The coming of the Son of Man in his glory, attended by all his holy angels (Matt. 25:31), and the riding forth of the King of kings upon the white horse, followed by the armies of Heaven, when Heaven itself is opened (Rev. 19:11–16), must be one and the same event. When Jude describes the second advent, or rather when he quotes Enoch’s description of that event, he says, “Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to EXECUTE JUDGMENT upon all.” Verses 14, 15. Our Lord’s description of this grand event in Matt. 25:31–46, and of the things consequent upon it, relates wholly to the execution of the judgment, and the convincing of the ungodly of all their evil deeds and hard speeches. And it is certain that the revelation of the King of kings, followed by the armies of Heaven, is for this very purpose; for it is said (Rev. 19:11), “In righteousness he doth judge and make war.”
It being true that these representations of Christ’s advent are each statements of one and the same event, it is worthy of notice that the chain of events in Matt. 25:31–46, and the chain of events in Rev. 19:11–21, have each, as their second link, the gathering of the nations before Christ. In Matt. 25:32, we have simply the statement of the fact, “And before him shall be gathered all nations.” But in Rev. 19:19, we have the occasion of this gathering stated: “I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him that sat on the horse, and against his army.”
The gathering of the nations mentioned in these two texts must be identical, as each gathering is at the same time as the other, and both are connected with the same event, viz., the advent of Christ. The nature of this gathering is presented in the following passages:
Rev. 16:13, 14: “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth, and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.”
Rev. 19:19: “And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him that sat on the horse, and against his army.”
Zeph. 3:8, 9: “Therefore, wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger; for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent.”
These texts clearly indicate that the gathering of the nations is effected not by the good angels of God, but by the evil angels of Satan. The mighty working of the devil, even after men have passed the day of grace, is plainly his final desperate struggle before he is bound. This great gathering of the nations is, in the providence of God, for the purpose of pouring on them the fierceness of his wrath in their terrible destruction. The battle of the great day of God Almighty is the very scene of treading the wine-press of the wrath of God. Rev. 19:11–16. The central point of this great slaughter is the valley of Jehoshaphat near Jerusalem. Joel 3:2, 9–12. The city (Rev. 14:19, 20) near which this wine-press is trodden must, therefore, be old Jerusalem. But the slain of the Lord in the great battle shall be from one end of the earth to the other. Jer. 25:30–33.
The separation of the sheep and the goats (Matt. 25:32) must be at the same time as the separation of the wheat and tares (Matt. 13:30, 40, 41); and of the good and bad fishes (Matt. 13:48, 49); and of the wheat and chaff. Matt. 3:12. This separation of the righteous and the wicked is effected in the manner stated in the following texts:
Matt. 24:31: “And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” See also Mark 13:27.
1 Thess. 4:16, 17: “For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
But the angels who perform this work, do it under the express order of Christ. Thus we read:
Ps. 50:3–5: “Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
And the Saviour who gives this order is simply executing the judgment already determined by the Father. John 5:22, 27; Dan. 7:9–14. Indeed, the saints are made immortal before the angels bear them away from our earth; for the sounding of the trumpet is the signal for the angels to descend from Christ to gather his saints. Matt. 24:31. But the saints are changed to immortality in an instant at the sounding of the last trump. 1 Cor. 15:51, 52.
The decision of the judgment has, therefore, been rendered before even the separation of the two classes described in Matt. 25:32. For the gift of immortality is a part of the righteous judgment of God in rendering to every man according to his deeds. Rom. 2:5–8. And in particular, the resurrection which makes a part of mankind equal to the angels (Luke 20:35, 36); which makes them immortal (1 Cor. 15:51–54); which shows them to be blessed, and holy, and incapable of the second death (Rev. 20:6); and which shows that they were that part of the dead which belonged to Christ (1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Thess. 4:16); this resurrection which our Lord terms the resurrection of the just (Luke 14:14); is, in the expressive language of Paul, declared to be the “JUSTIFICATION OF LIFE.” Rom. 5:18. This free gift of God, which is open to all men, like the gift of grace and righteousness in the previous verse, will be shared by those only who accept the grace and righteousness offered in the gospel; and will only be conferred on them after they have been pronounced just in the judgment. For the change to immortality, which precedes the act of the angels who are sent by Christ to separate the two classes, is demonstrative of the fact that those changed in this manner have already been pronounced just in the decision of the judgment. The resurrection to immortality is, therefore, the “justification of life.” Our Lord does not pronounce the decision of that judgment which he thus begins to execute, until he has conferred upon his saints the gift of immortality. And when he does it, it is in words which imply that the Father has already rendered decision in favor of the saints. Matt. 25:34.
“The Gates of Hell shall not Prevail against It.”
THIS was our Lord’s promise concerning his church. The hell here brought to view, is not gehenna, the place of the damned, nor yet tartarus, the abode of the fallen angels, but hades, the place of the dead.
The gates of hades, the place of the dead, shall not prevail against the church of Christ. This does not mean that the individual members of the church shall not die; but it does mean, 1. That hades shall never swallow up the entire church so that the people of God shall be extinguished from the earth, and no remnant left to maintain God’s pure worship. 2. But more fully does this promise relate to the fact, that though the people of God from generation to generation enter hades and have its gates close upon them, they shall, by-and-by, have these gates opened to them, that they may come forth in triumph. Paul tells us that at the sound of the last trumpet the saints shall put on immortality; and then they shall with exceeding triumph cry out, ‘O death, where is thy sting? O grave [Greek, hades], where is thy victory?’ 1 Cor. 15: 51–55. So the victory that hades has had over the people of God is then wrenched from its grasp and given to the saints.
That the gates of hades shall not prevail against the church, is therefore a promise of the resurrection of the just. And that our Lord might thus raise his people, it was necessary that he should enter hades himself (See Ps. 16; Acts 2: 25–31), and bring away the key of that dark prison-house of death. This our Lord has done. Rev. 1: 18. So concerning the resurrection of that people against whom hades shall not prevail, the Lord by his prophets says:
Hosea 13: 14: ‘I will ransom them from the power of the grave [sheol, or hades], I will redeem them from death; O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave [sheol, or hades], I will be thy destruction; repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.’
So hades shall not only give up the saints, but shall itself be destroyed. Several questions are suggested by these facts: 1. What brings men within the gates of hades? It is death. 2. What brings them out of hades? The resurrection. 3. Is Paradise a part of77hades, as some affirm? 4. If so, when hades is destroyed, what becomes of Paradise? 5. But if Paradise is not a part of hades, how could our Lord, who went to hades at his death, also at the same time be in Paradise? 6. Again, if Paradise is in hades, where is hades itself? Every scripture which gives its location, places it in the bosom, or heart, or nether part, of the earth. Eze. 32: 18–32; 31: 16–18; Isa. 14: 1–15. 7. If Paradise then is in hades, hades being in the nether parts of the earth, Paul when caught away in vision to Paradise, was not taken to the third Heaven as he supposed, but to the depths of the earth? 8. And how about the tree of life that grows in Paradise? Is it flourishing in some cavern in the interior of the earth? 9. And why speak of the gates of hades prevailing against the church if they are only opened to the righteous to admit them into Paradise? 10. Finally who would ever think of locating Paradise in sheol, or hades, were not the Scriptures so explicit that the righteous at death do not enter Heaven, but do enter sheol, or hades? Compare Acts 2: 34; Eccl. 9: 10. 11. Yet, after all, would it not be as well to view death and hades as conquered enemies that do not usher us into Heaven, but that do have a temporary victory over us till Jesus unlock their dark prison and raise us to immortal life?
Submission to God.
PERFECT submission to God is best learned in the school of affliction. It is a light thing to obey when our own choice is consulted. But when it is ours to submit to sorrow, pain, and disappointment, we need great help from God to enable us to do it. Yet, even then, submission sweetens every bitter cup. With the surrender of the will, and of our own cherished purposes and desires, there come such tokens of God's love and favor as do a thousand-fold repay our anguish in dying to self. It is to our great relief when we yield wholly to God. If we do this, we shall find that it is sure to end the anguish of our distressed and agonizing hearts.
That no Man Take thy Crown.
THERE is a crown of life for every one that overcomes. These crowns will be given at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 2 Tim. 4: 8; 1 Pet. 5: 4. They indicate the rank of the person who wears them. They imply a throne also, a kingdom, and a reign. These crowns will be more or less glorious according to the work which the wearer has wrought in the cause of Christ. Thus Paul spoke of those who should be his crown in the day of God; implying that the work which he had wrought in the vineyard of the Lord, should be represented in the crown bestowed upon him. Phil. 4: 1; 1 Thess. 2: 19. The saved are represented as jewels in the crown of the Redeemer. Mal. 3: 17; Zech. 9: 16. So also in the crowns of those who save others.
These crowns are being prepared. If we overcome, each of us will receive one. But if we fail in our effort, some other person will receive our crown. The unfaithful servant has his talent given to him who had made improvement. “Unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.” Luke 19: 26. Men who have done something in the cause of Christ, but have not faithfully persevered to the end, will see the reward that would have been theirs, given to those who do remain faithful to the end. Nor is this at all unreasonable. When men turn from the cause of God, they bring distress, anguish of spirit, and heavy burdens, on those who stand steadfast in the work. This is all known to God. In the day of judgment he will give their reward to those who have had this to bear. The man who has improved his talents, has done this in the face of the discouragements and hindrance caused by that servant who buried his talent in the earth. So, with the strictest justice, it is given to him. The ways of the Lord are just and right.
Report of Meetings in Boston.
By Merritt E. Cornell
OUR lectures at the Christian chapel were well attended, and the interest good, considering the interruption, by other meetings, the excitement of the holidays, &c. About twenty acknowledged they had heard the truth on the Sabbath question, and ten or twelve voted a resolution to keep it. Among the number was a deacon of the church, who seems to fully comprehend the trials attendant upon a reform movement, and is resolved to meet them with Christian fortitude. We have been greatly cheered by his frank and humble confession of the truth, and his exhortations in our Sabbath meetings.
The result of our labors is greater than we could have expected. The opposition of all classes of Adventists, added to the usual and general prejudice of the churches and the world, has made it hard beginning here in Boston. For years, false reports have been circulated, and our views so strangely misrepresented, that the prejudice to be met and overcome, is immense.
Perhaps the time has now come when it is but right that our views should be held up in their true light in this great city, where for so long a time, we have been represented as Judaizers, because we keep the ten commandments. We hope not to fail, or be discouraged, but in patience to labor on till the candid shall know just what we do believe.
Since we began here last summer, more than two hundred have been convicted of the duty to keep the Sabbath, but so far as we know, not over fifty have had moral courage to obey. Among these are some noble examples of “daring to do right.”
Bro. Stratton, an architect and house builder, engaged on a ninety-thousand-dollar job, a trustee, treasurer, and janitor in the Christian church, with a multitude of other burdens and cares, moved out to keep the Sabbath, without stopping to confer with flesh or blood. With talents of means and influence, and a willing heart, Bro. S. nobly stands by us to help on the good work. In one of our good meetings, he remarked, “I have watched the progress and workings of this message, and the more I see of the opposition, the more I am convinced of the righteousness of this cause.”
Bro. Murphy, a book-keeper, expected to lose his place, and proposed to his employers to drop off $100 from his salary because of his absence on the Sabbath. The firm had a consultation, and reported him that nothing would be taken from his salary, and if he really considered it duty he could have the day to himself. How we did rejoice with him! He has now taken hold to serve the Lord in earnest.
About two weeks ago we were astonished to learn that an artist in the city had closed up his place of business on the Sabbath, for more than two months, and opened it on Sunday. He had not heard or read on the subject except the Bible. He was prosecuted for Sunday-breaking, and beaten in the lower courts, and appealed. Before the case came up in the superior court, he was called to answer for a second offense before the lower court, and employed I. D. Richardson, an able attorney, and was cleared. “You would have been pleased,” said he, “to have heard Mr. Richardson plead for the rights of conscience, and admit the claims of the Bible Sabbath.”
Addressing the judge, he said, “Your honor, if I were to answer under oath, as to what day is the true Sabbath, according to the Bible, I should have to say Saturday is the day, and your honor would say the same.”
The first case has since been called up in the superior court and a verdict of “not guilty,” returned. An important decision has been made and a good precedent established, and it is reported in the daily papers.
After much inquiry, this conscientious young man heard of our meetings in Chelsea, and, with his wife, came to our Sabbath meeting. Though not professors they manifested a deep interest, and expressed a desire to be identified with us. They will attend our next course of lectures. M. E. CORNELL.
South Boston, Mass., Feb. 3, 1870.
The Closing Messages.—No. 25.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
6. “And he doeth great wonders.” If this specification does not apply to the United States, where does it apply? What nation but this attracts the admiring gaze of the whole civilized earth? If we look for a nation, wonderful in its rise and progress to greatness, here shall we find one so wonderful! Take the map and point out the thirteen original States along the Atlantic coast. Then look at the mighty empire stretching
“From Mississippi’s utmost shore
To cold New Hampshire’s piney hills,
From broad Atlantic’s sullen roar
To where the Western ocean swells.”
See enterprising States with their thrifty cities bound together with bands of iron extending across the entire continent. No enterprise too great to undertake. Do we look for wonderful scientific discoveries and mechanical inventions? It was here that a Fulton first applied steam power to navigation; it was here that a Franklin brought down electricity from the clouds, and here that a Morse taught it to speak; so that men can “send lightnings, that they may go and say, Here we are.” Job 38:35. It was here that a Field projected and accomplished the plan of spanning the broad Atlantic with telegraphic wires, thus bringing the Old World and the New into speaking distance.
Where is the wonder-working nation, if not here? And the nation and the government are identical, for the people rule. The wonderful discoveries, inventions, and improvements, of our day, doubtless have a tendency to “deceive them that dwell upon the earth,” causing them to think the world is just emerging from its infancy, and that consequently a long period of worldly prosperity and advancement lies yet before us—the “good time coming,” of which our people have sung. But we think the prophecy has mainly in view another class of wonders, denominated by an apostle, “signs and lying wonders,” with which Satan is to deceive those who “receive not the love of the truth,” in the “hour of temptation” that lies between us and the advent of our Saviour.
We allude to the wonders of modern Spiritualism, by which our world is said to be put in communication with the “world of spirits,” of which we have heard so much from the modern pulpit. All must agree that Spiritualism has wrought wonders; for if there is no reality in its “manifestations,” it is certainly a wonder that so many millions have been duped by them and made to believe a lie. But the believing student of prophecy cannot fail to see in Spiritualism the predicted “working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,” which is immediately to precede the second coming of Jesus Christ. Isa. 8:19; Matt. 24:24; 2 Thess. 2:9–12; Rev. 16:14.
We do not purpose to enter into an examination of the doctrines of Spiritualism, to show that they are utterly at variance with the teachings of the Bible. Suffice it to say that all that know anything of its “progress,” know that all who have “known the depths” of it are infidels. So, if the Bible be true, its wonders are causing the people to believe a lie. Now where is the seat of the latter-day lying wonders that are to deceive the world? The dominion of the two-horned beast. Whence did modern Spiritualism go forth on its mission of deceptive wonders and infidelity? From the Empire State of this Union. If this does not identify the United States as the two-horned beast, where shall we find him?
7. The call for the image. “Saying to them that dwell upon the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” An image of the beast is not the beast itself, but something that is like it. The first beast was a union of church and state, the church power being in the ascendancy, the Papal church ruling “over the kings of the earth.” A like union of church and state here, giving our Protestant churches power to enforce their religious rites, those in which they are agreed, by civil law, would constitute an image to the first beast. And when this shall take place, persecution will follow—the image will “speak,” and decree the death of those who will not fall down and worship. Power in the hands of a worldly, corrupt church will be used, whether that church be Catholic or Protestant. Penal statutes are a convenient argument for such a church, to supply the deficiency of better. The image is not yet made; but it will be; and then the predicted persecution will follow—the lamb-like beast will speak as a dragon, and exercise all the power of the first beast, in its presence.
But it will be claimed that this people are too enlightened ever to engage in a work like this. Surely, they ought to know better. But the prophecy sets forth the most free, mild, and lamb-like government in the world, as doing this very thing—a thing so contradictory of its mild appearance.
We must tell you, friends, since you do not know it, that the call for the image is even now being made in this our country, and the proof of this shall close our argument, that the United States is the government described in this prophecy.
It is many years since, that DR. LYMAN BEECHER, as quoted by a recent writer thus favorably predicted the union of church and state in this country:
“There is a state of society to be formed by an extended combination of institutions, religious, civil, and literary, which never exists without the co-operation of an educated ministry.”
It was evidently with feelings far less complacent that REV. CHARLES BEECHER, in 1846, saw forebodingly the same state of things “just ahead.” He said:
“Thus are the ministry of the evangelical Protestant denominations, not only formed all the way up, under a tremendous pressure of merely human fear, but they live, and move, and breathe, in a state of things radically corrupt, and appealing every hour to every baser element of their nature to hush up the truth, and bow the knee to the power of apostasy. Was not this the way things went with Rome? Are we not living her life over again? And what do we see just ahead? Another General Council! A world’s Convention! Evangelical alliance and universal creed!”
HON. S. G. HAVEN of Buffalo, N. Y., a personal and political friend of PRES. FILLMORE, in a speech delivered in Sardinia, Erie Co., N. Y., in 1852, was reported as saying:
“For my own part, I wait to see the day when a Luther shall spring up in this country who shall found a great AMERICAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, instead of a great Roman Catholic Church; and who shall teach men that they can be good Catholics without professing allegiance to a Pontiff on the other side of the Atlantic.”
A reporter of a New York paper gives a summary of an eloquent address by DANIEL ULLMAN, Esq., on the anniversary of Washington’s birthday. The reporter says:
“Daniel Ullman, Esq., delivered an eloquent and highly-instructive address. His argument was, that continuity of territory, unity of race, a common language and religion, are essential to the perpetuity of empire. He recited with precision and clearness, the fortunes of
the Roman empire, of Philip II of Spain, Louis XIV of France, to sustain his position. Passing these in review, he adverted to Russia, as possessing every element of greatness, but free institutions. The people, he said, are nearly all of one race, and one section of that race—its territory is compact, and communication between its different parts easily effected. The people are attached to their country, their sovereign, and their religion. They are imbued with confidence in their destiny. And who shall say, if our own Union is dissolved, that their dreams of universal dominion will not be realized? He then adverted to the rise and progress of the American Union, and added that we need a common religious sentiment.”78“The mass of our people is essentially Anglo-Saxon, and it must absorb all other races before we can have a consistent national sentiment. He held to an American race.”
Of the tendency of the times, the Presbyterian Herald says:
“There seems never to have been a time in the history of our country, when questions of religious and political science were so mingled together as at the present. When we open a paper, it is often hard to tell at the first glance whether it is a political or religious journal. In all parts of our land, but especially in the northern portions, the platform and the stump give excited utterance to theological dogmas; while the pulpit thunders forth political harangues.”
The North Western Christian Advocate, of Dec. 10, 1862, says of the President’s message:
“The Chief Magistrate sees in the dogmas of the quiet past, nothing equal to the stormy present. He sees that history must be made. He sees, further, that the Union may be saved, if Christianity and statesmanship may join hands.”
A writer in the United Presbyterian says:
“Other grave responsibilities are growing out of our national conflict. Whatever may be the issue, there must be, to some extent, a reconstruction of the government. If we are made as we should be, a purer, better, more God-fearing people, we will be prepared for, and we will seek, such improvement of the Constitution as will make it embody a more distinct recognition of the sovereignty of God and the supremacy of his law. For this, the popular mind should be prepared. In favor of this, the Christian voice of the land should make itself heard and felt.*”
The following is from a lecture in Concord, N. H., by a very popular clergyman, before a “full and delighted audience,” who manifested their approbation by “frequent applause:”
“The Flag and the Cross is my theme to-night. The Cross is the symbol of our religion. It reminds us of the fatherhood of God, the brotherhood of man, the sacrifice of Christ, the redemption of the world. The Flag is the emblem of our nationality, the symbol of liberty and order. They should be associated, intertwined about our altars. There is no desecration in the act. There is little danger of too intimate union between church and state. If our religion be not brought into contact with politics and business, and all the every-day concerns of life, it is not a blessing, but a curse. The assumption that Christian ministers should not intermeddle with affairs of state, is a great and dangerous heresy. We have undertaken, as a nation, to divorce the Flag and the Cross. Would we have our nation prosper, we must solemnize anew the union between the Cross and the Flag.*”
Rev. J. S. SMART (Methodist), in a published sermon on the “political duties of Christian men and ministers,” says:
“I claim that we have, and ought to have, just as much concern in the government of this country as any other men. We are the mass of the people. Virtue in this country is not weak; her ranks are strong in numbers, and invincible from the righteousness of her cause. Invincible if united! Let not her ranks be broken by party names.*”
We might adduce much more evidence to prove that there is at present a very extensive and urgent call being made in our country, for a union of religion with politics, of church and state; but, as we study brevity, this must suffice in this place. When we have presented the evidence concerning what will constitute the mark of the beast, we will pursue this subject further, and show that our popular churches are now imperiously demanding legislation upon this very point. This will make the evidence still more clear.
We have seen that the prophetic description of the two-horned beast thus far perfectly applies to our own government, and that it will not apply to any other. In the fulfillment of the prophecy we have reached the point where the demand is being made for an image of the first beast. The image is the next thing; it will be made, for the Scriptures cannot be broken. Corrupt politicians, for their own advancement, will seize the proffered hand of a prostitute church, and the union will be consummated. Then woe to dissenters from the established religion! In the words of Dr. Adam Clarke: “Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, when the church takes the civil government of the world into its hands.”
R. F. COTTRELL.
Report from Iowa.
By George I. Butler
My last report closed with the meeting at Monroe. I left Bro. Canright to follow up the interest, while I went to Sandyville and held meetings with the church. Our meetings were solemn and interesting. Two persons declared their determination to keep the Sabbath and go with us. From Sandyville I took a trip to Oceola, Decatur City, and Afton, spending a couple of weeks. These places were where Moses Hull first began to preach the present truth in this State. Elders Snook and Brinkerhoff also labored here years ago. Formerly there were churches in these places, but from a variety of causes they have gone down so that there are but a few scattering Sabbath-keepers left, and some of these hardly knew what they believed or where they stood.
At Decatur City, we found eight who were still keeping the Sabbath. There had formerly been a church of thirty or more at this place. Some had moved away, some had given up. These few were still holding on. All had been much discouraged years ago by the arbitrary course pursued in their midst by some who labored with them. I was not aware till within the last year or so that there were Sabbath-keepers there. And I went into that section to see if there were any of the lost sheep. They have had a discouraging time indeed, many of them not having heard a sermon for six or seven years. I was most happy to make the acquaintance of Bro. Caldwell at Decatur City. He was formerly a pillar in the cause in this part of the State, and is still a firm believer in all the present truth, but from discouragement and other causes had lost something of the Spirit of the truth and become entangled in the world and was nearly overcome, but lately has been getting into the work more. I held six meetings there, most of which were in the Methodist meeting-house. Bro. C. seemed much encouraged, and I have strong expectations that he will move out and again take the place the Lord has for him to fill.
At Afton, there are a few scattering Sabbath-keepers, some of whom I visited. But the circumstances were such I held only one meeting with them. In Bro. Neal's neighborhood, near Oceola, I held a few meetings. Bro. Morrison had been holding lectures there over a week, and still continued them. Sunday I baptized five who had been keeping the Sabbath over a year. Although outward circumstances were not favorable, the water being very cold, and the streams small, yet it was one of the most pleasant baptisms I ever attended. I left Bro. M., still laboring, and having some interest. The following Sabbath I was with the church at Mt. Pleasant, and we had a good attendance of the members. I think there are some encouraging omens in Mt. P. I judge a spirit of union is springing up to some extent. God grant it may increase.
Tuesday evening, Feb. 1, commenced meetings in Brighton, and continued till Sunday evening. We had beautiful weather, and a most profitable meeting. Held some eleven meetings in all. This church, like all new churches, is learning what trials are, and I hope will profit by them as God designs. It is yet to be decided whether this church shall be as a beacon light in that community, or pass away as others have. This is never decided in one year, yet the first year is a very important one in the history of every church. This church has been learning some important lessons, I trust, and I have good hopes of their future prosperity, yet they may prove delusive. When I went there to commence meetings, things were in a ferment, apparently; when I left, things appeared much more favorable. Whether they will continue thus, remains to be seen. Sabbath and Sunday we had quite a gathering, as many as forty were present from other places. Sabbath was a day I shall long remember on account of the outpouring of the Spirit. Our souls were filled, and we could but praise the Lord with a loud voice. Our brethren came in with a determination to work. Sunday we had an important business meeting in which the cases of four were examined, two were disfellowshipped, and two censured. The individuals themselves were present, and yet all passed off pleasantly. I look back upon these meetings as being very profitable. If this church will but “walk in the light,” others who are looking on will join them. May God grant it.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Pilot Grove., Feb. 8, 1870.
Report of Meetings.
By John Lindsey; S. A. H. Lindsey
AS THERE may be some of our brethren and sisters who would like to know what we are, and have been, doing, we would briefly say that from Nov. 7 to Dec. 12, we labored at Belfast and Crawford Creek, Allegany Co., N. Y. At Belfast three have been converted and are waiting for baptism. At Crawford Creek some acknowledged the truth, but did not decide to obey.
Dec. 25 to Jan. 5, held meetings with the friends at Roulette and Liberty, Pa. Some were getting almost discouraged. Influences had been brought to bear upon them, that had drawn some away from the truth. And there are influences in their midst that are a positive detriment to the Redeemer's cause in that part of the country.
Jan. 29 and 30, we attended the Quarterly Meeting at Farmington, Tioga Co., Pa. We were disappointed in not meeting Bro. Raymond; but our Heavenly Father met with us by his Spirit, and all received a blessing at his hand.
Feb. 1, we visited some lonely ones at South Addison, Steuben Co., N. Y. Held one meeting at this place. The severe trial through which our church has recently passed, has borne heavily upon these friends, but we trust that by the grace of God, they will stand fast in the truth till Jesus comes.
Feb. 2, held one meeting at Beecher's Island. Here we hoped to have given a course of lectures, but after one meeting (our subject was John 5:39) the trustees decided to close the house against us. One said he had known several churches that had been destroyed by admitting Adventists into their pulpits. We had a large and attentive congregation, and many expressed a desire that the meetings might be continued.
Feb. 5 and 6, attended the Monthly Meeting at Niles Settlement. The labor of Bro. Waggoner last summer afforded them some relief. Very anxiously they have been waiting, and expecting Bro. W. to come again, and aid them in revising their church list. This Monthly Meeting, though not largely represented, has been an important one for this people, and one that will redound to the glory of God, especially the business that was transacted. Several were cut off; and it will be necessary that others should be, unless they come up to the work. A special call is made to all the members of the Allegany church to attend the next Monthly Meeting, or to report. Brethren and sisters, a neglect on the part of any of you to report at this meeting, will afford sufficient reason why a committee should be appointed to labor with you. Say, will you come up to the work? The cause of God must no longer be burdened by those who have no heart in it.
JOHN LINDSEY,
S. A. H. LINDSEY.
Blaming Others.
A DISPOSITION to lay the blame for our neglect of duty, or our shortcoming, upon others, is a sure sign that we have inwardly backslidden from God. The first transgressor endeavored, in this way, to palliate his offense, and his example has been faithfully followed ever since. God can make us right, whether any one else is right or not. Whoever may falter, he can enable us to do our duty. When we fail, we should blame ourselves, and no one else. In this way alone can we hope to obtain forgiveness for the past, or make improvement in the future. Let us be severe upon ourselves—but forbearing towards our neighbors. —Earnest Christian.