“Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34–36.
Precious words—words of light and truth, upon the very subject in which every true child of God is deeply interested; words of warning, information, and instruction, as to the church in the last day; words of comfort and consolation; for what is there so comforting, as to think of the fact, that our Lord takes such a deep interest in our welfare as to warn us beforehand? Nearly nineteen centuries ago, these sweet warnings and instructions fell from his lips; and now right here, we may see and feel how very applicable and appropriate they are to our times and to the church of God wherever its members are scattered.
Take heed! Be on the watchtower of observation; watch closely the fulfillment of prophecy and the indications of the approaching end. Take heed! Do not close your eyes and ears and hearts to the signs spoken of in the verses foregoing, but note carefully the words just spoken, and their fulfillment, the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and the strange condition of affairs upon the earth.
Take heed! Dangers are in the way: 1st, of surfeiting; 2nd, of drunkenness; 3d, of cares of this life. Never was there a time, when such warnings were as much needed as at the present time. Gluttony, drunkenness, and a worldly minded spirit, are the prevailing sins of this age. The luxuries of the table pave the way for the intoxicating cup, and the various openings for the pursuit of wealth and pleasure call loudly to the carnal mind.
Cheap lands rising in value, mines of gold and silver, commerce by land and sea, trade and manufactures, and a vast variety of openings and opportunities for speculation—these and many other flattering prospects entrance and bewilder the public mind until it is unfit for the calm consideration of the Scriptures and the searching investigations of the prophecies which our times demand. Also the pride of life, and the display which many think indispensable to a proper and dignified position in society, cause an outlay of means, which calls for the whole energy and force, mental and physical, which can be brought to bear upon an increase of income; and in the wild pursuit of wealth, men deem it an honor and a virtue to be indefatigable, zealous, enthusiastic.
There is an excitement in all this, a delightful sensation of joy, as success crowns, or seems to crown, the efforts put forth. As one treasure is secured, and another, and still another, these as mental stimulants only strengthen the winner for a renewal of the race; and thus success does not satisfy, but rather increases, the cravings of the mind for worldly good. No time for prayer, no time for meditation or reading the Scriptures, no desire for eternal life,—all these things are forgotten and despised. The signs of the times are entirely overlooked, and those who do notice these signs are esteemed as lightly as was the pilgrim Hopeful in Vanity Fair.
As the lightning train bears its living freight swiftly over the iron track, so does the worldly spirit of the present age impel the whole body social and political over the track of life, past its weeks, months, and years, with a speed that is fearful. Hardly do the passengers on this train have a moment to consider the situation; but on, on, they plunge with maddening speed, and that, too, with a feeling of safety.
Just at this crisis the Saviour’s injunction comes in appropriately: “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Let us heed this warning, and think much, and often, and prayerfully, upon this subject; and may the Lord help us to get all the good we can from his teachings.
JOSEPH CLARKE.38
“AT EVENING TIME IT SHALL BE LIGHT.”
The morning dark and dreary,
The clouds all leaden gray,
So pitiless and rainy,
A dark and cheerless day;
But lo! at time of evening
What glory fills the sky!
The sun in gold is setting,
And all the shadows fly.
So with us, in the morning
And noontide of our life,
There often is the darkening
Of sorrows many, rife;
But lo! at time of evening
The clouds all disappear,
The sure and steady shining
Of light serene and clear.
So let us never falter,
But live in cheerful hope;
For us the blessed Master
Will golden treasures ope—
With them will crown our evening,
And, when we come to die,
His gracious light, consoling,
Shall fill our sunset sky.
N. Y. Observer.
NOT INCORPORATED INTO THE NEW COVENANT.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
“THERE is no possible way to sustain the seventh-day Sabbath but by proving one of two things: 1. That the old covenant is now binding upon all mankind; or 2. That the fourth commandment has been incorporated into the new covenant; neither of which has yet been done.” So says a recent writer.
One other way is possible; and that is to prove that the ten commandments are not the old covenant. Whoever will read the old covenant, as recorded in Ex. 19:3-8, will see that the covenant was made before the people heard the voice of God proclaiming his commandments. And in chap. 24, where we have the account of its dedication with blood (Heb. 9:20), Moses said, “Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words.” The words and the covenant concerning them, are self-evidently two things. The covenant consisted of mutual promises. The people promised to obey the voice of God, and on this condition God promised to make them a peculiar treasure to himself above all other people. And after this, God uttered his voice in the hearing of all the people. Concerning this, Moses said, “And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone.” Deut. 4:12, 13.
That person’s mental powers are not to be envied, who cannot see the distinction between the covenant and the commandments of God, obedience to which was made a condition of his promises; and the candor and honesty of those who will not see it are not to be coveted.
The old covenant, we admit, is superseded by a better one, the new. But this writer says that the fourth commandment has not been incorporated into the new covenant. Where does he find the new covenant? I suppose he alludes to the revelations written in the New Testament. In this volume the Sabbath is mentioned nearly sixty times, and it is always designated by its sacred title, as if no strange thing had happened to it, but he says, “The Lord’s day is the memorial day of the new covenant.” By the Lord’s day he means the first day of the week. Now we ask, When and where was the first-day Sabbath incorporated into the new covenant? Can any one tell? Where is the record of this new “memorial day”? Is there any “possible way to sustain” the first-day Sabbath, but by showing its place either in the old or the new?
“Memorial day of the new covenant”! Who ever read or heard of such a thing? New inventions must have new titles; and of course every one may give names to his own children. And it seems much easier for some to invent new doctrines, than to yield to those that are taught in the word of God. R. F. COTTRELL.
SOUTHERN FRANCE.
By Daniel T. Bourdeau
Since the temples in this section were closed against me because consciences were being convicted on the commandments of God, I have visited much; and as I was not permitted to speak in public, or hand out tracts to counteract opposition discourses, I have been under the necessity of using the pen to meet the emergency of the case. Bro. Andrews has kindly printed what I have written on a neat sheet, which is now being read in connection with “Sufferings of Christ” and tracts on the Law and Sabbath, by those who have heard me. Thank God, the truth is not entirely bound. Papers and tracts can come from Switzerland through the mail.
There has been of late a favorable change in the president’s cabinet, the leading minister and other officials, who were partial to the Catholic clergy, having resigned because they could not have all their wishes gratified. The new minister, Mr. Jules Simon, is said to be more disposed to favor Protestants than was his predecessor; therefore we hope to be more successful in meeting some of the stern obstacles which have been in the way of the advancement of the cause than we have been in the past, and to have the privileges that the law of France allows.
As we contrast the strict laws of some of the European countries with the unbounded freedom of speech and of press enjoyed in the United States of America, we can say, Truly, Americans are a favored people, and Providence made a wise choice in selecting the freest country on the face of the earth in which to start the great work of reform preparatory to the coming of the Redeemer. Such unparalleled liberty in matters of conscience does not spring from the dust; and Heaven requires much of those who enjoy it.
Our greatest anxiety now is to bring the light of present truth to honest souls in this country. At times it seems as though we could not remove the obstacles that lie between us and the people. But we know God has ways and means whereby the honest can be reached. O, pray that we may find these, and wisely improve upon them. We feel that we must labor wisely, and must have a measure of the Spirit of God adequate to the task we have undertaken.
Owing to the prevalence of Catholicism in France, Protestants have come up under a spirit of fear, which makes them timid under opposition, especially when it comes from their own preachers. There are very few in this section who know anything of experimental religion, and who have been converted, even from their stand-point. We must therefore commence with the first principles of Christianity, and make the people feel the importance of self-denial and separation from the world, which do not seem to enter into their ideas of religion. Hence they may all acknowledge the truth on the commandments, and yet not embrace it because the tide is against it.
Thus far, what we have met in the line of opposition would only serve to raise an interest in America. God has blessed in preaching and in visiting, and though we cannot as yet report great results, yet we expect that some of the seed sown will spring up and bear fruit. Some showed tenderness at our last little meeting, and asked us to pray for them, that they might drink in of the spirit of sacrifice.
One favorable item concerning the common people of this country is, that but few use the filthy weed, or even drink tea and coffee as a beverage. Perhaps poverty may have led to this. Also the laws are very strict on drunkenness. I have not seen a person in a state of intoxication since coming to France. Perhaps it is not so in every part of this country.
I have not work enough to retain me much longer at this point, and shall soon start in search of a more favorable location for the work.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Barcelone, Chabeuil, Drome, France, Jan. 4.
ADAMS CENTER, N. Y.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
We have spent two Sabbaths here. Our first Sabbath meeting was almost entirely broken up by the storm, so that we could accomplish nothing that we had in view. We therefore held over another Sabbath, and were favored with good weather, so that nearly all the church and some from abroad were able to attend, though several were prevented by sickness.
All have manifested a good interest in the meetings, and they did all they could to make them a success. Their church has been repaired of late and is kept very neat and tasty. When the weather would admit, we had a good attendance from without. Last Sunday night being the first favorable evening we have had, the house was full. Monday and Tuesday nights I appointed to speak on the sleep of the dead. The house was crowded, and the best of attention was paid. There has never been a course of lectures here since the first, some fourteen years since. There ought to be one now.
Sabbath day we had the ordinances, and it was a very pleasant, interesting occasion indeed. Sunday a young brother and sister were baptized, and received into the church. They embraced the truth at the Rome dedication. May God bless them. It is very noticeable that there are very few young people in our churches in New York. This is bad. For some reason, the young people have grown up without being gathered into the church. Most of these churches are so old now that there are scarcely any young people to be gathered in. The churches I have visited thus far need a good course of lectures, to revive the cause and gather in new converts, which I believe could be done readily.
We re-organized s. b. here, every one taking hold promptly, and I think with few exceptions, as liberally as was reasonable. The whole amount was voted to the Conference. They cheerfully adopted the plan recommended by the General Conference, viz, to donate one-third as much as their s. b. for the T. and M. Society. This is a wise move. I am very glad it has been adopted. We shall expect all our churches in N. Y. to take hold of it promptly.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Adams Center, N. Y., Jan. 23.
EAST OTTO, N. Y.
By R. L. Whitney
Our meeting at this place, Jan. 13 and 14, was nearly a failure so far as the attendance from other parts of the district was concerned, only two brethren from other localities being present. The reason for this was the extreme depth of snow, which makes the roads almost impassable for teams. In fact, the two brethren mentioned came on foot, and travel through the county for any great distance is nearly suspended.
The snow is four feet deep on a level, and in many places is much more than this in the roads. Still we did not feel that the effort was entirely lost. Fifty-seven dollars were donated to the Tract Society, and several subscriptions taken for our periodicals. Arrangements were made with two canvassers who will immediately go out to engage in this work.
The brethren here as elsewhere are anxious to have Bro. Canright visit them; and I feel myself exceedingly desirous that he should do so, and yet should not deem it advisable unless it can be under circumstances such that there can be a general attendance of the brethren from all parts of the district. I think there is not a district in the State where they are so much in need of a general meeting as here.
There are a good many Sabbath-keepers in the district; but they are scattered in a number of localities, a few in each place, so that it would require much time and labor to visit each company and accomplish for them what might be done in a single meeting if the brethren will make the necessary effort to get together.
It certainly will require a good deal of effort to accomplish this, as many will have to go from twenty to thirty miles to reach a general meeting, and at this season of the year to make arrangements for leaving home long enough to make such a journey, attend a two or three days’ meeting, and return, is quite an undertaking; and yet, unless the brethren are willing to do this, I fear they will have to forego the pleasure of a visit from Bro. C., and thus lose the benefits of his labors.
There are also special reasons besides the one I have named why it seems absolutely important that we have a general rally at some one point, which probably would be the only meeting held in the district. What do the scattered brethren say to this? Will they decide that nothing of a trivial nature will hinder them from attending such a meeting if it shall be appointed?
The interest they manifest in this matter will have much to do in deciding whether we have a meeting or not. I shall be glad to hear from those interested at Rome, N. Y.
R. L. WHITNEY.
Randolph, N. Y., Jan. 16.
SHERIDAN, MICH.
By E. Van Deusen
CAME to this place Nov. 8. This is a village of about one hundred families, six miles south of Stanton, the county seat of Montcalm Co. A Methodist house of worship has been erected, but not completed so as to be in use. An old school-house, not in use by the school-district, is used as a meeting-house. This, Bro. A. D. Jones had secured for us by consultation with the district board. We occupied it five nights39each week. This protracted our stay, taking three weeks, to do two weeks’ work. We occupied the house until Jan. 1, when the Methodist minister very unceremoniously gave out an appointment to commence a protracted meeting on Tuesday evening following my Monday evening meeting. We visited him, and earnestly asked the use of the house one week longer. He said they intended to commence then, and should not yield unless obliged to do so. As they had repaired the house somewhat, and claimed the house on that ground, we pressed the matter no farther. We removed our meetings to the house of Bro. Jones.
When we came to the place, there were but five here keeping the Sabbath; now there are twenty-one grown persons, eighteen of whom have covenanted to keep the “commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” a Sabbath-school and Bible-class are organized, and S. B. is pledged to the amount of $70. After a stay of eleven weeks, we left this dear people for a time, at least, hoping to meet them again in the spring, then with proper help to perfect an organization. E. Van Deusen.
REPORT FROM IOWA.
By George I. Butler
SANDYVILLE.
After the close of the Knoxville meeting, I spent a week at this place laboring more or less in the day time for the church and preaching evenings to outsiders. Our meetings with the church were good, and, I trust, beneficial in a spiritual sense. Some matters of difficulty were amicably settled, and all seemed to be encouraged. Two united with the church who had been keeping the Sabbath for some time.
Our outside interest was much greater than any expectations, so much so that toward the close the house was well filled. Many felt it would not be best to close the meetings at a point of such interest. As I could not well stay because of other duties, Bro. Morrison concluded to remain and follow it up. I shall be disappointed if there are not quite a number of accessions after a little more labor is bestowed. I never had more hope of good results in Sandyville than now. The Lord is working for that people.
MONROE.
I also spent a week and a little more at this place giving fourteen discourses. There is scarcely any outside interest here, but a very great prejudice. Several of the ministers would not read the notices of our meeting in their pulpits, and the stay-away argument seemed quite effective. This church is small, and has passed through its trials in the past. But I look for better days for them, because I felt the Lord was working for them.
One brother who had been keeping the Sabbath from the first, but had not attended meetings for years, took hold again in good earnest. The Spirit of the Lord touched his heart. We had several excellent meetings where the Spirit of the Lord was present; and Sunday forenoon, when Bro. J. Johnson was ordained elder, and Bro. Bennington deacon, we had one of the most precious meetings I ever attended. The Spirit of the Lord melted us down in great tenderness. This little church is growing in grace, and I hope the Lord will bless them, and add to their number. Some unpleasant difficulties were, I trust, settled forever.
I now start for Missouri, to spend a short time, on account of an earnest call.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Ottumwa, Iowa, Jan. 22, 1877.
MONTEREY, MASS.
By D. A. Robinson
I have given twenty-five discourses at this place amid much opposition from the clergy, which finally resulted in my being virtually shut out of the hall we had occupied. Thereupon, I went to visiting from house to house more than I could while speaking every night. In this way, I obtained four subscribers for the SIGNS, four for the INSTRUCTOR, one for LES SIGNES DES TEMPS, and sold about $10.00 worth of books. One good family took their stand on the truth; so we feel that these efforts were not wholly lost.
Through the influence of this brother I am now in Tyringham, Mass. I have given six discourses, and there seems to be some interest. The subject of last Monday was Spiritualism. As some thought the hall too small for the occasion, the M. E. church was offered, which was well filled. A Baptist clergyman present urged me to go to an adjoining town and repeat the same lecture. Pray for me that God may help.
D. A. ROBINSON.
HYMER, KANSAS.
By J. Lamont
Our meetings at this place are growing in interest. We are just now in the Sabbath question. Nearly all say we have the truth on this subject, and some will obey.
J. LAMONT.
Jan. 23.
KANSAS
By J. H. Cook
THE work still moves slowly in these parts. At Minnety, since our last report, four more have taken hold of the Sabbath, making fourteen aside from the younger members of the families, some of whom are grown, and are keeping the Sabbath with their parents.
I am now giving lectures five miles northwest of Cherokee, and am now canvassing the Sabbath question. I hope for good results.
J. H. Cook.
Jan. 22, 1877.
ROME AND CANASARAGA, N. Y.
By Charles B. Reynolds
By request of the president of the Conference, I spent Sabbath and first-day, Jan. 20, 21, with the church at Rome. The new meeting-house is admirably located—a very neat, pretty, comfortable place of worship; and those who have superintended its construction are entitled to the grateful thanks of our people for the able and satisfactory manner in which they have acquitted themselves of their responsibility. Pleased with the meeting-house, but more so to find so large a company of honest hearts, who had taken a firm stand on the side of the truth, here so happily assembled to worship God on his own holy and blessed Sabbath.
They have a large Sabbath-school and Bible-class. The adult Bible-class had become so large that it became necessary to divide it, forming two large classes. After sermon, about fifty short, stirring, heartfelt testimonies were borne. All are rejoicing in the truth, and a sweet spirit of love and harmony prevails. I held meetings evening after the Sabbath and on first-day afternoon and evening. The attendance was fair. We learn that many are almost persuaded, but trembling beneath the cross. May the Lord help them to decide for present peace and eternal joy.
First-day, accompanied by a number of the Rome brethren, I walked to Stanwix where Bro. S. B. Whitney had held some meetings. The notice was short, but there is certainly some interest there.
An Eld. Widmer of the first M. E. church at Rome has published some bombastic effusions in the Rome papers, and talks defiantly of meeting Bro. Canright in debate on the Sabbath question. Our friends are fearing that the more intelligent and discreet members of the M. E. church will not permit Eld. W. to hold the discussion. If he is allowed to do so, it can hardly fail of adding quite a number to those now living out the truth, and it would revive the interest and spirit of inquiry.
Bro. Canright and Bro. B. L. Whitney are both expected in Rome next week.
CANASARAGA.
On first-day evening, while we were absent at Rome, Eld. Fullford of the Free Methodists, held forth on the immortality of the soul, taking the usual course. He claimed the account of the rich man and Lazarus to be a positive, actual, literal fact, and in no sense a parable; that the literal translation of Rev. 14:13, “Blessed are they that die in the Lord from henceforth,” was “they are now blessed.” We reviewed him last evening before a large congregation, from notes taken by a friend. Next Sabbath morning (Jan. 27) will be held the first Sabbath meeting ever held in Canasaraga. We are prayerfully hopeful of good results. I need the prayers of God’s dear children.
CHAS. B. REYNOLDS.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
DIED, in Norwalk, Ohio, Jan. 15, 1877, of consumption, Mrs. Lucinda M. Ruggles, aged thirty-four years, two months, and twenty-one days. Sr. Ruggles embraced the truth and received baptism while at the Health Institute in Battle Creek, some over one year ago, and from that time until her death endeavored faithfully to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The church has lost a worthy sister. A husband and two small children are left to mourn. But there is good hope that she will have part in the first resurrection.
Funeral discourse from 2 Sam. 14:14, by the writer. H. A. St. John.
DIED, at Loyalton, Sierra Co., Cal., Dec. 17, 1876, of typhoid fever, Bro. J. C. Brown, formerly from Kentucky, in the sixty-second year of his age. Bro. Brown had never made a profession of religion until he embraced the Advent doctrine and commenced the observance of the Sabbath in Piner settlement, near Santa Rosa, under the labors of Bro. Bourdeau and myself, in the spring of 1869.
He took hold of the truth with a firm grasp, and was ever an ardent worker in this cause. Sister Brown writes respecting his last days, “He was sick four weeks. Our home is desolate without his prayers and continual pleading with us to consecrate ourselves to the Lord, and be ready to meet him. He did not suffer pain.” She says, “I feel that time is short, and my dear one will soon come from the tomb, and then I shall meet him and my little jewels that have been so long sleeping.”
Bro. Brown was buried in Virginia City, Nevada. The funeral discourse was given by the Methodist minister. Sr. Brown says, “Oh! that my last hours could be like his, so peaceful and calm, with the love of God in his heart. Nothing led him aside from duty.” J. N. Loughborough.
DIED, in Westfield, Decatur Co., Kan., Dec. 20, 1876, Shepard Ferren, aged sixty-five years and seven months. He died in full faith of Jesus’ soon coming to raise the sleeping saints who have kept the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. He leaves a wife and six children, besides other relatives, to mourn his loss. S. Ferren.
DIED, of heart disease, Jan. 13, 1877, in Vienna, Wis., sister Retta Paton, wife of Bro. Thomas Paton, aged 34 years. Sister Paton was a firm believer in present truth, and has been a member of the Hundred Mile Grove church for the last thirteen years. She died in full faith of a part in the first resurrection. She leaves a husband and four little children, who deeply mourn their loss. Words of comfort were spoken at the funeral by the writer, from Rev. 14:13. N. M. Jordan.
DIED, near Rockville, Bates Co., Mo., Dec. 21, 1876, of cerebro-spinal meningitis, Ada Klostermeyer, aged 8 months and 16 days. John F. & L. Klostermeyer.
DIED, in Cowley Co., Kansas, Sept. 9, 1876, Bro. John C. Walch, aged thirty-four years, three months, and twenty-eight days. Bro. Walch united with the Baptists when quite young, and remained a consistent member of that church until Bro. Osborn gave a course of lectures at Powder Mills, Ky., about two years ago, when he accepted the present truth, in which he has continued firm and steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the love of God, growing in grace daily. He leaves a companion, four sons, one daughter, and many friends, to mourn their loss.
“He hath passed death’s chilling billow,
And gone to rest;
Jesus smoothed his dying pillow,
His slumbers blest.”
P. A. Williams.
THE HOUSE OF GOD.
By Joseph Clarke
The house of God is a sacred place. Says the wise man, “Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God.” Eccl. 5:1. Do not go there with a careless frame of mind; do not turn your head around to gaze at every one who arrives, nor look to see every accidental disturbance; rather seem not to notice these trivial matters. Think how probable it is that Jesus is present, waiting to bless those who have come in to worship him. Do not wait till the hour for beginning the service, but incline the head and bow the heart in a mental petition for grace and strength to worship God aright in his earthly courts. Pray then till the service commences; pray for the minister who is to preach, or for the elder or other person who is to lead; pray for all whom you love, if you feel that you can; pray for yourself or your enemies, or meditate upon the things of God, for the heart must be prepared if you would get a blessing. Do not, I pray you, gaze idly about at any time in meeting, it is so apt to beget the same habit in others; and, if all do it, it makes a congregation appear quite awkward; but the worst of this habit is, it is offensive to God.
JOSEPH CLARKE.
SABBATH REFLECTIONS.
By Albert Stone
Not having the privilege of meeting with the people of God on this first Sabbath of the year 1877, and feeling a loss, I improve a portion of the time in writing to them a few thoughts which I would be glad to speak were I in their midst. If these thoughts should never reach the eye of any one, yet it is a pleasure to me to think them, and to write them.
Every true Adventist knows that the Advent doctrine is pre-eminently practical, as much so as faith, repentance, and a holy life. I am thankful to be able to see that very many of the prophecies have been fulfilled, especially those that relate to the signs of Christ’s coming, and the end of the world.
The sign of the darkening of the sun and the moon occurred as promised, “in those days, after that tribulation.” Mark 13:24, 25. Other Bible signs have followed with marked rapidity. If any wish to see the signs of Christ’s coming, the Bible tells when to look for them.
Those who have eyes to see, can hardly look amiss. Chronological data are posted up at the head of all the great thoroughfares of the world with such clearness that all may read who will. The starry heavens are spread out to the view of all men. The 24th chapter of Matthew teaches that the time appointed for the close of man’s probation is written on the face of the heavens, and tells how to read it. The same is true of the earth—the politics of the nations, and the state of the churches.
If many of the professedly enlightened do not see these things, it cannot invalidate the testimony of those who do see them. For myself I accept the evidence. More than forty years’ experience in examining this subject has convinced me of its truth. I have long felt and seen that this great movement, in respect to the law of God, the Sabbath and the Judgment, based on the third angel’s message, is the work of God. It bears the impress of the divine hand. It is the last merciful message of God to man. Here and now, the remnant church and people of God are being developed.
I am thankful for a place with this people. Their God is my God, and where they go I will follow, for God leads them. Yes, I am sure, God leads them. If God permit one so unworthy, I will abide with this people, and thankfully accept the lowest place. I will sustain those whom God has placed at the head of the work by my earnest prayers and heartfelt sympathies. I will discountenance grumblers and fault-finders by both precept and example.
It is bad policy to speak evil of what we do not understand. By so doing we may grieve the Spirit of God, and wound both the cause of truth and our souls. I once thought it a thing incredible that God should visit his people, later than the days of the apostles, with the special gifts of the Spirit, and spoke discouragingly to the few who in those days thought differently. Shame! for a Baptist minister or any other minister to entertain such views for fifteen years, and at the same time stand in the sacred desk as a dark cloud to hide from the people a truth which God designed should be one of the chief lights of the gospel dispensation, and without which the church would inevitably apostatize.
Will not more than twelve hundred years of apostasy of the church suffice? Shall lessons of the past, pointing to the exaltation of Satan over the church and people of God, be of no avail? Had the church of the past held to the promise contained in the apostolic commission with the firm grasp of Jacob to the angel with whom he wrestled, the world had not presented the sad picture which we now behold. On the contrary, the rays of light that went out from Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, and soon spread over the entire world, instead of resembling the flash of a meteor, would have been permanent in their effects, and to-day there would have been no dark places of the earth filled with the habitations of cruelty for the gospel to visit.
To say the least, the church, but for “quenching the Spirit,” would have lost nothing since the days of the apostles. It demands praise to God from every soul that, as the gospel ship is just entering the narrows, and is at this moment encompassed with dangerous rocks, this beacon light begins again to shine in the moral heavens. Thank God, and take courage, ye mourning, bewildered bride of Christ, the groom is coming. The gospel ship is pushing through dangers to meet him. A glorious light shines upon her, and that light is, to her, the free “gift of the Spirit,” purchased for her by the blood of Christ.
Courage! Courage! The mourning, striving saints will soon meet the embrace of their Lord and King on the sea of glass.
ALBERT STONE.
WISCONSIN
By H. W. Decker
PLAINFIELD AND FISH LAKE.
I HAVE just closed a short series of meetings with these churches. The weather was very cold, and some had quite a distance to come, so the attendance was small. They were in great need of help. Since the death of Bro. Thurston, they have been like sheep without a shepherd.
As the two churches were small, and the places of meeting were only about four miles apart, we decided to unite the two. This we did by disbanding them and forming a new organization out of the two companies, to be known as the Plainfield church. Bro. Abraham Kisner was chosen elder, and Bro. Wm. Eager deacon. They were ordained to their respective offices. Systematic Benevolence was re-organized, and a sum equal to one-third of it was pledged to the T. and M. Society.
Two substantial persons decided to obey the Lord. We enjoyed much of the blessing of the Lord in our social meeting on the Sabbath, and many confessed their failures in the past, and made good resolves for the future. This district sends out one canvasser for our periodicals.
FRIENDSHIP.
I commenced meetings in this place Jan. 17. There is a small company here who came out last summer when the tent was here. I found nearly all holding on, but for want of a leader they were not making much advancement. One more took a firm stand on the truth. Bro. Andrew Olsen has been holding meetings a few miles from here with good results. The two companies will unite, making a company of about thirty. H. W. DECKER.
Dell Prairie, Jan. 25.
SLASH, IND.
By Wm. Covert
The “dragon” has become very “wroth” at this place because a few have decided to keep the commandments of God. After trying persuasion and threats to keep people away, they finally locked the house.
Men can continue in their fellowship for a whole year and be guilty of very indecent behavior, can violate the tenth commandment, get drunk, etc.; but let a member of the same congregation commence to keep the commandments of God, and he is made a target for Satan’s sharp-shooters in the very next charge.
I believe eight have decided to obey the Lord. WM. COVERT.
Deedville, Indiana.
By Arthur W. Bartlett
The work is progressing finely at this place. As far as I know, all that have embraced the truth are firmly established but one, who, I am sorry to say, has turned to the beggarly elements of the world.
We have organized a Sabbath-school, and hope by the grace of God to do a good work through its instrumentality. Have also set on foot a movement for the purpose of erecting a house of worship, which I trust will soon be accomplished.
I think we may safely rely upon about twenty-five here as workers, including some boys and girls, who have reached an age to be of much assistance in the good work of spreading the precious words of truth. Brethren, pray for me.
Arthur W. Bartlett.
SOMERSET CENTRE, MICH.
By A. Bather; E. P. Daniels
We began labor in this place Jan. 10, first at the Aldridge school-house, where we held three meetings, when the house was refused us save for two evenings a week. During the interim each evening was occupied at the Curtis school-house three miles distant. The attendance at both places has been good.
Sunday afternoon, Jan. 22, one Eld. Martin, the Wesleyan circuit preacher laboring in this district, undertook to show that the 2300 days were literal, therefore the events predicted in connection with this period were fulfilled within the space of seven years. And further, that one Jannus purchased from Antiochus the Great the office of high priest, which he desecrated by turning the house of the Lord into a temple of idol-worship, which he said constitutes the transgression of desolation spoken of in verse 13. “Those days,” said he, “could not have been days of years, but literal time which were fulfilled in the prophet’s time.” He cited Kitto’s History of the Bible for his authority. And then with much gusto he concluded with the following remarks upon our position on the sanctuary: “It is blasphemy for these men to say that there is a place in Heaven so impure that it needs cleansing, and that God dwells in impurity. It is disgusting to American intelligence.”
The evening following we spoke upon the second advent to a large and attentive audience; and at the conclusion, briefly noticed some of these objections, illustrating our points with figures upon the black-board. The audience was not slow to discover the weakness of Eld. Martin’s position. I am told by reliable authority that one of his members told him he had better study his Bible a little more before attempting to speak on such deep subjects.
We are in the midst of revival meetings and opposition. But we are hopeful in God and diligent in labor, and we pray God to keep us thus until the appearing of his Son from Heaven, when we hope with the redeemed to sit down to the marriage supper of the Lamb in the kingdom of Christ our Lord.
Remember us in prayer.
A. Bather.
E. P. Daniels.
FRANKLIN, TENN.
By Orlando Soule; G. K. Owen
We arrived at Franklin, Jan. 10, secured the use of a hall, and remained until the 22d; but owing to the rain, which fell almost incessantly, we gave but four lectures, and a general interest was not awakened. A few, however, became concerned, and we hope, will obey. Receiving a request from Bro. Osborn to join him in labor near Edgefield Junction, we hasten to meet him there. This is a rich and beautiful country. I think it a good locality for tent labor.
ORLANDO SOULE.
G. K. OWEN.
Jan. 23, 1877.
REPORT OF VA. T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By Sallie Keyser
The first Virginia T. and M. Society, embracing Shenandoah, Rockingham, and Page Counties, was organized Nov. 5, 1876. Bro. Robert Sawyer was chosen director, Sr. Sallie Keyser, secretary, and Bro. Reuben T. Fultz, librarian.
Call for membership was made, and twelve responded. Others, not present, are expected to join. This small, inexperienced company has been at work. It held its first general meeting, Jan. 14, 1877. Reports reach to Jan. 1, showing about two months’ labor. A summary stands thus:—
No. of families visited, 54; No. of letters written, 15. Received on membership, $12. Subscribers for REFORMER, 2; INSTRUCTOR, 2. We have just received THE BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE, and obtained 13 subscribers for it. We have disposed of 350 Almanacs, for which we have received $35. No. of pages distributed, 2,176; REVIEWS, 200; INSTRUCTORS, 100; REFORMERS, 300; SIGNS, 100.
It is the design of the Society to dispose of the remainder of our 1000 Almanacs at full price, adding the profits above actual cost to the T. and M. Society funds.