The time and place of this meeting are now agreed upon, and the time is just at hand. Those who expect to attend should begin to make preparations. No better time for the meeting could be chosen than June 8-12. Marshalltown is the most central and easy of access of any place in the State, it being very near the center, and situated at the crossing of the Chicago, North Western, and Iowa Central railroads. Those coming from the east and west on the Chicago and Rock Island railroad change cars at Grinnell; those who come on the Illinois Central, at Ackley.
Many of our people calculate just as much on attending our yearly camp-meetings as they do on sowing their wheat or planting their corn. To this class there need not a word be said; for they are sure to be there. But there is another class that would always love very much to attend if the way would only open. Many of these are not by any means the poorest in this world's goods, but they are burdened with so many cares that they know not how to lay them down while they go up and worship the Lord once a year. This class I feel very anxious to see at our camp-meeting this year. The way will surely open if you do all in your power to open it. The enemy may try to hinder, but the Lord will help if we apply to him aright, but he will not do for us what we can do for ourselves.
Then there are others that would be greatly benefited if they could be induced to attend the camp-meeting, but many of them do not read the REVIEW, and as we can see but few of them I appeal to the first class mentioned in this article in their behalf. Dear friends, you know the value of these meetings, and how much many of your own brethren and sisters and friends are losing by not attending them. This is too great a loss for them to sustain. They cannot afford it. A few more such opportunities and all will be over, and for many of us doubtless this will be the last one.
Come, brethren and sisters, wake up to the interest of the camp-meetings. Begin in time to get ready. Induce and help others to get ready. This is good missionary labor for the time. See that your tents are all in order, and those that have none begin in time to secure them. Ample grounds, straw, provisions, horse feed, etc., will be provided as usual.
Come one, come all, and we shall have the largest and best camp-meeting this year we have ever had. Bro. and Sr. White are expected, and the Lord of the harvest will surely be there.
H. NICOLA.
Italian Minister Orders Vatican University Closed
THE Italian minister of public instruction has ordered the Vatican University to be closed, as an illegitimate institution.
CAMP-MEETINGS FOR 1876.
KANSAS, Melvern, May 25-29
MISSOURI, Holden, June 1-5
IOWA, Marshalltown, " 8-12
WISCONSIN, Sparta, " 15-19
MINNESOTA, Eagle Lake, " 22-26
WISCONSIN, Ripon, June 29 to July 3
MICHIGAN, Battle Creek, Aug. 3-7
OHIO (place not determined), " 10-14
VERMONT, Essex Junction, " 17-21
NEW ENGLAND, S. Lancaster, " 24-28
MAINE, Richmond, Aug. 31 to Sept. 4
NEW YORK, Rome, Sept. 7-11
INDIANA, Bunker Hill, " 14-18
ILLINOIS, Waldron, " 21-25
SOUTHERN IOWA, Oct. 5-9
It will be observed that the time of the Ripon, Wis., Camp-meeting has been changed from September to June and July, the Illinois meeting from June to September, and that the Kansas and Missouri meetings are each put one week later on account of the backwardness of the season.
Special Notice.
By James White
Elder D. M. Canright will, providence permitting, meet the friends of the cause in Texas, at Dallas, May 5-8, and spend a week or two. He will then visit Alabama, Kentucky and Virginia.
Without the least intimation of our plans for the South, stated in this week’s Review, but acting from a sense of duty, he has returned from Minnesota, and we were very happy to meet him at this Office this morning, April 26th, and make arrangements for the southern field.
JAMES WHITE, Pres. Gen. Conf.
OUR PUBLICATIONS.
By James White
It becomes necessary to make changes in the terms of some of our publications. On bound books and pamphlets, at wholesale, thirty per cent. will be discounted; on uncovered tracts, one-half; special rates to T. & M. Societies, with proper restrictions. Discounting one-half the wholesale cost of all our books to the T. & M. Societies has so drained the Book Fund as to make it necessary to restrict this discount to tracts.
The SIGNS OF THE TIMES, published at Oakland, Cal., is designed for general circulation to the outside world. The REVIEW is our church paper. By referring to the terms of this paper on the first page, it will be seen that the REVIEW is offered to T. and M. Societies, and to individuals for poor brethren and sisters, at $1.50 a year. One object in offering liberal discounts to T. and M. workers has been to encourage activity and liberality. While this course has resulted well with many, others have taken advantages of the liberality shown them.
J. W.
FLESHLY PHENOMENA.
By Uriah Smith
People are beginning to wonder what kind of agencies are at work around and above us. An account of a remarkable shower of quivering flesh in Kentucky has just been going the rounds of the papers. The N. Y. Sun, of Apr. 5, 1876, notices a shower of flies in Canada covering a space of several acres. And now the Detroit Evening News mentions a shower of small red worms in that city. Some try to account for these things on the supposition that it is matter by 'some means generated in frog-ponds, and being sucked up by the wind, is borne away and distributed over distant localities. But who ever saw the contents or the adjacent matter of frog-ponds taken up by the wind? U. S.
A Fearful Catastrophe.
Chicago, April 18.—The levee, near Hannibal, Mo., broke yesterday, and over one hundred thousand acres of the finest land in the State are overflowed, and millions of dollars’ worth of property destroyed. Thousands and thousands of dollars’ worth of logs and cordwood, miles of fences, are now floating down the river, while several hundred head of horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs, that were grazing on the bottoms, cannot be found, and the supposition is that they are all drowned. The water has seriously interfered with the running of the railroads, and at many points the tracks are entirely washed out. The stream near Quincy is twenty miles wide, and the Illinois river is over ten miles wide. When the levee broke, people fled for their lives, and it is not yet certain that all escaped to places of safety.
Progress of the Cause.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
CANADA.
On reaching Bolton, Quebec, the 4th inst. I found that an effort had been made to get a preacher to discuss with me on the Sabbath question, and that a minister from Warden, a no-Sabbath preacher, was coming at once. The word came, and the appointment was circulated that he would meet me last Sunday.
Last Sabbath I met with the young friends of the cause at Bro. H. Mc. Clary’s. We had a blessed and encouraging season. The word spoken affected the hearts of those present. The tears that were shed clearly indicated that the Lord was in our little meeting by his Spirit. The friends in their testimonies expressed their joy that they had embraced the present truth, and their determination to be found with God’s remnant people at Christ’s appearing. At the close of the meeting, we invited those who believed that we had the truth, and who desired to obey it, to arise. Every one present arose, five of whom did not profess religion.
Last Sunday, at 10½ A. M., we went to the Brill school-house, where it was arranged to hold the discussion, and found a large concourse of people waiting to hear a debate on the Sabbath question. But our opponent did not come. I gave two discourses. The Lord gave unusual freedom in speaking, and unbelievers, and several who had not heard before, freely admitted that the Lord was with us. To God be all the praise! Am fully of the opinion that those meetings will tell in opening the way for the spread of the truth.
Am now with Bro. and Sr. Owen in this village, where they have held twelve meetings. Spoke on the messages of Rev. 14 last evening. One-half of the inhabitants here are French Canadians. The snow is melting away fast, the roads are bad, and our meetings are small; yet our courage is good. We have found warm friends in Bolton and in this place. There are openings all around us to hold meetings. Times are hard in these townships. Shall we receive help to continue the work?
A. C. BOURDEAU.
South Stukely, P. Q., April 12, 1876.
MICHIGAN.
ORANGE.
At the time of my last report, March 31, I had begun a short course of lectures, and was having a good hearing, but the mud became so deep we were obliged to abruptly bring the meetings to a close. Three received the truth, and five were baptized and added to the church. We left them much encouraged.
WEST PLAINS.
April 10, I came from Orange to Saranac. Here Bro. Van Deusen met me. He was laboring at West Plains, where a company had come out on the truth, and by his earnest request I went to assist him in organizing. Sabbath evening, April 14, at W. P., found the large school-room well filled. The meetings on Sabbath were well attended. An earnest appeal was made in the afternoon, at the conclusion of which seventeen came forward, separating themselves from the congregation. As we saw these young men and women thus starting in the service of Jesus we all felt that it was good to be there. After prayers a church of twenty-two was formed.
On first-day the house was filled to overflowing; and at the conclusion of the afternoon sermon we retired to the water, where ten were buried with their Lord, and, we hope, rose to walk in newness of life. When S. B. was presented they all cheerfully adopted it, their pledge amounting to $132.08. All this was pledged to the Conference, except $3.00. Obtained six subscribers for the REVIEW, one for REFORMER, and one for INSTRUCTOR.
Bro. Van Deusen has labored there four weeks, and about thirty are observing the Sabbath, ten of whom were members of the Greenville church, but went into this organization. This is the second company which he has raised up. By this we see that farmers can be used to give this message. My brother, go thou and do likewise. The testimonies in the social meeting were, “Oh, how much I have learned in these few weeks—more than in all my life before,” “I thank God that he has sent Bro. Van Deusen this way.” I shall long remember these good meetings. I am very much encouraged to do all I can in this good work.
On reaching Saranac, I found an invitation from Bro. Lucas Kellogg to come and help him organize a company which he has brought out on the truth. This is his first effort, and there are thirteen who are keeping the Sabbath. There are very many promising openings in this portion of the State. I find a good interest to hear in this village. In answer to the call from the brethren in Oceana County, I would say that I will come as soon as the way opens. The harvest is all ripe. Let us pray the Lord to send more laborers into his harvest.
A. O. BURRILL.
Greenville, Mich., April 17.
OHIO.
I have just closed a meeting of several weeks’ continuance near Napoleon, Henry Co., Ohio. About twenty-five embraced the Sabbath, and organized into a Bible-class. Twenty entered into a covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Others promised to do so as soon as they get the victory over the habit of indulging the appetite. This little company is but fourteen miles from the one at Hamler, organized in January last. We hope the Lord may bless them, and establish them in every good word and work, and shield and protect them from the pitfalls of the enemy.
T. J. BUTLER.
April 14, 1876.
MICHIGAN.
In Tuscola and Sanilac Counties I gave seventeen discourses. A deep interest was manifested. The result of these meetings was that five signed a covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Others are convinced, and I hope will soon take a stand for truth. May God help in the administration of his word.
M. M. KILLMAR.
Imlay, April 12, 1876.
ENCOURAGING
By A. S. Hutchins
To all who truly love the cause of present truth, it is encouraging to hear of its prosperity. The good tidings from different localities in the great harvest field bring joy and gladness to thousands who watch with interest the advancement of the work. In Vermont, we are in a measure encouraged by a few additions to the number of Sabbath-keepers.
Some months since, by request, I held two meetings at a dwelling-house, more especially for the benefit of an elderly lady who is blind, and who has been for some time confined to her bed. These meetings were held on first-days, and were attended by a few of the neighbors. I spoke on the evidences of the near coming of the Saviour and upon the subject of salvation.
Without previous consultation on the subject, the daughter and her husband, who have the care of this widowed mother, kept the Sabbath following my last meeting. One week ago last Sabbath, I spent with this family, and preached from the words: “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Rev. 22:14.
This was a good meeting for all present who love the Lord. Especially was it manifest that God’s blessing graciously rested upon our blind, afflicted sister as we spoke of the reward awaiting the commandment-keepers. She cherished a faint hope of life eternal previous to embracing the Sabbath, but now she has an assurance that her hope is “as an anchor to her soul, both sure and steadfast.”
What language can express the riches of that hope which lights up the portals of the tomb as earthly prospects fade and recede from our view, enabling the sinking saint to exclaim, “For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though after my skin worms shall destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God; whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another”?
With this family, three others embraced the Sabbath. A sister who has kept the Sabbath alone for years writes us from another county that her companion now rejoices in keeping the Sabbath with her.
A brother from Windham Co., where there are but two families of Sabbath-keepers, and they have been there but a short time, writes that a brother and his companion have recently commenced to keep the Sabbath from reading on the subject. They also believe in the near coming of the Son of man, and hold correct views on the nature and destiny of man.
He says, “We hold meetings every Sabbath: we have a Bible-class, and think of a Sabbath-school, as this brother’s children are old enough to attend.” That is right, dear brethren, work on. And let Tract and Missionary workers take courage in the Lord. Another item is worthy of note. The writer says, “Bro. H. gave up his tobacco some time before he embraced the Sabbath, being convicted that it was a sin to use it.” With emphasis, my soul says, Amen and amen. Go on, brother, you have started right. This is encouraging.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
MEETING-HOUSES AND PULPITS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Having spoken in some forty different meeting-houses this winter, I have been painfully impressed with the importance of having our meeting-houses and pulpits properly constructed. To say the least, one-half of our meeting-houses are so built that it is exceedingly hard to speak in them. In some of them it is almost impossible to make an audience hear distinctly. Then, when a few of our brethren come together in one corner of the house for a prayer-meeting, it is like talking in an empty barrel. They cannot hear each other ten feet apart. It makes it very disagreeable and annoying.
In some houses the pulpit platform is so high, and the ceiling so low that it will almost bake a speaker's head during a two days' meeting. And then some of the pulpits are literally horrible, at least to any sensible speaker. There is enough lumber in some of them to build a small house! Why men should build such great prisons for the preacher I cannot conceive.
In order for a speaker to come into close sympathy with his audience, to impress their minds and move their feelings, he must be as near to them as possible. No one can explain how it is, yet every speaker knows that there is a certain electrical connection between the speaker and audience. The closer this is the more influence he has over them. Hence a speaker should be as close to his audience as possible. This being so, and no one will deny it, how absurd it is to build a great, high, massive, pulpit which will put the speaker's feet higher than the heads of his audience, and himself fifteen or twenty feet from the nearest of them. Add to this a pulpit so long and so high that it hides all but his head and shoulders, and who could expect to affect the feelings of his audience in such a coop? A very few efforts long ago convinced me that I was not equal to such a task; hence I have occupied but a very few pulpits in our meeting-houses.
For myself, I prefer simply a low platform, not over a foot high, with simply a table upon it; or, at the most, a very, very small pulpit. But this may not be according to the idea and taste of others. As our people are now building meeting-houses everywhere, I wish some rule could be given, stating the proper proportions, height, width, and length, of a house in order to avoid the unpleasant ringing which is experienced in speaking in many of our houses. D. M. CANRIGHT.
P. S. It strikes me that it would be an excellent plan to finish off a small room over the entry way for prayer-meetings, instead of having a gallery there which is never used. A small room like that would be invaluable for small meeting and class meetings. D. M. C.
FAINT HEARTS AND FEEBLE MINDS.
By C. B. Reynolds
What Can I Do?
As we read of the progress of the cause, we cannot but feel deeply grateful to God. He is blessing self-sacrificing labor in all parts of the field. How our hearts rejoice as we learn the glad tidings. Tract and missionary work is beginning to be better understood, and so more efficiently performed. While rejoicing at the success attending others’ labors, let us ask ourselves, What have I done?
We are commanded to so let our light shine before men that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in Heaven. But some never even attempt to do any real missionary work; they decline all invitations to labor in the vineyard of the Lord. “I couldn’t do anything. I have no ability. I am slow of speech—can’t talk out my thoughts. I am naturally diffident; doubt if I have even one talent; if I have, I am sure it is a very, very small one. What can I do?”
You desire to be instrumental in the conversion of loved ones around you; but fear to offer your poor, small, talent to the service of the Master. Let us learn from the Bible what the feeble can do with insufficient means. Read Matt. 14:15–21.
How could the disciples feed two thousand men, besides women and children? Of what use were their five small loaves and two fishes—how utterly inadequate for the purpose? Well, what did they do? They gave their little all to Christ. Did Jesus increase it for them? Did he multiply or enlarge it? No! He simply blessed, broke, and gave it back to them; it was still, so far as quantity was concerned, the same apparent insufficiency. So far from having enough to help others, they had not even enough for their own needs. But when the disciples moved out in faith to obey the Lord, then their little proved more than sufficient. As they used it, it increased and multiplied. We read, “And they did all eat, and were filled; and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.” There was not only enough, but more than enough.
Let us take ourselves and all we have to Jesus. This will make it necessary to draw very near to him; when Jesus shall receive us—shall bless our feeble talent, let us use it, and we shall have not only enough, but more than sufficient; for it shall no longer be us, but God which worketh in us, both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Phil. 2:13.
The dearest wish of many hearts is that friends around them should embrace the truth. They inquire, what can I do? Believe in the sacred promises of God. See Matt. 5:7, 8; Heb. 11:6; 1 John 3:22. Come, Bro. Faintheart, come sister Feeblemind, take up burden for some friend or loved one. Move out in your weakness, depending on the promised help of the Lord. Do not wait till you have enough ability of your own to ensure success. Had the disciples waited till their little had been increased to a full sufficiency, the multitude would have died of starvation; while you are waiting to feel worthy or be quite sure you have all the needed ability, your dear friends are dying unconverted to God.
Believe God. Prove him now. Ask in faith believing for that wisdom he has promised. Go, go at once—make no more delay. With your heart filled with the sweet, gentle, pitying love of Jesus, go and beseech your friend to be reconciled to God—to prepare for death and the Judgment so close upon us. Do not be disheartened; even if rudely repulsed, still speak in meekness and with love. Let your friend realize you are really and truly in earnest—that you have no selfish motive, but that it is love and love alone that prompts you.
Importune, be urgent, persistent, in your supplications to God for Christ’s sake to give you needed grace and wisdom, and to bless your feeble efforts. Perhaps you may find after two weeks of faithful endeavors, that you have not made much, if any, good impression. “Be not faithless, but believing.” We read in Mark 2:3, 4, of the poor paralytic, unable to get to Christ to be healed. He could not easily be moved; one never could have carried him; it was scarcely possible for two; but four carried him surely and steadily, along over every obstacle—even the worst of stumbling-blocks, the professed followers who blocked up the way. What one or135two could not do at all, four did quite readily—raised him to the roof, and so got him to Jesus.
So if, after two weeks of faithful effort and unceasing importunity to God, you have not succeeded in getting your loved one to Jesus, then ask God to direct you in selecting some member of your church who will have influence with your friend; tell that brother or sister of your desire, the effort you are making, and together carry your friend in the arms of your faith to God. Let both make him the constant subject of prayer. Consult together how to best exert an influence for good. Seek wisdom of God that he may bless your words of loving admonition and sympathy.
How many weeks, think you, ere you would win the victory, and unite in the glad chorus of the angels in praise and hallelujahs to God over one sinner that repenteth?
This is missionary work. This is doing, not wishing, waiting. God’s promises are sure; let us no longer grieve his Spirit with doubts and fears and sinful unbelief. Let us no longer see our loved ones hastening down to death, while we stand idly by deploring our lack of ability.
In wondrous love and mercy God says, Go labor in my vineyard. He is willing to bless the very feeblest instrumentality. Awake! Up! Up, and to the rescue! Although weak, be strong. “Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.” There is work for every one.
You have no ability? Too feeble? Dare you doubt the declaration of our Lord, “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it”? John 14:12, 14.
C. B. REYNOLDS.
THE SECOND ADVENT.
By Lilla D. Avery
He’s coming! coming! lo, I see
The King of Heaven, in majesty,
Descending through the blazing sky,
His plumes of victory waving high.
He’s coming! coming! Shout and sing,
Loud songs of welcome to our King,
Be strong; fear not; we’re going home,
The day of recompense has come.
He’s coming! coming! Wake, ye dead!
Lift from the dust each weary head,
Shout in glad immortality,
“O grave, where is thy victory?”
He’s coming! coming! Can it be
The same who died on Calvary’s tree?
Who once to earth in pity came,
For us to suffer death and shame?
Ah, yes! ’tis he our glorious King,
The blest reward he comes to bring—
A shining crown, a harp of gold,
Eternal life, and bliss untold.
No more of sin, no more of woe,
Earth’s weary ones will ever know,
Then leap, ye lame, and shout, ye dumb,
Your great Deliverer has come!
LILLA D. AVERY.
Locke, Ingham Co., Mich.
NO SABBATH.
In a prize essay on the Sabbath, written by a journeyman printer in Scotland, which, for singular power of language and beauty of expression, has never been surpassed, there occurs the following passage. Read it, then reflect for awhile what a dreary and desolate page would this life present if the Sabbath were blotted out from our civilization:—
“Yoke-fellow! think how the abstraction of the Sabbath would hopelessly enslave the working classes with whom we are identified. Think of labor thus going on in one monotonous and eternal cycle, limbs straining, the brow forever on the rack, the fingers forever straining, the brow forever sweating, the feet forever plodding, the brain forever throbbing, the shoulders forever drooping, the loins forever aching, the restless mind forever scheming. Think of the beauty it would efface, the merry-heartedness it would extinguish, of the giant strength it would tame, of the resources of nature it would crush, of the sickness it would breed, of the projects it would wreck, of the groans it would extort, of the lives it would immolate, and of the cheerless graves it would prematurely dig! See mankind toiling and moiling, sweating and fretting, grinding and hewing, weaving and spinning, sowing and gathering, mowing and reaping, raising and building, digging and planting, striving and struggling in the garden and in the field, in the granary and in the barn, in the factory and in the mill, in the warehouse and in the shop, on the mountain and in the ditch, on the roadside and in the wood, in the city, and in the country, out at sea and on the shore, in the days of brightness and of gloom. What a picture would the world present if we had no Sabbath!”
NOVEL-READING AND CRIME.
These do not always stand in relation of cause and effect, but the one is sometimes a powerful stimulant to the other. A case which recently occurred in Boston has attracted wide attention. Jesse Pomeroy, “the boy murderer,” a short time ago killed two children, a little boy and a little girl. He was tried, convicted, and sentenced to be hanged. The Governor of Massachusetts and his Council, the most eminent jurists, and leading men and women of Boston, have been deeply concerned about what should be done with Jesse. Many have petitioned for commutation of the sentence to imprisonment for life. Strange as it may seem, delegations of ladies have besieged the Governor and Council to carry out the sentence of hanging, and it is now reported that this will soon be done unless the decision should be reconsidered.
What has especially attracted our attention in this case is an account of the mental ailment on which this “boy murderer,” has been for a long time nourished. It is said, “Pomeroy has been a close reader of dime novels and yellow-covered literature until, as one of the gentlemen stated in his argument before the Council, his brain was turned, and his highest ambition was to be the ‘Texas Jack’ of South Boston.” It seems that his parents kept a store for the sale of newspapers and periodicals and “trashy literature.” Here probably he found the stimulant which led him to commit the dreadful deed for which he now stands sentenced to be hanged. He had found his hero in these “dime novels,” and he wanted to be a hero too.
We are strongly reminded of two cases which occurred a few years ago, one in England and the other in this country. An English nobleman had been murdered by his valet de chambre. It came out on trial, by the confession of the murderer, that he had been a great novel reader, and had been especially fascinated by the hero of “Jack Shepherd,” one of the popular novels of the day; and his consuming ambition was to imitate that character in his heroic deeds. His ambition was satisfied in the murder of his master, and the law had its revenge in his execution.
The American case was still more thrilling, the main facts of which will be readily recalled. During the administration of President Tyler a mutiny occurred on board the American brig “Somers,” a war vessel then at sea, under the command of Commodore Mackenzie. Midshipman Spencer, son of the Hon. John A. Spencer, Secretary of War in Tyler’s cabinet, headed the mutiny. The intention was to put the officers to death, and turn the vessel into a pirate. The plan was discovered just in time to prevent its execution. Mr. Spencer, being detected as the ringleader of the mutineers, was tried under the provisions of maritime law, found guilty, and was promptly executed by being hung at the yardarm of the “Somers.” Commodore Mackenzie’s course was approved of by the President, and applauded by the whole country, although great sympathy was felt for the Secretary of War and family.
The significant fact, which points the moral without adorning this sad tale, relates to young Spencer’s college life. He had enjoyed every advantage which wealth and high social position could bestow. His grandfather, Ambrose Spencer, stood at the head of the judiciary of the State of New York, and his father was a cabinet minister. But novel-reading had been his ruin. “The Pirate’s Own Book” had been his constant college companion, and after his execution it was believed that he had sought and obtained a position in the navy for the purpose of putting into practice the lessons which that book had taught him.
All these cases afford instruction by which parents should profit. They should be very scrupulous as to the kind of “light literature” which finds its way into the hands of their children. We should as soon give poison to our children. Novel-reading is a perfect passion with multitudes. When it has attained such ascendancy it unfits the devotee for any good, even if it does not stimulate to the open commission of crime.—Presbyter and Herald.
ONE AT THE DOOR.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Rev. 3:20.
The soul is represented in Scripture under the figure of a house; and a noble house it originally was. It was built of polished stones. It was proportioned with exquisite skill. It was a masterpiece of work. And there was one thing which more than any other ennobled it—it was the residence of God. But how different the soul in its natural state now! Sin has marred its glory. God has been excluded from it. With a few lingering traces of its primeval grandeur, it is dark and ruinous and foul. But what a strange sight you have here! God has not utterly destroyed the soul. In his infinite condescension and pitifulness, he desires to repair its ruins, and to dwell in it again. And lo, in the person of his Son, he is represented as standing at the door, and seeking admission.
The Son of God stands at the sinner’s door. Marvelous spectacle! The Lord of glory seeking admission to a human heart! It is just because you are a sinner he is there. He knows your needs; and, in love past finding out, he comes to befriend and bless you. You are poor, he would enrich you; you are hungry and thirsty, he would feed you and give you drink; you are covered with rags, he would clothe you with a robe of righteousness; you are blind, he would give you sight; you are afflicted with a terrible disease, he would cure you and make you whole. Did ever friend come to your door laden with such blessings as these?
The Son of God stands at the sinner’s door. He does not wait till you seek him, he comes to you; he draws near to your very heart. Has he been long standing there? Let conscience answer. Many a year, perhaps; but he has not yet gone away. You may have been coldly indifferent to his presence, and may have turned a deaf ear to his gentle voice; but he is waiting still. And now his limbs are weary of standing, and his hands are weary of knocking, and his voice is weary of pleading, and soon he may leave the door.
The Son of God knocks. Listen! his hand is on the door. He would awaken you and make you open to him. By his holy word he knocks. It gives you many a warning, and presents you with many a promise. By the dispensations of his providence he knocks. Are your worldly plans succeeding, and is your home full of gladness? Daily mercies have a voice; they bid you open the door. Are you lying on a bed of sickness? Have you met with some severe loss? Has the grave just closed over some dear object of your love? Trials have a voice. They bid you open the door. By His Spirit he knocks. He is doing so with peculiar urgency at the present day. Are you still treating Jesus with cold neglect? Is your door still shut against him? Does he still stand without? Oh, what ingratitude and folly and guilt! His gentle form was bruised for you; his hands and his feet were nailed for you to a cruel cross; his voice cried for you, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.” To keep the door shut against him, is not this ingratitude? He would give you all you need. He would free you from evil in every form. He would make you fully and forever happy. To keep the door shut against him, is not this consummate folly? You are bound to love and honor and serve him. To keep the door shut against him, is not this damning guilt?
Behold a Stranger at the door!
He gently knocks—has knocked before;
Has waited long—is waiting still;
You treat no other friend so ill.
Oh! lovely attitude! he stands
With melting heart and loaded hands:
Oh! matchless kindness!—and he shows
This matchless kindness to his foes.
Admit him ere his anger burn—
His feet departed ne’er return;
Admit him, or the hour’s at hand
You’ll at his door rejected stand.
—Sel.
TO THE LONELY ONES.
By J. M. Gallemore
Are you alone, away from the society of those of like precious faith? Does it seem hard that you alone, in your community, should hold up God’s down-trodden and despised truth? Does it look hard that all the world, as it were, is against you, perhaps even the nearest and dearest friend you have—husband, wife, father or mother?
There are hundreds of such cases we know. But we say to them, Take courage; put on the whole armor of the Christian, and go out, not in your own strength, but in the strength of the Lord. If the Lord is on your side, who can prevail against you? The Lord is on the side of his truth; the Lord is on your side, if you are indeed one of the meek and lowly followers of Jesus.
Are there none around you who have respect to all the commandments of the Lord? Then be the more in earnest; there is the more work for you to do. Hold up the truth, let your light shine; and above all things, if you do nothing more, live out the truth. This will do more good than anything else you can do. Show to those around you that you believe what you profess. Show your love to God and his truth; show your love for deluded and perishing souls. There are deluded yet honest souls who may be glad to find the truth. The truly regenerate soul will gladly exchange error for truth, when once he is able to see it. If you can find such, they will forever thank you for leading them to the light.
Take courage; God is with you. Go forth sowing the good seed. Some will spring up and yield fruit, and in the course of time, if you are faithful, you will be able to see that you have done something for the Master’s cause.
J. M. Gallemore.
Salisbury, Mo.
HEALTH OF FARMERS.
The Massachusetts Board of Health is out with its fourth annual report, in which is to be found an interesting paper on the longevity of the farmer's life. It says the evidence collected from country physicians throughout the State for the last twenty-eight years shows that the average length of the life of a farmer in that State is fifty-five and a fourth years. This is much longer than that of any other class of citizens. The class most nearly approaching farmers, viz., out-door mechanics, live only fifty-two and a half years on an average.
The almost unanimous belief of those physicians and the compiler of the paper is, that farmers might live much longer than they do by exercising more care in choosing, cooking and eating their food, in avoiding over-work and exposure to change of weather and the use of foul drinking water. Their food consists too much of pork, pies, and saleratus bread and cakes. The cookery is bad, and meals are eaten too quickly for good digestion when work hurries. More vegetables and fruit should be eaten and more rest taken. More cleanliness, as regards out-houses, sinks, and back yards, should be observed, and more care taken to avoid leaving cess-pools, sinks, etc., nearer to a well than thirty feet at least.
A Child's Trust and Faith in Father
A LITTLE child cannot find its way through the streets and back. It would be lost if left alone. It cannot provide its next meal, or find a shelter for a night. Yet has it any fear? Not at all. Instinctively and beautifully it lives a life of faith. It cannot provide its food or garments, or house or home; but it intuitively believes that father can. The child's clinging, implicit confidence and trust in father or mother should symbolize to us the faith we ought to exercise in our Father, God.
Telling Only Truth to Those Entitled to Know
You need not tell all the truth, unless to those who have a right to know all; but let all you tell be the truth.