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Review and Herald, Vol. 52, No. 3.

BACKSLIDING
Earlier text: BACKSLIDING

LESSONS FOR BIBLE CLASSES.

By G. H. Bell

LESSON V.

THE DIVISION OF THE FOURTH KINGDOM.

1. What was the second thing that Daniel wanted to have explained to him?
2. What does the twenty-fourth verse say of the ten horns?
3. Were these kingdoms to arise one after another, or were they to exist at the same time?
4. What proof can you give that they were to exist at the same time?
5. Then what must they denote?
6. How is this placed beyond a doubt?
7. What is said in that verse about the division of the kingdom?
8. By what is the division of the kingdom denoted in the second chapter?
9. What was to be done in the days of these kings?
10. Describe the kingdom which the God of Heaven was to set up.
11. What must have been meant by the expression, “In the days of these kings”?
12. When did the division of the Roman empire begin?
13. When was it completed?
14. How was this division caused?
15. Name the kingdoms in their order.
16. Which of them were established in A. D. 407?
17. Which in 476?
18. Which was established in 356?
19. Which in 483?
20. What authority have we for these dates and divisions?
21. Was God’s everlasting kingdom set up at the time of the first advent of Christ?
22. How can you prove that it was not set up then?
23. What do some suppose that “The days of these kings” has reference to?
24. Can this be true?
25. Why not?
26. If this were true, could it refer to any but the fourth kingdom?
27. Why not?
28. Could it apply to the fourth kingdom before it was divided?
29. Why not?
30. What view do some take of the kingdom described in Dan. 2:44?
31. Is it true that God has a kingdom of grace on the earth?
32. Does the kingdom of grace break, consume, or destroy the kingdoms of the world?
33. What is to be done by the kingdom described in Dan. 2:44?
34. Does the kingdom of grace do any such work as this?
35. To what conclusion, then, must we come?
36. What kind of kingdom must be meant in Dan. 2:44?
37. Has it been set up yet?

SYNOPSIS.

The second thing that Daniel wanted to have explained to him was the ten horns on the head of the beast.
In the twenty-fourth verse, the angel tells him that the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise. These kings were not to arise one after another, but were to reign at the same time; for it is said in the eighth verse that three of them were to be plucked up by a little horn that was to arise after them. Now this little horn could not pluck up three of them unless they existed at the same time; and since they existed at the same time, they must denote a division of the kingdom into ten parts, or kingdoms. This is placed beyond all doubt by Dan. 2:41, which says that the kingdom shall be divided. The ten toes of the image denote the same division that is denoted by the ten horns.
It was in the days of these kings that the God of Heaven was to set up an everlasting kingdom. Dan. 2:44. “In the days of these kings” must mean in the divided state of the Roman kingdom. The division of the Roman empire commenced in A. D. 356, and was completed about A. D. 483. This division was caused by the uprising of the barbarous tribes of the north of Europe. According to good authorities, these kingdoms were established in the following order:—
1. The Huns, in A. D. 356.
2. The Ostrogoths, in A. D. 377.
3. The Visigoths, in A. D. 378.
4. The Franks, in A. D. 407.
5. The Vandals, in A. D. 407.
6. The Suevi, in A. D. 407.
7. The Burgundians, in A. D. 407.
8. The Heruli, in A. D. 476.
9. The Anglo-Saxons, in A. D. 476.
10. The Lombards, in A. D. 483.
These dates are furnished by Bishop Lloyd, and the whole is approved by Bishops Newton, Faber, and Dr. Hales.

REMARKS.

1. We see by the facts given above that God’s everlasting kingdom could not have been set up at the time of the first advent of Christ; for “The days of these kings” did not commence until nearly 500 years after that time.
2. Some suppose that “The days of these kings” refers to the kings (kingdoms) mentioned in Dan. 7:17; but that cannot be; for only one of them existed at a time, and the kingdom of God was to follow the last of them, after having totally destroyed all earthly rule. Dan. 2:35. It could not have been in the days of any but the last kingdom; for then no room would have been found for those that were to follow. It could not have been in the days of the fourth kingdom before it was divided; for there would then have been no room for its division into ten.
3. But some will say that God’s everlasting kingdom is not a literal kingdom, but a spiritual kingdom,—the kingdom of grace. It is true that God has a kingdom of grace upon the earth; but it does not destroy the kingdoms of this world: they exist and rule as they ever did. But the kingdom described in Dan. 2:44 is to destroy all other kingdoms, so that no place will be found for them. The kingdom of grace does no such work as this, and therefore cannot be the kingdom of Dan. 2:44. That kingdom must be a temporal kingdom, and is yet to be set up.
G. H. BELL.

THE LEAVEN SPREADING.

By Chas. L. Boyd

The Christian Instructor and Western United Presbyterian contains the following startling announcement:—
“The constant spreading of Romanism in its most wily and dangerous forms, in England, should give solemn admonition to our own country. Word has just reached us that at Oxford four or five under-graduates have, within a short time, entered the Roman Catholic Church. Dr. Newman, himself a pervert, long since from the Church of England, received, a few days ago, a minister into the Romish Church. Two others lately joined it in London, and a fourth is now under instruction for the step. What a call there is in this country, and in England, and everywhere, for the gospel to be read and preached, which alone is the wisdom of God and the power of God unto salvation! It is the sword of the Spirit alone that can slay the enmity of the carnal minds of men, and break the power of ensnaring error. Let it have free course.”
Oh that the Protestant churches could see that the Romish leaven is leavening the whole Protestant lump! But, alas, they know it not, and the steel of this all-powerful “sword” has been so corrupted by the mingling of Romish alloy, that it is a powerless weapon in their hands. Mingled with the commandments of God, everywhere that the gospel has been preached, are those doctrines which were to corrupt “all nations.” Soon the cup will be full, and all the wicked who have been filling it with this adulterated wine will be required to “drink and be drunken.”
CHAS. L. BOYD.

TEXAS GENERAL MEETING.

By R. M. Kilgore

Our tent is now pitched in Rockwall, Rockwall county, and it is probable that this series of meetings will continue six or eight weeks.
About the time this meeting closes we design having a general meeting for all the friends of present truth, in the State. We have placed it at a time of the year which we hope will suit all of our brethren. The farmers will be at leisure, and teachers and tradesmen can come then more easily than at any other season of the year. At this point in our meetings here, if we are successful, there will be some who will be deciding in favor of the truth while others are halting between two opinions. These we hope will be benefited and strengthened by a general gathering of our brethren and sisters.
We have a pleasant location for our tent, and there is plenty of room near it for our brethren to camp with their teams. Pasturage can be had within a mile or two of the tent. We shall try to make some arrangements for provisions to be obtained at as low rates as possible. It might be well for all to supply themselves with flour, and means to bake it while they are on the ground. With small expense, family tents can be made of sheeting, which can be subsequently used for the household. More room can be obtained by two or three families uniting. A fly made of sheeting will answer well for shelter in this climate, and is much better than nothing.
We shall be disappointed if we do not see a large majority of the friends of the cause at this meeting. Come, then, brethren, with an earnest desire to seek good and to do good; bring your children and unconverted friends with you. We shall be glad to see any of the brethren who may desire to spend a longer time with the tent, and can come previous to the general meeting. Remember the time, Aug. 8-13, inclusive. Come at the commencement, and remain till the close. R. M. KILGORE.

Time as a Ship That Never Anchors

TIME is a ship which never casts its anchor.

Satan Takes No Summer Vacation

We see it reported in one of our most reliable exchanges that “Satan does not intend to take any vacation this summer.” We presume the information is reliable.

BIBLE LESSONS FOR YOUTH.

LESSON V.

ENOCH.

  1. Which of the antediluvian patriarchs has a history that is especially interesting?
  2. What do we learn of him from Jude 14, 15?
  3. Of what did he prophesy?
  4. What does this prove?
  5. Whose son was Enoch?
  6. Who was Enoch’s oldest son?
  7. What is the Bible account of Enoch’s life?
  8. How long did he walk with God?
  9. How was he translated?
  10. What testimony had he, before his translation?
  11. May we all have the same testimony?
  12. What does Paul say in 1 Thess. 4:1?
  13. By whom have we all been told how to walk and to please God?
  14. Where is their instruction found?
  15. What are we told in Col. 3:20?
  16. With what sacrifices is God well pleased? Heb. 13:16.
  17. What sacrifice does God most love?
  18. Will those who have such a spirit fail to be obedient and generous?
  19. What is indispensable if we would please God? Heb. 11:6.
  20. What must he that cometh to God believe?
  21. If we would please God, must we seek to please ourselves?—Repeat Rom. 15:1.
  22. Whom should we try to please?—Repeat Rom. 15:2.
  23. What course did our Lord pursue? Rom. 15:3.
  24. What promise have we from God, if we do those things that are pleasing in his sight? 1 John 3:22.
  25. Review Lesson 4.
  26. Keep up a consistent review of past lessons.

SYNOPSIS.

The history of Enoch, the seventh from Adam, is especially interesting. From Jude 14, 15, we learn that Enoch was a prophet, and that he prophesied of the coming of the Lord to execute judgment on the wicked. This proves that the antediluvians had a knowledge of the coming of the Lord and of the executive judgment.
As we have seen in the last lesson, Enoch was the son of Jared and the father of Methuselah. The Bible account of Enoch’s life is very brief. We learn that he walked with God after the birth of Methuselah three hundred years, then was not, for God took him. In Heb. 11:5, we learn that he was not found because God had translated him. In the same verse we learn that it was by faith that he was translated, and that without seeing death. Before he was translated, he had the testimony that he pleased God. We are all told in God’s word how to please him; for Paul in 1 Thess. 4:1, speaking to the churches, says, “Ye have received of us (the apostles) how ye ought to walk and to please God.” So have we all been told by the apostles and prophets in the word of God; and if we follow the instruction given us, we may all have the testimony that we please God.
In Col. 3:20 we are told that to obey our parents in all things is especially pleasing to God, and in Heb. 13:16 that to do good, and to share our blessings with others, are sacrifices with which God is well pleased; but the sacrifice which God most loves is named in Ps. 51:17. One who has such a spirit will be obedient and generous.
Without faith it is impossible to please God; for they that would please him must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of all them that diligently seek him.
If we would please God, we must not seek to please ourselves, but to please our neighbor for his good. Even Christ pleased not himself. If we do those things that are pleasing in the sight of God, we have the promise that we shall receive whatever we ask of him.

THE DIME TABERNACLE.

By James White; Dudley Marvin Canright; S. N. Haskell

An address to all, old and young, great and small, far and near, who would esteem it a privilege to contribute of their means to build a tabernacle in the city of Battle Creek, Mich., of sufficient capacity to convene the growing congregation, and to receive the crowd at our General Conferences, and on other special occasions.
A MEETING of the General Conference Committee was held at 8 A. M., July 3, 1878, at the residence of Eld. James White, corner of Washington and Champion Sts., Battle Creek, Mich. The subject of a new meeting-house in Battle Creek was taken into consideration, and the following resolutions were presented, and after due examination, were unanimously adopted:—
Resolved, 1. That the rapidly increasing congregation, in consequence of the location of the College and Sanitarium at this place, and from other causes, demands that a house of worship be erected that will seat 2,500 persons, and on special occasions accommodate 3,000.
2. That as a tabernacle would cost only about one-half what a fashionable meeting-house would cost, in our opinion it would be more in accordance with the faith of Seventh day Adventists to build a plain tabernacle that would seat this number of persons, than to build a fashionable house with the same amount of money, that would seat only about one-half of this number.
3. That as our present house of worship will contain only about one-half of the congregation that will wish to attend our meetings at the commencement of the next term of the College, in our opinion the work of building should commence immediately.
4. That Battle Creek church do not need for their own use a larger house of worship than the present one, as it will accommodate the members of the church, and those who, under common circumstances, would meet with them.
5. That the location of the Battle Creek College and the Sanitarium at this point increases the congregation to twice the size it would be were these institutions not located here, making a larger building absolutely necessary.
6. That the funds to build this house be raised by monthly contributions from any and all persons, men, women, and children, who shall esteem it a pleasure to contribute to such a house.
7. That the amount of these monthly contributions be ten cents from each contributor.
8. That the librarians of all our tract and missionary societies be the collectors of these contributions, and forward them to the REVIEW AND HERALD monthly.
9. That those churches which have no librarians, and our scattered friends who reside where there are no churches, forward their donations direct to the REVIEW AND HERALD Office.
10. That these, and all others who can do so, pay one dollar or more each, in advance, during the month of July, 1878.
11. That a supplement to the REVIEW AND HERALD be printed monthly, which shall contain the names of the donors, and the receipt of the amounts when paid.
12. That the proposed house of worship, on account of the manner of raising funds for it, be called The Dime Tabernacle.
13. That the plan of raising funds to build this Tabernacle, set forth in the foregoing resolutions, does not release the Battle Creek church from its pledges, nor make void the appeal made through the REVIEW of July 4, to wealthy brethren in the United States to donate according to their several ability toward the building of this place of worship.
14. That an address be prepared, to be put in print as soon as possible, to be read at the church quarterly meetings, in which the foregoing resolutions shall be embodied, with an appeal to all our people to act promptly in this matter.
15. That the doings of this meeting be published in the REVIEW AND HERALD.
Adjourned to call of chair.
Jas. White, President.
U. Smith, Secretary.

ADDRESS AND APPEAL.

Brethren and Friends,—
We invite your attention to the foregoing report of the doings of the General Conference Committee, touching a house of worship. The plan to raise the necessary means may appear novel to some, yet its final results will prove it to be the right one, as it calls for the littles from the multitude. As little drops of water make up the ocean, and as little grains of sand make the vast plains, and little acts of love bring a great reward in heaven, so by donating the little sum of ten cents monthly by ten thousand of our friends, the house of God at our very headquarters can be paid for and no one feel it.
The Battle Creek church has built three meeting-houses to meet the wants of the growing cause and congregation at this point. Their third house will seat about five hundred persons. With a membership of less than three hundred, they have ample room for themselves and all their friends who would attend on ordinary occasions; but, as we have before stated through the REVIEW AND HERALD, the congregation at the opening of our school will be made two or three times its size under other circumstances, by the advent of four or five hundred students and hundreds of patients at the Sanitarium. Most of these wish to attend services every Sabbath morning.
The College is the property of our brethren scattered everywhere. The students come from all parts of the country, and one object of great importance that our brethren have in view in sending their sons and daughters, and their youthful friends, to our College is, that they may have the benefits and blessings of the religious services on the Sabbath. This being the case, the brethren of all our Conferences will not fail to see that they need a house of worship of sufficient capacity to seat the students they send to our College, besides the regular Battle Creek congregation.
And one ground of preference in sending patients to the Sanitarium rather than recommending them to go to other institutions of the same character is, that they too may be brought in contact with the strong religious interest based upon the great facts of the present truth. Therefore, our brethren scattered abroad who feel that these men and women are losing their hold upon this life, and should have their attention called to the preparation for the next, should feel the importance of a house of worship at this point to receive all such visitors, where they can hear the word of God set forth, if they choose to attend, every Sabbath day.
As the tract and missionary societies are spread out almost everywhere among our people, they may become the most wide-spread and effective agents in the collection of these small sums. We have, therefore, suggested that the librarians of all our churches consider themselves authorized to immediately take steps to collect these monthly donations. And there are many brethren and friends scattered away from our churches, who would take pleasure in contributing to the Dime Tabernacle. These are invited to forward their donations direct to the REVIEW AND HERALD. As but very few would wish to forward less than a dollar at a remittance, we recommend that these scattered ones forward, during the month of July, their donations for the entire year.
It will be seen that the foregoing resolutions do not make null and void our former appeal to wealthy brethren in the several States to forward their donations all the way from ten to one hundred dollars each.
And we suggest that the privilege of building this house be not restricted to our brethren and their families. Whosoever will, of a ready mind and willing heart, give toward this enterprise, let them have a chance. There is scarcely a person in all S. D. Adventist Christendom, except our special enemies, who would not wish to take part in such an enterprise as this.
The donations from multitudes of unbelievers who are the friends of education would be like ten thousand cords drawing their hearts toward us as a people. We therefore say to all our friends who shall read this Address, We constitute you our agents to collect the dimes from all persons who would esteem it a privilege to contribute, whether they belong to the S. D. Adventists or not, and forward them to the REVIEW AND HERALD Office. Be very particular to take the full name and address of each donor, and forward them with the donations.
Our apology for making this appeal, and adopting this plan, is the necessity of the case. Do you plead hard times? We reply, This is the very reason why we have adopted this easy plan to raise the needed funds in these hard times. The work of building will commence at once, and the building committee have no funds to commence with. Their immediate action will be based upon an unshaken faith in your willingness and your promptness. The credit of the S. D. Adventists at Battle Creek is good to-day, and as our committee shall venture out in good faith that you will be prompt, we appeal to you not to disappoint that committee and expose the credit of our people at this most important point. The building finished and furnished with proper heating apparatus, will not cost less than twelve thousand dollars. It would require the donation of one dime each month from a little more than ten thousand persons to raise this sum in one year from date. Our membership in the United States is considerably more than this, besides a host of children and outside friends, who will wish to take part.
Let the work of gathering the dimes be commenced at once, and carried forward with a vigilance worthy of the enterprise. And should more be raised during the year than is required to build, furnish, and heat the church, the surplus will be put into the treasury of our European missions, and a faithful account of the amount received and expended, and how it is appropriated, will be given in the supplement of the REVIEW AND HERALD.
Servants of the Church,
JAMES WHITE, } Gen. D. M. CANRIGHT, } Conf. S. N. HASKELL, } Com.

THE DRAGON'S WRATH.

By Ellet Joseph Waggoner

In the book of Revelation, chap. 12:17, it is prophesied that the dragon will be wroth with the woman (the church) and make war with the remnant of her seed (the last generation of Christians), who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. The remnant of the church are those “who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord.”
The same is brought to view in chap. 14:12. Just before the second advent of the Lord a company is seen “who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” This text also says, “Here is the patience of the saints.” As “tribulation worketh patience,” Rom. 5:3, it is said that the patience of the saints is in that message because the wrath of the dragon is manifested against them.
There is significance in every declaration of the prophetic word. It appears to be a matter of special remark that, in the last days, a company is found keeping the commandments of God. Why is this? It is because antinomianism, no-law-ism, the most fatally pernicious of all isms, is so unusually prevalent in these last days. In no other period of this dispensation has there been such a wide-spread declension from “the old paths” in this respect.
The early Methodists planted themselves as Reformers upon the idea of the perpetuity of the ten commandments, ascribing the laxity of morality and the low state of religion in England to the antinomianism in the established church. The Presbyterians have always taught the “Confession,” that the ten commandments are of universal and perpetual obligation. But now it is not unusual to hear Methodist ministers warn their hearers against clinging too closely to the law, as a practice dangerous to their Christian standing. And they who professedly accept the Westminster Confession now talk of the bondage of keeping the law as opposed to the freedom of the gospel!
There have all along been men of piety and experience who deplored this state of things. Prof. Finney, some years ago, pointed to the fact that a large proportion of the conversions of this age are superficial; that the converts show no depth of the work of the gospel in their hearts, and do not long endure in Christian walk; and he ascribed it to the prevailing practice of preaching the gospel without the law—of offering pardon without producing any depth of conviction for sin.
I remember hearing a story of a foreigner who came to America, with high ideas of the liberty of this land, and on coming here he knocked down the first man whom he met in the street; and he was both surprised and indignant when an officer arrested him for the outrage, he protesting that he had come to a free country! Such are the ideas of liberty which largely prevail in the churches of the present day. And they despise and even hate those who do and teach all the commandments of God. Matt. 5:17–19; 2 Tim. 3:1–5.
A notable instance of the spirit of the dragon showing itself against those who keep the commandments of God has recently appeared. In my Scripture argument on trine immersion I spoke of the “Dunkers,” or those who practice trine immersion, as a people who, by their kind and quiet deportment, had shown themselves worthy of esteem. In this I was sincere. My acquaintance with them was not sufficiently extensive to give me any other idea of them. But facts cause a change of mind in respect to them.
These people publish a denominational paper in Illinois. A recent number contains the following in regard to the N. Y. Independent:—
“It calls one of our leading ministers ‘a mighty bull of Bashan among the people,’ just because he advocates plainness and simplicity among the people of God. We think the Independent, when it resorts to such slang as that, is lowering itself considerable in the estimation of good-meaning people. If it cannot sanction our mode of dress, it certainly can use respectable language when speaking of us. We could not expect anything better from some secular papers, but when it comes from a high-toned religious journal, we are led to conclude that even finely educated and polished editors will sometimes forget that Christian courtesy and purity of motives that should characterize the opinions and conduct of the reading people of our land.”
In a prophecy of our country in Rev. 13 it is shown that there will be presented the opposite phases of the lamb’s appearance and the dragon’s voice. The extract above speaking of the Independent, is the lamb-like part of the picture. Take the following as a sample of the dragon spirit of that people. In the very same number of that paper is a communication from Kansas in which is the following notice of Seventh-day Adventists:—
“And that brings us to another spiritual conflict, that is to be fought to-night, Sabbatism, Sabbatarianism, Soul-sleeperism, Judaism, and many other ‘isms,’ all to be met to-night by our brother, ‘Captain Valiant for Truth;’ weapons, the Word of God on the one side, and the steam printing press at Battle Creek, Michigan, on the other. Seconds, the Holy Spirit and the cloven-foot. Ground, right at the margin of the beautiful, clear Gospel field, where Satan has entrenched himself in the thick, ragged jungles of sectarianism. This affords ample facilities for dodging the home thrusts of the two-edged sword.”
Such is the language of the paper which reproves the Independent for a lack of Christian courtesy! and there was nothing in the words of the Independent to compare with the vile scurrility of this extract. Never was there a more perfect blending of lamb and dragon in one people. Mordecai and Haman are not merely become friends—they are here united in one person. The reader may ask, how I could have been so mistaken in that people. Answer: I had never seen them brought directly in contact with the truth of God. My observation of them had been when they were in a manner passive, and when the keeping of the commandments of God was not in question. The rule is without an exception, that all who set themselves against the law of God immediately show the spirit and temper of the dragon. Were their power equal to the venom which they manifest, we should look for no mercy at their hands.
And this is only a question of time, for all who oppose the commandments of God will unite to call for the aid of civil power by which they may put down those whom they so cordially hate. But vain will be the effort. Deliverance is coming to those who keep the commandments of God, while the plagues of his wrath will fall upon all the worshipers of the beast and of his image.
Were the above extract the utterance of some isolated person whose misguided zeal had carried him, not only beyond the lines of decency, but beyond the bounds of his sect, it would be unworthy of notice. But this is not the case. It is indorsed by the editor, who apologizes for a delay in its publication, saying, “The above ought to have appeared one month ago.” It thus stands as an index to the spirit of that people.
The irreverence of that article is as manifest as its lack of Christian courtesy. It presents the writer and his associates as principals in a conflict in which the Holy Spirit acts as second! If anything bordering nearer to blasphemy can be found among any people professing a high Christian bearing we would like to—be spared the sight. We would as soon be reproached as praised by a sect which speaks thus of the work of the Spirit of God; whose representative men so bitterly oppose the keeping of the commandments of God, and who seem to have no just idea of what belongs to the spirit of the gospel or to Christian courtesy.
J. H. WAGGONER.

A MONTH AT BATTLE CREEK.

By James White

We have before stated that our journey from California to Battle Creek was much more pleasant and comfortable than we feared, health-wise. We were better on our arrival at this point than when we took our departure from Oakland, Cal. And during the month we have enjoyed the society of our children, sister, and friends here very much. We received all the attention that could be given by the physicians and faithful helpers at the Sanitarium. With the assistance of a phonographic reporter we have been able to do a large amount of writing. This mental exercise has strengthened and cleared our mind, and now we are very hopeful of being able to finish these books during 1878, some of which were commenced eight years ago.
We have also enjoyed the society of other members of the General Conference Committee, with whom we have had precious seasons of prayer.
We have prepared certain appeals and addresses in reference to the Sanitarium, College, and publishing houses, but especially the dime tabernacle, which we expect will be responded to promptly and liberally. The committee have decided that the large camp-meeting for Michigan, at which time the session of the General Conference will be held, shall be at the fair ground near Battle Creek, the first of October. Then all the other camp-meetings and the general tent-meetings will be past, and from these meetings the tract and missionary workers can go forth to their autumn and winter's work, with that work clearly defined. It is expected that Mrs. White and Eld. J. N. Loughborough will be at the Battle Creek camp-meeting; but this we trust to the will of God.
This evening, July 4, at eleven o'clock, Eld. Canright, our daughter Mary, and the writer leave for Colorado, to be followed in a few weeks by W. C. White. Providence permitting, we shall all return to the General Conference the first of October. And before leaving for that new State we would express our thanks to God for preserving and sustaining grace, and to the brethren and sisters for their kindnesses. We crave their prayers that our sojourn in Colorado may be a blessing to us, and that we may return in October more fully prepared to assist in the great work.
A servant of the Church, JAMES WHITE.

SOMETHING NEW.

By A. S. Hutchins

On opening my REVIEW in the post-office last evening, my eyes were greeted with reports of labor from the two tents now pitched in Vermont. Hail the day so long desired! And can it be that the time has come when our State is thus favored? Truly, God is good; and I cannot refrain from tears as I write.
For a space of more than twenty-six years I have loved the work of God as developed under the third angel’s message. With interest I have marked the rise and spread of present truth. But the weekly visit of our REVIEW till Vol. 52, No. 2, has borne the cheering tidings of two tents devoted to the promulgation of the last warning notes of mercy, simultaneously running in the Green Mountain State.
“Both young men and maidens, old men and children,” it seems to me, will rejoice together in hope that souls will be gathered by the tent labors the present season. For a long time we have desired efforts of this kind in our midst, and now that we are thus favored, what is our duty, dear brethren and sisters? For we are not to conclude that we can do nothing, though many of you will see neither of the tents till camp-meeting.
Bro. and Sr. Sanborn and Bro. Page in the south part of the State, and Brn. Owen and Kellogg, and Bro. and Sr. Whitford in the northern part, need your fervent prayers. We trust they have them. But few of our brethren and sisters can attend these tent-meetings. They are not held for the direct benefit of our churches, but for those unacquainted with our views. Yet the believing, praying ones may identify themselves with the work of God by remembering continually the servants of God in their prayers.
The great apostle to the Gentiles, as he went forth upon his solemn mission, felt the need of the prayers of God’s people, and often requested them in his epistles; that utterance might be given unto him, that he might open his mouth boldly “to make known the mystery of the gospel.”
There is a point of time in tent-meetings when the presence of brethren and sisters who feel the importance of the work, and the worth of souls, can help. But it is poor help that preachers or those examining the truth receive from the presence of chronic backsliders, and indeed, there is but little hopes of benefiting such persons at tent-meetings. The place to begin this great and much-needed work is at their homes, in the church, and among their neighbors.
*A long time ago Paul found it necessary to write to some on the subject of their behavior in the house of God, “which,” says he, “is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”
O, may we be careful, dear brethren and sisters, that we in no way mar the work of God! May we move carefully and not dishearten God’s servants. There was a ring of piety and devotion in the hearts of the dear brethren in Thessalonica eighteen hundred years ago, which should be in the hearts of those looking for the near coming of the Lord. “So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak anything.” 1 Thess. 1:7, 8.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Irasburgh, Vt., July 5, 1878.

TRACT WORK IN KENTUCKY.

By Maria L. Huntley

We are frequently receiving letters which show an increasing interest in the tract societies, especially on the part of those, who, meeting serious difficulties and obstacles, are putting forth corresponding efforts to overcome them. The following is an extract from a private letter and an account of a meeting recently held by the Elizabethtown (Ky.) church. It is from Sr. Bottie Coombs, secretary of the Kentucky Tract Society.
At the time referred to when Eld. Haskell visited this State, the brethren were laboring under great disadvantages, both because of their financial inability and the prejudice so prevalent in the Southern States against our views. Notwithstanding this, the brethren were of good courage, and proposed to supply their lack of means by hard labor. They therefore ordered the number of SIGNS they thought they could use, pledging themselves to obtain a sufficient number of subscribers for the HEALTH REFORMER with the Household Manual, receiving a profit of twenty-five cents on each subscriber, to pay for them in monthly installments. In carrying out this plan they manifested much zeal, and have thus far made it a success. The extract is as follows:—
“Three or four weeks ago I was unexpectedly called to my brother’s about forty miles from here, and I spent a part of one week in canvassing. The Lord blessed my efforts far beyond anything I had anticipated. Although I did not have a supply of Household Manuals, etc., I obtained eight subscribers for the REFORMER and six for the INSTRUCTOR. If the Lord opens the way, I design to go back in the fall with a canvasser’s outfit. I never enjoyed so much of the Spirit of God in any week’s work. The seven copies of the SIGNS that I send out I think are doing good. I receive excellent letters in answer to cards I have written. Some have subscribed for the SIGNS, and others are desirous of doing so.
“Sabbath, the 22d, the members of the Elizabethtown church met at Nolin. Sr. Williams, recently from Battle Creek, was present. It was truly a feast to our souls, such as is not often enjoyed by us. In the forenoon we had a most excellent prayer and social meeting. The brethren and sisters here are in earnest in the missionary work, and in the afternoon, all gave a synopsis of what they had been enabled to accomplish since Eld. Haskell’s meeting last December. If other churches in this State would put forth as great efforts as this church has done, I am confident that their labor would not be in vain, and that we should see the work moving with great power. Would that I could say or do something to arouse those who are standing with idle hands. Time is short, and, in view of the troublous times ahead of us, should we not, dear brethren and sisters, awake, and do what we can, be it ever so little, to swell the warning note of the approaching end? It is only those that faithfully do their duty in this respect, that can ever share the joys that await the people of God.”
MARIA L. HUNTLEY.
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