.
MAINE
New Sweden.
On the first Sabbath after my arrival here, about all who believe in the Lord’s Sabbath met together. I addressed them from 1 Thess. 5:20: “Despise not prophesyings.” Bro. Holm spoke in the afternoon, and bore testimony to the words spoken, exhorting to faithfulness and an examination of the word for themselves. This was an important testimony, as he had almost been led away by the enemy, through the perversion of the word of God on the questions of the spirit of prophecy and the sanctuary. But after a careful examination of these subjects, he saw the errors into which he had nearly fallen.
A man by the name of Carlson, who claimed to be an Adventist and Sabbath-keeper, brought a quantity of papers published against S. D. Adventists, and distributed them through the colony. For twelve weeks he went from house to house, endeavoring to prejudice the minds of the people against Seventh-day Adventists. This was done under a color of meekness, and it took a class who had begun to see faults in their brethren, and were not able to see their own, nor to correct them.
The consequence was that the Sabbath-keepers became divided. Soon one division began to find fault with their leader, and he would not lead them. The result of this confusion will probably be the selection of a company who will love order and seek for harmony and unity. We expect to see a company here whose faces are set Zionward, who will be a light in the world, and finally gain the overcomer’s reward. We shall give God all the glory for his sustaining grace in this time of trial, and we hope our brethren will pray for us that our deliverance may be triumphant.
JAMES SAWYER.
Monticello, Aroostook Co., Nov. 27.
I am still holding meetings here. After the fourth meeting I was locked out of the meeting-house, but the school-house was opened, and I have since held meetings in it. I have given, in all, twenty-one discourses, and have set forth the Sabbath question as far as I am able. Many acknowledge that we have the truth. One man says he has been a church-goer for the past forty years, but has learned more about the Bible during these meetings than from all the meetings he had attended before.
Sunday forenoon the Methodist minister occupied the school-house, and spoke on the condition of man in death. He said there were two creations, one of the body, and the other of the soul, and that the soul was made immortal; but he did not offer one text to prove it, and the Bible says no such thing. In the afternoon I had liberty in speaking on the nature of man. The Lord has given his Spirit to assist in setting the truth before the people, but I feel that I need a fresh fitting up for the work of bringing those who have heard the truth to feel the importance of obeying it. For this I ask the prayers of the brethren and sisters.
SAMUEL J. HERSUM.
THE PACIFIC COAST.
(Abridged from the Signs of the Times.)
Milton, Salem, and Eola, Oregon.
Nov. 10 and 11, Eld. J. N. Loughborough held meetings in Milton. At the close of one of the discourses, twenty came forward for prayers. Two united with the church. The s. b. pledge was raised from $185 to about $300, $72.67 were pledged for the T. and M. fund, besides pledges to other enterprises.
In the churches which Bro. L. has visited, the s. b. pledge has been raised from $416191in 1877 to $819.84 for 1878, and $245.97 on the missionary one-third. Besides this, they have pledged $2,500 in stock to the P. S. D. A. Publishing Association, and over $200 of the $300 to the Conference Missionary fund, which it is proposed to raise by January, 1878.
Elds. Loughborough and Van Horn were at Salem, Nov. 17 and 18. At this meeting Bro. Alonzo T. Jones was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry. The s. b. pledge was raised from $146.50, one-half of which had been used for meeting-house rent and other expenses, to over $300 per year, all good to the Conference, and about $90 to the missionary one-third. This church has also pledged over $300 to the Oakland office stock and the missionary fund of the North Pacific Conference.
Sunday and Monday evenings, Nov. 18 and 19, Elds. Loughborough and Van Horn held meetings with the small church at Eola, where the s. b. pledge was raised from $118 to $130, with the one-third added; $270 were pledged on the other enterprises mentioned.
Napa, Cal.
Sabbath, Nov. 24, Bro. W. M. Healey was with the church at Napa, preaching twice to good audiences. He thinks this a promising field of labor. At Vacaville, where Bro. Stephens is laboring, there is a good interest, and fourteen have commenced the observance of the Sabbath.
Lafayette, Cal.
Brn. Gillett and Glenn visited the little company here Nov. 24, and found them rejoicing in the truth and letting their light shine. One was keeping his second Sabbath; others are interested in the truth from reading. This is a good field for missionary work.
NEW YORK.
Pulaski.
Met with the friends in this place last Sabbath. The weather and traveling were such that but few could get in from the country, but I found them doing well and of good cheer. Had the pleasure of meeting Bro. M. H. and Wm. H. Brown, who materially assisted about tract and missionary matters, in which our new friends are considerably interested. They expect to organize a Vigilant Missionary Society soon. S. B. WHITNEY.
Lewis Co.
I went to Glensdale Nov. 24, and remained four days. I found a faithful company of seventeen keeping the Sabbath, and sustaining regular meetings. This company has had a great deal to overcome, as the message found a large part of them using tobacco. I spoke three times, once upon health reform. Conviction was aroused upon that subject. They acknowledged that the use of tobacco is a sin; and some promised to give it up.
Bro. J. Wilbur has moved into this neighborhood. He will be a great help to the church here, also to this county, as he was their pioneer in the third angel's message. We hope to see here a large ingathering of souls. The influence of our camp-meeting at Carthage has been good. It has led men to investigate the truths there presented. A. H. HALL.
The Three Messages.
By G. W. Page
Tune: “Go Forth said the Master.”
These words said the Master, “I'm coming again,”
That with me my people forever may reign,
That they may be ready my coming to see,
I send forth my angels with messages three.
Chorus: The Master is coming,
He's coming for thee:
Oh! haste to be ready
Thy Master to see.
The first with this message was sent through the land:
Fear God and give glory, his Judgment's at hand,
And worship the maker of earth, sea, and sky,
And the fountains of waters, who ruleth on high.
Chorus.
The second this message of woe did repeat:
The church is not ready her Master to greet;
She's fallen, backslidden, departed from Heaven,
And her love to earth's kings has unlawfully given.
Chorus.
The third message follows, the last to be given,
To point once again dying sinners to Heaven:
If any the beast or his image adore,
On him shall God's judgments abide evermore.
Chorus.
The law of the Father, the faith of the Son,
Must be kept by the church all united as one;
The mark of rebellion refuse to receive,
Be sealed with God's seal, and eternally live.
Chorus.
G. W. Page.
MICHIGAN
By W. H. Littlejohn; M. S. Burnham
Having closed our labor with the church at Leighton, Allegan County, we took the cars Nov. 27 for the church at Gaines, which is situated in Kent County. The weather could hardly have been more unfavorable, and the going was almost impassable. At Fisher's station we were met by the son of Bro. W. J. Hardy, who took us in a carriage, four miles and a half across the country, in the face of a driving snow storm, and landed us safely at his father's house. While we remained at Gaines such was the state of the roads that we found it impracticable to do any thing in the line of public services until the Sabbath. On that day and on Sunday we preached at their accustomed place of meeting.
Previous to this time, however, we gave our attention to the matter of looking after the interests of the church, and laboring, by prayer and conversation, with those who seemed to need help. The church at Gaines at one time was quite large and prosperous, but through various causes it has been greatly reduced in numbers, and its members had become very much discouraged. When we saw the exact situation in which they were placed, we were moved with an earnest desire to help them if possible. We gave ourselves therefore to the work, trusting in God for help, and taxing our strength to the utmost. Before we left the place, the blessing of the Lord rested in large measure upon the people, and difficulties were removed which had been heretofore considered almost insuperable. We left them, to all appearance, quite well united; and if they shall hold the ground which they have thus gained we predict for them a future of usefulness and peace.
W. H. LITTLEJOHN.
M. S. BURNHAM.
NEW ENGLAND.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
The Lord is blessing us greatly here of late. Near Newburyport about a dozen have embraced the Sabbath during the past week. There are five preachers of us all at work within a few miles of each other. We have good openings, more than we can all fill during the winter. Ministers, elders, and deacons of other churches are coming into the truth. Thank the Lord.
Our meeting-house at Danvers is now about done; but we postpone the dedication till about New Year's, so as to have the State quarterly meeting there at that time. Let us calculate for a large meeting.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
WEST NEWBURY, MASS.
By D. A. Robinson
We began meetings here Saturday evening, Dec. 1, and have now given five discourses. Our audiences range from seventy to one hundred and fifty. This is a small country village, six miles from the city of Newburyport, and has no public conveyance except the daily stage. Bro. C. W. Stone is with me, and we have an organ; so we have good singing, which everybody appreciates whether they love the truth or not.
We find a lady here who heard of Eld. Canright several years ago, when some of her friends embraced the truth in Maine. So it is, there are hundreds of thousands who know of this truth because some of their friends have embraced it. Brethren, let us be faithful in obeying it.