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Review and Herald, Vol. 39, No. 7.

Special Providence
Earlier text: The Love of Truth

Time—Its Value.

By A. S. Hutchins

“So TEACH us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Ps. 90: 12. Actuated by the spirit which indited this petition, no moment can hang heavily upon the hands of the earnest Christian. He sees too much to do in the cause of his heavenly Master for fast-flying moments to be a burden. He would number them all in the application of his heart unto wisdom, which is profitable to direct.
A great work lies before the servant of God. A heavenly race is to be run. A battle is to be fought with the powers of darkness. A mighty foe is to be vanquished. A victory is to be gained. A crown is to be won. He has a soul to save, and a work, to win others to Christ. Time is only just long enough to finish this work and get ready to hear the Master say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” Has such an one time, precious, priceless moments, to spend to no account? No; in view of his great and important work, and the rapidity with which he is borne on to its conclusion, life seems as an “hand-breadth,” as a “vapor,” as a “dream,” or a “flower,” that is quickly cut down.
Says Peter, “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.” Dear brethren, we are only sojourners here. We are passing away, passing away. The King of glory is quickly coming. Oh! shall we be ready? “Let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober, ‘redeeming the time, because the days are evil.’”
When we have failed to use our time to the glory of God, may we all awake. Awake at once. Awake to righteousness. Awake to the wants of the cause we love. Awake to the Master's call. Awake and stand at our post.
“O Thou, who in the garden’s shade, Didst wake thy weary ones again, Who slumbered at that fearful hour, Forgetful of thy pain, Bend o’er us now, as over them, And set our sleep-bound spirits free; Nor leave us slumbering in the watch Our souls should keep with thee!” A. S. HUTCHINS.

Men and Things.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

HATRED OF THE TRUTH.

The following from the Winterset Sun, Iowa, is rather amusing than provoking, and yet it shows the deep and bitter feeling which many ministers have against the truth.
“The pastor of the Christian church of this city, Mr. Chase, has called upon us several times, until we have discovered him to be an agreeable and apparently worthy individual. He says the opposition to Christianity is, at present, exceedingly formidable and widespread in the land. He regards the attack that is being made upon marriage as being very significant of evil. He regards Mormonism, Spiritualism and Adventism as being the three unclean spirits that are foretold in the New Testament as going forth to deceive the world.”
It will be seen that the impression is sought to be made that Adventism is associated with Spiritualism and Mormonism in opposing the proper marriage relation, than which nothing could be more slanderously false. Either Mr. Chase makes this assertion, being ignorant of the people he is slandering, or else it is made up wholly from the malice of his own heart. In either case, he is without excuse. But I give it, not to review it, but to let the reader see how we are treated by some of our neighbors who have much to say about “charity.”

WONDERS OF THE TELEGRAPH.

Rev. S. Osgood, D. D., in the Christian Union says:—
“Mr. Field told me that he had just sent a message to Japan, and that, if the operators were pushed to do their best and quickest, an answer from Japan could be obtained in ten minutes!”
Surely, this almost partakes of the nature of a miracle. Is not the hand of God in all this, preparing the way for his last and solemn warning to be sounded over all the world in a short time? In good harmony with this, Beecher says:—
“All the world is stirred up—Religion, Political Economy, Sociology, Morals, Philosophy, are undergoing fermentation. Men are in every state of transition.”

UNION OF ALL THE CHURCHES.

That the signs of the times indicate a speedy union of all the “orthodox” and “evangelical” churches on some general principles, no candid observer can deny. Doctrinal points of faith are coming to be regarded as of small consequence, provided each can, in some way, aid the advancement of the other. “Union of the churches” is the cry on all hands, and the thing is becoming popular. Let this be accomplished, and what a mighty power these churches will become in the land! Their pride and presumption will know no bounds. The facts are thus stated by a popular minister and editor, H. W. Beecher, in the Christian Union:—
“There are, at this time, signs of the approaching union of all Christ’s followers, such as have, perhaps, never appeared since the church’s earliest days. And while, knowing how easily human judgment may be deceived, we rest our surest confidence of this grand result on the simple promise of Christ, we have a right to cheer ourselves by the hope that the signs of the times afford.
“He must indeed be sanguine who can discover any present prospect of universal agreement as to doctrinal statements, and forms of worship and of government. Uniformity, like that of a regiment on parade, never looked farther off than now. But unity—the relation of men linked to serve in a common cause, and support each other even unto death—is betokened by many signs. Among the different churches of Scotland there are movements toward organic union. Among ourselves we have the conspicuous example of the two great Presbyterian bodies reunited. The alienation between such kindred organizations as the Methodist churches, North and South, is felt to be but a matter of time. In the West, the Baptists and the Disciples, offspring of a common stock, are seeking for a ground on which they can unite. It is impossible to mistake all the indications of this kind, which are seen on every side.”
D. M. CANRIGHT.

Have We a Message?

By Roswell F. Cottrell

FAR be it from us to boast, as if we were the especial favorites of Heaven, and were therefore endued with special powers and privileges; but we inquire whether God has in his providence and in the unfolding of his purposes, laid upon us the responsibility of a special message of truth. We know from his word that the advent messages must be given before the second advent of the Lord; and that event being unmistakably near, we look around for the fulfillment of these three messages. We find them exactly fulfilled in the great advent movement of the past and present, and can see their fulfillment in nothing else under the sun. So we are shut up to the conclusion that Adventists have been called by God to proclaim these messages; and, if so, the message on the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, being preached by S. D. Adventists, is the actual fulfillment of the third angel's message, which is the last warning to mankind before the great day of God's wrath. If this be so a tremendous responsibility is laid upon us, but, indeed, is no cause of boasting. A solemn work is ours, and the danger of unfaithfulness is great.
But we can and must have unlimited confidence in the success of the work, and the salvation of those who prove faithful to the end.
There is no room left to doubt that the children of God will be gathered by this message and prepared as one to hail the advent of the Saviour with—“We have waited for him, and he will save us.”
Who is sufficient for this work? Evidently none. But God will give his Spirit to the humble and faithful, and the work will be done.
Our highest ambition is to have a part in this work.
R. F. COTTRELL.

Advent Tidende.

By John Matteson

This is the name of the Danish monthly now printed by the Publishing Association. The first two numbers are sent out, and I have received many letters from the friends, expressing their joy and gratitude, on reading the first number. None, but those who have tried, can realize the disadvantages under which I have labored among this people the last eight years, having no periodical in their language to circulate, and but few tracts. Other denominations speak through their organs in the Danish language, and tear down the truth, but we have had no chance to speak in favor of the truth. Churches, which cost much wearing labor to raise up, have been languishing for want of constant instruction and encouragement. And it is indeed a wonder to me that they have not gone down, but rather increased. Yet much more could have been done if we had had a periodical. We therefore hail the prospects now brightening before us, with deep gratitude to God. And we hereby express our heartfelt thanks (I speak in behalf of my nation) to the General Conference and Publishing Association, for the interest they have taken and the active assistance they have rendered to us in starting the publication of a monthly journal in our language. This is a work that will constantly bring to our minds the existence of the S. D. A. P. Association and form a connecting link between us and them, which we knew nothing of before, and which will continue to endear our American brethren to our hearts until Jesus comes; especially as we read in our own tongue the valuable productions of Bro. and sister White and other dear servants of God, who have long experience in the work, and have been guided by the Spirit of the Lord.
It is not without feelings of anxiety that we look to the future, knowing that Satan is determined to hinder every good work. But we believe that this work is the Lord's, and that he will kindly care for it. And we sincerely hope and pray that this journal may not be diminished, but go on in its mission until the work shall be finished.
The sentiment expressed above I know to be the unanimous sentiment of our people. And I would not omit to mention, that the providence of God has seemed to favor the undertaking very much so far. When I was called away from the field, others were raised up in my place, and two brethren, although beginners, have been laboring in Wisconsin, the last two months with some success; whilst there is prospect of others starting out. I expect also in future to spend most of my time in the field. This week I go to Chicago to commence labor again. The Lord is able to raise up preachers, and writers, and printers for this journal, as many as are needed. And if my humble help should fail, the Lord can draw out help from a hundred other sources. This work is the Lord's. Into his hands have I committed my portion of it. And I will not disgrace my Heavenly Father by thinking he would not give me strength to perform my part, though weak in body and mind, and having many severe battles to fight without and within. Neither will I doubt, that he will raise up more help when needed. The cause is one. And this cause is the Lord's. The Lord lives and reigns. He designs that we should come out pure and white through the fiery trials. By the grace of God we will do so; and then give all the praise to God and the Lamb through the glorious ages of eternity.
JOHN MATTESON.
Battle Creek, Mich., Jan. 28, 1872.

Leslie, Mich.

By I. D. Van Horn

I began labor in this place Friday evening, Jan. 12, and held fourteen meetings, closing up Sunday evening the 21st. I found a very sad state of things. Hard feelings toward one another had existed for years. This was caused by the unchristian course of some, but the tongue had done the greatest mischief, by magnifying the faults of others. It really seems too bad that brethren of the same faith should become so alienated in their feelings that they will not speak to each other. Had their bad influence been confined to them, and to the place where they live, it would not have been so bad; but it was affecting the whole Jackson church, and brethren in other churches. Things had gone as far as they could. There was no power among themselves to make things right.
But our meetings were promptly attended by all especially interested, and we were permitted to see a most happy result. Everything that had existed for years was raked up from the very bottom. By the help of the Lord we were enabled to maintain a Christian spirit and feeling through the investigation of these things, though the enemy tried us sorely at times. A victory was finally obtained. A spirit of confession came upon all, and light from the Lord shone upon us, showing the way out of the difficulties.
Our two days' meeting of the Jackson church was a season of victory and rejoicing. Bro. Titus confessed his way out so that he felt free; and Bro. Richmond also confessed his wrongs and got into the light again. There was a unanimous vote of the members of the church present to release him from the censure he was under, and if the members who were not present coincide with this at the next monthly meeting, he will be a member again in good standing.
The further result of the meeting was as follows: Two united with the church. The brethren and sisters in Leslie chose by a unanimous vote, Bro. Richmond to lead their meetings. They also voted to hold their meetings at his house. A Systematic Benevolence collector was appointed, and Systematic Benevolence reorganized to the amount of $68.12 per year. They all entered into a solemn covenant to forever bury the past, and to refrain from talking about it.
We left them a cheerful, happy company. May the Lord bless them, and may their future influence be such as shall heal up the past and win souls to the knowledge of the truth. I. D. VAN HORN.

Michigan.

By John Byington

Since my last report I have labored with churches as follows: Alaiedon, Hillsdale, Potterville, Bunker Hill, Jay, Johnstown, Burlington, Parkville and Greenbush. I might give particulars concerning these meetings, but probably the space will be better occupied by others. There are good and faithful brethren in every church laboring to maintain present truth. Would that all would prove faithful. I have felt much freedom of mind while presenting the truth to others. The several points of our faith appear very clear. Jesus, our great high priest, is doing his last work as mediator. The signs are ominous of his soon coming. The commandments of God and faith of Jesus are made plain. This is our work, our duty. This is no time to look back. Remember Lot's wife. Our individual cases are soon to be decided in the Judgment. May we be found ready. J. BYINGTON.
Jan. 14, 1872.

Dyer Brook, Me.

By J. B. Goodrich

The work has moved slow in this place. Eleven have commenced to keep the Sabbath. Others are convinced that we have the truth, but how slow people are to obey! If they would try as hard to find reasons why they should obey God's truth, his laws, and his commandments, as they do to frame excuses why they cannot, it would be a great blessing to themselves and those around them. But there is a great deal of prejudice existing in Aroostook County against the Advent doctrine, caused by setting so many different times; but just as soon as they learn that we, as a people, do not have any definite time to preach, they are more willing to hear. The most of the tongue of slander comes from those that know nothing of our views. There are some who delight in using the keep-away argument, and in misrepresenting us as a people. I wish people would remember the words of Paul: "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." 1 Thess. 5 : 21, Rom. 7 : 12.
Soon after I commenced meetings in this place, and there seemed to be an interest to hear. An effort was made by one of the church members to close the house, but he did not succeed. My friends have increased in numbers, and I have been made welcome at their homes, for which I feel thankful. May the Lord help them to make haste, and delay not to keep his commandments and the faith of his Son, that they may be saved in his kingdom.
The lumbering business stands in the way of the work in this county this winter. The men (all that can leave home) are away in the woods at work.
We have organized Systematic Benevolence in Maro to the amount of $67.60 a year. The most seem willing to do all they can to help forward the message. If all in Maine had the courage and interest in the third angel's message that one sister has who walked seven miles last Sabbath to get to meeting, things would move forward and souls would be brought into the truth. It is time for us in Maine to arise and take hold of this message as we never have before. The end is drawing near, and souls are perishing; the day of wrath is coming, and who will stand? God has provided a shield; will we accept of it? We shall be left without an excuse in the day of Judgment.
In looking over the past year of my life, I can see where I have made some mistakes, but is it best for me to give up? No; by the grace of God I will try to do better the year to come.
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Ps. 126 : 5, 6. May the Lord help us to get the spirit of labor and sacrifice, and go forth without the camp, bearing his reproach. Jesus bore our sins in his own body on the tree, without a murmur. May the Lord save us from a spirit of fault-finding, and murmuring, and complaining. God is not well pleased with those who possess such a spirit, and his frown will be upon them. J. B. GOODRICH.
Patten, Me., Jan. 16, 1872.

Boston, Mass.

By M. Wood

BIBLE truth is gaining ground in Boston. Prejudice is slowly but surely giving way. We came together on first-day evening, Dec. 31, 1871, and the Lord met with us and blessed us abundantly. Backsliders came forward. Others acknowledged their short-comings, and we all covenanted anew with the Lord and with one another to strive more diligently to serve the Lord the coming year. It was a refreshing season. Prayer prevailed. Since then, one precious soul has taken a decided stand upon present truth, and fully determined to keep the sanctified Sabbath of the Lord. Others have become interested through reading our tracts and publications, which are being freely distributed. There is a great stir in this vicinity. People are becoming much interested, and even alarmed about the Sabbath. There is power in God's truth, and humble truth-seeking, God-fearing, commandment-keeping people will come off conquerors, and be permitted to stand upon Mount Zion and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb.
We are looking forward to the time of Elder J. N. Andrews' return with much pleasure, and shall lift up thankful hearts and voices to God when the few weeks of his absence shall have expired and he be returned to feed the hungry sheep.
M. WOOD.

THE NIGHT COMETH.

Time’s sun is fast setting, Its twilight is nigh, Its evening is falling In cloud o’er the sky; Its shadows are stretching In ominous gloom; Its midnight approaches, The midnight of gloom.
Then haste, sinner, haste! there is mercy for thee, And wrath is preparing—flee, lingerer, flee!
The vision is nearing, The Judge and the throne! The voice of the angel Proclaims—“It is done.” On the whirl of the tempest Its Ruler shall come, And the blaze of his glory Flash out from its gloom.
Then haste, sinner, haste! there is mercy for thee, And wrath is preparing—flee, lingerer, flee!
With clouds he is coming! His people shall sing; With gladness they hail him Redeemer and King. The iron rod wielding, The rod of his ire, He cometh to kindle Earth’s last fatal fire.
Then haste, sinner, haste! there is mercy for thee, And wrath is preparing—flee, lingerer, flee!

Wisconsin.

By I. Sanborn

Since my last report I have spent seven weeks away from home with my wife, taking care of her while she was treated for the purpose of removing from her breast a very painful scirrhus cancer, by the constant application of a plaster which killed it and brought it out. We are at home again, and my wife seems to be recovering her strength. I hope I shall soon be able to fill some of the many calls for preaching.
Last Sabbath and first day I attended a quarterly meeting of special interest at Monroe, where I was happy to meet Brn. R. F. Andrews, T. M. Steward, and brethren from Crane’s Grove, Rockton, and Nora, Ill., and others from Avon, and Albany, Wis. Most of the preaching was done by Brn. Andrews and Steward. It was truly refreshing to hear the brethren and sisters testify in the social meetings of their determinations to press on and be faithful to the end of the race.
The preaching was pointed and stirring, and I think was meat in due season; and I trust the Lord will help us all to carry it out practically in our lives, that we may be sanctified through obeying the truth. I. SANBORN. Johnstown Center, Jan. 18, 1872.

Potterville, Mich.

By E. B. Lane

SABBATH, Jan. 20, was a good day for the church at Potterville.
We came here the 12th, to be in attendance at the quarterly meeting. Our congregations from without were large, and a deep interest was manifested. It seemed duty to continue here, which we are doing. Our brethren have quite a large house of worship, which has been filled nearly every night, while a part of the time the house could not seat all.
A rehearsal of the truths of the third angel's message afforded much strength and encouragement to the brethren and sisters as they listened to the discourses given night after night. When the Sabbath came, it was a touching scene to hear the heart-felt confessions of coldness and backwardness, and the resolutions to start anew, wet down with many tears, connected with a spirit of labor for the young and those who had become discouraged. Almost every person in the congregation bore their testimony. Quite a number made a start for the first time. At the close of the meeting we requested all who desired the prayers of God's people to come forward, when some thirty or more, eager to embrace such an opportunity, presented themselves.
At night, before a crowded house, the same was repeated, and one or two from without joined us. I have attended many revival meetings but never saw such a general breaking away as was there witnessed. There was no excitement, while sobs and tears indicated what was going on down deep in the heart.
Oh! that a general revival might go through all the churches and gather in all the children and discouraged, with many others. Many from without are under deep conviction, and we hope for some to take hold of the truth.
To the brethren of North Liberty I would say, I cannot meet with you at your next quarterly meeting as you request. I expect to meet with you on my return south, Providence permitting. Will appoint in the REVIEW.
In hope of eternal life.
E. B. LANE.

JAMES ERTZENBERGER

By JAMES ERTZENBERGER

Switzerland.

My letter of Nov. 28 made you acquainted with the state of things in Switzerland, and the steps which were taken to spread the truth.
Nov. 17, I came to this place to give a course of lectures. The way being open, I commenced lecturing, Dec. 6. But on account of Christmas and New-Year's I was obliged to omit a few lectures, but shall now continue regularly.
I commenced lectures in the meantime at another place near by. The attendance at this town is regularly from seventy to eighty persons. Their attention is good, but is still better in the other place. There the number of listeners is increasing. At first there were about one hundred and ten persons, but at our last lecture there were about one hundred and fifty, a large number, considering the circumstances. They are very attentive, and it cheers the heart to see them listening to the word spoken. I have no doubt the Lord is in the work, and hope a few will be reached, to become obedient to the word of God. May the Lord help, and open hearts more and more for his holy word and the influence of the Holy Spirit.
I have not tested them on the Sabbath question yet. That will decide. May I have wisdom from on high to speak the word, and to proclaim the last message of mercy to a fallen world!
I have to attend the weekly meetings of the few Sabbath-keepers of this place. And I can say we have some very good seasons. May the Lord be greatly praised for his great mercies he is bestowing on us. Pray for us, and for your brother, striving to overcome.

JAMES ERTZENBERGER

Chaux de fonds (Ct. of Neuchatel), Dec. 25, 1871.
P. S. Letters will be received by addressing me as formerly at Tramelan (Jura bernois), Switzerland.

Beaver Dam, N. Y.

By John Lindsey; Sarah Lindsey

It has been with the most intense interest and anxiety that we have watched the progress of the work in this place while we have endeavored to present to the people the unpopular truths which are so dear to us. Not a few have freely acknowledged the truthfulness of our position, but they are slow to obey. Said the psalmist, “I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” Ps. 119, 60.
Would that all who profess to love the Lord were in possession of the same spirit of cheerful obedience.
Our quarterly meeting was held according to appointment, Jan. 6, 7. There was a respectable attendance of brethren and sisters.
We were assisted in labor by Brn. D. T. Fero and W. W. Stebbins, both of whom spoke with acceptance. So far as we could judge, an excellent impression was left upon the minds of the people. We would be glad if in the providence of God, Bro. and sister White could come this way and hold meetings. The Universalist church is yet open for us, and is sufficiently large to accommodate all who would attend. May the Lord direct.
JOHN LINDSEY, SARAH LINDSEY.
Beaver Dam, Jan. 15, 1872.

WM. S. INGRAHAM

By Wm. S. Ingraham

Minnesota.

I LEFT home Dec. 21, for Brush Creek quarterly meeting. Our meeting was held at the house of Bro. Kelsey. Only two or three discourses were given before the interest began to rise. The neighbors came in nobly. Bro. Grant stayed with me one week and then went to Jo Daviess to attend the quarterly meeting there, where he had a good time and was made to rejoice by two backsliders taking a stand for the truth. I preached twenty-six discourses at Brush Creek. The church was fully organized. An elder and two deacons were set apart to fill their important stations. The church was greatly encouraged, and took hold of the work in earnest. Seven new ones took a public stand for the truth, all of them heads of families and of the right material.
We have in this vicinity over forty Sabbath-keepers, and their children in addition to the number, who meet on the Sabbath for worship. And as they have no house of worship, except private houses, it was thought proper to move forward immediately and erect a meeting-house.
My health is improving, with the exception of my arms, which are no better. It is not possible to raise my right arm to a horizontal position. And my left arm is some affected. My mind is much clearer than it has been for a long time. Trials that have bound me in the past are vanishing, and the truth seems precious. I would express my gratitude for the sympathy manifested in my behalf by our late General Conference.
We rejoice in the prospect of more ministerial help in this State. The way is opening in every direction for the spread of the truth.

WM. S. INGRAHAM

H. C. BLANCHARD

By H. C. Blanchard

Kansas.

SINCE my last report, Sep. 20, I have labored as follows: In Labette County, Kansas, Oct. 7-23, with some success. I labored some with the church at Avilla from Oct. 24 to Nov. 9. Nov. 10, went twenty-five miles to Drummond Grove. Spoke five times. Four were baptized. Thirteen went twenty miles to Seneca, where I remained until the 25th, holding a debate with a Disciple preacher from California by the name of Yocum. It is safe to say the truth gained a decided victory. Spoke four times at Drummond Grove on my way home, and baptized four.
I am now at home, in poor health, and shall remain some time unless my health improves.
The friends in Cedar Co., Mo., and other places will do the best they can. I hope to visit them as soon as my health will permit.

H. C. BLANCHARD

Nolin, Kentucky.

By D. T. Bourdeau

At the date of my last report, I had given one lecture at Sonora, at the close of which five dollars had been raised to defray the expenses of future meetings. I have now delivered seven discourses in that place to quite large and deeply interested congregations. On some occasions there were as many as four preachers present, one of whom had come thirty miles to fill an appointment at the Baptist house, but had suspended one of his meetings to hear us. He urged us strongly to give a course of lectures in this place. All we could say was, We would like very much to go, but our hands are more than full in this section.
There is one thing that is very much against us at Sonora, and that will compel us to close our effort there this evening. The man who owns the house asks one dollar a night for the use of it, and duns the people about every other night for money, refusing us the privilege of taking the matter in our own hands and speaking when other meetings are being held in the place to ease the people, and claiming the right of closing the meetings at any time, and throwing slurs at the close of our discourses. Many are getting disgusted at his course, and see that the “high-toned plan” on which he wanted to have the lectures carried on was to put money in his own pocket. This, of course, makes the sale of our works very slow. The Advent doctrine has been pretty well cleared up, and prejudice has been removed. We know of no other way to reach the people but to finish up our work there with a brief effort with the tent next spring.
Last Wednesday we went to Bro. Brown’s old neighborhood by way of Elizabethtown, and gave an introductory lecture in the evening in the Locust Grove school-house, which was well filled. Bro. Brown’s brother who lives in this district has recently embraced the Sabbath as the result of Bro. and sister Brown’s effort. Got one subscriber for the REVIEW.
I resume my lectures in this place this week. On this trip I formed some pleasant acquaintances in Elizabethtown, and was offered the town house to hold lectures in. I reserve this place for a tent effort, or for a time when I can have more help. The work there would be too heavy for any one man.
I have spent my Sabbaths and Sundays at Dr. Comb’s, giving, on an average, from three to five lectures a day to the family and to neighbors. The doctor’s daughter has decided to obey the truth. Others are investigating. There are but few school-houses in this country, and we need a tent here, if anywhere. D. T. BOURDEAU.
Nolin, Ky., Jan. 22, 1872.

J. HARE

By J. Hare

From Kentucky.

Having left Battle Creek for this place Sunday evening, Jan. 7, I came by rail to Cincinnati, took the packet to Portsmouth, one hundred and twenty miles up the river, landed at Springville on the Kentucky side, where Bro. S. Osborn from Iowa had given a course of lectures. Found some fruit of his labors in this place. Six were keeping the Sabbath. I learned that he was twelve miles back in the country, near a place called Lynn. The roads being muddy and no conveyance to be had, I left my baggage and started on foot through an unusually rough looking country, at least to an Iowa man. I arrived at this place a little before night, Wednesday, the 10th inst. Found Bro. Osborn well and glad to meet an old friend. At his request, I spoke that evening to thirty or forty attentive hearers, on the change of the Sabbath. We have given, since I came, six discourses in this place, these, with what Bro. Osborn had given before, make about twenty, covering most of the points on present truth. We closed for the present last evening, with a discourse on the mark of the beast. The congregation increased toward the last with a greater interest to hear than at any previous time. We move from here to another place, two and a half miles distant. This will call out some others that have not heard, and also give those interested in this place an opportunity to attend the lectures there. Not having our books, we have not done much in this direction; but we will have them out in a few days. There are four good souls here who will take hold of the Sabbath; and others are interested. The people are friendly. We have more invitations to visit than we can fill so far. I see no reason why Kentucky is not a good field for labor. The people are hospitable and kind. We hope to be able to do something for our periodicals soon. We must have help from the Lord in order to succeed in this work. Pray for us.

J. HARE

Consecrated Culture.

By Prof. Phelps

A preacher had better work in the dark, with nothing but mother-wit, a quickened conscience, and a Saxon Bible, to teach him what to do and how to do it, than to vault into an aerial ministry, in which only the upper classes shall know or care anything about him. Make your ministry reach the people; in the forms of purest culture, if you can, but reach the people; with elaborate doctrine, if possible, but reach the people; with classic speech, if it may be, but reach the people. The great problem of life to an educated ministry is, to make their culture a power instead of a luxury. Our temptations are all one way—our mission is all the other way.
It is not, then, less education that our clergy need. It is inconceivable to me how any educated man can see relief from our present dangers, or from any dangers in that direction. Ignorance is a remedy for nothing. So imperfection of culture is always a misfortune. But we do need consecration of culture. This is the thing which the world is blindly craving.
Above all, we need faith in the Christian ideal of culture, which measures its value by its use. This was Christ’s own ideal of culture; he respected no other; he denounced every other most fearfully. Not an act of his life, nor a word from his lips, gives any evidence that he would have tolerated the awful anomaly of clerical life, in which a man ministers placidly in a palatial church, to none but select and gilded hearers, with all the paraphernalia of elegance around him, and with culture expressed in the very fragrance of the atmosphere, while “Five Points,” and “Boweries,” and “Ann Streets,” are growing up uncared for by any labors of his, within hearing of his organ and his quartette.
Our guard against the peril here indicated, then, is spiritual, as distinct from intellectual, in its nature. The cry should be, not “Less intellect! less study! less culture!” but simply, “More heart! more prayer! more godliness! more subjection of culture to the salvation of those who have little or none.”—Prof. Phelps.

Lame Offerings.

By C. Green

This subject, presented a few weeks ago by Bro. St. John, caused serious reflections to pass through my mind. How many lame offerings are presented to the Lord, even by those who profess faith in his soon coming!
Our service in the prayer and social meetings is often an index of our lives when about our daily duties. There is so little earnest, secret prayer, so little watching, that our hearts are ill-prepared with thoughts to encourage others, when we meet to recount the goodness of God to us. Again, we often withhold the best, and present the Lord with our little remaining strength for his service, faintly hoping for his acceptance of it, and desiring his blessing—for what? To consume and use as we have often used it before. God gives us all we have, and when with our whole heart we present him with the best we receive from him, he will acknowledge the offering by conferring his blessing.
Have we money to give for his cause, or to pay for the life-giving truth for ourselves, let us present the best and brightest bills we have; that which is the least soiled or torn. Do the wants of the poor plead for something from our cellar or granary, let us give as good as we have, and hurt them not, nor insult the Lord, with that which we would not use ourselves.
Our bodies are required to be living sacrifices. Let us then strive to render them so, by a proper course of diet, with temperance even in this, that we may not have a lame offering in this respect. May we not be profited by Abraham's example, who, when he had prepared his offering and laid it upon the altar, watched it, and drove from it the birds and beasts of prey, who sought to take it away before it was accepted by the Lord.
We may learn from this to keep back from our hearts those covetous thoughts and selfish feelings which would hinder our offering from being complete and free-will. The Lord help us to present our offerings free from blemish or taint of sin or selfishness, that we may have his blessing and his favor.
C. GREEN. Battle Creek, Mich.

A Vision of Death.

I saw—whether asleep or awake, I cannot tell—but this I know: I saw the dark and dismal door of death. It was narrow as the grave; and only one could enter at a time, and tread its winding steep. Yet thousands passed the door. At its threshold all left their earthly idols. Some cast a wistful look, as they pushed forward, and shrieked; some lingered, trembling; and some rushed forward, regardless of the consequences. There were seen all ages, all ranks, and all conditions, passing toward the door.
I saw the drunkard quaff his bowl of poison, burst open the door of death, and stagger in. I heard a groan, a fall, a hollow, dismal sound, and all was silent as the tomb.
Next came a voluptuary. He laughed, he danced, and leaped the fearful leap. The door closed on him. I heard a trembling cry. Spectators shuddered, and turned their eyes away, and nothing more was seen.
A selfish miser came. His head was white with care. His look was fearful with despair. Envy was his only attendant. He staggered to the door, laid down his gold, and wept. A dismal cloud enveloped him. A laugh was heard. And when the cloud was gone, gold, miser—all had disappeared.
There came a man of honor. His step was stately. At his nod many bowed and fawned. He, too, must pass the gate. He touched the secret spring. The door flew wide open. Darkness enveloped him. The multitude shrank back to follow some other leader. And now nothing was seen, save a few dried leaves of laurel.
I saw one other come. Hope sat on his brow. He smiled and wept; but, with a forward look, he traced the path, while in his hand he held a little Book, and often read. I saw he had a glass that penetrated the dark abyss, and left a ray behind. I heard him sing. ’Twas not a song of earth, but soft and sweet, like the melodious sounds of distant music on a summer’s eve. He passed the door of death; and, like the sun whose rays have chased the flying clouds away, he passed, to rise more glorious on the morrow.
Dear reader, how will it be with you?

Beware of One Sin.

WHILE I was walking in the garden one bright morning, a breeze came through and set all the leaves and flowers fluttering. Now that is the way flowers talk; so I pricked up my ears and listened.
Presently an elder tree said, “Flowers, shake off your caterpillars.”
“Why?” said a dozen altogether, for they were like some children who always say, “Why,” when they are told to do anything. Bad children, those.
The elder said, “If you don’t, they’ll gobble you up.”
So the flowers set themselves a shaking till the caterpillars were shaken off.
In one of the middle beds there was a beautiful rose, which shook off all but one, and she said to herself, “Oh! that’s a beauty; I’ll keep that one.”
The elder overheard her, and called out, “One caterpillar is enough to spoil you.”
“But,” said the rose, “look at his brown and crimson fur, and his beautiful black eyes, and scores of little feet. I want to keep him. Surely he won’t hurt me.”
A few months after, I passed the rose again. There was not a whole leaf on her; her beauty was faded and gone; she was all but killed, and had only life enough to weep over her folly, while the tears stood like dew-drops on her tattered leaves.
“Alas! I didn’t think one caterpillar would ruin me.”
One sin indulged has ruined thousands.
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