Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 56, No. 1
THE LORD'S DAY; OR STRONG PROOF IN FAVOR OF THE SABBATHPage 1
Earlier text: LIKE MEN THAT WAITSUNDAY-SCHOOL CONVENTION.
By Evangeline Bell
The twentieth annual session of the Michigan Sunday-school Convention was held at Lansing, June 8-10. It was attended by many of the most earnest workers in the State; for all were made welcome, without regard to denomination. The President said in his opening address, The Sabbath-school is the hope of the church and the world; on this we can all unite. The growing condition of the work creates a demand for increased efficiency on the part of our workers; and to consider this matter of mutual improvement is the object of our meeting. Addresses were made and papers read on subjects both interesting and practical; and after each, a little time was usually given for remarks by other members of the Convention. The meeting commenced on the evening of June 8, and the time was occupied by opening exercises and an address on the Centennial of Sabbath-schools. In the Wednesday morning meeting the subject of organization was considered. District presidents and delegates were called on to give reports of the condition of the work and the degree of organization in the different parts of the State. Some very interesting experiences and reports were given. A free discussion on organization was opened by an address by Rev. Wm. Dawe. An excellent paper by the Rev. Mr. Ford of Bay City was read in his absence, which was caused by sickness. His subject was, The Aim of the Sabbath-school7 Teacher's Work. We can give only a few of the many good thoughts. Said he,— The Sunday-school teacher's work is that of training and instructing. He must become deeply convinced of the importance of his work and of the worth of souls. Nothing else can lift the work of the teacher from mere drudgery, and make it a blessed, glad work. No amount of training will make a teacher of one who has not the teacher's spirit. He must have the spirit which Christ had, and a burning love for those for whom Christ died. The scholar will partake of the spirit of the teacher. If you have not a heart in the work and a real love for the truths you teach, your pupils will not have. They will be quick to discern between an affected interest and a real one. You must teach as if you were teaching the word of God,—precious indeed! The teacher must take pains to illustrate and make the lesson seem real. These things are facts, not idle tales; and you must teach as if you believed what you teach. Finally, the question of the teacher's success resolves itself into the question of the teacher's character. True Christian teaching must come from character. The teacher must be in himself an enforcement of the truth taught. It is not culture, nor organization, nor excitement, nor stimulation of pride, but Christian character and earnestness that will make the teacher's work a success. With such a character, success is sure, without the modern appliances of awakening the interest by concerts, rides, etc. In the afternoon Rev. A. S. Badger considered the question, How shall the Sabbath-school be rendered attractive without impairing its spiritual aim? He thinks that the common idea of considering ordinary Sabbath-school work as dull and unattractive,—something which must by some foreign means be rendered endurable, if not pleasant, a very poisonous one. The Sabbath-school should be in itself attractive,—a place where the children will love to go. While outside methods of awakening an interest may sometimes be allowable to a certain extent, the main dependence should be put upon the solid, earnest work of the school. The demand for some foreign means of rendering the school attractive is frequently created more by the parents than by the children. Mr. Hyndeburg, though the oldest man present, is still enthusiastic in the Sabbath-school work, in which he has been actively engaged for sixty years. It was enough to put to shame those who are younger to hear his earnest words, and his declaration that “this is a good work; I want to labor in it as long as I live.” He had prepared a paper, but said his voice was too weak to make the people hear, so he asked another to read it. His subject was, Sunday-schools now and Fifty Years ago. He spoke of the changes that had taken place during that time, and followed the work through all its successive steps. Though the way has been mainly one of progress, yet there are some things in which we may look to the S. S. workers of fifty years ago for example. A chance was given for those who wished, to pass in questions, and the opening of the question-boxes Wednesday afternoon was one of the most interesting features of the meeting. Hon. W. H. Boyd, an elderly gentleman of long experience in the Sunday-school work, answered most of the general questions, and by his concise yet comprehensive answers showed that he understood that of which he spoke. We will give a few of the questions and answers. What should be the qualifications of a teacher? Ans. Study, love for the work, earnestness, courage. Should we have reviews? and how?—Yes! How?—Prepare for them; have a plan, secure attention, put soul and life into them. What is the design of reviews?—To deepen the impression of the lesson. Should tableaux and charades be used in presenting Scripture truths?—Positively never. They are oftentimes a mockery. The truth is obscured in the manner of presentation. There is enough in the truth itself to render it agreeable. What is the design of blackboard exercises?—They reach the heart and mind through the eye; they are good when properly used, but do not make a hobby of them. There were many other practical questions, some of which called forth considerable discussion from the members of the Convention. Mrs. Geo. M. Lane of Detroit answered questions on primary work, and by her apt and ready answers showed herself to have had not only experience with the children, but a real love for them. Among other good things, she said,— Endeavor to teach the child something definite every Sabbath. If the children go to Sabbath-school, and are there only amused for an hour, by music, stories, pictures, etc., it seems to me that the time is almost lost. Some one asked, How shall we interest the children in singing? She replied that one of the first and most important things was that the children understand the words they sing. The words should be such as the childish mind can comprehend, then take pains to explain the words before you undertake to teach the tune. In this way the children may be able to sing with the spirit, and also with the understanding. Have them feel that everything done for God should be done in the very best manner possible. Teach them that singing is a part of their worship,—something they are doing for God,—and they should try to do it just as nicely as they know how. God will not be pleased with their song, nor accept it, if they are careless and gaze idly about while they sing. Another asks, How shall we interest the children in Bible history?—One good way is to draw a map of the country in which the scene of the lesson may lie. Let them see you draw it; no matter if the drawing is rude, they will not mind; for are they not helping you make it? Go with them from place to place, and tell them about the country along the way; describe the place and the events which occurred there. Make them feel that these were real places, and real persons who lived on this same earth on which we live. If we can make these seem like real things to the children, we shall have accomplished no small good. Prof. W. L. Smith of Lansing, who conducted the Song Service during the Convention, read an eloquent and interesting essay on Sabbath-school music. By his singing he showed himself skilled in the art of music, and by his writing a man of true Christian culture,—a lover of the good, the true, and the beautiful, wherever it is found. The few notes at hand would not do him justice. We would be glad to give his article in full, and perhaps may be able to do so ere long. Mrs. C. E. Fox considered the question, How shall we secure the study of the lesson by the scholars? Said she,— The teacher must lead the way in this. We must be what we would have our scholars become. In this we have the example of the Saviour, who said, “Follow thou me.” The teacher should spare no pains in preparation of the lesson; he should be ahead of the class at least a week, more, if may be. Talk with your scholars about the lesson when you meet them, study with them, try to awaken independent study on their part. Make the lesson interesting in recitation. It is sometimes a pleasant change to have the scholar recite the lesson topically, without questions. Let one give the connection between that lesson and the preceding one, and another take up the lesson of the day and tell a part of the story, and then another take it, and so on. Thorough and systematic reviews and examinations are all-important. If the scholar understands that his knowledge is to be called for, he will usually try harder to remember from one week to another. If your class is not accustomed to reviews, make them very simple at first, supplying any lack yourself; and then by degrees they may grow more difficult. But all this is hard work! Of course it is; there is no such thing as a successful teacher who is not willing to devote much hard, earnest work. Wednesday evening, Rev. John C. Hill, in an address on the Spirit's Power in Teaching, said,— We as teachers must feel that we can do nothing without the aid of the Holy Spirit. All outward appliances,—music, books, lessons,—helps of all kinds; capable officers, conventions, etc., will accomplish little real good, without the influence of the Holy Spirit to set home the truths taught. The Holy Spirit can qualify the teacher to do his work as he could never do it otherwise. In the closing meeting on Thursday morning the Rev. Dr. Hough gave an earnest and able consideration of the perplexing question, How shall adult classes be sustained? Said he,— 1. Create a demand for such classes; for although there is a great need, there is, I am sorry to say, but little demand. The pastors have a work to do in this. Talk the necessity of systematic Bible study among adults. Keep the necessity before the people. Create a taste for Bible study. Fathers and mothers also have a work to do. Let them act as if they believed the Bible true and of the highest possible value. It is a sad fact that in these days the newspaper crowds out the Bible in too many of our homes. 2. Provide competent instruction. Intelligent young men and women will not come and sit for an hour under a teacher who has given little if any thought or study to the lesson, but simply comes there and talks the rambling thoughts that happen to come through his mind. The teacher need not be learned, but he should be studious and faithful at least. If you want your class to come, you must bring them something worth coming for. The teacher should have that earnestness and love for the truths he teaches which will shine out of his eyes, and thrill in his voice. Such a teacher can hardly fail to exercise some drawing influence upon his pupils. But many times there will come into such classes young men who pride themselves on being advanced thinkers,—wiser than their fathers and mothers, wiser than their pastors and teachers. They are ever ready with their specious arguments to take up the time and perplex the teacher. It is seldom advisable to use the time of the class in endeavoring to satisfy them. Yet as an answer to all the conflicting views and cavils of skeptics, scientists, and free-thinkers, we have, coming to us clear and strong through the din of the centuries, these precious words, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Speaking of other difficulties which are liable to arise in the way of every teacher of such classes, he said,— There is no royal road over or around these difficulties; eternal vigilance, earnestness—hard work—is the price of success. We need to magnify the value of the word of God, to encourage study,—persistent and systematic study. At this closing meeting, Mr. James Gallup was to have considered the question, How shall teachers' meetings be made successful? but it was crowded out by other matters till he was obliged to leave. However, the Rev. Mr. Spencer, pastor of the First Presbyterian church at Lansing, made a few general remarks on the subject. Said he,— The first thing in regard to the teachers' meeting is to have one. Have a meeting, if there is only one person present. Some may regard me as an enthusiast, and perhaps it is true; but I hold that, as a rule, no teacher should be allowed to retain his position who will not attend teachers' meetings. The leader, properly the superintendent, should make such preparation for his work that he may be able to make the meeting profitable as well as interesting. One great object of the meeting should be to consider the lesson of the coming week. All should learn the lesson before coming. Let the superintendent teach the teachers how to teach the lesson. Time should also be given for consultation and arrangement of plans for the school. The meeting should be opened and closed with prayer. I say, have a teacher's meeting at all events. Make it such a meeting that it shall become a necessity to your teachers. Business matters occupied the remainder of the time, and the Convention closed at 12 M., Thursday. All seemed to feel that in the main the meeting had been a success, and that they had been well paid for coming. A LADY writes to the Independent the following pleasant note, which the editor thinks “worth printing”:— “As so much is said and written about the temperance principles of our President’s wife, I would like to present another phase of her character, as an example for the women of our land to follow. “During an acquaintance with her for the last twenty-five years, I have never heard her speak ill of any one. I once asked her how this came about, that she was so guarded in this respect, when I knew she was tempted as much as any one to use her tongue to the detriment of others. She said, in reply, that at night, before going to sleep, her husband would say to her: ‘Now, have we said anything against any one to-day?’ “I know this is entering the privacy of the home-circle of long ago; but, as she is now in such a conspicuous place, I cannot forbear to use my knowledge for the general good. She herself may never think of possessing this trait, and may not remember this remark of hers to me; but years have not effaced it from my mind. “As one of the great evils of our day, among the women, at least, is gossip and scandal, such an example from the first lady in the land cannot be too highly extolled.” The Independent adds: “All of which we commend, not only to the next President’s wife, but to all our readers.” “JUST AS I AM.”
By I. Edgar Jones
“Just as I am, without one plea,
But that thy blood was shed for me,
And that thou bid’st me come to thee;
O Lamb of God, I come.” ’Twas thus a drunkard tried to pray
While bending o’er his baby’s clay;
His trembling fingers, anguished, grasped
The little hand that death had clasped,
But failed to change the sunny smile
That rested on the face the while. “‘Just as I am’—I yield the strife—
The record of my ruined life;
The curse that made my mind a wreck;
That neither prayer nor pride could check;
No other place have I to flee—
Oh! let me hide myself in thee. “‘Just as I am’—weak, weary, worn,
The relic of a hope forlorn;
A thing whose worthless actions tend
To every weak and wicked end;
Whose faltering footsteps daily trace
The path of pain and deep disgrace. “‘Just as I am’—a weary soul
O’er which temptation’s billows roll;
The demon forms that round me creep,
The horrid dreams that banish sleep,
The craving fiends that o’er me ride,
With calls that will not be denied. “‘Just as I am’—remembering well
The wife that by my fury fell;
The little lips that daily cried
For bread their father’s curse denied,
And daily begged—with weary feet
That marked with blood the frozen street. “‘Just as I am’—O Saviour! come
And save me from the rage of rum;
By memories of this little form,
That thou hast taken from the storm,
By all the hope thy Scriptures give,
Support my vows and let me live.” The clouds were rent, the darkness fled;
And fell upon the burdened bed
A ray of sunshine, soft and warm,
That glorified the little form,
And shone in promise fondly there,
As if in answer to his prayer. And ever since his feet have trod
In light and life and love of God,
Devoting ceaseless work to win
The wandering ones from ways of sin. “Just as I am, without one plea,
But that thy blood was shed for me”—
These the grand words with which he came,
Go, weary one, do thou the same. Preaching Versus Teaching: Two Distinct Callings
—Preaching or lecturing is most excellent in its place. The preacher’s office and functions are divinely appointed. But preaching in its ordinary exercise is not always teaching in its best sense. The two are entirely distinct and dissimilar. The preacher’s distinctive office, according to modern usage, is to move men’s hearts by the presentation of the living word in the popular assembly. The teacher’s special mission is to bring the truth into personal, familiar contact with the class, so that it may be seen and felt by each individual soul. ORGANIZATION
By James White
THE S. D. Adventists are said to be the most thoroughly organized Christian people known. The General Conference is acknowledged by them as their highest church authority. The General Conference Committee is supposed to have the general supervision of all our work, embracing our local institutions and our missions at home and abroad. The work has become very extensive, and the members of the General Conference Board are all active laborers in the several branches of the work, burdened with labor and borne down with care to an extent which we have no language to express. It is evident that we are laboring to occupy more ground than our comparatively feeble forces can occupy well. We have too many printing houses and too many missions. These all call for our best men and a large amount of means, and we find ourselves not only overwhelmed with work, but standing under an accumulating weight of debts demanding an amount of interest on hired capital which we dare not name. For several years we have seen the crisis coming, and have protested against the ruinously low prices of our publications. We have seen that it was unavoidable that our leading missionaries, Elders Andrews, Matteson, and Loughborough, should be well supported, if absolutely necessary, from our American treasuries. And if other help should be sent to Europe, it should be single young men, who, rather than to draw from our American treasuries, could, by strictest industry and economy, sustain themselves in the European field. We had this in mind when we recommended the brothers Bronson to go to their native country. In all such important matters too much haste in the effort to keep pace with the apparent urgency results badly. The Bronsons should have waited to attend our General Conference before going to Europe. They were the very men for that field—young, single, and strong to endure any hardships and privations for the truth’s sake. But when these matters are taken out of the hands of the General Conference Committee, that Committee should not be held responsible for the results. As chairman of that Committee, we resolve to give our first attention to these general matters of first importance, and take time to look after these things with a mind not wearied and distracted with a hundred other matters of less importance. And if not sustained in our efforts, we shall appeal to those who have, by their vote, called us to this work. Our dear missionaries should bear this in mind, that the Lord of the harvest never gets in a hurry; therefore never gets matters confused. If men are to be employed for any field under the sanction of the General Conference; if the Executive Board is to become responsible for these matters, that Board should be allowed ample time to consider all important matters pertaining to the cause, and freedom to make its decisions in the fear of God. And if our system for raising means for the cause, to pass through the general treasury under the supervision of the Committee, be the right system, all the friends of the cause should act to the point of maintaining the system. We are grieved to learn that there is dissatisfaction on the part of some of our Scandinavian brethren in Wisconsin in reference to the support of Elders Matteson and Jasperson, now in Norway and Denmark. Eld. Matteson has charge of that mission under the supervision of the General Conference. All communications relative to that mission should be between Eld. Matteson and the chairman of the American Board. Whatever may be his wishes and requests on the subject of means, they shall be granted until matters shall be investigated, either by a delegate from this country to that, or at the next session of the General Conference. May God pity the cause, and help his servants who are standing under the responsibilities of too much work, and the pressure of financial embarrassments. He will help us out of present difficulties when all are willing to patiently toil and manifest that industry and economy which characterized those who first led out in this great work. THE annual Conference and camp-meeting for the State of Wisconsin is now past, and we are sorry to learn that but little interest was awakened at that meeting for our institutions at Battle Creek. The General Conference Committee had sent one of the ministers of the Michigan State Conference to labor at that camp-meeting, not only as a preacher of the word, but to act in a special sense in behalf of our College and Sanitarium located in the very heart of Michigan. Why our good brethren in Wisconsin did not liberally respond to the appeals made on the Portage camp-ground in behalf of our institutions, the future may unfold. We are certain of this, that when all these matters, which may be a source of trial at the present time, are fully understood, our brethren in Wisconsin of the several nationalities will not be behind those of other States in the work of sustaining our institutions. But, right here, comes an appeal from the president of the Wisconsin Conference to the chairman of the General Conference Committee that the same Michigan minister who has been appointed to the specific work of soliciting means for our institutions at Battle Creek, should hold a tent-meeting at the capital of the State of Wisconsin. Here comes the rub. A new tent is waiting for said Michigan minister to use in the good State of Michigan, which he does not use from the simple fact that he is torn away from the work in Michigan to labor in the several States in the interest of our institutions. And it does not look consistent that he should take upon his hands so great a work as a tent-meeting at the capital of Wisconsin when he has another work to do of very great importance. Elder Butler, who is one of the General Conference Committee, has been on the ground and knows the situation of things. If he and said Michigan minister will take the responsibility of robbing destitute and neglected Michigan of labor and bestowing it upon Wisconsin, we shall not object. Michigan, where our institutions are located, taking all things into the account, is the most destitute and suffering field of labor of which we have knowledge. May the Lord of the harvest raise up laborers for the abundant harvest. The exercises of the second annual commencement of Battle Creek College were held June 15. The baccalaureate sermon, which we hope to give soon in the REVIEW, was delivered by Eld. White, at the Tabernacle, Sabbath, June 12. The entire day, Tuesday, the 15th, commencing at about half past ten, was occupied in the exercises of the junior and graduating classes. First came an entertainment given by the junior class to the graduates. This it was designed to hold on the College grounds, but the weather in the morning threatening to be unfavorable, it was adjourned to the Tabernacle. The exercises commenced with an anthem by the College Glee Club, and invocation by Eld. White. Then followed an oration, “The Demands of the Times,” by C. H. Giles; the reading of Part First of a paper called “Lutte d’Esprit,” by Edith Donaldson; Poem, “Thomas Jones,” by Eugene Leland; Essay, “Flowers and Fruits,” by Mrs. S. J. Hall; “History of the class of ’80,” by Emma Boyd; reading of Part Second of “Lutte d’Esprit,” by Ella R. King; Congratulatory, by Geo. R. Avery, class of ’81, and Reply by Leroy T. Nicola, class of ’80. These exercises were interspersed with songs from the Glee Club. The seats having been removed from the vestries surrounding the auditorium, tables were spread, from which the Trustees of the College, the Faculty, the classes, members of the church, and invited guests, numbering in all about eight hundred, partook of refreshments during the dinner hour. Assembling again in the auditorium, the following sentiments were presented and responded to by the persons named:—9 1. “The College—Its present and future.” Responded to by Eld. James White. 2. “The Occasion—The beginning of a series; may each annual recurrence excel its predecessor in interest, as years shall add importance to the event.” Eld. D. M. Canright. 3. “The class of ’80—May its honorable record in College life be but the opening pages of a history of useful deeds in behalf of God and humanity.” W. C. Wales; followed by the class song, words composed by the class, music by J. E. White, and sung by all the members. 4. “The class of ’81—The Juniors of to-day. May its members walk worthily in the yet unexplored paths of the future year, and graduate with honor to themselves and their Alma Mater.” C. H. Giles. 5. “The Class of ’79 and the Absentees—Although their places may be occupied, no others can ever completely fill them.” E. B. Miller, of the class of ’79. 6. “Our sister Colleges—Kindred in purpose, may we ever cultivate fraternity of feeling.” Prof. Kunz, of Kalamazoo College. 7. “The Press, the Archimedean lever that moves the world; indispensable to the cause of education, and itself an educator.” U. Smith. 8. “Our city—May she ever maintain her position in the front ranks of progress in education, business enterprise, and public spirit.” W. C. Gage. A chorus of trained voices under the direction of J. E. White, sung two beautiful pieces from his forth-coming temperance song book, “Pure Water,” and a “Tobacco Song.” The junior class did themselves great credit in their literary program, and in all the exercises of which thus far in the day they had charge. Not the least of their entertaining acts was the presentation to the class of ’80 of a large, finely mounted eagle, which will be left as a souvenir in the College museum. Throughout the day the impression steadily grew that the Seniors would be obliged to put forth no small effort if they expected, in their exercises in the evening, to surpass the doings of the day. The graduating exercises commenced at 7:30 P. M. The class of ’79 was composed of four persons, the present class of ten, as follows: Fred H. Atwood, Laura J. Ginley, L. B. Losey, and Eva Perkins, graduated in the Teachers’ Course; Richard Conradi, Isaac Morrison, Leroy T. Nicola, D. W. Reavis, and W. C. Wales, and Alph. H. Wood, in the Classical Course, received the degree of A. B. The exercises were interspersed with excellent singing by two quartettes of male and mixed voices, was as follows: Salutatory and Essay, The Crowning Work of Creation, Eva Perkins. Oration, When Will It Triumph? W. C. Wales. Oration, Inventions, Fred H. Atwood. Oration, Nature’s Crucible, D. W. Reavis. Oration, Self-Made or Never Made, Isaac Morrison. Oration, Human Activity, Richard Conradi. Oration, The Love of Country, Leroy T. Nicola. Essay, Word Power, Laura J. Ginley. Oration, The Quest of Life, L. B. Losey. Oration with Valedictory, Alph. H. Wood. Presentation of Diplomas, Conferring of Degrees, and Address to the Graduates, Eld. James White. The graduates surpassed themselves and surprised the audience by the excellence of their efforts. There was neither hesitation nor embarrassment, on the part of any, but a high order of thought upon the interesting themes chosen, a pleasing style of delivery, and an evident thoroughness of preparation, which reflected great credit upon themselves, and the institution with which they had been connected. All were greeted with hearty applause, and bouquets were presented to each in profusion. The Tabernacle was tastefully adorned with flowers, and the mottoes of the two classes were suspended over the rostrum, that of the class of ’81, being “Remuneratus ad Labores,” Rewarded according to our Labors; and that of ’80, being “Cogita et Age,” Think and Act. This commencement day marks a memorable point in the history of the College. Nothing occurred during the day or evening to mar the real pleasure of the occasion, and one of the most satisfactory remembrances of the event will be that all levity and trifling were conspicuously absent. Many were present who had attended one or more terms at the College, and who, by the inspiring exercises of this commencement, were moved to a determination to return and complete some one of its courses of study. The class of next year will, no providence preventing, number sixteen. And at no time has there been a greater or a more well-founded enthusiasm on the part of students and friends, in regard to the school and its work. MICHIGAN CAMP-MEETINGS.
By James White
IN counsel with Elders Jones, Miller, and Burrill, members of the Conference Committee, the opinion has prevailed that there should be two camp-meetings in the State of Michigan the present season, one at Alma, Gratiot County, the first of August, for the especial accommodation of those churches located in the northern part of the State, and a general or national camp-meeting to be held at Battle Creek during the first two weeks of October. In connection with the Battle Creek camp-meeting will be held the General Conference, and the annual meetings of the Publishing Association, College, Sanitarium, Tract and Missionary Societies, and Sabbath-school and Temperance Organizations. The time of this great camp-meeting is put when the tent and camp-meeting work shall be past, in order that there may be a gathering of all our preachers, and a general meeting of our people as far as possible, from the entire State of Michigan and the surrounding States, as may be deemed practicable. This meeting is located at Battle Creek near the southern boundary of the State, with reference to the accommodation of our people in Northern Indiana and Northern Ohio. And we make this early mention of the important meeting, that the friends of the cause who may wish to attend may be apprized of it, and make their calculations and preparations in season. It is now expected that Mrs. W. will return from the Pacific coast to attend these camp-meetings, and several others in those States where camp-meetings have not been held during the present season. Camp-meetings are very important gatherings for our people, and our interest in them, and our efforts to make them of service to the cause, should be put forth with increased energy. POTTERVILLE AND ONEIDA.
By James White
IN company with Profs. Brownsberger, Ramsey, and Kunz, we enjoyed a pleasant ride through the country to Potterville on Friday, June 18, and put up at the hospitable home of Bro. J. F. Carman and family. Sabbath morning we spoke in the house of worship in that place to a good congregation of attentive hearers. A few days’ notice of our coming would have filled the house. It had been suggested that several desired baptism. These lived in the Oneida branch of the church, who hold their meeting at 3 P. M. In consequence of the heavy rains, which have kept farmers out of their fields, it was thought best not to hold services on the first day of the week, but give the brethren a chance to pursue their farming, which was very much behind the time; hence we decided to go to Oneida in the afternoon. Most of the morning congregation followed to Oneida in the afternoon, and the large schoolhouse was filled. We spoke for an hour on the subject of Christian baptism, then went two miles to the river, where seven young people were baptized. We have never led people into the water who moved forward with greater composure than these youths and children. First-day we returned to Battle Creek feeling refreshed in body, mind and spirits by the pleasant journey, good meetings, and congenial associates on that flying trip to Potterville and Oneida. J. W. DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS OF ELDERS.
By A. S. Hutchins
In Paul's first letter to Timothy, are mentioned sixteen qualifications which a bishop should possess. In writing to Titus, he says, “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every church.” Then, in substance, he mentions the qualifications of a bishop, the same as when he wrote to Timothy. That the office and duties of bishops and elders at this time were the same, is manifest from this scripture, as may be seen also by comparing Acts 20:17, 28. They were overseers of the church of God. To the elders of the church of Ephesus, Paul said: “Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God.” This man of God saw the dangers lying before the church, hence the solemn admonition to its overseers: 1. To take heed unto themselves, and 2. Unto all the flock, to feed the church of God. Without organization there can be no order in the church, nor can there be systematic labor. “Good order is the foundation of all good things.” As with every other organized body, the church must have her officers. These are to vindicate her honor, uphold and promote her interests. The sentiment of the heart of those called to positions thus responsible and dignified, should be, with respect to the church of God, as was that of the psalmist to Jerusalem: “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.” Ps. 137:5, 6. Peter joins in the solemn admonition to the elders: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage; but being ensamples to the flock,” and adds a promise to such, of transcendent value: “And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” O ye heavenly-minded, cross-bearing, self-denying men, laboring to build up the church, feeding the flock, take courage, toil on, and be not weary in well-doing; the glittering crown, “a crown of glory that fadeth not away,” will be yours. But Peter speaks to the church also: “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder, yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be ye clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” Here, as elsewhere in the word of God, humility stands as the opposite of pride. The former, God approves, and it is consonant to the Scripture: the latter he resisteth, and it is inharmonious with the religion of the Bible. “Before honor is humility.” Prov. 15:33. “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Prov. 16:18. Pride manifests itself in inordinate and unreasonable self-esteem. Humility consists in lowliness of mind, a deep sense of one's own unworthiness in the sight of God, self-abasement, penitence for sin, and submission to divine will. “And be ye clothed with humility.” This exhortation comes home to all. My dear brethren, we must heed it. Insidiously the devil watches the remnant church, enticing her to apostasy, pride, and rebellion. Others have fallen before us. “Be not high-minded, but fear.” “Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.” We need a revival of the work of God in our hearts and in the church. Overseers of the church need the especial help and presence of the Lord; and he has been very definite in marking out and enjoining the qualifications of these officers. In the golden chain of attainments uniting the faithful elder to the great Head of the church, and to the people, are the following links: “For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God; not self-willed; not soon angry.” Webster defines blameless: “without fault, innocent, guiltless; not meriting censure.” Self-willed: “governed by one's own will; not yielding to the will or wishes of others; not accommodating or compliant; obstinate.” “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers.” Like the clear silvery streams of the fountain, his influence extends beyond the church. A blameless man holding fast to the faithful word, bearing sound doctrine, must and will have an influence. “For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” The earth is yet to be lighted with the glory and power of the last message. Oh! who will stand the purifying, testing process of making ready a people for the coming of the Lord? Who will have a place in the church when she “looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.” AN INTERESTING OCCASION.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
It was my privilege to attend the commencement exercises held at Battle Creek, June 15. I should not have gone far out of my way to attend them; but when they were over, I felt that this had indeed been an interesting occasion, one that I could not afford to lose. I only regretted that many more of our brethren and sisters with whom I am acquainted, could not have been present also. I am certain that it would have given them a more favorable idea of the school generally, a deeper interest in it, and a greater anxiety to have their children attend. The exercises throughout were highly creditable, both to the professors and the students. The sentiment expressed by all was, that the exercises far surpassed their expectations. It was an inspiring sight to see ten young men and women thus starting in life with so fair prospects. As I listened to the exercises of the occasion, I felt that the course of training which they had enjoyed was worth many hundred dollars to any young person. Evidently our College is growing in efficiency as each year adds to its experience. It is now expected that a still larger class will graduate next year. We hope that our brethren generally will take a deep interest in the closing exercises of the College year, and that many will arrange to enjoy the happy and profitable occasion with the professors and students.