p. 184 | Review and Herald, Vol. 40, No. 23. (11/19/1872)

THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT:

By W. H. L.

Or the Sunday, the Sabbath, the Change,

and the Restitution.

No. 4.

FIRST, then, we suggest that it would be well to collate all the texts in the New Testament in which the first day of the week is mentioned. They are as follows: “In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.” Matt. 28: 1.

“And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint Him. And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulcher at the rising of the sun.” Mark 16: 1, 2.

“Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.” Mark 16: 9.

“And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment. Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulcher, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.” Luke 23: 56, and 24: 1.

“The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulcher.” John 20: 1.

“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, ‘Peace be unto you.’” John 20: 19.

“Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” 1 Cor. 16: 2.

“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to

depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” Acts 20: 7.

Doubtless the reader is not a little surprised—provided he has never given his attention to the subject before—at discovering the meagerness, so far as numbers at least are concerned, of the passages alluded to above. Nevertheless, let us take the data thus furnished, and from them endeavor to derive all the information which they can legitimately be made to afford. At first glance, it will be discovered that six of the passages of Scripture under consideration relate to one and the same day, which was that of the resurrection. Written as they were from five to sixty-two years this side of that occurrence, and penned by men who were profoundly interested in everything which was calculated to throw light upon matters of duty and doctrine, we would naturally expect that they would seize these most favorable opportunities for instructing those whom they were endeavoring to enlighten, in regard to the time of, and circumstances connected with, the change of the Sabbath. Let us observe, therefore, how they discharge this most important responsibility. It will not be urged by any that John 20: 1, and Mark 16: 9, furnish anything which in any way strengthens the Sunday argument. The statements which they contain are merely to the effect that Mary Magdalene was the one to whom Christ first presented himself, and that she visited the tomb very early in the morning. Neither will it be insisted that the declaration found in Matt. 28: 1, and Mark 16: 1, 2, and Luke 23: 56, and 24: 1, afford any positive testimony for the sanctity of the first day of the week. On the contrary, we think that every candid person will concede that the bearing which they have upon the subject is rather against, than favorable to, the case which our friends are so anxious to make out. To illustrate: In Matt. 28: 1, we read that “in the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, to see the sepulchre.” Again, in Mark 16: 1, 2, the same general fact is stated, with the simple variation that instead of the expression, in the end of the Sabbath, are substituted the words, “when the Sabbath was passed,” while in Luke 23: 56, and 24: 1, it is declared that these things transpired on the first day of the week, the context carefully setting forth the fact that the women “had rested upon the Sabbath, according to the commandment,” and that it being past, they came to the sepulcher, bringing with them the spices which they had prepared.

Now, putting all these things together, what have we learned? Manifestly, the following facts: First; when the events transpired which are set forth in these scriptures, there was a Sabbath; since it is stated, by way of locating them in point of time, that the Sabbath had ended before the affairs spoken of were transacted. Second; that the Sabbath, to which reference was made, was the seventh day of the week, since it preceded the first, and was that of the commandment. Third; that, if the first day of the week was a Sabbath, as is now claimed, the women were ignorant of it, since it is clear that they did not go to the tomb on the seventh day to embalm the body, because of its being holy time; whereas, upon the first day of the week their scruples were gone, and they came to the sepulcher bearing their spices with them, to accomplish a work which they would not have regarded as legitimate on the Sabbath. Fourth; that the seventh day was not only the Sabbath at the time mentioned, but also that, according to the convictions of the historians, it was the Sabbath at the time of their writing—since they apply to it the definite article “the;” whereas, if there had been a change of Sabbath, it would have been natural to have distinguished between them in the use of explanatory words and phrases, such as are now applied, as, for instance, “the Jewish Sabbath,” “the Christian Sabbath,” &c., &c. Fifth; that, while Matthew, Mark, and Luke do, in every instance cited above, honor the seventh day of the week in the most scrupulous manner, by applying to it the Bible title of the Sabbath, they do, nevertheless, make mention of the day of the resurrection in each case, in the same connection, in the use of its secular name, “the first day of the week.” A slight which is utterly inexplicable, provided the latter had really put on a sacred character; since, that being true, it was much more important that its new claims should be recognized and inculcated by those who could speak with authority, than it was that they should perpetuate the distinction of a day whose honors had become obsolete.

Having now examined five of the six texts under consideration, there remains but one more to occupy our attention.

This reads as follows: “Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.” John 20: 19. Here, again, we are struck with the manifest disposition on the part of John, in common with the other evangelists, to avoid the application of any sacred title to the first day of the week. Twice in this chapter he makes mention of that which is now regarded as the “Queen of days,” but in both instances he avoids, as if with studied care, attaching to it any denomination by which its superiority over other days should be indicated. How perfectly in keeping, for instance, it would have been with the facts as they are now claimed to have existed—as well as with the interests and desires of millions who have since lived—had he in the text before us so varied the phraseology of the first clause that it would read as follows: “And the same day at evening, being the Christian Sabbath, when the disciples were assembled,” etc. This, however, he did not do, and we inquire of the reader, right here, concerning his motive in omitting that which now appears to us so desirable, and which would have been perfectly legitimate were the views of our friends correct. Did he intentionally omit an important fact? Was it left out because of an oversight on his part? Or, would it be safer to conclude that perhaps, after all, the difficulty lies, not with the apostle, or with the Holy Spirit which dictated his language, but with the theory, which seems to be out of joint with his utterances.

Nevertheless, as it is still urged that, in the absence of a positive declaration, this, the only remaining text, does furnish abundant evidence of the sacred regard in which the day of the resurrection was held—since it gives an account of a religious meeting held upon it, manifestly for the purpose of recognizing its heavenly character—let us examine more critically into the nature of the claims which are based upon its record. That those with whom we differ should be tenacious in their efforts to rest their cause very largely upon the account found in John 20: 19, is not at all surprising. It is the only chance, as we have seen, which is left them of basing their argument upon a passage of Scripture which relates to the day of the resurrection. So far as 1 Cor. 16: 2, and Acts 20: 7 are concerned, it will not be disputed by any that their testimony is merely collateral evidence. If Sunday has become the Sabbath, it was by virtue of transactions which occurred immediately in connection with the rising of Christ. In other words, it was on the third day after the crucifixion that Christ, if at all, began to impress upon the minds of his disciples the Sabbatic character which had already attached to, and was henceforth to continue in, the day which saw him a conqueror over death and the grave.

Nay, more; if the change occurred at all, it must have dated from the very moment that the angel descended, the guard was stricken down, and the Son of God, glorified, came forth. This being the case, from that time forward it would naturally be the effort of Christ to produce in the minds of his followers the conviction of this most momentous fact. Every action of his would necessarily be—if not directly for the purpose of imprinting the peculiar sacredness of the hours upon those by whom he was surrounded—at least of a character such as to impart no sanction either to a deliberate, or even an unintentional disregard, on the part of any, of their hallowed nature. Hence, our friends seizing upon the fact that he met with them while assembled together in the after part of the day, have endeavored to clothe the incident with great interest, and have largely elaborated their arguments to show that this was not an accidental occurrence, but rather partook of the nature of a religious meeting, Christ himself honoring these instinctive efforts on the part of the disciples to act in harmony with the spirit of the hour, by his own personal presence.

Before we sanction this view of the subject, however, let us give our attention for a moment to the manner in which the previous portion of the day, then closing, had up to that point been spent. Certain it is, that Jesus had not, during its declining hours, been suddenly moved by a newly-created impulse for the accomplishment of an object which had been just as desirable for twelve hours as it was at that moment. Sunday sanctity had already become a fixed fact, and its knowledge as essential to the well-being of the disciples in the morning, as at the evening. We naturally conclude, therefore, that the very first opportunity for its disclosure would have been the one which Christ would have embraced. This was afforded in his conversation with Mary. But, while there is no evidence that it was imparted, it is at least presumable that she was left entirely ignorant of it.

The second occasion was presented in that of the journey of the two disciples from Jerusalem to Emmaus, a distance of seven and a half miles. Jesus walked with them and talked with them by the way, reasoned with them about the resurrection, made as though he would have gone further, discovered himself to them in the breaking of bread, and disappeared, leaving them to retrace the seven and a half miles to the city, with no word of caution against it on his part. Nay, more; his marked approval of the propriety of the act might properly have been inferred from the fact that he himself accompanied them in the first instance, in the garb of a wayfaring man; at the same time acting the part of one who was so far convinced of the rectitude of his own and of their action, that he was ready to continue his journey until night should render it impracticable. (Luke 24: 28.) Following these men now as they retrace their steps to the city from which they had departed, and to which they were now returning—manifestly all unconscious that they were trespassing upon time which had been rescued from that which might properly be devoted to secular pursuits—let us observe them, as they mingle once more with their former companions in grief. How does it happen that they are congregated at this precise point of time? Is it because they have at last discovered the fact that it has been made in the special sense a proper day for religious assemblies? If so, whence have they derived their conviction? Certainly not from Mary, or the two disciples just returning from Emmaus. Assuredly, also, not from Christ himself.

But, again, is it not really from an induction on their own part, by which they have themselves discovered the fitness of making the day of resurrection, also, that of worship? Listen a moment. Hear their excited remarks as, at this juncture, they are joined by the two. Do you catch these words, “The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon”? (Luke 24: 34.) Does not this establish the fact of their confidence in the previous report? Unfortunately, the historian adds, “Neither believed they them.” Here they are, then, manifestly still doubting the very fact which some have thought they were convened to celebrate.

But, again, what is the place of their convocation? Unquestionably, neither the temple nor the synagogue. The record states that where they were assembled, “the doors were closed for fear of the Jews.” Evidently, they were in some place of retirement and comparative safety, hiding away from the fury of a people who, in their madness and cruel hate, had crucified even the Lord of glory. We ask again, Where were they? Let Mark explain. Certainly he is competent to the task. When describing the very transaction we are considering, he says: “Afterward he appeared to the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.” Mark 16: 14. Here, then, is the clue to the whole matter. It was not a religious meeting, because they were in a frame of mind to be censured, rather than applauded, because of unbelief. It was merely the body of the apostles gathered in their own quarters for the purpose of partaking of an evening meal, where they were in the habit of eating, and drinking, and sleeping,—and where at this time they kept particularly close, because of the perils which surrounded them on every hand. That this is true is further sustained by two additional considerations.

First; it was a place where Christ expected to find meat, and where he requested such for his own use, and was supplied from their bounty with broiled fish and an honeycomb, which, the record states, “he took and did eat before them.” (Luke 24: 41–43.)

Secondly; that they were in possession of just such a rendezvous, is clearly stated in John 20: 10, where, speaking of Peter and John when going from the sepulcher, it says, “They went away unto their own home.” A few days later, Luke declares (Acts 1: 13), that when they came in from the ascension, they “went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas; Bartholomew, and Matthew, James, the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas, the brother of James.”

Thus, by a natural and easy combination of the facts brought to view by the inspired penman, the whole matter has been reduced to a simple transaction, such as might have been repeated many times during the forty days, and such as—in and of itself—fails to disclose any evidence that the occurrences narrated, either necessarily or presumptively, afford the slightest justification for the supposition that Christ himself either designed, or that the apostles might legitimately conclude that he intended, by joining them under these familiar circumstances, to authorize one of the mightiest innovations upon the practice of ages which the world has ever seen.—W. H. L., in Christian Statesman.

RESTING ON THE LORD.

By Martha Baker

“We rest on thee,” dear Father, And in thy might and power, Go forth to meet our enemies, In this important hour; We know that they are many, But in Israel’s God we stand; Through him the battle will be ours, Though we’re a little band.

Resting on thee, dear Father, What cause have we for fear, Though all the world, arrayed in arms, Against thy saints appear; For Jesus is our captain, For us he’ll lead the way, March on in heavenly armor clad, We’re sure to win the day.

Come, rally round the standard, And raise the banner high, Let every heart beat courage, And every tear be dry. No time for useless mourning, God calls for soldiers who Will never flinch though trials press, But to the cause prove true.

Courage, ye faint and weary, The battle’s almost o’er. The crown of life awaits you, Safe on the other shore. Nerve for the last great conflict, With error and with sin, Stand firm, be valiant for the truth, And life eternal win.

MARTHA BAKER. Albany, Mich.

J. BYINGTON

By J. Byington

Michigan.

Oct. 26, at Hastings. It being rainy, there were but few to meeting. I spent the 25th in visiting and trying to help a family who for many years have professed the truth, but whose feet, of late, have well-nigh slipped. By conversing freely with them, and getting them to meeting, I think they are encouraged and will overcome.

Nov. 2 and 3, at Burlington. This quarterly meeting was a very good one. The Spirit of the Lord was present to help. Unexpectedly, Bro. Lamson was with us, and labored in word and doctrine. Here I found a family that had not been to meeting for some time; but by going to their house, and encouraging them, again they came to meeting and took a part in the exercises. I felt something like the man in the parable, with the lost sheep on his shoulder. But few would fall back if all would do their duty.

J. BYINGTON

North Missouri.

By R. L. Long; J. H. Rogers

Commenced a series of meetings four and a half miles south of Hamilton, Caldwell Co., Mo., the 26th of last month. Have given fifteen lectures, embracing the Signs of the Times, Prophecy, and the Sabbath of the fourth Commandment. The people have given us a patient hearing thus far. Our congregations have steadily increased in numbers and interest. The Sabbath question has been handled pretty thoroughly. Have closed up on this subject for the present. We took an expressive vote last night. Three-fourths of the audience testified that we had presented the truth on the Law and Sabbath. None of the audience felt clear to testify in favor of the claims for Sunday observance. Fifteen voted to commence for the first time in their lives to observe God's holy Sabbath.

We have been especially blessed in our labors; in visiting from house to house, removing objections, and explaining obscure passages in relation to the truths brought out in our public lectures. We have pressing invitations to lecture in adjoining districts. The people are interested. We expect others to take a stand for the truth. Pray that God will continue to bless his own precious truth.

R. L. Long, J. H. Rogers.

Hamilton, Mo., Nov 8, 1872.

Iowa.

By Jesse Dorcas

OUR meetings still continue to be held at Union Grove school-house, where sister Roushley lives, two miles north-east of Clarence, and are increasing in interest.

Our meeting at Marion, as per notice in REVIEW for Oct. 26 and 27, is past. The objects of the meeting were, I trust, fully met. Bro. Nicola and Mitchell labored earnestly, with their usual care and interest for the cause, and good was done.

When Bro. Nicola, on first-day, gave his last discourse, I could but admire the wisdom of God in leading his people. How well true charity “knows how, with just reins and gentle hand,” to guide between vile shame and arbitrary pride, knows how to lay the rough path of peevish nature even, and open in each heart a little Heaven.”

God, even our Father, is waiting to be gracious in sending laborers into the harvest; but will respect his own injunction, “Pray ye,” &c. JESSE DORCAS.

Clare Co., Mich.

By J. O. Collins; W. H. Haskins

Since our last report, we have labored in the town of Grant, Clare Co., and have given twenty-eight discourses. Our congregations have ranged from thirty to fifty, which may be considered very good for this country, as it is very new, some of the people coming a distance of nearly three miles, and a part of the road being merely a “trail,” or a path through the woods, which is followed by marked trees.

A Methodist minister preached against us last Sunday, on the nature of man, which was reviewed in the evening with seemingly good effect. Besides this, we have had no opposition, except stories that were circulated in order to destroy our influence.

Quite a goodly number have taken their stand on the Sabbath, and we expect some others will follow. We have closed our regular series of meetings, to give opportunity for a Disciple minister to “show them up,” as some have expressed it.

We shall follow up the interest here as the way may open, by visiting and occasional appointments. May the Lord direct in the work, that it may be carried on to his honor and glory. J. O. COLLINS, W. H. HASKINS.

Vermont.

By A. C. Bourdeau

On Friday, Oct. 25, ult., I reached this place, after an absence of three weeks to attend to matters connected with the cause. Found my brother much worn, needing rest. The next day (Sabbath), we had a profitable time with the new friends in this place. They were much encouraged while we dwelt upon these words: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zech. 4:6.

We organized a Bible-class and Sabbath-school which seemed interesting to all present. The children are all elated with their success in learning the lessons that Bro. Bell has recently prepared for children, which have been published in book form. They are just the thing that we have wanted for a long time. Hope something will soon be prepared and published in the same form for Bible-class lessons. The youth and older ones manifest a deep interest in learning lessons in the Key to the Chart. Had a profitable season in hearing testimonies given in tenderness in the social meeting. The day following (Sunday), we found that the Methodist minister, who stated two weeks ago that henceforth he would speak no more in the church because we occupied here, was bound to keep his word true. He was not present, and as we were requested to occupy the time, my brother spoke on prayer, and at 1 o’clock P. M., I spoke on our present position, and in the evening led the social meeting for the Methodists.

Last week, we visited every day. Tuesday evening, held a meeting in the house of one of our new friends three miles from here, where we found about fifty assembled together to hear the word. It is arranged to hold meetings there once a week. Wednesday and Friday evenings, and Sabbath-day, held meetings in the meeting-house in this place.

Yesterday (Sunday), the Baptist minister did not attend his meeting at 11 o’clock A. M., and his friends requested me to preach to them. My text was 1 Cor. 15:57, 58. At 1 P. M., I spoke with usual freedom on the subject of baptism. Two more decided to keep all the commandments, last Sabbath. Some are slow to decide; yet the work is progressing, and we are glad to see several rejoicing in the present truth.

A. C. BOURDEAU. East Charleston, Vt., Nov. 4, 1872.

Heralds of the Advent.

THIS is the glory of the Christian life—to know God's presence by a knowledge that no external circumstances can shake, a knowledge surer than sight. And it is by this that all events of life can be met. Under every disaster, amidst every perplexity, the soul strengthens itself by this. It knows that behind all the darknesses which surround it, infinite love is doing its work. Trouble comes, and we know that it is but the gate of joy. We see the world about us travailing in pain, and we know that these are the birth-pangs of a new and perfect creation. Our plans are crushed, our life-work seems to have been a fruitless and idle thing, but we know that God's strength is sufficient to make good our weakness.

Christ's religion seems to rejoice in showing its power by bringing the brightest light out of the profoundest darkness. Its teaching is, to hope when all seems hopeless. In the words and in the life of Christ, sorrow is made the messenger and forerunner of joy. “Blessed are ye that mourn, for ye shall be comforted!” The coming of the Son of man, that grand consummation of good on earth, is to be heralded by dire calamity. Never has the imagery of the natural world been so grouped with alarms and troubles of the soul, as in Christ's picture of those latter days. “Signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars;” “distress of nations, and perplexity;” “the sea and the waves roaring;” “men's hearts failing them for fear.” And the voice of these signals is to be, “Look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh!” Horror itself is to be but the minister of triumphing, exultant hope!—H. W. Beecher.

How dangerous to defer those momentous reformations which the conscience is solemnly preaching to the heart! If they are neglected, the difficulty and indisposition are increasing every month. The mind is receding, degree after degree, from the warm and hopeful zone, till at last it will enter the arctic circle, and become fixed in relentlessness and eternal ice.—John Foster.

Obituary Notices.

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.

FELL asleep, in Woodburn, Ill., Oct. 16, Bro. Alfred Wood, aged thirty years, five months, and sixteen days. Bro. Wood was converted, and embraced the Lord’s Sabbath four years ago, under the labors of Eld. H. C. Blanchard, since which time his life has been such as to gain the confidence of all who knew him. During his long and very severe sickness he never complained, but bore the most excruciating pain with patience, evincing his willingness that the will of the Lord should be done. His remains were followed to the grave by a large concourse of mourning relatives and neighbors. He leaves behind an affectionate wife, and little daughter, a father, mother, and brother, who mourn, but not without hope.

Remarks by Eld. Jones, Baptist, and Eld. Compton, Methodist. Wm. PENNIMAN.

DEPARTED this life, Sept. 17, 1872, after nine days’ sickness of bilious fever with typhoid form, my dear companion, Mary E. Flower, aged sixty-eight years, eleven months, and eight days. She died in the full hope of the gospel. She embraced the Advent doctrine in the winter of 1844, and commenced to keep the Sabbath some twenty years ago, and lived a humble, devoted life to the time of her death. We have reason to believe she sleeps in Jesus, and will come forth at the resurrection of the just.

H. FLOWER.

Muir, Mich., Nov. 4, 1872.

Appointments.

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

I WILL hold a protracted meeting in the Chelsea meeting-house, five miles south-west of Nora, in Stevenson Co., Ill., commencing Friday evening, the 22d of November, and continue over two Sabbaths. The second Sabbath will be the quarterly meeting for that place. All are cordially invited to attend from Monroe and Crane's Grove.

I will also meet the church at Waterloo, Grant Co., Wis., at their house of worship, each evening of December 3, 4, 5. And on the evening of the 6th, myself or Bro. Downer will preach in the new meeting-house at Mount Hope. Will some one from Waterloo meet me at Cassville, Tuesday, Dec. 3? I. SAXBORN.

Quarterly and tract Society meeting in Iowa, for district No. 5, at Sandyville, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. District No. 7, at Peru, Dec. 7, 8. District No. 6, Decatur, Dec. 14, 15. I hope there will be a general attendance at each of these meetings. Bro. Mitchell may be expected. H. NICOLA.

Pleasant Green, Nov. 22–28. Aledo, “ 29–Dec. 5. Princeville, Dec. 6–12. Gridley, “ 13–18. Iroquois Co., “ 20–26. (Where Bro. W. C. Price may appoint.) We hope to see all the friends of the cause in Iroquois County at this meeting. Pontiac, Dec. 27–31. Otter Creek, Jan. 1–5. Vermillionville, “ 3–7. Sereena, “ 8–13. We are anxious for a general attendance of all the friends of the cause within the limits of the above meetings. We expect to give attention to the Tract and Missionary Society, and other important matters. R. F. ANDREWS.

P. S. As our Conference is very much embarrassed on account of means, we expect our brethren will make their calculations to settle up all arrearages on their s. B., and, if possible, three months in advance, at these meetings. R. F. A.

The next quarterly meeting for the churches of Little Prairie, Johnstown Center, Raymond, and Oakland, Wis., will be held at Oakland, Nov. 30, and Dec. 1.

We hope to see a goodly number of brethren and sisters at this meeting. Come, praying that the Lord may meet with us. Brn. Lane and Brackett are expected to be present. A. OLSON.

Appointments Postponed.

The quarterly meetings in districts No. 4 and 5, of the N. Y. & Pa. T. & M. Society will be deferred to the following dates: No. 5, at Keene, Essex Co., Nov. 23, 24. No. 4, at Bucks Bridge, Nov. 30 & Dec. 1.

No Providence preventing, the general quarterly meeting for the N. Y. & Pa. T. & M. Society will be held with the church at Adams Center, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Dec. 7, 8, 1872.

The quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 3 will be held in connection with the general quarterly meeting.

It is desired that all of the directors and as many of the members of the Society as can should attend the above meeting, as there is business of general interest to be attended to. We do not design to call ministers from their fields of labor to attend the meetings of the T. & M. Society, but let the members of the Society come together determined to perform their part of the labor in the cause, and thus leave the preachers to do their part, and see if the Lord will not bless our efforts and lift the reproach from the cause in this Conference.

Sisters desiring winter hats can be supplied at the general quarterly meeting.

P. Z. KINNE, Pres. N. Y. & Pa. T. & M. Society.

Appalling Calamities.

By Editor

Just after last week's Review had gone to press, the telegraph brought the news of the most appalling calamity that has befallen the country since the Chicago fire of thirteen months ago, and one of the same nature. This time it was Boston, not Chicago, in flames. We need not give particulars of this great conflagration, as they have been already for days so fully before the country. Two hundred acres of land literally packed with the loftiest and costliest buildings in the country, were swept and cleared by the flames. Ninety millions and upwards of property destroyed. The business of Boston seriously crippled in three great lines of industry. The flames skipping from roof to roof, and the engines not powerful enough to reach them. No adequate number of horses to be had on account of the horse distemper, to remove property. A gale sweeping over the fated city, and yet the flames making rapid progress directly against the wind, according to the Boston Journal. These are some of the features of this calamity. The fire commenced at 7:30 on the evening of Nov. 9, and raged till the afternoon of the following day. Chicago, the victim of the calamity of last year, was the first to send aid to the Boston sufferers. There is already a great rise in woolen and leather goods, on account of the immense quantity of such goods destroyed by the fire.

The other calamity now afflicting the country, the horse distemper, though passing very generally from its first stage, where it earliest appeared, is not to any great degree alleviated as to its results. It runs into other and more fatal diseases. Multitudes of horses are disabled and dying, and the disease is still spreading, threatening as one paper says to become universal. Mules were imported to take the place of horses, and the disease has attacked them. It is also seizing upon the wild beasts of the forest, according to an item which we publish in this paper. In some places we learn that domestic fowl are becoming diseased, and a report comes from Ohio that the milk disease is there largely prevailing among cows, so affecting the milk that sickness inevitably follows its use.

The simple lesson from all these things, as plain as the hand-writing on Belshazzar's palace wall, and as easily read if people would do it in the light of the fore-warnings of God's word, is that God's judgments are abroad in the earth by which he would awake them to righteousness before the coming of the great day. Happy the few who heed the lesson and prepare!

J. B. GOODRICH

By J. B. GOODRICH

Tobacco.

While stopping at a post-office the other day, waiting for the stage, I picked up the Toledo (Ohio) Blade, Oct. 24, 1872, and read the following, which I hope may be true:—

“Virginia tobacco has suffered terribly by late frosts, and it is hoped that the price of the weed, during the coming year, may be such as to induce chewers not to waste the delicate juice, by permitting it to establish well-defined lines upon either side of the mouth.”

J. B. GOODRICH

News and Miscellany.

“Can ye not discern the signs of the times?”

The Horse Disease.

The Disease Does Not Subside—Reports from Cincinnati, Louisville, Milwaukee and Elsewhere.

CINCINNATI, Nov. 15.—The epizootic is creating great inconvenience among business circles, more than at any previous time. Ox and man-power are freely used. In consequence of the disease, the Great Bethel Fair, that was to have commenced next week, has been postponed three weeks. The managers of the National Baptist Sunday-school Convention, which is to commence next week, are in great trouble in regard to transporting the 600 guests expected. A dummy engine commenced running on the Pendleton street line, successfully carrying passengers to Broadway and Third Street.

BUFFALO, Nov. 15.—A large number of horses which have been worked too hard since their recovery from the epidemic are suffering from a relapse, and numerous deaths from dropsy and an affection of the kidneys are reported.

POTTSVILLE, Pa., Nov. 15.—The horse disease is becoming general throughout the coal regions, and shipments by canal by way of the Schuylkill have been suspended. Mules are also affected by the disease. There being no shipments of coal by canal, it is feared that several collieries will have to suspend work to-morrow.

WHEELING, Va., Nov. 15.—The epizootic is spreading very rapidly in this city. One stable had 13 new cases to-day, and about all the stables in the city are now affected. The cars on the main lines of street railway here have not been running to-day. To accommodate travel to and from the railroad at Bridgeport, the company has managed to keep one car running on the island branch to-day, but it will undoubtedly be compelled to stop before morning. In several instances, horses have had to be taken from vehicles in the streets, being attacked with the disease.

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 15.—The horse disease has stopped nearly all business, few horses or mules being unaffected. Everything is at a standstill that requires the use of horses and mules. Oxen are being introduced for freight transfer through the city. Owners of drays, carts, etc., ask enormous prices. Capt. Harris, Superintendent of the Louisville Transfer Company, to-night attached employees to omnibuses, and delivered passengers to the depot, and train passengers to the hotels.

MILWAUKEE, Nov. 15.—The epizootic still prevails in this city, with little or no signs of abating, and reports from interior points show it to be spreading throughout the State. None of the omnibus or street car lines in this city have as yet resumed business, and it is almost impossible to find teams to transfer baggage from hotels to depots. A funeral procession passed through the streets yesterday, the hearse being drawn by oxen.

THE DISTEMPER AMONG THE DEER.—The St. Paul Press brings news of the appearance of the epizootic malady in a new quarter. It says:—

“A gentleman who has just returned from a deer hunt on the frontier brings news of an epidemic prevailing among these animals which threatens seriously to affect the supply of venison. He says that herds were frequently seen in which there would be dozens scarcely able to travel, and that large numbers of dead and dying deer were found in the woods. The disease seems to resemble in its symptoms the horse disease which is now creating so much trouble in the East.”

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