THERE is an innate principle in man which decides the moral quality of every action. However depraved or fallen from his original state of purity, this God-given faculty still continues to perform its intended mission. It is optional with man whether its voice shall be heard and obeyed, or its monitions be unheeded and disregarded. Yet it is an awful thought that, with every impulse of conscience, it brings with it new relations and obligations to ourselves and to God. The authority of conscience is imperative, and we may not violate its laws with impunity. Notwithstanding, by continued departure from its impressions, our hearts become seared, and the pangs of conscience so diminished, that we may now perform that which once would have caused our inmost souls to shrink and draw back. How the child feels poignant remorse after the first act of pilfering; but, by continued acts of theft, he becomes so hardened that he has no dread of anything, save the possible detection of his crime—as seen in the case of Burk, who was in the habit of murdering men for the purpose of selling their bodies to surgeons for dissection. At first he felt all the horrors which could wring the heart of a murderer, but, by continued commission of his hellish crimes, his conscience became so benumbed that he could take the life of a fellow-man with as much composure as a butcher would slaughter a beast. Thus we see that, by continued violation of the dictates of conscience, we degenerate almost into brutes. Hence, our conscience should be enlightened by the word of God; seek to know his will; obey every impulse which would lead in the way of truth. In order that we may accomplish these most desirable results, it would be well, first, before performing an act, to study its moral quality, and deliberate respecting its real nature. Also we should remember that conscience has been so often abused, that it may not always be trusted; and whenever a doubt is entertained respecting an act, let it never be performed. This was President Edwards’ plan:—“Resolved, Never to do anything of which I so much question the lawfulness, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterward whether it be lawful or not, except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission. —Sel.
The Sabbath.
“Welcome, sweet day of rest!” No books to post, no orders to fill, no projects to think over, no politics to discuss—none of the thousand wearing, temper-trying, heart-worrying cares of the every-day world, to-day. One day of quiet and tranquillity—“emblem of eternal rest.”
How sweetly comes the peace of the Sabbath morning after the toils and agitations of the week! Balmy as odors of orient spicy groves; gentle as the breath of sleeping infants, or the dying winds of evening; pure as the incense that rises before the throne of God, comes the calm of this holy morning—“day of all the week the best.” It is the day of home—home hushed and quiet, home beautiful and full of comfort. To-day the father is at home, and the mother with brow free from week-day cares, sits beside him; and the memories of Sabbaths in the bygone time, when love made the day of repose a time of joy, come back in all their pleasantness. Father is at home, and the little ones hang at his knee, telling their joys and troubles of the past week, and rejoicing that for a whole day he would be their company and lavish upon them, uninterrupted, his loving words and smiles.
Aye, pure, sweet and holy is the day of rest in the family; but it is all too brief—transient as the outline of the silvery vapor that floats on the summer sky—for the rush and turmoil of the troubling world come back to-morrow. Let not that thought mar the gentle joy of this sweet day; remember, father, there is a “home” whose peace is never interrupted, whose joy is never broken, whose repose treads on to-morrow, and that a part of the privileges and happiness of to-day is to secure a place in that family whose circle is united forevermore in our Father’s home on high.—Sel.
Yielding the Will to Trust God
God asks no impossibilities. When your will is yielded to do just what he bids you, trusting him for all consequences, you are where the Holy Spirit will guide and empower you to take the leap of faith into the Saviour’s arms. You are utterly helpless as to purchasing or winning salvation; but this one thing you can do; that is, yield yourself to trust just what God tells you in his word. The result is sure. Commit yourself unreservedly to him.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money receipted pays,—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Papers. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
$2.00 EACH. R Rackmister 40-1, D C Phillips 40-1, O Hoffer 39-9, C E P Howe 40-1, D Carpenter 40-1, R Sawyer 40-6, F T Emans 40-9, H O Loomis 39-19, G P Cushman 39-17, Lydia Evans 40-1, B Gifford 40-1, C R Mooney 38-16, Jehu King 40-8, Benj. Sweat 39.1, A Brown 40-1, J Mott 40-10, Theodore Hall 40-1, R R Coggeshall 40-1, C L Davis 39-17, Jane Clayson 40-5, G H Wood 40-1, W H Arnot 40-1.
$1.50 EACH. Sylvester Thomas 40-1, Lenora E Michael 40-1, L D Gale 40-8, M S Ball 40-8, Mrs L Compton 40-8, J B Vaughn 40-8, W M Emerson 40-8, N M Crist 40-8, S J Johnson 40-1.
$1.00 EACH. S A Street 39-1, J W Sawyer 39-1, M J Bartholof 39-1, Mrs Mary Ludood 39-17, Lydia Evans 40-1, James Sawyer 39-1, F B Blanchard 38-8, John King 39-1, S B McLaughlin 38-1, Mrs C Paul 40-1, Wm Rackliff 39-14.
Miscellaneous.
Josiah Witter $5.00 41-7, M A Hiestand 3.00 38-22, D Michael 1.41, L W Carr 35c 40-13, R Shell 4.00 39-17, G P Newman 75c 39-1, L B Hills 75c 39-1, N P Dixon 50c 38-21, Wm Avery 2.75 40-20, G M Foster 5 00 40-1.
Books Sent by Mail.
J W Hagenbuck $2.75, D E Osgood 2.00, A King 20c, L W Carr 15c, W H Graham 15c, G A W Grant 50c, M A Morrison 10c, R Buckminster 35c, John C Revell 25c, I Sanborn 3 00, Samuel Bogenrief 3.25, W B H Avry 2 25, J E Hoisington 2 90, Peter Bruner 2.75, Thos H Purdon 1.50, O P Hoegg 20c, S W Hastings 25c, Y Carlin 50c, E B Gaskill 1.00, Mrs C Paul 25c, Mrs J F Bahler 25c, N J Bowers 1.00, B F McElvain 20c, E J Bane 32c, J Clayson 25c, C L Sweet 75c, T Butcher 5c, B Freeland 20c, Q Twist 35c, J Hiestand 2.00, N Jarman 50c, L Laughlin 10c, A C Long 50c, W B Norman 30c, Miss L Keene 30c, Josie Mallory 25c, L A Grover 50c, E Zytkoskee 2.00.
Books Sent by Express.
Alexander Ross, Constantia, Oswego Co., N. Y., $33.90.
Shares in Publishing Association.
George Lowree $10.00, Mrs M S Ball 10.00 (thank-offering), Jennie Mitchell 10.00, R F Andrews 10.00, Mary M Andrews 10.00, Sallie Greenman 10.00.
Shares in the Health Institute.
Mrs M S Ball $25.00 (thank-offering), Aurora B Lockwood 25.00, G I Butler 25.00.
Cash Received on Account.
Allegan Building Committee $35.00.
Michigan Conference Fund.
Church at Allegan $20.00, Salem Center 10.00.
Review to Poor.
Mrs J F Bahler $1.50 (thank-offering), John Kemp 3.50.
Book Fund—$10,000 Wanted.
Amount received heretofore $3,865.90.
Ten Dollars Each.—George Lowree.
Five Dollars Each.—Deborah Evans, R T Payne.
Miscellaneous.—Mary A Nourse $2.00.
News and Miscellany.
“Can ye not discern the signs of the times?”
July 26.—A severe thunder-storm passed over Alleghany City this afternoon. The lightning struck several houses, doing slight damage.
St. Johns, N. B., July 26.—Very destructive fires have occurred at Fredericton, N. B. Some fourteen or fifteen buildings, nearly all of which were occupied for the sale of ships’ stores, were burned. The loss to insurance companies is estimated at $50,000, and the actual loss nearly four times that sum.
Brazil.—The yellow fever has assumed a very malignant form at Para. Nearly every stranger in the city has died, and the physicians are losing nearly all their patients.
St. Louis, July 26.—A terrible railroad accident occurred at 6:30 last evening, on the Toledo and Wabash Railroad, sixteen miles from this city, and two miles this side of Edmondsville, Ill. A freight train of thirty-three cars, heavily laden with grain, going south at great speed, collided with a gravel train on which were a number of laborers returning from their work. Of these six were killed outright, and four others so severely injured that but little hope is entertained of their recovery. Of the other men on the construction train fully one half were more or less injured, some of them quite seriously, although with the exception of the four mentioned, none are believed to be fatally hurt. The track was not cleared until at a late hour last night, and the express train transferred its passengers at the scene of the wreck. The collision occurred on a short curve, and neither engineer was aware that another train was on the track till it was too late to prevent the catastrophe. The engineers and firemen from both locomotives jumped off in time to save their lives. Both engines and a large number of cars were demolished.
Portugal.—A very destructive fire occurred in Lisbon on Thursday. Several perished in the flames.
Guadaloupe.—Nearly the whole town of Point-e-Pitre, Island of Guadaloupe, was destroyed by fire on the 18th ult., and 30,000 persons left without shelter.
A number of prominent clergymen called at the Mayor’s office, in New York, on Monday, and requested him to appoint a day of prayer and fasting in recognition of recent afflictions to which the city has been subjected.
The value of the window-glass broken by a hail-storm in Chicago, on Wednesday, is $18,000.
On Sunday last a horrible accident occurred in New York City on board the steamer “Westfield,” plying between the Battery and Staten Island. Just as she was about to leave her slip to make a trip to the Island, with several hundred passengers, mostly persons making a holiday excursion, and among them great numbers of women and children, the boiler exploded, completely wrecking the forward portion of the steamer, and involving a terrible sacrifice of life. The passengers were mostly crowded together on the forward decks, immediately over the boiler, and were hurled into the air, some falling in the water, to be drowned, while scores fell into the hold, buried among the debris, to be scalded by the escaping steam. As near as can be learned, some 91 persons were killed, and about 123 more or less injured. Many of the wounded were so dreadfully scalded that they will ultimately die. The coroner’s jury has not yet sat upon the case, and the cause of the explosion is not certainly known. The engineer, who escaped, says the boiler was patched, and acknowledges carrying at the time a pressure of 27 pounds of steam to the square inch, while the boiler inspector’s certificate fixes the limit at 25 pounds.
A discovery of concealed arms has been made at Liverpool, which are in some way connected with Fenianism.
The Coroner’s inquest upon the bodies of the men killed during the riot did not carry its inquiries beyond ascertaining the simple fact that the parties came to their death by gunshot wounds “at the hands of some person or persons unknown to us.”
Reports of the destructive hail-storm that lately passed over portions of Sullivan County, in New York State, and Wayne and Pike Counties, Penn., are coming in. In Sullivan County the towns of Mamakating, Thompson, Forestburgh, and Bethel, suffered severely by the storm, which was accompanied by terrific thunder and lightning, and very high wind. Trees were blown down, growing crops cut to the earth, and two or three barns struck by lightning. Considerable wheat and rye, still uncut, was totally destroyed. The corn crop has been seriously affected, and, as the drought of early summer rendered the hay crop very light, the prospects confronting the farmers of the county are anything but cheering. It is even considered doubtful whether half the stock in the county can be wintered. In Wayne County, Penn., the storm was very violent. The ground in many places was covered from one to two inches deep with hailstones. In Damascus, corn, oats, and buckwheat, are seriously injured—some fields of corn being totally destroyed. The hailstones were of extraordinary size, and demolished windows, fruit, and gardens, as well as crops. Three barns were struck by lightning, all of them being just filled with new grain and hay. Some farmers estimate their damages at from $1,500 to $3,000. The loss in the county will be many thousand dollars. Two bridges were also blown down in the northern part of the county. In Sussex County, N. J., the storm seems to have been very destructive. In the vicinity of Andover hailstones fell in immense quantities, and lay on the ground in piles several inches deep. After the storm had ceased, sleigh-riding was possible. From Freedom to Anderson Hill the storm made a complete sweep, cutting corn and oats to pieces. The corn is mere stalks and stubble, entirely stripped of leaves. Fruits and gardens received lasting injuries; and the damage to farmers is very great. Jason Wickham’s barn, near Coleville, was struck by lightning and entirely destroyed. Loss, $4,500, independent of contents. The scene in the track of the storm after it had ceased was fearful. Fences down, fields of grain riddled, windows demolished, branches of trees, and debris of all kinds, formed a discouraging sight to the farmer. Up the Erie Railway, north of Narrowsburgh, the storm did great damage to property of all kinds.
The London Spectator laments over the decadence of the monarchial system in Great Britain. It says: “There is in this country but one great political institution left alive, and that is apparently endeavoring to commit suicide by asphyxia. The throne as a political power is dead. The Lords are dying, and if the House of Commons loses the respect of the country, there will be nothing left.”
A reception, such as rarely occurs in any city, was given in Detroit yesterday afternoon and evening, the occasion being the 100th birthday of Mrs. Sarah Hall, for the last 21 years a resident of the city. Mrs. Hall, who retains to a remarkable degree the possession of her faculties, and who is still fond of company, has often within the past year or two expressed an earnest wish that her life might outlast the completion of a century from its beginning. Yesterday saw her wish fulfilled, and in honor of the occasion a reception was given, to which her personal friends and members of the First Congregational Church, with which church she is connected, were invited. Her residence on Washington avenue was thrown open from 4 till 9 P. M., and the old lady, who is rather hard of hearing, but still glib of tongue, herself greeted from her arm-chair the many who called. The parlor in which she sat had over the door festoons and wreaths, and a shield with the figures “1771—1871.”
Camp-Meeting for New York and Pennsylvania Conference
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand
Camp-Meeting for New York and Pennsylvania Conference.
After a careful examination of all the openings that seemed to be worthy of attention, the camp-meeting committee decided that the best place for our meeting this year is at Kirkville, Onondaga Co., N. Y., on the same ground that we occupied two years since. The New York Central Railroad Co. furnish better facilities for reaching Kirkville this year than heretofore. The time table for Kirkville will be given soon through the Review.
We earnestly invite the labors of Bro. and sister White, and of such other help as may accompany them from the West, to preach to us the word of God. We will do what lies in our power to prevent burdens of other kinds from coming upon them, but we feel the need of their faithful testimonies, and we trust not to be disappointed.
We invite our brethren from all parts of our conference to rally to this meeting. Our general meeting comes only once a year, and we cannot afford to lose the good which is in store for us. We invite every church to come, and also every company of believers in whatever place they may be situated. Come with your tents and your bedding, prepared to take care of yourselves. Those who come alone should bring bedding, so that they can sleep in the large tent, and thus care for themselves. There will be a provision stand upon the ground.
We earnestly invite all our friends to prepare their hearts to seek God. Begin now by putting away all your idols, and by humbling your hearts before him. And remember that none should appear before God empty. Come prepared to do something in aid of every good work for which appeals may be made. Let us have a general rally to this feast of tabernacles. Our meeting will be held August 10–15.
J. N. Andrews, J. M. Lindsay, E. B. Gaskill. New York Conference Committee.
Conference for New York and Pennsylvania.
The annual Conference for these States will convene at Kirkville, N. Y., one day in advance of the time fixed for the commencement of the camp-meeting, that we may as far as possible have our business out of the way of the meeting. Let all who have reports to make have them ready in season. In every church some one or more has a copy of our Conference minutes. Will each church please see that these are carefully examined in order to learn what business should be done preparatory to attending Conference, and also to see just how to do it? We invite every church to send delegates, and we earnestly invite the delegates to be present at the commencement of the Conference. Should it be that any church cannot send delegates, let them not fail to report by letter. Let us not do the work of God negligently.
J. N. Andrews, J. M. Lindsay, E. B. Gaskill. New York Conference Committee.
Vermont Camp-Meeting.
This meeting will be held at Richmond, Vt., near the village, and near the road to Jericho, about one mile from Richmond station, Aug. 17–22. We earnestly desire the labors of Bro. and sister White and of such other preachers as may accompany them from the West. We invite our brethren from all parts of our Conference to attend this meeting. Come with your bedding, prepared to take care of yourselves. There will be tents on the ground for those who need them, also a provision stand and accommodations for teams. Brethren and sisters, let us have a general rally to this feast of tabernacles.
Lewis Bean, Nelson Austin, H. W. Barrows. Vermont Camp-Meeting Committee.
Vermont State Conference.
The next annual session of the Vermont State Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held at Richmond, Vt., in connection with the Vermont Camp-meeting, Aug. 17–22. All the churches within the limits of this Conference should see to it that their Systematic Benevolence is paid up to the close of the second quarter of the present year. Every church is invited to send delegates, and to report their standing as required by the constitution of our Conference.
Lewis Bean, Nelson Austin, H. W. Barrows. Vermont Conference Committee.
New England Camp-Meeting.
This meeting will be held at Amherst, N. H., near Amherst Station, Aug. 24–29. Those coming by way of Concord and Manchester will change cars at the Concord depot in Nashua; those by way of the Worcester and Nashua road will change at the Worcester and Nashua depot, Nashua, for the East Wilton road. Those coming over the Vermont Central and Cheshire R. R., will change cars at Groton Junction for Nashua. Call for camp-meeting tickets at Boston, Worcester, and Providence. Ample provision will be made for man and beast. The extra expense for those coming from R. I. over last year will not exceed one dollar and twenty-five cents, therefore let none stay at home for fear of extra expense. We earnestly hope for a general attendance at this meeting.
Camp-Meeting Committee.
New England Conference.
The first annual session of the New England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held at Amherst, N. H., in connection with the camp-meeting Aug. 24–29. Let all the churches see that their Systematic Benevolence is paid up to July 1, 1871. All the blanks they may receive should be properly filled out and be returned before the time of the camp-meeting, except the blank for delegate, which the delegate from each church should bring with him. Let all unorganized companies be represented at this meeting by a delegate, to report their standing.
S. N. Haskell, H. B. Stratton, A. W. Smith. New England Conference Committee.
Maine Camp-Meeting.
Providence permitting, the Maine Camp-meeting will be held in Skowhegan, one mile from Pishan's ferry, on the ground occupied last year. We hope to get reduced fare on the railroad. There will be ample provisions made for all; also accommodations for teams. Bro. and sister White are expected to attend. We hope to see a general gathering from all parts of the State. Our meeting will be held Aug. 31 to Sept. 4.
Geo. W. Barker, Charles Stratton, Joseph Flanders. Maine Camp-Meeting Committee.
Maine Conference.
The Maine State Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will hold its next annual session in connection with the Maine Camp-meeting, to be held at Skowhegan, August 31–Sept. 4, 1871. It is requested that all our churches in the State be represented by delegate or letter giving a report of their standing, their losses and additions during the year, also the yearly amount of their Systematic Benevolence fund.
Geo. W. Barker, Asa B. Atwood, Isaac C. Choat. Maine Conference Committee.
Quarterly Meetings in Minnesota.
Brush Creek, Aug. 12, 13.
Deerfield church will hold their meeting at the Wolcott school-house near Bro. Church's, Aug. 19, 20.
Concord, Aug. 26, 27.
Maiden Rock, Sept. 2, 3.
Greenwood Prairie, Sept. 9, 10.
Pleasant Grove, Sept. 17, 18.
Riceland, Sept. 23, 24.
St. Cloud, Sept. 30, Oct. 1.
The members of the Pine Island church are invited to meet with the Concord church at their quarterly meeting. Committee.
Providence permitting, we will meet with the churches and brethren of St. Joseph Co., at Parkville, for quarterly meeting, August 26, 27. Can Bro. Burrill meet with us? Brethren get ready for a two-days' meeting. J. Byington.
No preventing Providence, there will be a general meeting of the Sabbath-keeping friends in Southwest Missouri, commencing Thursday, August 24, and lasting one week. All are invited to come. Such as can, let them bring tents and bed clothing. The meeting to be held at or near Union school-house on Shoal Creek fourteen miles south of Carthage. Inquire for Dr. Gibson or Jessie Blande, south side of Diamond Grove.
We hope to have some ministerial help. By advice of friends. H. C. Blanchard.
Monthly meeting for the S. D. Adventists of Iroquois County, Wis., near Lodi, the second Sabbath and Sunday in September (Sept. 9 and 10). A general gathering of brethren and sisters is expected. Some desire baptism. Cannot some minister meet with us? Wm. E. Price.
Eastern Camp-Meetings.
By James White
AFTER a careful consultation with brethren we decide to appoint Eastern Camp-meetings as follows:
The time and places of the Indiana and Ohio Camp-meetings have not yet been reported to this Office. They can be held any time after the Michigan meeting when it will accommodate best.
JAMES WHITE.
Explanation.
By J. H. Waggoner
Many will wonder, no doubt, after reading the withdrawal of appointments on account of the state of my health, why I consented to take a place in the editorial room of the REVIEW Office; a position of responsibility, of care, and hard labor, especially taxing to the mind; and it is well understood that my rheumatic complaints together with constant mental effort, have affected my brain seriously for nearly two years past.
On coming to Battle Creek recently, I was struck with the appearance of Bro. White. His careworn and emaciated countenance convinced me that he was near the point of entirely breaking down; and as Bro. Smith is east assisting Bro. Andrews, in a work which all are anxious should progress with all possible dispatch, I felt willing to incur any personal risk if I could possibly relieve Bro. White of any of his burdens, so that he might secure rest, and so be spared to the cause which he has so long and faithfully served. In another column Bro. White has given his views of duty in the condition and circumstances in which he is placed.
In regard to the work in Battle Creek at the present time, I am happy to say that it is moving harmoniously in every department, with as good prospects of future prosperity as could be expected with the help afforded. The Institute is prospering, and arrangements recently made give us hope and confidence in its future. Probably we shall circumscribe the work in the Office somewhat, but not to interfere with our periodicals. Brethren and sisters, one and all, we greatly need your prayers at this time.
J. H. Waggoner.
Laws of Interpretation.
By John Nevins Andrews
FROM an unknown author I copy these two rules of interpretation:
1. The order of time is not always to be looked for in the prophetic writings; for the prophets frequently named topics which they had formerly treated, and after other subjects have intervened again discuss them.
2. Although the Bible sometimes speaks in figurative language, yet the plain, obvious, and literal sense of a passage is not to be abandoned unless absolute and evident necessity requires it.
J. N. A.
To the Brethren of the Kansas and Missouri Conference.
By J. H. Rogers
The time is nearly expired for the payment of our pledges on the tent. There is about $350 subscribed. I have received about $80 in pledges from Kansas. Some have paid. To all I would say, credit will be given through the REVIEW for all monies paid in. Remit in registered letters to Altovista, Mo., or, if thought best, with money order at Gallatin, Mo., to J. H. Mallory. Some have remitted money desiring I would give notice to them. This may not be expected as it would require much time and writing.
Brethren, let us take hold with promptness, though we have but little means and help to run a tent. Let us work until we do have, knowing that there is nothing good or of consequence attained unto but by an earnest, persevering effort. The Lord will open the way for the work to move forward with us when we do what we can. So let us come up to the help of the Lord in all parts and departments of this conference. J. H. ROGERS.
Altovista, Mo., July 31, 1871.
The Review and Herald.
TERMS:
If paid in advance, $2.00 a year.
If not paid in three months, $2.50 a year.
When ordered by others for the poor, $1.60 a year.
When ordered by friends, for their friends on trial, $1.50 year.