Earlier text: ACQUAINTED WITH GRIEFThe long-looked-for and widely-announced "Authorized Life of Pope Leo XIII." is now being distributed. The Independent gives it a scathing and somewhat extended review, in which it says:— "If Dr. Bernard O'Reilly [the author of the book] choose, to print his opinion that there were no brigands nor troubles in Italy until the French Revolution planted them there, that 'Bomba' was a respectable sovereign to be spoken of reverently as Ferdinand of Naples, and that Gregory XVI. was an enlightened and excellent prince, he may have, for all we shall do to hinder, the whole world to air his frenzy in. But when a reigning Pope furnishes an 'authentic memoir,' encourages, approves, and blesses his work, when three cardinals, one the Pope's vicar, another the head of the Propaganda, and a fourth signatory the Archbishop of New York, put their zeal on such an interpretation of history, the matter wears a more serious face." "If Roman Catholic historians choose to put such versions as this volume contains into circulation, it will go hard with them when their people get their eyes open. If they choose to teach such things for history in their schools, we shall remember the fact as having some bearing on the question, how those schools compare with the public schools. But when such a history is brought forward, under the highest sanction, for general circulation, we shall do what we can to remind the public what the true history is." "We expect such blemishes in partisan history. But we do not expect such wholesale falsification of facts as we find in the account of the law of guarantees and the legal settlement of the Pope." And then closes with these words:— "But life is not long enough to correct such a work; fortunately men do know something, and it is not necessary." Some idea of the fulsome flattery of the work may be gathered from the following extract from the account of his election. He was Cardinal Camerlengo before he became Pope, and his real name is Joachim Vincent Raphael Ludovico Pecci. The result of the first ballot and the way it affected Mr. Pecci is thus related:— "Twenty-three times the name of Cardinal Joachim Pecci is thus announced. No other member of the conclave receives anything approaching this number of votes. As the name of the Camerlengo thus comes up with ominous frequency, he is seen to be greatly disturbed. His pale, intellectual, ascetic countenance is overcast by an expression of mingled dismay and grief. Still the number twenty-three is not that of half the electors present, and an absolute two-thirds majority is necessary to an election. Thus the first morning session of the conclave passed without any result. . . . Joachim Pecci, with a heavy, foreboding heart, retires to his cell, praying fervently that the burden of the Pontificate may not be laid on his aged shoulders." The second ballot gave him more votes, and of course affected him accordingly:— "The hour for the afternoon session has come, and the voice of the master of ceremonies falls on the ears of the Cardinal Camerlengo with a startling sound—'To the chapel, my lords?' "Cardinal Pecci's turn to vote comes early, his seat being near the altar and bearing the number nine. At length the last bulletin has fallen into the chalice on the altar, and the scrutineers have begun to announce and count out the names of those voted for. Again Cardinal Joachim Pecci's name is repeated with even more significant frequency than in the morning. He soon has to mark twenty-three opposite to his own name on the printed list before him; again and again his name occurs till the number reaches thirty—one-half of the electors present; and on, on the number swells till it is increased to thirty-eight!" "But when the number thirty has been reached and passed, the trouble, the emotion, the terror of the humble-minded Camerlengo have become uncontrollable. Cardinal Donnet, Archbishop of Bordeaux, whose seat was next to Cardinal Pecci's, describes what he then beheld in a discourse from his cathedral pulpit on his return home from the conclave: 'I remarked that Cardinal Pecci, hearing his own name mentioned so often, and that everything pointed to him as the successor of Pius IX., great tears rolled down his cheeks, and his hand shook so violently that the pen it held fell to the ground. I picked it up and gave it to him, saying: "Courage! There is no question here of you; it is the Church and the future of the world that are in question." He made no reply, only lifting his eyes to heaven to implore the divine assistance.'" "Thirty-eight votes, however, did not constitute the two-thirds majority demanded by the canons. So again the voting papers were all burned, and again the anxious crowd of spectators outside in the piazza dispersed, their curiosity unsatisfied. "It was now most probable that the majority in favor of the Cardinal Camerlengo would, in the session of Wednesday morning, the 20th of February, be so increased as to secure his election. If his emotion in the chapel was such, in spite of his long habits of self-command, that he could not conceal it from the eyes of his colleagues, one may guess that in the privacy of his cell he gave free vent to his tears and pleaded with his whole soul to have the bitter cup removed from him." At the third ballot, which elected him, he was somewhat calmer, probably induced by the prospect of the certainty of the result:— "The third ballot began at the appointed hour. As the balloting proceeded, and he sat prostrated at first, then calmer, resigned, and prayerful, his name was announced with the same prophetic frequency till the preceding number, thirty-eight, was passed, and forty-four votes were recorded in his favor. It was more than a two-thirds majority, and left no room for further scrutiny. Will Cardinal Pecci accept? He sits mute, pale, with closed eyes, as if his spirit were far away from the place and scene. "The master of ceremonies, accompanied by the sub-dean, the senior cardinal priest and cardinal deacon, approach the seat Number Nine. 'Do you accept the election canonically made of you as Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church?' asks the sub-dean, amid a stillness so painful that one might almost hear one's heart beat. Cardinal Pecci rises; his whole frame shakes with uncontrollable emotion. With a quivering voice, but steadily and distinctly, he affirms his own unworthiness. But seeing them all of one mind and determined in this matter, he bows to the divine will." Hildebrand, too, it is said, wept when he had the triple crown fairly forced (?) upon him. It is also said that crocodiles weep as they are sure of their prey, and just on the point of seizing it. REPORT FROM EUROPE.
By Stephen N. Haskell
It is now two months since we landed upon the shores of Great Britain, and our time has been largely occupied in looking over the field, and visiting other portions of the European Continent. Soon after our arrival we visited Christiania, Norway, as has been noticed in the SIGNS. July 14 we left London for Basel to attend a special conference of our brethren there. As we have gone from place to place and taken in the situation of things, we have become more and more convinced that God has gone before his people to prepare the way for the spread of the truth, adapted to this generation. In every part of the world hearts are being prepared for the reception of the truth, and the great lack we see is in our own unprepared condition to do the work God has to accomplish in the earth. The work is God's, but he has committed it to his people to carry it forward. Angels co-operate with God's servants as also does our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the great captain of our salvation and everywhere he is assisting in the work himself. When plans are laid to carry forward his work, angels of God are sent to prepare the way and influence minds so the work of God can prosper, and that wisely-laid schemes may be successful and advance the truth. At Basel, Switzerland, they have an office, well equipped in every way to publish the truth to the millions on the continent who are in darkness. But the same lack is felt there that is felt in almost every Conference in America—experienced laborers are wanted; those who can go from house to house selling our publications, and also hold Bible-readings among the people. One Bible worker who has gone from one of our city missions in America, has already accomplished a good work in Switzerland, and is still engaged in the same, but there seems to be none who are successful in canvassing. The publishing work is the right arm of our strength, and canvassers are needed to sell our books to the people. Efforts are now being put forth to educate workers to do this. The plan of training laborers adopted in Scandinavia has been very successful, so that notwithstanding this being the most difficult field for the colporter except Russia, over twenty persons are521 sustaining themselves, and in some cases their families, by selling our publications. In Russia also, the canvassers have done the same, although the greatest difficulties exist, and such as to require most carefully-directed efforts. God, in his providence, makes the truth as successful in these countries as in lands where there is more freedom and more liberal laws. He blesses just in proportion to the effort put forth, and where the difficulties are greater, and there is a proportionate effort made to meet and overcome them, he will work with his people to carry forward his truth. In London very little is accomplished as yet. Society is different from what we find in America, being divided into more sharply-defined classes, and canvassing from house to house is looked upon as only adapted to the poorer class of people, and to be carried forward by those who sell papers, or small trinkets, and virtually live on the donations of the people. This seems to be the work of those who canvass on the streets and from house to house, and yet canvassing is as common here as in America, but it is by an entirely different plan. The laborer must work in each grade by itself, for the time being confining himself to that special class which he is trying to reach. Parlor meetings are not uncommon here when conducted according to the custom of the country. God has blessed the work in London to some extent, and given us favor in the eyes of some of the leading men, and the Bible workers are having some success in families of the better class. We see the necessity of opening a training mission here in London at once. The question is often asked the Bible workers, "Where can I come to see you?" Many prefer to do this rather than have readings conducted at their homes, until they become acquainted. But as yet the workers have no place to which to invite them. They have therefore been laboring, and are still, at a great disadvantage. A home of their own would give the work a standing and give us influence in the community where we are laboring. But notwithstanding this, we can see omens for good. Quite a number of families have become interested of whom we entertain hopes that they may embrace the truth. Regular Sabbath meetings have been held, ever since the workers become established, in Holloway, where they are now. Sabbath, July 23, we met with them. Nine adults and three children attended the Sabbath-school and services. A Sabbath-school was organized, Sister Hurd being appointed superintendent, Sister McKinnon secretary and treasurer, and Jennie Owens teacher of the children. The workers have also attended some of the Sunday services in the churches, and through the introduction of one family who become interested in the Bible-readings, Sister Owens has been appointed teacher in one of the Sunday-schools. At the Sabbath meeting above referred to I had the privilege of preaching the first sermon that was ever preached to a Seventh-day Adventist congregation in London. We hope this small beginning omens prosperity for the future. We are thoroughly convinced that it is not by might nor by power, but by God's Spirit. It is he alone that gives success, and can carry forward the work to perfection. How these five million people in London, about one-twelfth as many as in the United States, are to be warned, is an important question. It will require an outlay of means to get established in this city, but God has a people here, as everywhere else, and there will be many who will take their stand for the truth. Our hope is in God, and in him is our courage, and notwithstanding the difficulties we meet, we believe that orelong we shall see of the salvation of God in this city. A Retrospect of Bible Society Work
A RETROSPECT of the British and Foreign Bible Society for the last half century discloses some very encouraging facts. Fifty years ago the annual issues of the Bible, and of portions of it, amounted to 600,000 copies; they now amount to 4,000,000. Half a century ago the cheapest Bible cost 48 cents; now it can be had for 12 cents. Then the cheapest New Testament cost 20 cents; now it can be had for 2 cents. Fifty years ago the Scriptures were published and circulated in 136 tongues and languages; that number has been increased to 280, in fact there is only one great language, the Japanese, which has not a complete translation of the Scriptures, and that one will have such a translation before the close of the current year. Altogether these statistics form a perfect fulfillment of the prophecy found in Dan. 12: 4, that in the time of the end, "many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." ROME AS SHE IS.
By John Owen Corliss
It has been said that truth is stranger than fiction. A case came under our notice a few days ago that will almost make good the adage, to say the least. One of the Bible workers connected with the Oakland tent reported a few mornings since, that on his round of visiting the day before, he fell in conversation with a very intelligent-appearing lady, on the subject of religion. In the course of his remarks he quoted a portion of Scripture in vindication of a statement he had made, when the lady interrupted him with, "Where did you get that idea?" "From the Bible," answered the worker. "The Bible," reiterated the lady, "why, I am fifty-two years old, and never so much as saw that book, though I have often heard of it." At first the worker could hardly believe such a statement, thinking the lady was talking for effect, but upon questioning her learned that she had been reared a devoted Catholic. She stated that the priest had often warned her, with others, to never look into a Bible, as it would prove a snare to her soul. Thinking the advice of her spiritual instructor the very best, she had never dared to look at one. The worker then asked the lady if she would not like to see a Bible, at the same time drawing from his pocket the precious volume. At first she looked curiously, and almost suspiciously, at the book, as he held it in his hand, but after a little asked him to read some passages to her. Some select portions were chosen, and while they were being read, the lady listened devoutly, and finally said, "That is a nice book, I must have one for myself." She then engaged to take one, and the next day the worker had the privilege of putting in her hands the coveted treasure. Upon being asked what she would do if the priest should come to her house and find her with a Bible, she replied that she had been deceived long enough, and that should the priest come to see her, she would have nothing to do with him, but would forbid him entering her home. Much has been said of late about the Catholic Church having become broader and more liberal in her views. If she is so in this country, it is only for the time being, and to carry out a purpose that could not well be effected while donning the garb she wears in less intelligent countries. Remove the woolly clothing she wears in this country as a cloak, and there will be seen the wolf of the Dark Ages. And even in this fair land, where she dares, she lays her iron hand on the people to keep them in ignorance of gospel truth, as is shown in the case just related. And yet thousands of so-called Protestants are ready to link hands with this mother of harlots to carry forward schemes that in the end will only serve to revive her power to persecute those that she now, as ever, mortally hates, and help her to trample in the dust the Bible and Protestantism. OPPORTUNITY FOR A GOOD WORK.
IN these times, when God is calling upon men to consecrate themselves and their means to the furtherance of his work, that the earth may be speedily ripened up for the harvest, many anxious souls, not satisfied with the giving of their means for the work in general, would like to engage in some special work, in which they may see the fruits of their individual efforts. Everyone interested in God's work for this age should be personally connected with it. All have talents that must be improved in order to obtain the promised reward. Parents of large families, whose time is demanded to provide for their children, can do acceptable missionary work by educating their children and preparing them to become workers in the Master's vineyard. Every soul saved through the efforts of the child will be partially credited to the parents, who have by sacrifice prepared him for his glorious work. How much greater satisfaction it must be to pious parents to know that their children are devoted to God and his service than the consciousness that their minds are engrossed with self and worldly ambition. If you would not have them partake of the spirit of the world, set them an example that you would gladly have them follow. Teach them to sacrifice by sacrificing yourselves. Send them to school with the understanding that they are to be educated for the work of the Master. Make sacrifices to do so and God's blessing will attend both parent and child if you have in view only his glory and honor. There are many persons without children, who feel that they would like to do something more than they are doing for the spread of the gospel. Let such give themselves to the522 work. If they feel that they are not prepared to labor publicly, let them go to one of our excellent schools and educate themselves to engage in the work, that they may become workmen that need not to be ashamed; or, if for any reason that plan is impracticable, they could do a noble work in selecting some devoted young person who desires to devote his life to the work of God, but is unable for lack of means to properly prepare himself for it, and thus educating him to do the work that they themselves are unable to do. In case the proper selection is made, satisfactory results will be sure to follow. It was this policy that placed in the missionary field a poor young German, who had little or no hope of ever being able to engage in the work to which his life is now devoted. A worthy brother seeing that there was something substantial and worthy in his character, conceived the idea of investing some of his means in the young German's education, that he might become a missionary among the German people, for whom, at that time, very little had been done to warn them of the world's approaching doom. What then is the sequel? In the six years of his ministry, this young man has been instrumental in the conversion of more people than any other minister among Seventh-day Adventists. Scores embrace the truth at almost every place he attempts to labor. More than a thousand German Adventists have been converted directly or indirectly through his labors. Who doubts but that in the great day of accounts the brother who sent him to school will have stars in his crown for the noble part he took in the education of this young man, who is accomplishing, through the blessing of God, so great a work? But God has other young men and also young women, who are capable, with proper training, to accomplish as great a work as this young man is doing. Let our brethren and sisters of means search out such and encourage them to come to our schools that they may be fitted to engage in the closing work of the gospel. What our hands find to do, let us do it with our might, for the work will soon be over, and then our sacrifices will be of no avail.—Student's Workshop. "Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares." "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all those things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Luke 21:34, 36. UPPER COLUMBIA CONFERENCE.
By James W. Scoles
Moscow, IDAHO.—It is now seven weeks since we pitched our tent in this place, most of which time has been occupied in active labor. The Baptist minister has been speaking against our doctrines every Sunday night for several weeks. We reviewed him each time until he engaged in personal abuse instead of argument, when we promptly dropped him. The people seem to appreciate our course, and we have had a good interest all through our meetings. Twenty-three have signed the covenant, and some five or six others are keeping the Sabbath, while several others are reading and investigating. The people are very kind to us and have supplied all our wants, besides making cash donations to the amount of $24.90. Our book sales have amounted to $35.85. We have a Sabbath-school of over forty scholars organized and equipped with lesson books, Instructors, etc. Expect to organize the church next Sabbath, after which we leave for Palouse City, Washington Territory. One man has already offered to donate lots for building purposes, and offers of help are coming in daily from outside parties. We feel to give God all the praise for the good work done, and desire to labor more faithfully and earnestly than ever. Brother W. W. Steward is with me assisting in caring for the tent and in visiting. The Missionary.
By E. A. Briggs
I HAVE been holding meetings at this place for twenty-five days; and ten persons, five of them being grown men, have already signed the covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. One of these is a brother to a bishop in Denmark, of the Lutheran Church. There are two or three of those who have signed the covenant here, who I feel sure could be speedily qualified for publicly proclaiming the present truth. We expect to labor here for some weeks longer, as the interest in the truth is widening. The average attendance at our new Sabbath-school at San Bernardino City is twenty-four. Pray for the work in this district. NOTES ON THE INTERNATIONAL LESSON.
JUDGE not, said He, that ye be not judged (by God); condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. For with what judgment ye judge (men) ye shall be judged (hereafter). Give, and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will they give into your bosom. For with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you. Be charitable respecting the errors and short-comings of others, that you may not have your own sins brought against you in the great day, and find there the condemnation you have yourself shown here. It is a fearful thing for you, who are to teach men, to fall away from the truth, for how, then, will you instruct sinful men aright? If the blind attempt to lead the blind both fall into a ditch, and if you yourselves be wrong you cannot lead others, who know nothing of it, to the salvation of the new kingdom. You will both go more and more hopelessly wrong, till, at last, you sink into Gehenna. Those you teach cannot be wiser than you, their teachers, for a disciple is not above his master, but comes, at best, in the end, to be like him. If, then, you would not be blind leaders of the blind, take care, before you essay to judge and better the religious state of others, to examine your own spiritual condition, and reform whatever is wrong in it. Why should you mark the atom of straw or dust that is in your brother's eye—his petty fault—if you do not, in your self-righteousness, see the beam that is in your own eye? Self-blinded hypocrite! first cast the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to cast the mote out of your brother's eye. You will meet with men, He continued, who, when the divine truth is offered them, will only profane it—men utterly ungodly and hardened, who willfully reject the counsel of God, with blasphemy, mocking, and slandering. Do not put it in their power to dishonor it. To do so is like casting a holy thing to the street dogs, or throwing pearls before wild swine, who would only trample them as worthless under their feet, and turn against yourselves and rend you. You will need help from God in your great task for your own spiritual welfare, and for success in your work. Ask, therefore, and it will be given you; seek, and ye will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened. If your son asks bread, do you mock him by giving him a stone? or, if he ask a fish, do you mock him by giving him a serpent? or, if he ask an egg, will you give him a scorpion? You need, then, have no fear of refusal of spiritual help from your heavenly Father, for if you who are sinful, though members of the new kingdom, would not think of refusing to supply the wants of your children, far less will your Father above refuse you, his spiritual children, what you need. JESUS had now come to the close of his exposition of the nature and duties of his kingdom, and ended his statement of them by a brief recapitulation and summary of all he had said of the latter, in their relation to men at large. "Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets." The law had said, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself," but it had meant by neighbor a Jew or a proselyte. These grand words were, therefore, a rule for the nation towards its own members, but no great law for mankind. But Jesus ignores this narrowness, and proclaims all men brethren, as common children of one Father in Heaven. But the law is much more than a mere code of morals between man and man. Its fitting summary is much rather that central requirement repeated each day, even till now, by every Jew in his prayers—"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." Morality, apart from its religious basis and supreme enforcement, degrades the law to a level with the common morality of the world at large. It was reserved for Jesus to announce our duty to man in its subordination to our higher relation to God; to make it only part of that filial love which reflects the tenderness on all our brethren which it feels supremely towards their Father and ours, in Heaven. With him, love of universal humanity has its deep religious ground in the love of God, whom we are to resemble,—towards all the race, as his children. The love of man, he tells us, is the second great commandment, not the first; it is the moon shining by light borrowed from that Sun. The highest of the Rabbis cannot stand in the presence of the Son of Mary!—Geikie. ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PRAYER.
1. How does God encourage Christians to pray?—By promises and by examples in which prayers have been answered. "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Matt. 7:7, 8. 3. In what other place is the same promise recorded? Luke 11:9. 5. What promise does the Saviour make to his disciples? "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it." John 14:13, 14. 6. What does David say concerning his own experience? "I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill." Ps. 3:4. 7. How does he express his confidence in the promises of God? "The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer." Ps. 6:9. 8. What strong assurance does he manifest? "But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer." Ps. 66:19. 9. What does the Saviour say in addressing his Father? "And I knew that thou hearest me always; but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me." John 11:42. 10. How may it be shown that David was523 heard in personal matters as well as in the affairs of State? "I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God; many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord." Ps. 40:1-3; also Ps. 34:4. 11. How do you show that God will hear the prayers of those in the humblest walks of life, as well as the prayers of kings and princes? "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles." Ps. 34:6. 12. What other encouragement is given to the humble and the oppressed? "Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble; thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear." Ps. 10:17. 13. What promise is made to the destitute? "He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer." Ps. 102:17. 14. What strong assurance is given to those who are in trouble? "And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." Ps. 50:15. 15. What encouragement is given to those who lack wisdom? "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5. 16. To what extent may this promise be fulfilled? "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Jer. 33:3. 17. To whom is salvation promised? "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Rom. 10:13. 18. What must be implied in a prayer that secures salvation?—Such depth of sincerity as would lead to repentance, faith, and obedience. 19. What promise is made to those who unite in social prayer? "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." Matt. 18:19. 20. What must be observed in order to secure this promise? "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us; and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." 1 John 5:14, 15. 21. When a people shall be generous to the poor, kind to the afflicted, and merciful to the oppressed, what assurance have they from God?—"Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am." Isa. 58:9. 22. What will be said to those who shall be refined as silver is refined, and tried as gold is tried? "And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried; they shall call on my name, and I will hear them; I will say, It is my people; and they shall say, The Lord is my God." Zech. 13:9. 23. Unto whom must all flesh come? "O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come." Ps. 65:2. 24. How will they be received? "The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him." Lam. 3:25. 25. What does the prophet say to those who have repented of their sins, and turned to the Lord?—"He will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee." Isa. 30:19. 26. Give some examples in which prayers have been answered. CALIFORNIA TRACT SOCIETY.
By Anna L. Ingels
REPORT FOR QUARTER ENDING JUNE 30, 1887. No. of members, - - - - - 1,201
" reports returned, - - - 510
" visits made, - - - - 29,074
" letters written, - - - 3,010
" Bible-readings held, - - 2,782
" pages of tracts, pamphlets, and books distributed, - - - 896,954
" periodicals distributed, - - 71,884
" new subscribers obtained, - 435
" SIGNS taken in clubs, - - 3,751
" Sentinels " " " - - - 3,817
Received on book sales, - - $174 82
" " periodicals, - - - - 656 29
" " membership and donations, - 676 73
Total receipts, - - $1,507 84
ANNA L. INGELS, Secretary. MARSHFIELD, OR.
By William Potter
We are having a good interest here, congregations ranging from seventy to one hundred and fifty. Have given sixteen discourses thus far. No open opposition as yet, but we begin to hear of some silent mutterings. We trust in God and go forward, believing that all things shall work together for good to them that love the Lord. WM. POTTER. "He that walketh uprightly walketh surely." OUR FATHER INVITES US TO COME.
Why should people be so shy of God? He is doing everything to woo and win them, and to secure their confidence. So much has he done that he asks (and I cannot answer) what he could have done more. He waits on his throne of grace to be gracious to them, but they come not near to him. He even calls to them to come to him, using, too, the language of most affectionate address: "Son, my son;" but they respond not, "Abba, Father." It is strange they should treat this Father so. They treat no other father so. What child does not, in the morning, salute his father? And what father does not expect the salutation of each child, as he comes into his presence? Oh, yes, we love our father who is on earth, and we remember with gratitude the favors he does us. And does the Father of our spirits, the Giver of every good gift, deserve no daily notice from us, no affectionate salutation, no grateful recognition of indebtedness to him? I am certain he expects it, for he says, "A son honoreth his father; if then I be a father, where is mine honor?" He claims to be a father; and oh, how well he has established that claim! Truly he is a father, and "like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth" his. And to the compassion of the father, he adds the tender care and untiring mindfulness of the mother. "Can a woman," he asks, "forget her sucking child?" She may, he says, but he will not forget his people. How strange it is that men will not go to the closet to meet and to pray to such a Father. WHY DO NOT MEN PRAY MORE?
Surely it is not for want of encouragement. If they have it not in the very nature of God, yet in his invitations, his promises, and his past acts of unsolicited kindness, they have all they could desire. Nor is it that they have no need of God. Never one of the prayerless will say that. They all know what would become of them but for that overlooking eye, and that supplying hand, and that supporting arm. And do they not know that God has a heart too,—that he can love with all the fervor of a friend? And can they not imagine that in the interchange of affection between God and the soul of man there may be, and indeed must be, ineffable delight? And who that looks but a little way forward, does not perceive an exigency when, in the utter inadequacy of earthly and human resources for comfort, he will want "the consolations of God"? Ah, it is a sad as well as a strange thing, that so many enter no closet, seek no retirement, either in their houses or elsewhere, where they may be a little while alone with God; where they may look up and meet the light of his countenance as he looks down on them; where they may confess their sins, and receive the assurance of his pardoning love; where they may thank him for mercies past, and humbly ask for more; where they may take counsel of him; tell him of their griefs; and have their tears wiped away, and with him leave the weighty burden of their cares. I know not whether this excites more my grief, or my wonder. I am not so much surprised that men should neglect a manifest duty, but when I think what a privilege it is, what a happiness, what an honor, to be on terms of intimacy, and in habits of intercourse with God, it amazes me that they should forego it. How will such reflect upon themselves hereafter,—how execrate their folly? How will they wonder that they could have deliberately done their souls such a wrong? Then it will be too late to redress the wrong. They sought not the Lord while he might be found—they called not upon him while he was near. Yea, though he called, they refused. Now they may call, but he will not answer. If anyone who is living in the neglect of secret prayer shall read this, will he not be persuaded to begin the practice the very day he reads it, aye, the same hour, if it be possible? If it be not convenient, let him make it convenient. Let other things give way for this, rather than this for anything. Can he think his heart right in the sight of God, or his condition safe in prospect of eternity, while he neglects prayer? How dare he live without prayer? Without it can he have courage to die? At the mercy-seat of God he may decline to appear, but before his judgment-seat we must all stand. How a frequent access to the first would prepare us for final arraignment at the other. How it would familiarize us with the presence of God. How it would serve to break the shock of the entrance into eternity. Does anyone who is not in the habitual and daily practice of secret devotion, pretend to be a Christian? It is but a pretense. He may believe the creed of the Christian, but certainly he does not pursue the practice nor possess the spirit of the Christian. Breathing is essential to living, and prayer is the Christian's vital breath. Does he walk with God who never converses with him? Is anyone inquiring after truth? What place more appropriate for asking "What is truth?" than the closet? Who so likely to be taught of God as they who ask of God? Some men carry that question to the Bible, and press it there, as indeed they should, but they carry it not to the throne of grace, and press it there also. They read to know what truth is, but do not pray to know it. Oh, how an hour in the morning, spent with God, prepares us pleasantly and profitably to pass the other hours of the day with men; and at night, what so composing as communion with God? In resigning ourselves into the arms of sleep—that image of death, what security like that of prayer? It engages him who never slumbers nor sleeps, to watch over us.—Nevins. Understanding Is a Wellspring of Life
"UNDERSTANDING is a well-spring of life."