Rom. xii, 21. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. 1 Pet. iii, 12. The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto his prayers, but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
The life of a Christian is a warfare; and the conflict between sin and holiness, and between sorrow and comfort, is often very violent. Sin, Satan, self and the world, are his daily enemies. He is also exposed to poverty, affliction, reproaches and persecutions. O my Saviour, help me to overcome every evil in the strength of thy grace; give me a heart to do good to all that may seek to hurt me. Who, my Christian friends, will harm you if you be followers of that which is good? Not the Father; for he loves you. Not Jesus; he died for you. Not the Spirit; he is to comfort you. Not good men; they love those who follow that which is good. Not wicked men, nor devils; for, though enemies, they are confined, and cannot stir one step beyond what your God and Saviour permits them. When you meet with a trial, look to no man, but to Jesus. Pray for patience to bear it, and look up for a blessing upon it. Then all things shall work together for good. Rom. viii, 28.
Let every temptation make you more careful, and put you on closer watches against the enemy. Cleave to Jesus by faith and prayer, like a child to a parent, when it sees an enemy coming towards it. Behold him, flee to him, rest upon him, and then you will rejoice in him.
What means this Decrease in the Church ?
By Editor
WE shall not attempt to show, why, in many Churches in the land, there is always a loud lament over the decrease of membership. But that it is so, is lamentably true. We find the following, quoted from a religious newspaper. If the statements are correct, and we have not much reason to doubt on the subject, then the time has come for fasting, humiliation, and prayer, and for the exercise of these duties with rather more sincerity than marks the action and lives of the present race of professing Christians. But to the extract:
'In Philadelphia and Boston, it is believed at least three-fourths of the people habitually absent themselves from Church, and the same may be said of New Bedford, Fall River, Lowell and Worcester. The religious denominations, too, have greatly decreased within ten years. The membership in the Baptist Churches in New York city has decreased three hundred and sixty-two since 1845, although the population has increased 261,966. The Presbyterians in ten years, from 1843 to 1853, had decreased in numbers six hundred and sixty. The Methodists in the same time had lost four hundred and sixty-one, and there has been but one self-supporting Reformed Dutch Church planted in New York during fifteen years. Such are some of the statistics of spiritual declension, while, as a contrast to this picture, we have six thousand grog shops, and twenty-five hundred brothels!'
Note from Bro. Davis.
By Obadiah Davis
BRO. SMITH:—Having changed my place of residence from North Fairhaven, Mass., to North Berwick, Me., I wish my paper to be sent here. And as I am not acquainted with any Advent brethren in this vicinity, I should like to give an invitation through the paper to such, if there are any, to call on me. My residence can be found by inquiring at the Post Office.
OBADIAH DAVIS.
North Berwick, Me.
Books for Sale at this Office.
By Editor
RATES OF POSTAGE.
"Books bound or unbound, not weighing over four pounds, for any distance under 3000 miles, when pre-paid, one cent an ounce. When not pre-paid, 1½ cents an ounce."
Hymns for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. This is the title of our new Hymn Book prepared for the use of the Church of God scattered abroad. It is designed to promote not only public worship, but also social and family devotions. It is a selection of Hymns of poetic merit, expressing the faith and hope of the Church as set forth in the Scriptures of truth, free from the popular errors of the age. The Book contains 352 Pages, 430 Hymns, and 76 pieces of Music. Nearly every Hymn can be sung in some one of the pieces of Music, which will promote uniformity and correctness in singing among the Churches.—Price, 62½ cents.—In Morocco, 70 cents.—Weight 7 & 8 ounces.
Bible Tracts Bound in Two Volumes. These Volumes are of about 400 pages each, and embrace nearly all of our published Tracts. We are happy to offer to our friends the main grounds of our faith in a style so acceptable.—Price, 50 cents each.—Wt 9 oz. each.
Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question.—184 pages. Price 15 cents.—Wt. 4 oz.
The Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days, by "J. N. A." This work presents a clear exposition of Daniel viii and ix, points out distinctly the commencement and termination of the 2300 days, shows what the Sanctuary is, and the nature of its cleansing, and explains the disappointment of the Advent people in regard to time, and the true position of those who are now waiting for their Lord.—Price 12½ cents.—Wt. 3 oz.
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6-12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast. This work maintains the fulfillment of Prophecy in the past Advent movement, and is of great importance in these times of apostasy and peril.—148 pages.—Price 12½ cents.—Wt. 2 oz.
Review of Crozier. This work is a faithful review of the No-Sabbath doctrine as set forth in the Advent Harbinger by O. R. L. Crozier. It should be placed in the hands of those who are exposed to that heresy.—Price 6 cents.—Wt. 2 oz.
The Bible Class. This work contains 52 Lessons on the Law of God and the Faith of Jesus, with questions. It is peculiarly adapted to the wants of those of every age who are unacquainted with our views of these subjects, especially the young.—Bound 25 cents.—Wt. 4 oz.—Paper covers, 18¾ cents.—Wt. 3 oz.
The Four Universal Monarchies of the Prophecy of Daniel, and the Kingdom of God, to which is added a condensed view of the 2300 days and the Sanctuary.—Price 8 cents.—Wt. 2 oz.
The Sabbath. Containing valuable articles on 2 Cor. iii; Col. ii, 14-17, Who is our Lawgiver? The two tills of Matt. v, 18, Consistency, &c.—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
The Law of God. In this excellent work the testimony of both Testaments relative to the law of God—its knowledge from Creation, its nature and perpetuity—is presented.—Price 12½ cents.—Wt. 2 oz.
The Atonement. This work opens a wide field of Bible truth, and will be found a valuable assistant in the study of the great theme on which it treats.—196 pp.—18 cents.—Wt. 4 oz.
Man not Immortal: the only Shield against the Seductions of Modern Spiritualism. Without the great truth that man is not immortal, and that the dead know not anything, none are prepared to stand against wicked spirits in high places. We commend this work on the immortality question, as an able discussion of the subject.—148 pp.—12½ cents.—Wt. 3 oz.
An Examination of the Scripture Testimony concerning Man's present condition, and his future Reward or Punishment. By this work is shown in a clear and connected manner the unconscious state of the dead, and the final destiny of the wicked. By many it has been objected to works which have been published on this subject that objections have not been thoroughly answered. In this work we consider all objections to the mortality of man and the death of the wicked fairly and fully met.—Price 18 cents.—Wt. 4 oz.
Why Don't you Keep the Sabbath? Extracts from Catholic works.—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
Signs of the Times. This work presents the historical facts concerning the signs in the Sun, Moon and Stars, points out other signs of the soon coming of Christ, and contains an exposure of Spirit Manifestations.—Price 12½ cents.—Wt. 2 oz.
Last Work of the True Church.—Price 7 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
Perpetuity of the Royal Law.—Price 6 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
History of the Sabbath.—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
The 2300 Days and Sanctuary by "U. S."—Price 5 cents—Wt. 1 oz.
The Celestial Railroad.—Price 5 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
Christian Experience and Views.—Price 6 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
Supplement to Experience and Views.—Price 6 cents.—Wt. 1 oz.
Review, Vols. 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6, bound in one book.—Price $3.00. Vols. 3 & 4 bound in one book, and 5 & 6 in one book, $1.50 each.—In paper covers 35 cents a Vol.
Youth's Instructor.—Vols. 1 & 2.—Price 25 cents a Vol. in paper covers.
Appointment.
By George W. Holt
PROVIDENCE permitting, there will be a meeting at Oxford, Erie Co., Ohio, in the white school-house near Bro. J. Tillotson's, commencing Sabbath, June 7th, and to continue over First-day. Our brethren scattered abroad and those who wish to hear the reasons of our faith, are invited to attend. We wish a general attendance of the brethren.
G. W. Holt.
Tent Meeting.
By M. E. Cornell
PROVIDENCE permitting, there will be a Tent Meeting at Monterey, Mich., Sabbath and First-day, June 7th and 8th. Bro. and Sr. White will attend this Meeting if health and circumstances will admit. It is desired that some brother, or brethren, should be present at this Meeting from the churches in Allegan and Van Buren Counties, that arrangements may be made for two or three more Meetings in those Counties. Arrangements are made for Bro. J. H. Waggoner and myself to go with the Tent after the first Meeting.
M. E. CORNELL.
Tent Meeting.
By Wm. S. Ingraham, R. F. Cottrell, J. N. Loughborough
If the Lord will, a Tent-meeting will be held at Ulysses, Potter Co., Pa., commencing Sixth-day evening, June 13th. The meeting will continue over First-day. A general attendance from the surrounding country is solicited.
Wm. S. Ingraham.
R. F. Cottrell.
J. N. Loughborough.
Information Requested on Dobney’s Book
By James White
I have somewhere sent a copy of Dobney on Future Punishment, paper cover. Information respecting it will be gratefully received. J. H. W.
Business.
By Editor
C E Harris:—Your remittance pays to the commencement of Vol. X.
Wm N Bates:—Your present remittance pays to Vol. XI.
The P. O. Address of E L Barr is Princeton, Mass.
L Hastings:—The $1 for INSTRUCTOR was received.
L N Carruth:—Your present remittance pays to the commencement of the present Volume.
P Folsom:—At what date did you send your two dollars?
R B Ames and F Babbett, return their papers without giving their P. O. Address.
Letter from Round Grove, Ill., to the Battle Creek Conference.
By E. Everts; J. Hart
DEAR BRETHREN, at Battle Creek, in Conference convened:—We, in behalf of the church, and ourselves, would say that we cherish anxious desires for your deliberations to be all ordered, owned and blessed of the Lord. We would gladly participate with you in bearing burdens, and enduring and sharing in all the trials that the cause may demand. Trials we know the remnant seem doomed to pass through; but we pray that the little flock may enjoy the form of the fourth, and the patience of the saints.
We would say a word with respect to the church here. We are so located as to convene on each Sabbath, (some 30 members,) and feel to say with humility and gratitude, that the good Shepherd has so manifested his approbation, that we feel confident if we can walk as the Lord has marked out the pathway, that the good providence of the Lord was in our emigrating west.
The time we believe has fully arrived when we may not say, And yet four months and then cometh the harvest; for when we lift up our eyes we exclaim, The fields are white already for the harvest. The truth that has been presented through the Winter in producing some fruit, and meetings which we have of late held on the first day of the week, are being blessed with interesting and increasing numbers, so that some are acknowledging the truth, and are urgent to hear. On the right and on the left there are calls for truth and offers of houses, and the people want to hear. We can emphatically say that laborers are few, while calls are many.
As to the Tent operations, we have consulted the brethren, and they think with us that, as there are houses freely offered, and people willing to hear, and the prospects are encouraging of doing good, by the blessing of the Lord, in embracing the abundant opportunities in houses of worship, we think if no special providence should open to favor our procuring a tent, that we had better labor the coming season in public houses. Besides, we see many inconveniences that would be consequent to a tent operation in Ill., that would not exist in Eastern States.
We would humbly say, that we are thankful that "Israel's Keeper slumbereth not, but has manifested his care in these last days in all his ways of mercy that he has ever done to guide, instruct and correct his people." O, may we be not the people who shall be left without a vision, nor be unwilling or negligent to acknowledge them.
While we say we thank the Lord for his gifts to the church, we would pray for the continuation of them until we all come to a full stature of men and women in Christ, and be made perfect.
We feel humbly to acknowledge that the church has been too willing to make a difference in estimation of the gifts. Can we lightly esteem any gifts? Can we discriminate between them, as to their importance? We need in their proper place all the favors of our Lord.
E. EVERTS.
J. HART.
Round Grove, Ill.
Receipts.
By Editor
I Cornell, D Seely, Chas Pitts, F Gould, Mrs C C Bragg, J Wilher, S Willey, J Park, M Hutchins, J R Grimes, L Dickinson, Wm A Pierce, M A Chamberlain, L L Glover, H D Collins, A B Atwood, D Eddy, A H Sanford, H N Bates, A Graham, L Kellogg, J Butchart, A B Morton, E Gibson, L P Steere, M T Ross, A J Nash, Wm Seely, M A Holcomb, J Wilson, J Day, Jno B Hall, J Chase, M Tyler, J M Lindsay, C Kelsey, J C Lawton, S A Street, R W Campbell, C W Standish, D N Fay, ($0,50 each for N A Fay, and Chas Morton,) Jas Nichols, J Autthouse, J Francisco, J M McLellan, M B Pierce, (for J W West,) L Hastings, B E Place, J Carman, C Cole, Jos Jackson, Jos Ayres, E P Butler, Thos S Hawkins, E Cooley, Sr Bryant, (for A Ranger,) R Moran, O Frizzle, S Gibson, J Barrows, O Miles, Wm H Grabam, each $1.
H Clough, P Folsom, C E Harris, a Friend in Canada, Wm N Bates, E P Belew, ($1 for L D Ayres,) O Nichols, S Hughes, M E Morey, Wm R Brown, J Huber, S Greenman, H Childs, Wm Peabody, each $1.
C Lawton ($1 for Mrs E Thompson) $3. J Dorcas ($0,25 each for P Grover, H Grover, A Gaines N Rathbun, I Vandorn, R G Ramsay, S Snyder, P Brunthaner, N Crandall, H Stage, E Beebe, L A Sanford, L Silva, J Nugent, J Ward, J Prior,) $4.
Wm Lawton $2,50. J D Morton $1,50. E Judd, G Pease, J Whitmore, each $0,50. J A Wilcox $0,54. W Morse $0,51. S N Haskell ($0,50 for J C Cheever) $1,50. D Williams $0,30.
On Vol. VII.—H Clough, J Wilber, L Kellogg, E Gibson, A Pierce, L A Langworthy, Chas McConnell, Jos Ayres, L N Corruth, each $1.
REVIEW TO THE POOR.—J Butchart, J M Lindsay, B E Place, each $1.
TENT IN N. Y.—A G Smith $2.
HORSE FOR J. N. L.—J Demarest, L Fish, each $1.
To move Office and pay for Printing Materials.
Amount to be raised $603,64; Previous Donations, $381,67; Jno Stowell, $1,00; J D Morton, 1,00; A B Morton, 1,50; Danl Smalley, 2,00; Jno B Hall, 1,00; S A Street, $0,64; P Dickinson, 2,00; J Carman, 0,50; A Friend of the Cause, 5,00. Remaining to be raised by Church, $207,33