The Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 9.
SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE, OR THE BIBLE PLAN OF SUPPORTING THE MINISTRYPage 1
Earlier text: OUR COUNTRY'S PROGRESSTO THE T. & M. WORKERS OF DIST. NO. 1, VT.
By Charles F. Whitford
DEAR BRETHREN: In view of the responsibility resting upon me as your chosen director, I wish to make such suggestions as it seems to me will, if carried out, tend to increase the interests of the T. & M. work in our midst. We all profess to believe that the Tract Society is an institution brought into existence by the will of God; that he designs to accomplish through it very much of the work of bringing the light of truth before “many people, nations, tongues and kings,” and that it has been instituted so that you and I, with our one talent, may have some humble part to act in the soul-stirring work of scattering the light of present truth. We have not realized what must be done to accomplish this work. If the world is to be warned, and the truth is to find its way to every State and territory in this union, and to every civilized nation on the globe, the question arises, How is this to be accomplished? We all answer, It must be done largely through the instrumentality of the press. God will not send an angel from Heaven to preach the truth, and, as for ministers, we all know that not one call in twenty for ministerial help can be supplied. The Tract Society has been brought into being, then, to accomplish that which could not well be done without it. And what an exalted privilege is this, to be chosen of God, and authorized by him to act as his agents in carrying forward his last work here upon earth. And shall we complain of our burdens and wish them lighter? I fear that if we do this we shall be called by our Master unfaithful stewards, and that others will be chosen who will have an unselfish interest in his work. The work in which we are engaged is one of great importance. It cannot be trifled with without terrible consequences ensuing. I have a great desire that those who have enlisted in this work, and have their names enrolled as T. & M. workers, should not be unmindful of the fearful responsibility resting upon them. The times call for action. The Lord is soon coming. Do you believe it? You say, Yes. We call upon our T. & M. workers to show us their faith by their works. Every man and woman, and every child who has reached the years of understanding, should be at the post of duty in a time like this. Our district has done well in the past. There are those among us, who, with commendable zeal and devotion, are laboring in this good cause, and who at the close of each quarter have a good report to bring in. One of our members during the last quarter wrote twenty missionary letters, and others did nobly in other branches of the work, but yet we are not satisfied. We want a report from every member belonging to the Society in our district, and we know no reason why we may not have our request granted unless it be for a lack of the true missionary spirit in our midst. No one need plead inability. There are none among us so weak or feeble but they can do up a tract and send it to a friend. They can also write to that friend, and ask how the tract is liked, and in this way a reply may be obtained that will be of interest to read at our regular quarterly meetings. We also invite those who can to write essays to be read at our next quarterly meeting. CHARLES F. WHITFORD, Director.
Berkshire, Vt., Feb. 20, 1876. “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.” Rev. 2:4, 5. The backslider is here directed to call to mind early experience, as if this were the speediest and surest means of returning to God. Those who have had no good experience are not here addressed. The persons addressed had passed through a marked and decided change of heart, and the experience connected with it was of the most ennobling, elevating, and purifying nature. When called to mind by the Spirit of God, it had a tendency to win back this priceless jewel, the love of God. The apostle did not direct his brethren to make past experience a continual theme of contemplation, but to call it to mind. Like the seed by the wayside it had been gathered up by the fowls of the air, or smothered down by worldliness. Paul says, in Philippians 3:13, “Forgetting those things which are behind;” Paul does not mean that he has forgotten his first experience; for he often related it, and it was not tiresome, except to the enemies of Christ. By forgetting, he means that he labored to advance daily, step by step. Nevertheless he did relate the account of these successive steps in the boldest and most lucid manner, in public and private, as occasion required. Caution may well be used in relating an old experience, even if it be good; but to call it often to mind, and thank God for it, and beg of him to restore that first love, is a good thing. David called to remembrance his song in the night. Paul exhorts Timothy (2 Tim. 1:5), to put him in remembrance that he should stir up the gift of God within him. To relate an old experience before scoffers is like casting pearls before swine; but there are times when it is welcome; and, to the people of God, how inspiring it is to read of the experience of such persons as Luther, Wesley, Martyn, and William Miller. But to relate an old experience to apologize for a wicked life is an intolerable offense. JOS. CLARKE. Wm. Covert: The expression “baptized for the dead,” 1 Cor. 15:29, we understand to mean baptized in hope of the resurrection of the dead. The word translated “for” is huper, which signifies primarily, “as to, respecting, concerning.” Paul is arguing for the resurrection of the dead. It all depends on the resurrection of Christ. By baptism we show our faith in the resurrection of Christ, and so in the resurrection of all his people at last. But if the dead rise not, if there is no such thing, then why be baptized in reference to this faith, and thus expose ourselves to persecution, by thus showing ourselves to be Christians. A work on Baptism is much needed. C. K. Drury: The scene described in Isa. 66:24, pertains only to that time when the process of renewing the earth and clearing it of all things that offend is going forward. When this is completed, there will be nothing remaining in sight, sound, or feeling, for God’s saints to abhor. John 20:19, is explained by the fact that two evenings were reckoned to the day, one commencing at about 3 P. M., the other at sunset. The time between these two points was called “between the two evenings.” See Ex. 12:6, margin. Thus the day commenced with an evening, and closed with an evening. A communication from “earnest-seekers after truth” contains the following queries:— “1. If there is no sorrow nor pain in Heaven, Rev. 21:4, how are the leaves of the tree to be for the healing of the nations? Rev. 22:2.” Ans. The leaves are for the service of the nations. So the original word signifies. And this “service” is not necessarily relieving pain or healing disease. “2. Where can I find proof that the Saviour was born the 25th of December?” “3. In what month was the Saviour crucified?” Ans. In the first month of the Jewish ecclesiastical year, Nisan, corresponding to a portion of our March and April. The 15th of Nisan, on which our Lord was crucified, fell, according to Samuel J. Andrews in his “Life of our Lord,” p. 485, on the 7th of April. “4. What is the difference between the ungodly and the sinner in 1 Pet. 4:18?” Ans. There appears to be the same distinction that Paul recognizes in 2 Thess. 1:8, when he speaks of those who “know not God,” and those who “obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ;” the one class being those who sin without light, as the heathen, and the other, those who sin against light, as sinners who live in Christian lands. What became of those saints who came out of their graves after the resurrection of Christ? Matt. 27:52, 53. R. M. Lampard. Ans. While Christ remained here on earth, they went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. And when Christ ascended, we conclude they ascended with him; for Paul says that he led up a multitude of captives when he ascended up on high. Eph. 4:8, margin. These, with Enoch, Moses, and Elijah, must be exceptions to the rule of a coming general Judgment. Does “one like unto the Son of man,” Rev. 14:14, mean Jesus, or one like, yet not, him? J. D. Larkee. Ans. We understand that the representation of verse 14, is a symbol of Christ, just as the angels of the previous verses are symbols of religious teachers here upon the earth. It means Christ coming in glory. ANSWERED BY LETTER. A. Wike, C. K. Drury, L. W. Crandall, Chas. M. French, J. E. Morin, Edward Chadderdon, J. B. Beames, H. Wren. U. S. Peace is a quality most excellent. God reveals himself as the God of peace. “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly.” “The God of peace shall be with you.” One of the titles of the Son of God is, “The Prince of Peace;” and when the angel announced his birth in the city of David, the heavenly choir responded in full chorus, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will toward men.” And an apostle says of Christ, “He is our peace.” It was the object of his death to reconcile those that were divided, “so making peace.” The disciples of Jesus should be like him; hence he says, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” We are taught to “follow peace with all men;” that “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace;” and that “if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.” “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” The gospel is called “the gospel of peace;” it is designed “to guide our feet into the way of peace.” The fruit of the Spirit is “love, joy, peace;” and an apostle exhorts, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts;” and, “Be at peace among yourselves.” Those who follow these exhortations to peace have the promise, “The God of peace shall be with you.” Real Christians have the Spirit of Christ; and any two that have this spirit of peace can live in peace together. They will both endeavor “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace;” and success will attend the efforts of both. If there be a failure at any time with one, the long-suffering of the other will be called into exercise. But where the peace of God is not present, “where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” WORK FOR HOME MEMBERS.
By H. A. St. John
Those members of our T. & M. Societies that must necessarily stay at home most of the time need not be idlers in the vineyard of the Lord. There is a work for them to do aside from the missionary work needful in their own families. I refer particularly to writing letters. Almost every one can write, and we need never be at a loss for some lonely or discouraged one to write to, some relative, friend or acquaintance, who might be interested in present truth, if we would cautiously and kindly introduce the subject to them by letter. “To do good and to communicate forget not,” says the great apostle; and the ability to communicate by letter is certainly one for which we must give account. Do you say, “I am such a poor scribe”? Well, you may improve by practice; and, besides, a very poorly written letter is the source of great good. Like broken, contrite testimonies in meeting, they may edify greatly. Again, Bro. Haskell suggests a plan for home workers that certainly will prove very effectual in doing good. It is for those who are able to take five or more copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES at Tract Society prices, and then mail them as fast as received, a single copy to some friend, acquaintance, or otherwise, accompanied with a brief letter introducing the paper, kindly inviting to investigate, and soliciting subscription. It appears to me that here is an excellent opportunity for many to obey the injunction and receive the blessing presented in 1 Tim. 6 : 17–19. Please turn and read. We hope the present quarter will develop a number of such workers in Ohio. Jesus is soon coming. Let the work of preparation go on. REPORT FROM SWITZERLAND.
By John Nevins Andrews
The coming of Bro. Bourdeau has brought timely and valuable assistance to the work in this country. He has now been here three weeks, during which time we have visited nearly all the Sabbath-keepers in Switzerland. Our meetings in each place have been very encouraging and profitable. But we have not counted this the work of chief importance. Our first business has been to prayerfully consider the proper method of bringing the great truths of our faith to the attention of the people of Europe. With the map of Europe before us, we have carefully considered the situation of the several countries in which we know Sabbath-keepers now dwell. At present we think to labor together; but after a few months we expect to separate. We wish to enter upon our work in such a manner as to give unity to all our future labors, and to enable us to put forth our strength to the best advantage. We have decided to make Bale or Basel (the French call it by the first name and the Germans the second) our center of operations; that is, if God shall bless our efforts there. This is the largest city in Switzerland and it lies in the extreme north of this country, and actually touches Germany on the north-east and France on the north-west. Or, rather, this was the case till Germany in the last war seized a portion of eastern France. Bale is almost the geographical center of Europe west of Russia. It seems to us the most suitable center for our work. We shall be about one hundred miles from our Swiss brethren, but we shall be between them and the brethren in Germany, though at a greater distance from the latter. It seems to us that we could not select another point so advantageous with respect to avoiding national jealousy as is this point. Should we have an Office of publication hereafter we do not wish our friends in other countries to say, “It is the Swiss Office,” and to feel little interest in it because it is not in the country where they live. We wish if possible to forestall such feelings, and to give things such shape that there shall be little chance for this kind of trouble. When we are at Bale it is almost the same thing as though we were in France, Germany, and Switzerland at the same time. France and Germany are hostile to each other, but neither is hostile to Switzerland. It seemed to us the mind of the Spirit of God that we should visit Bale. We made this visit a few days since and found that we could obtain a hall suitable for our work and a house that would answer for a dwelling, both at prices within our power to pay, and that both would be ready for us the first of April. Though it seemed to us that this place is suited to the work upon which we wish to enter we deferred a decision till our return. In Bale there is a printer who has printed for us five numbers of our tracts. He is an Italian, but understands also German and French, and can publish in all these languages. He takes some interest in our work, and I hope that he truly fears God. He offers on the following terms to print a French paper for us of two leaves, or four pages, a trifle longer than the REVIEW before its enlargement, and a little wider, so that the columns will correspond in width to the pages of tracts: One thousand copies for 108 francs, or about $22; the quality of paper to be as good as that used in the REVIEW and the size of type similar. Should we desire a larger number of copies he will furnish them by the thousand, after the first, at 30 francs or $6. He offers to print our 16 page tracts at 145 francs, or $29. for 3,000 copies. The 32 page tracts he will furnish at twice this cost. When we are able to publish larger editions we can do better. After returning and consulting the other members of the executive committee of the Swiss Sabbath-keepers, we have decided to remove to Bale about the first of April and commence public lectures in that city. We have decided nothing as to the publication of a paper. We lay all before the brethren in America, especially before the General Conference Committee. We have no disposition to act in this matter without the approval and co-operation of those whose wisdom and experience qualify them to give counsel. What course shall we take with respect to a paper? The friends of the cause in Switzerland can meet the expense of a few numbers, but with the other burdens resting upon them they could continue to do this but a little while. If we commence to publish with the statement that our paper will appear from time to time as we have means we may avoid the necessity of incurring much debt, but the friends here think that it will greatly injure the influence of the paper. They think it should be published regularly at least once a month. Of course we are anxious to get the truth before the people, and there is no means so potent as the publication of a suitable paper. As soon as possible after we commence a paper in French we desire to issue an edition containing the same matter in the German language, and, if God will, in other languages also. We feel deeply with respect to reaching the public. We hope to give the truth such prominence that it shall shine out to many people around. Our strength is not in ourselves. We are only earthen vessels; but the excellency of the power is of God. We may not see our hopes realized with respect to Bale, but we shall make an earnest united effort, if God will, and we hope that he will be gracious to us in our great necessity. We shall be very near the places in Alsace where Bro. Bourdeau wishes to labor, and so we hope from this quarter the truth will find an entrance into France. The coming of Bro. Bourdeau has made some changes necessary in respect to my place of abode. It is important that we be able to spend the most of our time together, and as our friends at La Coudre were already crowded it was plainly duty to find some place elsewhere. For this reason we have found a place among our friends in Locle till the time of our removal to Bale. In leaving La Coudre I wish to make grateful acknowledgement of the kindness and care extended to myself and children, by our friends in that place. It gives me great satisfaction to say that there is a decided advance in Christian experience in the case of our dear Swiss brethren. I have in time past expressed an earnest desire to witness a greater consecration to God. I think there is a marked change in this respect and it brings great joy to my heart. God has chosen this people to fill an important place in the work which he designs to accomplish in the surrounding nations. There is no better material in any country, I am persuaded, than may be found in those little churches. I believe, notwithstanding all their discouragements in the past, they will yet stand in the front rank in this sacred work, and that the joy of the Lord will be their strength. The work of the Tract and Missionary Society, upon which our brethren here have just fairly entered, promises to be a success. Of this I will speak more hereafter. Bro. Bourdeau and myself are earnestly at work upon an abridged edition of the Three Messages which shall be specially adapted to the work in Europe. We also propose to issue an edition of Bro. White’s exposition of Matt. 24, and one or two works on the Sabbath. Those with the works already printed will give us an assortment of publications in French sufficient to meet our most urgent want in entering new fields of labor. Our brethren in Switzerland greatly need the practical instruction contained in the works of sister White. I have never been so sensible of the importance of these works as since living in this country. We hope soon to print some of the most necessary portions of these works. Bro. Erzenberger is steadily pressing forward in the work at Solingen, Prussia. He has great difficulties to contend with, but God is giving him good success. Some who wish to send him German tracts have asked his address. It is Volwinkel (bei Elberfeld), Prussia. To meet the present urgent wants, Bro. E., with his own means, has published in German small editions of four or five small tracts abridged to four pages each. He has certainly done what he could. We are of good courage in the Lord. We ask the prayers of the people of God. J. N. ANDREWS. Locle, Switzerland, Feb., 4, 1870. GERMANY
By J. Ertzenberger
REPORT FROM BRO. ERTZENBERGER.
The REVIEW of Dec. 16, 1875, reached me at the commencement of Sabbath Jan. 1, 1876. Reading of the appointed day of fasting and prayer by the General Conference Committee, I entered upon it at once. I had thought of doing thus for myself before I received the REVIEW. Looking over the past, and considering the future I found reasons enough for so doing. Seeing that the dear brethren in America would spend the first day of the new year in such a manner, I joined them the more gladly. And with gratitude to God I can say that it was a good day. At our Sabbath meeting in this place the melting Spirit of God wrought upon stout hearts, and they broke down before him. The next REVIEW brought the cheering news that Bro. D. T. Bourdeau would come to Europe, to help in the good work this side of the Atlantic. My heart was lifted up to God in prayer that he might send his angel with this dear brother to go before him to open the way, and to prepare the hearts of the people for his sacred truth. A few days afterward, I learned by a letter from Bro. Andrews that Bro. B. had safely arrived with his family in Neuchatel. This intelligence created great joy. Praise and thanksgiving ascended to God for this great token of love toward us, that he has sent us one more of his servants. And thanks and gratitude be to you, also, dear brethren of America, for this sacrifice for the cause in the Old World. And may God reward you! I am happy to know that Bro. Andrews has the assistance of Bro. B. And may these brethren be guided by God's Spirit in all their doings, and may their undertakings be crowned with great success. Concerning the work in Germany I can say, though the enemy is doing all he can to hinder it and to perplex those who labor for its advancement, the Lord is establishing souls in his truth, and winning men and women to it. Though it is moving slowly it is making progress step by step; and although I wish to see much more accomplished I am grateful to God for what he has done in this part of the great harvest field. The lectures on the Sabbath question which have been held in Solingen have created a still greater sensation among the people of that city than any previous ones. Having advertised them in the newspapers, inviting the pastors of the National Church as well as the laity to attend them, there has been a general turnout to hear on this subject. However, not one of the pastors appeared. Since the introduction of this very important question, several efforts have been made by persons of rank to hinder the lectures and to drive me from the place. For this very purpose help has been sought from the highest authority of the city. But it was not granted. The Lord has not permitted it. To him be all the honor and glory! A very remarkable feature in these lectures has been the quiet and order observed by the large number of attentive listeners. No disturbance has taken place; for it has seemed that the angels of God prevented it. No doubt, this was so. The tracts, which have been distributed freely at these lectures, have been taken very gladly. And they have brought light to those who had heard nothing on the subjects contained in them. There are many who are convinced of the truth; among the number are those who are excusing themselves because their labor in the factories interferes with the observance of the hallowed rest day of the great Creator. But will this excuse them before the great tribunal of God? Never! There are others who find too much cross-bearing in following our divine Pattern; and but a small company is willing to keep all the commandments of God. There are fourteen adults who have taken a stand on the Lord's side, and, as I have not closed up my public lectures, others I think will be added. May the Lord help. Sabbath, Jan. 8, was a day of great encouragement to the friends of the cause here. As baptism was desired, I notified the friends of the cause that it would be administered on this day. After the morning service, the examination of candidates took place. At three o'clock P. M. we met at the water, a small lake, for this ordinance. It was covered with thick ice, but a place having been cleared for the purpose, eight souls (four brethren and four sisters) followed the Lord in the ordinance of baptism. It was a very solemn season, and the presence of God's angels was felt. All the friends were favorably impressed by what they saw. This was the first baptism by S. D. Adventists in Germany. And the prospect is good that we shall have other seasons of this kind. And if one soul is worth more than the whole world, surely there are great reasons to toil on and to press forward in the work; and though we must sow in tears, a day will come when the faithful will reap with joy. I testify to the great goodness of the Lord toward me especially. I bless his holy name. The language of my heart is, “Nearer, my God, to thee!” I ask an interest in the prayers of God's people. Vohwinkel, bei Elberfeld, Prussia, Jan. 20, 1876. In the month of November last I had labored two months in Bolton, assisted by Bro. and sister Owen. Had given nearly seventy discourses, and visited from house to house. During the time, worked on a building enough to nearly meet our expenses and keep our team. A few had decided to obey the truth, and others were investigating. But winter was setting in, and we needed our sleigh and also clothing for winter. We went home, a distance of sixty-five miles, designing to return in the course of three weeks. After a few days, I was necessarily called to go to Bordoville. While there, attended meetings with my brother, Eld. D. T. Bourdeau, remaining over two Sabbaths, and with him was privileged to form an acquaintance with Bro. J. E. Morin at St. Albans. Pray that the Lord may bless this dear brother in his mission among the French. While I assisted my brother in preparations for his departure to Europe, Bro. Owen stood by the work in these parts, and two fully decided in favor of the truth. On account of sickness in my family, and the death of our dear daughter, Mary, I was detained from returning to my field of labor until the last week in January. The friends who have written us relative to our affliction have our heart-felt thanks for their words of comfort which we deeply appreciate. On my way here, Jan. 29 and 30, I attended a Tract and Missionary meeting held with the church at Bordoville. The Lord met with us, and we felt strengthened and encouraged to labor on in this good work. The next day I had a profitable interview with a French Baptist colporteur in St. Albans, who has led nine Catholics to embrace the Bible there of late, and who is favorable to the truth. He is reading the REVIEW, and expresses a desire to read our French works on the truth. There are several companies of French Protestants in Canada, Vermont, and elsewhere in the States, with most of whom I have some acquaintance, and among whom I would gladly labor. Last evening, commenced to give lectures in a stone school-house, four miles north of the place where we pitched our tent last September. Design to organize a71 church in this vicinity soon. I am arranging to correspond with the few friends of the cause in this Dominion, to encourage them to adopt the plan of Systematic Benevolence, that thereby a little means, at least, may be raised to help in the work in this field. There are French Protestant churches in several places around us, from two to twenty miles distant. The work moves on slowly. We have cold weather and severe storms, and obstacles to surmount; but our trust is in the Lord. I send the names of five new subscribers for the REVIEW, two for the REFORMER, and two for the INSTRUCTOR. Knowlton, P. Q., Feb. 10, 1876. “Cast thy burdens upon the Lord, and he will sustain thee.” Christian, when thy way seems darkest,
When thine eyes with tears are dim,
Straight to God, thy Father, hastening,
Tell thy troubles all to him.
Not to human ear confiding,
Thy sad tale of grief and care,
But before thy Father, kneeling,
Pour out all thy sorrow there. Sympathy of friends may cheer thee
When the fierce, wild storm has burst,
But God only can console thee
When it breaks upon thee first;
Go with words, or tears, or silence,
Only lay thee at his feet,
Thou shalt prove how great his pity,
And his tenderness how sweet. Think, too, thy divine Redeemer
Knew, as thou canst never know,
All the deepest depths of suffering,
All the weight of human woe.
And though now in glory seated,
He can hear thy feeblest cry,
Even hear the stifled sighing,
Of thy dumb heart’s agony. All thy griefs by him are ordered,
Needful is each one for thee;
Every tear by him is counted,
One too much there cannot be:
And if while they fall so thickly,
Thou canst own his way is right,
Then each bitter tear of anguish
Precious in Jesus’ sight. For too well thy Saviour loves thee
To allow thy life to be
One long, calm, unbroken slumber,
One unruffled, stormless sea;
He would have thee fondly nestling
Closer to his loving breast,
He would have that world seem brighter
Where alone is perfect rest. Though his wise and loving purpose,
Clearly yet thou mayst not see,
Still believe with faith unshaken,
All will work for good to thee.
Therefore, when thy way is gloomy,
And thine eyes with tears are dim,
Straight to God, thy Father, hastening,
Tell thy sorrows all to him. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
DIED, of dropsy, Feb. 2, 1876, at Knoxville, Iowa, our dear Bro. Truman Curtis, who was born in Essex Vt. Feb. 24, A. D. 1800. He was converted when about sixteen years of age, and united with the Baptist church. He continued a faithful member until A. D. 1859, at which time he embraced present truth, after listening to a course of lectures given at this place. During his sixty years of church membership, Bro. C. never had an accusation brought against him by the church, but was loved by all who knew him. The church here has met with a great loss. He leaves a wife and five children who deeply mourn the loss of an affectionate husband and kind Father. He rests in hope, and we believe, if faithful, we shall see him again when the great Life-giver comes. Funeral discourse by Eld. Bly, minister of the Christian church of Knoxville. BENN AUTEN. DIED, of typhoid pneumonia, in Delta, Eaton Co., Mich., Feb. 13, 1876, Hiram D. Corey, in his sixty-eighth year. Bro. Corey has for upwards of twenty years been a firm believer in the doctrines of Seventh-day Adventists and a careful observer of the commandments of God. He fell asleep confident of a part in the first resurrection. Funeral discourse was preached by Eld. Pope, first-day Adventist, from 1 Cor. 15:48. W. H. HASKINS. DIED, at Oswego, N. Y., Jan. 22, 1876, Sister Catharine S. Tuttle, wife of Bro. Abel Tuttle, aged fifty-seven years. Sister T. had just attended meeting with the church, and had taken an active part in the exercises—prayer, conference, and Bible-class—and had started for home, when she was thrown from the wagon, hurting her head and spine, which caused her death in thirty minutes. She had her senses until the last, and knew that she was passing away. Until she was borne to the grave, a smile rested on her countenance, showing that to the last her trust was in God. In early life, she gave her heart to God, and later, she received the truths of the first angel’s message. She has kept the Sabbath twenty-four years, and has received and walked in the truth of the third message as it has been given from time to time. She leaves a husband, two children, the church, and many friends, to mourn their loss. I could not reach the place at the hour of her funeral, as requested. Discourse by Eld. Watson, Baptist. She sleeps till the return of the Lifegiver with the keys of death and the grave. C. O. TAYLOR. OCEANA CO., MICH.
By A. O. Burrill
By request of Brn. Canright and Root, I accompanied Bro. R. to this place to meet his appointment. We were disappointed to learn that the Sabbath-keepers in the southern portion of the county would not be present. The Sabbath-keepers here are very much scattered, yet they were organized into a church several years ago by Bro. Strong, and have held meetings in Hart and Montague. When the church records were called for, we were informed that they had been lost. Considering their scattered condition, the loss of their records, and the necessity for two organizations, we advised them to consider themselves disbanded and to form a new organization. Twelve handed in their names for this purpose. Bro. G. W. Newman was elected elder, and Bro. B. F. West, deacon. Our meetings increased in interest from the first. At the close of the second sermon on the Sabbath, seventeen came forward for prayers. These were nearly all young men and women. The next day Bro. Root baptized twelve of them, thus doubling the membership of the church. This was more than we had expected. One mother, whose children took their stand for God, said, “This is the happiest day of all my life.” Money is very close in this county; even wheat will not readily sell for money, yet when the plan of s. b. was set before them, they raised their figures from $51.50 to $123.78. At our closing meeting Sunday evening, the rise and progress of the cause was considered. As we look back over twenty-nine years of toil, battle, and great spiritual blessings, we are led to exclaim, “What hath God wrought?” Now we number many thousands. And our publications in various tongues are penetrating the many nations of the earth, carrying the gracious light to those who sit in midnight darkness. We left our brethren at Hart much encouraged. They thought this the best meeting ever held in that county. Monday, Bro. Root started for home, and on his way held one meeting with the Sabbath-keepers in Montague which was well attended and very profitable. It was decided that I should remain one week more and visit the scattered ones in various places. I held three meetings near Shelby. Here I had a good hearing, and if I could have remained, I think a church would have been raised up. Friday evening a good number of the friends of the cause at this place came together. Our meetings here were quite free, and at the close of the afternoon service on Sabbath, eleven came forward for prayers. I tried to point out the dangers which surround us, and we felt that the Lord was present by his Spirit. Systematic Benevolence was organized for 1876, amounting to $151.22. It was $54.50 for last year. Two were baptized, and seven were added to the church of Hart, making their number thirty-three. Believing the time had not come to form a church for this portion of the county, we organized a class, and Bro. Stewart was chosen leader. The attendance from outside was good, and at the closing meeting the house was filled to its utmost. The last meeting was held at sister Armstrongs, Monday evening, and we labored in particular for the children of our brethren. The rooms were well filled with attentive hearers, and we all felt that the Lord came very near and mightily moved upon all present. Here five more took their stand with the Lord’s people, and joined the class, making the number twenty-seven. We obtained quite a number of subscribers for our periodicals. During the twelve days we remained in this county about forty were added to the church, and s. b. was raised from $102.98 to $275.00. In no place have we seen more promising fields for labor, and the brethren more willing to co-operate. We regret that we could not stay longer. A. O. BURRILL. Ravenna, Mich., Feb., 16, 1876. PERVERTED TASTES.
By D. A. Robinson
We often hear persons claim that certain articles which they happen to be indulging in are not hurtful because they taste good. Thus it is with the rum-drinker, tobacco-user; opium-eater and snuff-taker. We say of such that their taste is no criterion, because it is perverted. But the greatest perversion of taste that I have ever heard of is that which brings taste into theological arguments. A certain D. D. being asked by one of his parishoners for his strongest proof texts to sustain the keeping of the first day of the week replied, “We cannot see the proof [a very frank admission], yet it is all through the Bible like salt in a stew. It tastes all right although we can’t see it.” This argument ought to be regarded as valuable; for certainly it will not spoil. That taste must be very badly perverted that imagines it can taste first-day Sabbath in the Bible, because there isn’t even a sprinkling of it there, and the man who claims to even taste it is simply mistaken. His taste is no guide. Such a vitiated taste needs correcting. The seventh day was the Sabbath, because God worked six days, rested the seventh, and then set it apart for man to keep holy. These are the reasons why it became the Sabbath. These are the facts upon which it is based. These are the reasons why the seventh day is the Sabbath now. It is just as true to-day that God rested on the seventh day and set it apart for man’s rest as it was five thousand years ago. And so long as these facts remain true the seventh day will be the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.