Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 7.
SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE, OR THE BIBLE PLAN OF SUPPORTING THE MINISTRYPage 1
Earlier text: THE SABBATH QUESTION IN BOSTONTHE SANCTUARY.
By Uriah Smith
Seventh Paper.—“Determined,” Dan. 9: 24, Means “Cut Off.” First witness. “Seventy weeks are determined, literally ‘cut off.’ Hebraists all admit that the word determined, in our English version, does signify ‘cut off.’ Not one has disputed it.”—Josiah Litch, Midnight Cry, Vol. iv. No. 25. Second witness. “Seventy weeks have been cut off upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sin offerings, and to make atonement for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy.” Dan. 9:24.—Whitney’s Translation. Third witness. Gesenius, the standard Hebrew lexicographer, thus defines this word in his Hebrew lexicon: “Nechtak: Properly, to cut off; tropically, to divide; and so to determine, to decree.” Fourth witness. The Chaldeo-Rabbinic Dictionary of Stockius, defines the word nechtak as follows: “Scidit, abscidit, concidit, incidit, excidit—to cut, to cut away, to cut in pieces, to cut or engrave, to cut off.” Fifth witness. Mercerus, in his “Thesaurus,” furnishes a specimen of Rabbinical usage in the phrase, chatikah shel basar, “a piece of flesh,” or “a cut of flesh.” He translates the word as it occurs in Dan. 9:24, by “precisa est,” was cut off. Sixth witness. Arias Montanus in a literal version of the text translates it “decisa est,” was cut off; in the marginal reading, which is grammatically correct, the rendering is in the plural, “decisæ sunt,” were cut off. Seventh witness. In the Latin version of Junius and Tremellius, nechtak (the passive of chathak) is rendered “decisæ sunt,” were cut off. Eighth witness. Theodotion’s Greek version of Daniel (which is the version used in the Vatican copy of the Septuagint, as being the most faithful), renders it by συνετμήθησαν, sunetmethesan, “were cut off;” and the Venetian copy by τετμηνται, tetmēntai, “have been cut.” Ninth witness. In the Vulgate the phrase is, “abbreviatæ sunt,” have been shortened. “Thus Chaldaic and Rabbinical authority, and that of the earliest versions, the Septuagint and Vulgate, give the single signification of cutting off to this verb.” Tenth witness. Hengstenberg, who enters into a critical examination of the text says: “But the very use of the word, which does not elsewhere occur, while others, much more frequently used, were at hand if Daniel had wished to express the idea of determination, and of which he has elsewhere, and even in this portion availed himself, seems to argue that the word stands from regard to its original meaning, and represents the seventy weeks in contrast with a determination of time (en plattei) as a period cut off from subsequent duration, and accurately limited.”—Christology of the Old Testament, Vol. ii. p. 301. Washington, 1839. This translation is further vindicated by Prof. N. N. Whiting, from whom a quotation has already been given, in the following language: “As the period of 2300 days is first given, and verses 21 and 23, compared with Dan. 8:16, show that the ninth chapter furnishes an explanation of the vision in which Gabriel appeared to Daniel, and of the ‘matter’—(the commencement of the 2300 days)—the literal (or rather, to speak properly, the only) signification demanded by the subject matter, is that of ‘cut off.’”—Midnight Cry, Vol. iv. No. 17. No further or better evidence could be required on this point. Beyond question the seventy weeks are cut off from some other period; and just as evidently that other period is the 2300 days of chapter 8. Should it be asked why our translators render the word “determined” when it so obviously signifies “cut off,” a sufficient answer would be that they doubtless overlooked the connection between the eighth and ninth chapters; and, considering it improper to speak of a period of time as cut off, when nothing was given from which it could be cut off, they gave the word its tropical instead of its literal meaning. In connection with this point, we promised testimony from prominent writers on the prophecies who have acknowledged the connection between Daniel 8 and 9. In perusing them the reader will be able to decide which class have proved recreant to the original advent faith, we who adhere still more tenaciously than ever to these views, or those who, without any assignable reason, repudiate and reject them. We commence with an extract from an article in the Advent Shield which reads:— “We call attention to one fact which shows that there is a necessary ‘connection’ between the seventy weeks of the ninth chapter, and something else which precedes or follows, called ‘the vision.’ It is found in the 24th verse: ‘Seventy weeks are determined, or cut off, upon thy people . . . to seal up the vision,’ etc. Now there are but two significations of the phrase ‘seal up.’ They are, first, ‘to make secret,’ and second, ‘to make sure.’ We do not now inquire in which of these significations the phrase is supposed to be used. That is not the point now before us. Let the signification be what it may, it shows that the prediction of the seventy weeks necessarily relates to something else beyond itself, called ‘the vision,’ in reference to which it performs this work, ‘to seal up.’ To talk of its sealing up itself is as much of an absurdity as to suppose that Josephus was so much afraid of the Romans that he refrained from telling the world that he thought the fourth kingdom of Daniel was ‘the kingdom of the Greeks.’ It is no more proper to say that the ninth chapter of Daniel ‘is complete in itself’ than it would be to say that a map which was designed to show the relation of Massachusetts to the United States, referred to nothing but Massachusetts. It is no more complete in itself than a bond given in security for a note, or some other document to which it refers, is complete in itself; and we doubt if there is a school-boy of fourteen in the land, of ordinary capacity, who would not on reading the ninth chapter, with an understanding of the clause before it, decide that it referred to something distinct from itself, called the vision. What vision it is, there is no difficulty in determining. It naturally and obviously refers to the vision which was not fully explained to Daniel, and to which Gabriel calls his attention in the preceding verse—the vision of the eighth chapter. Daniel tells us that Gabriel was commanded to make him understand that vision (8:16). This was not fully done at that interview connected with the vision; he is therefore sent to give Daniel the needed ‘skill and understanding,’ to explain its ‘meaning’ by communicating to him a prediction of the seventy weeks.”—Advent Shield, 1844. “We claim that the ninth of Daniel is an appendix to the eighth, and that the seventy weeks are cut off and the 2300 days or years commence together. Our opponents deny this.”—Signs of the Times, 1843. “The grand principle involved in the interpretation of the 2300 days of Dan. 8:14, is, that the seventy weeks of Dan. 9:24, are cut off, the first 490 days of the 2300 of the eighth chapter.”—Advent Shield, p. 49. “If the connection between the seventy weeks of Dan. 9, and the 2300 days of Dan. 8, does not exist, the whole system is shaken to its foundation; if it does exist, as we suppose, the system must stand.”—Harmony of Prophetic Chronology, p. 33. Says the learned Dr. Hales, in commenting on the seventy weeks, “This chronological prophecy was evidently designed to explain the foregoing vision, especially in its chronological part of the 2300 days.” What more need be said? The arguments which show the seventy weeks to be a part of the 2300 days, are all invulnerable. We may consider this question decided, and hereafter appeal to this decision as authoritative. U. S. The Prohibitory Law and the Ten Commandments
Somebody has condensed a volume of argument in the following: “It is said that the trouble with the prohibitory law is that it is ahead of public sentiment.” That’s what’s the matter with the ten commandments. T. & M. SOCIETY LOOKING-GLASSES.
By H. A. St. JOHN
A good supply is kept constantly on hand. They are neatly and systematically constructed, and of great practical utility to tract and missionary workers. Perhaps they cannot be too highly recommended. No doubt there ought to be at least one of these looking-glasses in a very conspicuous place in every well-regulated household. There is no patent upon them, and they are furnished at so low a price as to be within the reach of all. Indeed, we have actually given away a goodly number of late. You know how frequently we look at our natural faces in the glass, not a day passes without our doing this, and generally several times in a day. Now if we will obtain one of these Tract Society looking-glasses, and as frequently examine ourselves in the light of its reflected rays, we will find our welfare for time and eternity greatly enhanced. Perhaps the reader has never seen one, and would like a description. Gladly would I enter into a detailed delineation of its many excellencies, but I have space for only a few. At the top of the glass may be seen these words, “Tract and Missionary Society.” Then follows in bold capitals, the following: “REPORT OF LABOR.” This tells the object of the glass. And then as we look more closely we see distinctly, “Number of Families Visited, Number of Letters Written, Donations, Book Sales, New Subscribers for REVIEW, REFORMER, INSTRUCTOR,” and “SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Tracts and Pamphlets Distributed,” with many other things that I cannot here mention. But there is one feature of great importance, lying at the foundation of the utility of this mirror, that I cannot forbear to mention. It is one rarely seen by a person looking at it for the first time, indeed, I have known persons to look at it many times without discovering this wonderful beauty. But you are anxious to know what it is. Well, if you get before this mirror, in just the right position, you will see, (by faith) the lovely and compassionate Redeemer standing behind it, and you will hear his sweet and earnest voice saying, “Go labor in my vineyard.” H. A. St. JOHN. MORE FRUIT FROM THE SIGNS.
By S. N. Haskell
The readers of the REVIEW will recollect that a few weeks ago there appeared in the paper a letter from sister Cook, of Washington, D. C. This letter showed that quite a number had become interested in the truth by reading the SIGNS and tracts, which she had sent to those who would read them. This article called forth a response from one who had been thus benefited. Sister Cook wrote to the V. M. Society, enclosing the letter received. In her letter she speaks as follows:— “Only a little more than a year ago I gave the first copy of the SIGNS and a few tracts to Bro. ——, when he returned to his family. This brother was not then a Sabbath-keeper; but he accepted them, and said he would read and give them to others. I feel it is a great result from so small an effort, and I am encouraged to go on doing small things in every way that I can, realizing my own insufficiency and looking to the Lord alone, praying that he will give success.” The following is the letter received. The reader and the writer will please excuse the liberty we take in giving it entire:— “I am a perfect stranger to you, but I feel that we are of one brotherhood in Christ. I received two papers last week which noticed your efforts in the blessed cause of Christ. I feel myself to be one of those benefited by them. Your papers have indeed been a God-send to at least three families in this village, all of which are now keeping the seventh-day Sabbath. One other family is deeply interested. “No doubt my experience in religious matters would be of interest to you, I therefore give it, that you may better understand my position. I found peace in believing my sins were pardoned about four years ago, among the Methodists in this place. I went to work immediately to do all I could for our blessed Saviour. I was soon chosen to act as superintendent of the Sunday-school; and was also appointed to act with another in leading the class. I continually prayed that God would open the eyes of my understanding, that I might receive the truth as it is in Christ. One thing troubled me. I could not harmonize the word of God with the views taught by our minister, but I fully believed it was ignorance on my part. While in this state of mind I first heard Bro. —— [this was the one to whom sister C. first gave the paper] give his experience in the class. My joy was full; for I felt that God was answering my prayer, and that here was an instrument of his to open my understanding. I invited this brother to my house to read the word of God. He joyfully accepted the invitation. Oh, how eagerly we received the truth! and what happy little meetings we have had and do yet have! “I could not restrain myself, but began to spread abroad that which I had received. The meat was too strong for my Methodist friends. The pillars of the church were notified that if I was not removed they would withdraw their children from the school and their families from the church. I begged a hearing, but was refused. I remonstrated, but to no purpose. I was crazed, they said, and all who believed with me had lost their mind. Those whom I supposed most earnest for the truth I found to be our bitterest persecutors. All of this but strengthened us in our faith. “There are three families of us, thirteen souls in all, battling the best we can for the right. If nothing in the providence of God prevents, Bro. —— and myself will forward you three dollars apiece, the price of a year’s subscription for the SIGNS, also for the next best paper. After that you may receive some money for tracts which we need. Just now there is an interest awakened that will work to the good of the cause. “Your friend in Christ,” etc. I am acquainted with ministers who have labored through an entire tent season, who can not show this amount of fruit. Thirteen souls in one vicinity keeping God’s Sabbath who never saw one of like faith save themselves! God bless them! There are a thousand individuals wanted this side the Rocky Mountains who will subscribe for from five to ten copies of the SIGNS, and go about this work in the fear of God. A thousand more are wanted to canvass from house to house, pray with families, and obtain subscribers for the SIGNS and our other periodicals. We are already hearing cheering news from those who have subscribed for five copies of the SIGNS in the State of New-York. A goodly number have found readers for all they subscribed for. We expect all such will order five or ten copies more. Keep at work; do not let your interest slacken, nor be discouraged, and the day of Judgment will reveal the fruit of your labor if wrought in love. It is far better to wear out than to rust out. Let the work be pushed forward with much prayer, relying wholly upon Him whose the cause is, and who giveth us the victory. WHAT CAN AROUSE US?
By James Harvey
An Appeal to the Brethren in Indiana. DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: When I read such articles as the one from “A Private” in the tract and missionary army of Kansas, and then think of the solemn message to the Laodiceans, knowing that it is addressed to us, that we in the Indiana division are in “winter quarters,” and that, like the sleepy disciples on the night of the betrayal of our divine Redeemer, we are soon to have our faith in this message tested, even to facing death from the civil and religious power of this government, I feel that I must make one more appeal to you to take hold of this arm of our strength, the tract and missionary work, and send the warning to your neighbors and fellow-men everywhere. If all would make this cause the chief and all-absorbing theme, God would accompany our work by his Holy Spirit, and this message would soon go with a loud cry. Then we should be honorably discharged, and receive an eternal pension in the kingdom of God. Is not the reward sufficient to induce both officers and privates in this State to take the armor of truth (our publications), and go out to do battle for the Lord against the powers of darkness and error? It seems to me if you could have witnessed what I have seen at Ligonier, Wolf Lake, and near Fort Wayne, you would be glad to pave the way before Brn. Lane, Sharp, and Covert. The Lord has given us the field. The hearts of thousands of the people are turned to us. They see that Babylon is fallen, and nearly all, except the ministers and a few others, are reaching out their hands to us, asking for light. Who, in the State of Indiana, will, as did the prophet Isaiah, confess before God that his lips are unclean and ask that an angel may be sent to touch them with a coal from off the altar, cleansing them, and then cry, “Here am I, Lord, send me”? God has spoken to us. He will accept of any suitable person who will consecrate himself to the work and go out to teach the people this grand and awful message. And then, brethren and sisters, individually take hold with us and send the SIGNS to some of your acquaintances, and write to them or visit them and know how they receive it. Let us spread the light everywhere—sow beside all waters. Jesus is soon coming. The hour of Judgment is nearly closed. Its session did commence on the tenth day of the seventh month, 1844, and soon the work in the most holy apartment will be finished. Shall we not do our work on earth? Oh! take hold with us, and do it. North Liberty, St. Joseph Co., Ind. DON'T FORGET IT.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
I WANT to call the attention of our brethren and sisters in Northern Michigan to the solemn pledges which they have all made concerning their Systematic Benevolence, for this year. Remember that you have promised to pay one-tenth of your income, and that this should be the first-fruits. Nearly two months have already gone by. I want to ask you, brethren and sisters, if you have thus far kept your vows? Have you regularly laid apart something for your S. B. pledges as fast as you have received any money? I hope that you have done this, and I believe that many or most of you have. But fearing that some may be tempted by the devil to forget or neglect what they have promised, I write this to prompt you. Be careful how you commence wrong. Wherever I have been, the brethren all testify that when they pay their S. B. pledges promptly and out of the first-fruits, they not only pay them more easily, but are prospered better than when they keep them back. The first quarter for 1876 will soon be up. We shall look with anxiety to the report of the treasurers for this quarter. The Lord says, “Vow and pay thy vows.” We have vowed well, let us do the other part and pay well.
D. M. CANRIGHT. MICHIGAN
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Friday evening, Jan. 21, we began meetings in Allegan. Bro. Kenyon was with me through these meetings. Quite a number came from Otsego, and there was a good turnout from Monterey, so that our house was well filled. Circumstances were such that we held meetings all day Sabbath, Sunday, and Monday, and then a business meeting Wednesday. I gave two sermons in which I reviewed the chart and the messages, and the history of our work. On the Sabbath I preached two sermons with the design of reaching the unconverted and backsliders. I had very good freedom. We felt that the Spirit of the Lord was present to help. At the close of the meeting we made an appeal to those who wished to return to the Lord, and to those who wished to become Christians. There was much feeling with a large number. Twenty-seven came forward. Eight or ten of these were backsliders; and the rest were those seeking the Lord for the first time. After a season of prayer with them, nearly all spoke, expressing their feelings and desires. On Sunday I preached another sermon on the same subject, when two or three more came forward. On Tuesday evening I had a special meeting with the young people alone. Nearly every one took part, and two others made a start. Though the brethren had made their pledges for this year, we thought best to re-organize S. B. This we did, raising their pledge from $172 to $265. At different times Allegan has been a strong church; but many of the leading members have moved away, some have died, and others have apostatized, till now it is smaller than it once was. Its membership is now forty-six. Of late, a few prominent members have brought a great trial upon the church. They finally withdrew. We spent a whole day in talking over the matter. As they did not change their minds, we disfellowshipped four persons. All the rest, I believe, are now in harmony and well satisfied upon the subject. I think they will have no further trouble. There was no outside interest here at all. One was received into the church. Friday, Jan. 28, Bro. Kenyon and myself came to Otsego and held a two days' meeting. Here there was quite a good attendance each evening from without. Bro. Kenyon spoke twice. Sabbath morning I spoke on various practical duties which seemed to have a good effect. In the afternoon, at the close of the sermon, twenty came forward to seek the Lord. The most of these were young persons. Special meetings are appointed for them. Bro. Kenyon remains during the week to help them. Here I spoke upon Systematic Benevolence, after which we re-organized it, raising their pledges from $81 to $264. We enjoyed several very good social meetings with the church. After the sermon Sunday evening, we held a business meeting in which several matters were looked after. The death of their excellent and beloved elder, Bro. Hilliard, made it necessary to elect an elder and a deacon. Bro. Geo. Leighton was chosen elder and Bro. S. Hadden deacon. Both these brethren were then ordained. On the whole, to me, this was a very pleasant meeting. I found no trials to speak of, the church are united, and there are quite a number of good, faithful souls here. They have a good house of worship, and it is kept neatly. Tuesday, Feb. 1, I held meeting at Leighton. Bro. Charles Russell was with me. This is a very small, weak church, and they have had a good deal of trouble in the past, and much more at the present. I talked to them nearly all day, and until eleven o'clock at night, but with little apparent effect. Some of them have become so far backslidden from the spirit of present truth as to stop taking the REVIEW, join the Grangers, and do other things entirely contrary to the sacredness of our work. That such persons should get into the dark, where the devil can blind their eyes and easily lead them, is not to be wondered at. I left them without accomplishing a single thing. I think there are a few good members here who will come into the light. Wednesday I went to Gaines. Held meetings all day, and spoke in their school-house at evening. I found a good little church here, though they needed help in some directions. We looked over all the matters of the church, and attended to those things which needed attention. Bro. Hardy was unanimously elected elder of the church. This step pleased all. We believe that he will be a great help to them now. I spoke upon the subject of Systematic Benevolence, when all who were present promptly re-arranged their figures, raising them from $74 to $146. Absent members will probably raise this some. We had a good turnout in a large school-house near Bro. Hardy's in the evening. I greatly regretted that I could not spend a Sabbath and Sunday here. There are quite a number of good, intelligent young people, members of the different families here, who make no profession. I am certain that most of them could be brought in with a very little effort. An intelligent school-teacher at this place, who is also a lawyer, has been reading our works for some time. I believe he is pretty thoroughly convinced on most points of our faith. I hope he may have grace from God to walk in the light which he sees. Friday, Feb. 4, I came to Monterey. Commenced meetings in the evening. Nearly all the brethren and sisters came up from Allegan, and there was a general turnout of all the friends in Monterey. The roads were good, and the weather the finest we have had this winter. I had excellent freedom Friday evening in speaking on the prophecies. The brethren expressed themselves as much encouraged. Sabbath morning I spoke on various practical duties. Sabbath afternoon, I spoke on the life and sufferings of Christ, after which thirty-six came forward for prayers. Part of these were the young people who came out in my meetings at Allegan. The rest were from Monterey and vicinity. There was much deep feeling in our meeting. Nearly all those who came forward bore their testimony, expressing themselves as determined to live Christians. It was a good meeting for us. In the evening, I spoke on the 2300 days and the Judgment. It seemed to be just what was needed. After the sermon, we had one of the best and the sweetest social meetings, which I have enjoyed for a long time. We also had another excellent social meeting in the morning. In the afternoon, I spoke on the subject of S. B., after which, all promptly joined in the plan, raising their figures from $248 to $548. Nearly every one came up well to the Bible plan. We believe the Lord will bless them in this. Quite a number of outsiders came in Sunday evening, and by request I spoke upon the Saints' Inheritance. The Lord helped much. Monday afternoon we spent in a business meeting. As usual, there were various things to be looked after, but all seemed willing to do what was right. One member was put under censure of the church. On the whole, I enjoyed the meetings at Monterey very much. Bro. Burnham, from Allegan, will spend two or three days each week for a little while looking after the interest among the young people at Monterey; while Bro. L. M. Jones of Monterey will do the same at Allegan. This is absolutely necessary in order to save what has been gained. One family came out on the truth after our Allegan meeting. Mrs. Canright remained one week at Allegan. Of the meetings there after I left, she says:— “We had a good social meeting Sabbath day. They all referred to the late meetings as seasons of much encouragement to them. Monday evening the young people came together—nineteen in all—some walking three miles or more. We had a good, interesting meeting with them. All were serious, and with but one or two exceptions all took part. Quite a number prayed, then nearly all bore testimony. Some of these persons were really interesting and very intelligent in what they said, and they all seemed to be in earnest in the work. I felt much better about the result of the effort at the close of this meeting than I did when it began.
During these three weeks in Allegan Co., we believe the churches and the brethren generally have been revived and much encouraged. Some who were doubting have taken a firm stand on the right side, and are now rejoicing in freedom. Several who were wholly discouraged are now of good courage and are engaging heartily in all the work. About sixty have either been reclaimed, or have started for the first time; while the S. B. pledges are $570 above what they were for last year. I see no reason for discouragement for the cause in Allegan County. D. M. CANRIGHT.
WESTERN IOWA.
By J. W. McWilliams
When the grove-meeting closed, I stored the large tent away, and then made the necessary preparations for leaving my family for the winter. This being done, I went to Dowville, in Crawford Co., Iowa, and delivered a course of lectures. The interest at that place was not good. The Methodists held a private meeting and advised their members not to attend ours, which advice they religiously followed. Some were convinced of the truth of the Sabbath, but they are among the “Latter-day Saints,” and are waiting for a “revelation” from their prophet commanding them to keep it. While there, I received an invitation from a first-day Adventist to lecture in a country place, five miles distant. I went there, and held meetings. The interest was good, and I believe, by the blessing of God, much good will be the result. Many are convinced of the truth, and some have already decided to obey God rather than man, among whom are the first-day Adventist and his wife. Others are in the “valley of decision.” We trust and pray that the way may come out on the side of truth. I am now at home, on account of my lungs, which seem to be affected. I have many calls to labor which I cannot fill. Truly the harvest is great but the laborers are few. We pray that the Lord of the harvest may send forth more laborers, that all the sheaves may be safely garnered. Soldier Valley, Iowa, Feb. 3, 1876. ADVENT OF CHRIST.
By N. W. Vincent
Soon our Saviour will come from the city of gold,
That we all gathered there may his glory behold,
All the angels with joy will his mandate receive,
And with their blest Monarch the bright mansions leave. How blessed their mission! how mighty their joy!
To deliver the holy, the vile to destroy,
To bear to the place prepared for the good
Those ransomed and cleansed through Immanuel's blood. In numbers sublime the bright armies above
Descend with their Prince, all impelled by his love;
As if all the stars were to visit man's home,
The glad hosts of Heaven in majesty come. The trump of God sounds, how the earth will then quake!
Christ utters his voice, all the sleeping ones wake,
With rapture, immortal they spring from the sod,
In the beauty of Jesus—blest children of God! Christ's flock yet alive hear the Chief Shepherd's voice;
They have loved his appearing, they see and rejoice;
They see their lost loved ones approaching their side,
They are changed in a moment, alike glorified! The angels fly swift these long-loved ones to greet,
And to bear them triumphant to Jesus' dear feet.
Happy morn! blessed saints! clad in robes bright and fair,
With what transport they meet their dear Lord in the air! What language can picture the sinner's affright
As they fly to the caverns and shades of the night?
Their pleasures, all earthborn, forever are done;
Their weeping and wailing are now just begun. All the earth is laid waste, none to tempt can be found;
So through the millennium Satan is bound;
The saints brought to God by the Lamb that was slain,
With the King in his glory a thousand years reign. At his table they sit in the smile of “I AM;”
Happy guests! Host divine! marriage feast of the Lamb!
On his throne they will sit, and with him judge the world,
And the angels that sinned, down to tartarus hurled. ATTENDED the State meeting at Oakland, which was truly a good one, and from there went to Hundred Mile Grove and held one meeting. I then met the company of Sabbath-keepers at Lyons, near Baraboo, and held five meetings, which were good and refreshing. An elder was ordained, a deacon elected, and three were added to the church. I next went to Douglas Center, and held four meetings. An elder was ordained, and a deacon chosen. The brethren and sisters of Douglas Center united with the Dell Prairie church, making twenty-three members who are living in the vicinity. There are quite a number who have left this church, some even without letters, and have gone into other parts. They do not report, nor say whether they pay Systematic Benevolence or whether they have united with any other church. This is certainly wrong, because all such should report themselves, and pay their S. B. to the church from which they remove, until they unite with some other church. We hope that all persons who know that they belong to the Dell Prairie church, and have gone away, will report themselves, and say what they wish done with their names, or whether they have united with any other church, and when. The Dell Prairie church will hold their meetings once in two week at Dell Prairie, and once in two weeks at Douglas Center. I think, with proper care by the brethren and sisters, there may be many yet added to their number. I now go to Pierce Co., to commence labor the 26th of February in a new field, where I may remain till the Sparta camp-meeting. My address, till further notice, will be Maiden Rock, Pierce Co., Wis. BRAINTREE, VT.
By A. S. Hutchins
On my way to the quarterly meeting at Granville, I was detained in this town by reason of the sudden loss of all our sleighing. Three Sabbath-keepers reside in the neighborhood where I stopped. Learning that the people were generally quite prejudiced against our views, I desired they should have a chance to hear. Accordingly I appointed an evening meeting, which was so well attended and such good attention paid to the word spoken, that I held four evening meetings, and one on Sabbath. Remained six evenings; the first, I attended the meeting of a very friendly Congregationalist minister; the last, I spent in talking and praying with different families, with whom I left reading matter. One subscribed for the REVIEW. The last meeting was held on first-day evening. The audience was larger than at any previous meeting, giving the best attention as the evidences for the first-day Sabbath were examined in the light of the word of God. I learn that different families there, like the noble Bereans, have gone to searching the Scriptures, and that some have bought our publications and are examining our views with interest. They express a great anxiety for more meetings. I think I never have experienced deeper regret that my health is such I cannot enter new fields and alone give a course of lectures. Prejudice can be broken down, souls reached and brought to the truth, and thus be sanctified, in this State, as well as elsewhere. Oh! where are our laborers? Where are the young men who will go out and unselfishly labor to save souls? Where are those who will permit themselves to be thrust out by the Spirit of God into new fields, away from the churches which they cannot help, where they can gain for themselves a reputation and an experience as workmen in the vineyard of the Lord, which will glorify God, and gather into the church precious jewels to be saved in the kingdom of God? The call of such an one means work—hard work. It means, as the apostle says, “laboring night and day.” It means “work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” If any one was ever honored with a call to preach the gospel, it was Saul of Tarsus. The Lord said of him, “He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and the kings, and the children of Israel.” Yet he says not a word of directing him in a flowery pathway, but contrariwise, “I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” A. S. HUTCHINS. SOUTH-WEST MISSOURI.
By J. G. Wood
AFTER returning from our camp-meeting last September, I was detained at home about three months by sickness. Since Dec. 10, I have visited and labored with the brethren at Avilla, Diamond Grove, Milford, Montevallo, and Clintonville. At each of these places they seemed much encouraged. I think the churches of Avilla and Diamond Grove ought to have a series of meetings held with them of two or three weeks' duration. I remained nearly three weeks with the Clintonville church, preaching in a new place about two miles from the place where I preached last summer. There was much prejudice when I commenced, but it subsided to a great extent. Four united with the church, one was baptized, and others are deeply interested. The weather became quite rainy, nights dark, and roads very bad; so I closed my meetings for a few days, expecting to return the 4th of February, if the Lord will. THE DAY OF THE LORD HASTETH GREATLY.
By Mary L. Brown
Do we as the professed followers of Christ fully realize the import of these words? I fear that many of us do not. If we did, would we allow ourselves to be so languid in spirit, and feel so content with our hands folded in idleness, thinking, and saying, Time enough; I do not know that I have any duty to do in that direction? What direction? Why, in circulating the precious truths of God's word, and in expressing to the world by our actions and energies that the cause in which we have enlisted is everything, or it is nothing. Is it not wise and well to count the whole cost before taking the decisive step? that when once enlisted, we may prove a help, and not a hindrance to the work that is so gloriously onward. We need more of the spirit of sacrifice; the importance of the present time demands it, and every individual who professes to be a lover of truth should be prompted to action by this spirit. Although our efforts may seem to be fruitless, and we meet with difficulties at times which cause our most earnest prayer for help, we should not become discouraged, and leave the work unfinished, but still seek by patient labor to do something for Jesus. Peter says, “But the end of all things is at hand, be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” I find we are living in a time when we need to watch. The enemy of our souls is working with great power, knowing that his time is short. Our strength to resist him comes alone from God. That we may meet him successfully, we are bidden to watch unto prayer. We must do our part of the work, if we would secure the Lord’s help, which alone can give us victory. A day of grand and awful realities is at the door—a day of great joy to the saints of God; for the long-looked for deliverance will have come. Immortality and eternal life will be given and will await them, and they shall forever enjoy the presence of the Lord. But that day will bring no joy to the sinner, no bright rays of hope will encircle him; his day of probation will be forever past. The second death is before him, and he must feel its awful terrors. Dear readers, you and I will be in one of these classes in that solemn and eventful day for which we are bidden in the word of God to prepare. A brief period in the future remains in which we may decide whether we will be found with the saved or the lost. May each one of us make the wise choice. “Hold up thy light, O child of grace;
Be not afraid to let it shine
On all around, but rather fear
To hide this precious light divine.”
Adams Center, Jeff. Co., N. Y.