It was not because of any desire to shrink from duty, however arduous, that I urged to be released from the position of resident editor of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. The state of my health is such that I do not consider myself able to perform the duties of the position as they should be performed. To properly edit such a paper requires hard labor and much care. But at the earnest solicitation of the Directors of the Association, and of others, in whose judgment I have great confidence, I consent to take hold of the work, promising to do all in my power to fill the position acceptably. I cannot ask for more forbearance and kindness than was manifested toward me in my labors during the past year. For the success of that year much credit is due to the assistance and counsel of Sister L. M. Hall. Her experience in this Office and her watchful interest in the work has proved of great value.
But with all the help and all the wisdom of the world, we cannot be successful in such a work as this unless we have the help and direct blessing of God. Therefore, in behalf of myself and my associates in labor, I ask the prayers of all the friends of this cause and of our missionary paper.
The marks of credits will be as heretofore. The editors will be known by their initials. Original articles and our own correspondents will be known by signatures in SMALL CAPITALS. All selections will be credited in italics. Articles without signature are by the resident editor.
J. H. WAGGONER.
THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT.
By John Nevins Andrews
ISAIAH 8:19, 20: "And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter; should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
I. At what time does this warning have its proper application?
This admonition is found in a prophecy that pertains to the Gospel dispensation. For the preceding verse which reads, "Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in Mount Zion," is quoted in Heb. 2:13, and applied to Christ and the New Testament church. Thus we read, verses 11-14: "For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one; for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil."
And it is worthy of notice that in verse 16, which reads, "Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples," the term disciples is used, which is the common designation in the New Testament of a follower of Jesus, though it is not found elsewhere in the Old Testament. The force of this expression, as pointing us to New Testament times, is seen in the fact that he who uses this term, "my disciples," is evidently our Lord Jesus Christ.
A further proof that this passage relates to the New Testament dispensation is found in the fact that the "stone of stumbling" and the "rock of offense" of verse 14, which reads, "And He shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense," is our divine Redeemer. For thus the New Testament applies this verse, which it blends in quotation with Isa. 28:16, giving the language of both in one. Thus:—
Rom. 9:33: "As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling-stone and rock of offense, and whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed."
1 Pet. 2:7, 8: "Unto you therefore which believe He is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed."
Another evidence that this prophecy of Isaiah pertains to the gospel dispensation is found in the fact that the next verse, which says that many shall "stumble and fall and be broken," is applied in the text last quoted, or in their connection, to those who reject Christ. Thus, Paul says of those who stumble at Christ crucified, Rom. 9:32, "They stumbled at that stumbling-stone."
It thus appears that the admonition of Isa. 8:19, 20, belongs to the New Testament dispensation. A further study of the connection will establish the fact that it was designed especially for the last days of this dispensation, when the disciples of Christ are waiting upon the Lord and looking for him. For the prophet, who personates in this chapter, sometimes the Lord, and sometimes his people, says, in verse 17, "I will wait upon the Lord [Douay Bible, "for the Lord"] that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him." The New Testament church was commanded not to look for that event till the Roman Antichrist should have his predicted period of exaltation. 2 Thess. 2. But when the tribulation of those days should expire, the Saviour promised that the signs of his second advent should begin to be seen, and the saints were then to look and wait for their returning Lord.
Thus we are instructed:—
Matt. 24:32, 33: "Now learn a parable of the fig-tree: When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh; so likewise ye when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors."
Luke 21:25-31: "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, THEN look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And he spake to them a parable: Behold the fig-tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand."
Luke 12:35, 36: "Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately."
Zeph. 3:8: "Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey; for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger; for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy."
Heb. 9:28: "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."
Isa. 25:9: "And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us; this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."
The prophecy of Isa. 8:17-22, in which the waiting position of the church is designated, has reference therefore to that period immediately preceding the advent of the Saviour. He has proved a stone of stumbling to worldly professors, whether first or second advent be considered. And it is from this class that he hides his face.
Another clue to the time of the fulfillment of this prophecy is found in the work which it assigns the church: "Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples." Verse 16. We know that the man of sin was to oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God, and to think to change times and laws. Dan. 7:25; 2 Thess. 2. And we know that the law of God and the precepts of Christ have been wickedly mangled by the great Antichristian power. We know also that it is the work of the third angel of Rev. 14, in the period of the saints' patience, to raise up a people that shall keep all the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And we know also that the remnant of the church in the end of this dispensation is to be warred upon by the dragon because they keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev. 12:17. This work of binding up the testimony and sealing the law among the disciples of Christ, is the very work of the third angel. This law and testimony thus restored to the people of God is that to which they are to appeal in their final conflict with the familiar spirits. "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Verse 20.
We cannot doubt, therefore, that the admonition of Isaiah 8:19, 20, respecting the familiar spirits, pertains to the time in which we now live, when the unclean spirits are making preparation for the battle of the great day of God Almighty. Rev. 16.
And when the prophet says of them that seek to familiar spirits, "They shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry; and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward," Isa. 8:21, he fitly describes the famine predicted in the following passage:—
Amos 8:11, 12: "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord; and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it."
And when Isaiah adds: "And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness," verse 22, he speaks of their dreadful anguish in the battle of the great day, and of their final destruction in outer darkness. Jude 13.
J. N. A.
Synopsis of the Present Truth
By Uriah Smith
SYNOPSIS OF THE PRESENT TRUTH.
NUMBER FIFTEEN.
IT is a familiar saying that the surest way to root out error, is to plant in the truth; and as we have found a decree which in its extent, fully includes the work contemplated in the prophecy, and makes the most perfect harmony in the commencement, intermediate dates and termination of the seventy weeks which were to be dated from it, it would hardly seem necessary to dwell further on this point. But as the commission of Nehemiah in the twentieth of Artaxerxes, thirteen years after the decree to Ezra, has been by some zealously and confidently claimed as the starting point of the seventy weeks and 2300 days, it demands a passing notice. Far be it from us to say anything derogatory of Nehemiah or of his work. He was a holy man, and his work an important one; but the utter impropriety of making it the date for the commencement of the prophetic periods will be seen when we consider that it was but a continuation of the work with which Ezra had been commissioned, and which he had commenced thirteen years before. And that it was but a continuation of that work is evident from the following facts:—
1. The occasion of Nehemiah's petition to the king for permission to go up to Jerusalem was the report which certain ones, returning, had brought from thence, that those in the province were in great affliction and reproach, and the wall of Jerusalem also was broken down, and the gates thereof burned with fire. Neh. i. Whose work were these walls and gates that were broken down and burned with fire? Evidently the work of Ezra and his associates; for it cannot for a moment be supposed that the utter destruction of the city of Nebuchadnezzar, 144 years previous to that time, would have been reported to Nehemiah as a matter of news, or that he would have considered it, as he evidently did, a fresh misfortune calling for a fresh expression of his grief. A decree therefore authorizing the building of these, had gone forth previous to the grant to Nehemiah.
2. Those who contend for this decree, lay much stress on the phrase, "to build," as though the literal building of the city was all that was involved in the prophecy, and this Nehemiah got express permission to perform. But we have already seen that walls and gates were built and broken down previous to his going up. We have also seen that if we are confined to the literal building of the city, the decree of Cyrus has the preference to all others; and this is a sufficient refutation of the idea. But further, we find in Nehemiah, chap, 6:15, that the work of building which he went to perform was all accomplished in fifty two days;188whereas for the building of the city in the sense of the prophecy there are allowed seven weeks or forty-nine years.
3. There is not a specification in the grant to Nehemiah which is not included in the decree to Ezra; while the latter is much more full. It is therefore utterly inadmissible to pass over the greater event, and fix upon a subsequent one of less importance, to mark the commencement of an important era in prophecy.
4. Reckoning from the commission to Nehemiah, B. C. 444, the dates throughout are entirely disarranged; for from that point the troublous times which were to attend the building of the street and wall did not last seven weeks or forty-nine years. Reckoning from that date the 67 weeks or 483 years which were to extend to the Messiah the Prince, bring us to A. D. 39-40; but Jesus was baptized of John in Jordan and the voice of his Father had been heard from heaven declaring him his Son, in A. D. 27, thirteen years before. According to this calculation, the midst of the week which is marked by the crucifixion is placed in A. D. 44; but the crucifixion took place in A. D. 31, thirteen years previous. And lastly the 70 weeks or 490 years, dated from the twentieth of Artaxerxes, extend to A. D. 47, with absolutely nothing to mark their termination. Hence if that be the year, and the grant to Nehemiah the event, from which to reckon, the prophecy has proved a failure.
5. We have no evidence that the permission given to Nehemiah was anything but verbal. We have no record of there being anything given to him but certain letters to the keeper of the king's forest, the governors beyond the river, &c.; and if these constitute the decree, the prophecy should read decrees; for there were more than one. But these letters were not addressed to Nehemiah; and of so little importance were they considered by the sacred historian, that he has seen fit to preserve no copy of them, but simply to state their import. While on the other hand, the decree to Ezra was one decree, it was expressly called a decree, it was addressed directly to Ezra, and the Holy Ghost has thought proper to transmit a copy of the original document to the present time.
With these facts in view, no one can long hesitate between the respective commissions of Ezra and Nehemiah, as to which properly marks the commencement of an important prophetic period. Previous to 1844 no Advent believer thought of contending for the latter commission, but since the passing of that time, there has existed in some minds a seeming necessity for the removal of the original dates; and as "necessity is the mother of invention," so it gives some the power of magnifying molehills into mountains, when they are in need of the mountain.
The application of the argument, thus far, on the 70 weeks and 2300 days remains for our next. U. S.
(To be Continued.)
FUTURE PUNISHMENT.—THE PLACE.
By Raymond F. Cottrell
IN order to ascertain the truth concerning the nature of the final doom of the ungodly, it is a matter of importance to learn from the Scriptures concerning the place of future punishment. We are not left to conjecture in regard to the place where wicked men will receive the punishment due to their sins. Perhaps the reader is ready to say, We all know where they are to be punished; it is in hell. That answer is too indefinite, because the word hell in our English version of the Scriptures does not always mean the same thing. There are different terms in the original which are rendered hell in our Bibles. In those places where we have sheol in Hebrew, or hades in the Greek, it signifies the place or state of the dead, both good and bad, between death and the resurrection. It is not the place of future punishment; but it is a general name to comprehend the condition of all the dead, whether buried in graves, or in the ocean, or wherever they are. It is sometimes translated grave, but this term, though true as referring to those who are buried in graves, is not comprehensive enough to include all the dead. This is the hell from which our Saviour came forth, when he left the new sepulcher in which Joseph had laid him. The prophecy that his soul should not be left in hell, was fulfilled in his resurrection from the dead. Ps. 16:9, 10. Acts 2:25-31. All are to be brought from this hell—brought up from the dead—before the future punishment is inflicted.
The inquiry may now arise concerning the hell fire of which we read. That is not in the grave, nor in the "dark, unfathomed caves" of ocean. No, this is quite another thing. It is from another word, Gehenna, and is used to denote the place of future punishment. It refers to the valley of the son of Hinnom, south of Jerusalem, where the filth of the city was deposited, and fires were kept to consume it; and hence it is taken as a type or emblem of the fire of that future day when the enemies of God shall be punished, and the refuse and filth of earth shall be consumed. But is not that fire doing its work at present? We think not. The Judgment is not yet past. Men are first judged, then punished. It is not till the Son of man shall come in his glory, and shall sit upon the throne of his glory, that he says to the wicked, "Depart ye cursed into everlasting fire." Matt. 25:31, 41.
Do the Scriptures testify to the place where wicked will receive their punishment? They do clearly state it; and consequently we need not set our imagination to explore the interior of the earth, or to visit distant planetary worlds, to find it. We come, then, to the testimony.
"Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth; much more the wicked and the sinner." Prov. 11:31.
This text plainly states that both classes, righteous and wicked, shall be recompensed. But this is most especially and emphatically the case with the wicked: "much more the wicked and the sinner." The saints have the promise of a "great reward in Heaven;" but the wicked have their portion entirely in the earth.
That is just what I believe, says a friend, I believe the sinner gets his punishment as he passes along through the world.
Stop a moment. The text does not say men are rewarded in this life. It speaks of a future recompense; but it is to be on the earth. It says they shall be recompensed in the earth, not are recompensed in this life. In this life the wicked often have their good things, and the righteous evil things; but the time of recompense is coming, and it will be upon the earth. How is this possible? What kind of recompense are they to have in the earth? The righteous are to have the earth for an everlasting inheritance. "Blessed are the meek," says our Saviour, "for they shall inherit the earth." Matt. 5:5. The following will tell how both classes will be recompensed. "For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it." Prov. 2:21, 22. And when this is done, "The righteous shall never be removed; but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth." Chap. 10:30. "For evil doers shall be cut off; but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while and the wicked shall not be; yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." Ps. 37:9-11. Thus while we are learning of the place, we are learning of the nature of future punishment. "The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever." But the time is coming when the wicked shall not be. To be, is to exist. They are recompensed in the earth, but they are cut off, and their existence ceases—their place is not to be found.
The earth, says an apostle, is reserved unto fire against the day of Judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But although the earth and elements are to melt with fervent heat, yet the fact is plainly taught that a new or renewed earth will succeed it; and that in that new earth there will be no more curse. Then all the inhabitants of the earth will join in a universal song of praise. 2 Pet. 3:7-13; Rev. 22:1; 22:3; 5:13. Hence the time will come when the wicked shall have been punished, and the place where they met their fate will resound with the songs of the righteous.
R. F. COTTRELL.
OUR PERIODICALS.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
WE have never fully realized the importance of extending the circulation of our periodicals. We have no settled ministers over our churches, as have many of the denominations around us. Our ministers are few in comparison to the number of our churches. They are all missionaries. With their cotton meeting-houses during the Summer months, and in school-houses, halls and meeting houses in the Winter, they are constantly entering new fields and raising up churches, which are left to the care of experienced lay brethren.
The Review is our denominational paper, which comes laden with meat in due season to the household of faith. The Youth's Instructor brings the weekly lessons that all may systematically study the Scriptures. It also contains much valuable information and instruction adapted to all ages. It is free from that child-talk and those chaffy stories which so often characterize such periodicals. The Good Health is not denominational in its character; neither it is a bigoted journal, containing strong assertions without reason for them. Its teaching is plain, practical, common sense, giving the true principles of health, and instructions how to avoid disease and how to recover health when it is lost. It should make its monthly visits to every respectable reading room in the country.
Nothing but a favorable impression can be made upon any candid mind by reading either of the above mentioned periodicals. The same may be said of those in the French, Danish, Swedish and German languages.
The Signs of the Times is a pioneer sheet. It is our missionary paper, printed for our Tract and Missionary Societies, to be used as a John the Baptist to awaken an interest and prepare a people for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ten thousand copies weekly, making 500,000 copies yearly, should be taken in clubs and re-mailed by our tract workers to all parts of the civilized world. All those who are laboring to interest others in the solemn truths of the judgment and the second advent of our Lord should take a part in the work of placing this journal before others. Not an idler should be found in the vineyard. This periodical should be in the hands of every believer for distribution. It should be loaned, given away, used in obtaining subscribers, etc., etc. Its mission is to enter new fields and raise the standard of truth where darkness prevails. With our present army of missionary workers, there should be not less than an edition of 20,000 used the present Summer. The farmer should ever have them by him to loan to his neighbor as he meets him by the way, to the stranger as he may come in contact with him. They should be upon the merchant's counter, that his customer may be furnished with the rays of light as they leave his place of business. Our sisters also can here find a field of labor. As they call upon their neighbors and their neighbors call upon them, these should be occasions of introducing the Signs to others. Ministers, while traveling in the stage coach, in the cars, or on the water, should ever be prepared to give their fellow-travelers something to read which will elevate the mind to God and heaven. The varied readings contained in a periodical will interest many, where a denominational tract would give offense. "Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters," are the words of God. "Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days." We are to sow the seed; sow it in love and in tears, although the circumstances might at the time be as apparently unfavorable as it was for the men of the East to sow their rice in the waters of the Nile, as it overflowed its banks.
If there is any affinity in the heart of man for righteousness and true holiness, the earnest appeals in behalf of the cause of Christ contained in this pioneer sheet will be sure to find a chord that will vibrate. Then again, the truth is of God, and it is always backed up by his Holy Spirit; therefore it must prove a success. "For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it," Isa. 55:10, 11.189
This is an enterprise that is worthy the consideration of all. All lovers of the truth in the country should take a part in it. Men will invest in uncertain enterprises, borrow money and run risks, but here is an enterprise that will yield a reward which is more valuable than stocks or bonds. We recommend it to all who have an interest in eternal things. S. N. HASKELL.
R. F. COTTRELL
By R. F. Cottrell
The San Francisco Pacific, of taxing church property, says: “Whoever has been in such a land as Mexico once was, and remembers how many millions were withdrawn from taxation by a vast ecclesiasticism, to the impoverishment of the people, will cease to oppose taxing all the real estate of a country with slight exceptions.”
Fret Not Thyself Because of Evil Doers
REMEMBER this: "Fret not thyself because of evil doers; for evil doers shall be cut off."
MEETING AT DIXON, CAL.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
The meeting at this place was of deep interest, and of profit to the cause in this section. The rain during the week, until Friday night, made the roads almost impassable, yet our brethren came from Vacaville, a distance of 14 miles, and the evening meetings were attended by friends living six or eight miles distant.
The truth was preached in this village two years since by Elders Healey and Stephens, when quite an interest was awakened, but only a few, and those mostly sisters, took their stand upon the truth.
The first appointment for Mrs. White was Sabbath at 11, A. M. About 150 were present. The impression made was good, and the word spoken took effect.
On Sunday at 4, P. M., a district quarterly meeting was held, which showed a good degree of labor performed. But the missionary effort through the Sabbath interest of a few individuals in this vicinity gave rise to the demand for this meeting. Should the same missionary effort be put forth in hundreds of villages where the truth has never been presented, an interest might be awakened by which scores would be led to embrace the truth.
Sunday evening Mrs. White spoke about two hours to a large and attentive audience. At this time she had more than usual liberty in speaking on the subject of Christian temperance. In a most forcible manner she showed that God holds parents responsible for their children, to subdue their passions while young, lest they become uncontrollable, and drunkenness and ruin be the result. The instruction of the angel to the wife of Manoah, and of Gabriel to Zechariah and Elizabeth, were cited with good effect. God selects men to fill important places in his work whose passions and appetites were controled in infancy, and who have thus in manhood moral power to resist the evils which surrounded them. No passionate man or drunkard can enter the Kingdom of God, nor the rumseller who, for sordid gain, places to his neighbor's lips that which will dethrone reason and bring wretchedness and misery upon households.
The influence of the meeting was good; prejudice was removed, and all who love the truth were encouraged. S. N. HASKELL.
CAMP-MEETINGS IN THE NORTH PACIFIC CONFERENCE.
By Isaac D. Van Horn
IT has been decided to hold two camp-meetings in this Conference this season. The first will be held at Milton, Umatilla county, Oregon, commencing May 20th, 1880, and continuing over two Sabbaths to the 31st. This meeting should be attended by all the friends of the cause east of the Cascade Mountains. One great reason why there should be a general attendance is the following: At our meeting last year a strong feeling existed in favor of a division of the Conference, making the Cascade Mountains the line between the two parts. This feeling still prevails, even to a greater extent than last year. By corresponding with the General Conference Committee, I am prepared to say that they favor the division. Now it is quite probable that such a division will take place at our coming camp-meeting: To accomplish this in a proper manner there must be:—
1st. A written consent from each church and company of Sabbath-keepers, and from scattered individuals west of the Cascades, sent immediately either to Elder I. D. Van Horn, Beaverton, Washington county, Oregon, or to Elder Alonzo T. Jones, Milton, Umatilla county, Oregon.
2d. All S. B. or Tithes should be paid up to the first day of May, 1880, and reported either to the Conference Treasurer, John Donaldson, Salem, Oregon, or to the Secretary, A. T. Jones, Milton, Oregon.
3d. The T. & M. districts should post up their books, square up their accounts, pay up their debts, and take an inventory of the books on hand. This is an important part of the duties to be done. There is but a short time to bring all this about, but if all who have any responsibility in the work will enter at once upon their duty, it will be done.
These things being all properly adjusted, the way will then be open for the organization of a new Conference east of the Cascade Mountains, at their camp-meeting the twentieth of May next.
In all the churches and unorganized companies east of the Cascades delegates should be elected, and certificates given them, that they may proceed to organize a Conference should a division take place.
The second camp-meeting will be held in a beautiful grove half way between Hillsboro' and Forest Grove, at the little village of Cornelius, Washington county, Oregon. This point is but three miles from Hillsboro, and the same distance from Forest Grove, on the line of the Western Oregon Railroad. All trains stop within a quarter of a mile of the ground. All persons coming to the meeting on this road will buy tickets to Cornelius. We shall be able to obtain the same privilege this year over both railroads as heretofore. Those paying full fare to the meeting, will receive a free pass to return.
The time this camp-meeting will be held is from June 9th to June 15th. The Fourth Annual Session of the North Pacific Conference will be held at this meeting. Each church and company of S. D. Adventists will elect a delegate to represent them in this meeting, and all officers of the Conference and of the T. & M. Society should be present.
Mrs. E. G. White will be present at both our camp-meetings. It will be a most favorable opportunity for all our brethren and sisters to become acquainted with her, and receive the valuable instruction she is able to give. Elder S. N. Haskell will also be present to assist in the meetings, and to look after the T. & M. work especially. Let every one come, and if it is impossible for any one to come, let us hear from you by letter.
These meetings can be made a source of great strength to the cause in this large field of labor. We have the assurance of the best of help, and surely every one should make a strong effort to attend.
Come one, come all. Bring children, relatives, and friends. I. D. VAN HORN.
ST. HELENA, CAL.
By Ellen G. White
APRIL 10 and 11 I spent with the church at St. Helena. There was a good representation of our brethren and sisters at the Sabbath meeting. I had freedom in speaking from the words of our Saviour found in John 15 : 7, 8. Following the discourse we had a very profitable social meeting, nearly all present taking part, after which the ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated. Bro. Wood was present and conducted this service.
Sunday there were no meetings in the other churches, and the house was crowded. The best of attention was given to words spoken from 1 John 3 : 1-3. In the evening we again addressed an interested company. Monday we took the cars for Napa, where we spoke to the brethren and sisters there assembled in the evening. Some of the members of this church have moved away, and some have died, so that there are but few left. Although so few in numbers, one hundred and thirty-four dollars were paid in as their quarterly tithe. When every church member does his part cheerfully in tithes and offerings the general treasury will be supplied. Napa needs judicious ministerial labor. Indeed, from every direction comes the Macedonian cry, "Come over and help us." I would recommend that a definite time be set apart for prayer that God will raise up laborers to send into the harvest field. We see places for twenty men to labor on this coast. We must cry to God, brethren and sisters, in faith for him to put his hand to the work, and send by whom he will. As we view this large field, and see the many openings for laborers and the few there are to fill them, we feel humbled before God. His rebuke is upon us because of our unconsecration. We must devote more time to heartfelt prayer that God will work in behalf of his cause upon this coast. Shall we individually put away our pride and love of self, and so humble our hearts before God that he can turn his face this way, and let the light of his countenance shine upon us. He can and will clothe us with salvation if we will comply with the condition laid down in his word. "Be ye not conformed to this world, but ye transformed by the renewing of your minds, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." E. G. WHITE.
TAUNTON, ENGLAND.
By John Norton Loughborough
SINCE my last report, three more have been baptized at Southampton, making sixteen in all baptized at this place.
I have also spent four weeks at Taunton, Somersetshire. A few there had commenced to keep the Sabbath, and they wished to hear on other points of present truth, that they might be in harmony with the work of God for this time. The most of them had belonged to the Christadelphians. The faith of that denomination consists quite largely in negatives. "No pre-existence of Christ, No devil. No Holy Spirit aside from the word. No law. No resurrection to a large portion of the human race. A kingdom consisting of a mixture of immortals and mortals, with a special probation for the Jews," etc.
One object of this, my first visit at Taunton, was to examine the Scriptures with them on the above subjects. Most of my meetings were held in Bro. Veysey's school-room. I am glad to report as the result of our investigations, the company are in harmony with us on these points. Seven signed the covenant. Beside these, some others are investigating with interest.
We held two meetings, which were quite well attended, in Assembly Hall, Market House, but as political excitement came on, consequent upon the dissolution of Parliament, and electing a new one, and as the charge for the hall was a little over $5.00 per night, we did not deem it best to risk so great an expense in such an exciting time. We hope the meetings held in Taunton are only the beginning of a still greater interest to be seen there in the future.
A parliament canvass here is unlike a presidential campaign in America, There you will have the excitement until next November; but here, Parliament was dissolved March 24, and the elections must be held, and all returns made within a month of that date. Though the canvass is short, it is earnest and exciting. Members of Parliament who wish to be re-elected, or others wishing election, not only make speeches setting forth the principles of their respective party, but they say in so many words, "I want you to vote for ME." These candidates also go from house to house, calling upon every voter in person, and getting, if possible, their promise to vote for them. So it is excitement all the time. Most of the elections will be over this week, and whether "Tory rule" is to continue, with Beaconsfield as Premier, or Liberalism to again have power as under Gladstone, will soon be known.
Amid all the excitement and confusion of earth we wish to be found at our post, active in the canvass for the "King of kings," who is so soon to take his power, and reign, when all earthly rule shall cease. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. April 1, 1880.
Ready to Live, Not Merely Die
How common it is to say of a man who has just passed away, that he was ready to die; and to say this as if here was proof that he was a trustful child of God. But dying is no such test of fidelity as living. When a man sees he must die, there is no choice left to him but to accept the inevitable. But while he lives he has a choice to live in one way or in another. His choice under these circumstances shows his real character, his relations to God's service. As old Jeremy Taylor, says: "He that overcomes his fears of death, does well; but if he hath not also overcome his lust, or his anger, his baptism of blood will not wash him clean. Many things make a man willing to die in a good cause; public reputation, hope of reward, gallantry of spirit, a confident resolution, and a masculine courage; or a man may be vexed into a stubborn and unrelenting suffering. But nothing can make a man live well, but the grace and love of God." Or, as Paul puts it: "Though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." You may feel ready to die to-night. Are you ready to live this year out? That is the question.—S. S. Times.
Love of Christ and Covenant Love
Let us not delude ourselves; if we find the love of sin and of the world stronger in our hearts than the love of Christ, we are not partakers of his redemption.
It is my comfort to know that the darkest cloud is fringed with the brightness of covenant love.