Earlier text: A Profitable DayTemptation: The Story of Alypius and the Gladiatorial Games
ALYPIUS, a friend of St. Augustine, was accustomed to hold in the utmost horror and detestation the gladiatorial combats which were exhibited in the age in which he lived. Being invited one day by his companions to be a spectator of those inhuman sports, he refused to go. They, however, insisted on his accompanying them, and drew him along against his will. When they had all taken their seats the game commenced. Alypius shut his eyes, that scenes so abominable might not pollute his mind. “Would to God,” said Augustine, “he had also stopped his ears!” For, having heard a great cry, he suffered himself to be conquered by his curiosity, and opened his eyes to see what it was. One of the combatants was wounded. No sooner did he behold the purple stream issuing from the body of the unhappy wretch, than, instead of turning away his eyes, they were fixed on what he saw, and he felt even a pleasure in those brutal combats. He was no longer the same man; by degrees he imbibed the sentiments of the multitude around him, joined in their shouts and exclamations, and carried away from the amphitheatre a violent passion for these games. And not only did he go the second time with those who had ensnared him, but he himself enticed others. Yet this man began at first with an abhorrence of such criminal amusements, and resolved to take no part in them. But sad experience taught him that the best resolutions are not always sufficient to withstand temptations, and that the only way to escape danger is to keep at a distance from it. Why Falsehood Must Rest on Some Truth
CHEATERS must get some credit before they can cozen, and all falsehood, if not founded in some truth, would not be fixed in any belief. Vermont, and the Work among the French in the West.
By D. T. Bourdeau
THOUGH I have not reported of late, yet my interest in this blessed cause has not abated. Having given rest to my vocal organs in taking physical exercise, I enter the field again to labor among Americans in the eastern part of Vermont until spring, when I purpose to devote my whole energies to the French. At our last Sabbath meeting near home two spoke, who have newly become interested in our faith, one having already decided to keep the Sabbath. Others are reading. I spent the greater portion of last week in looking for openings in North-eastern Vermont, and think there will be no difficulty in finding enough to do. I have labored some for the companies of Westmore and East Charleston. The little company at East Charleston are weakened by the decease of one of its best members. I was encouraged to find all the friends at Westmore firm in the truth. During my absence one was added to their number. Reports from the French and Americans in Illinois, are very encouraging. The Sabbath meetings at St. Anne are kept up. The Bible-class and Sabbath-school are interesting. The French brethren, who were appointed to take a leading part in pushing forward the missionary work, report an interesting time at St. Marys, where only four were keeping the Sabbath when I left, and where, under the labors of Bro. Andrews, upwards of twenty more have embraced the Sabbath. They also report an excellent meeting of Americans and French at Kankakee, and several additions to the French four miles from Kankakee. There is power in the truth. God speed the work. We desire that the Belgian French in Wisconsin shall not fall behind the France and Canadian French in Illinois. A France French sister in Illinois is holding an interesting correspondence on the truth with her acquaintances in France, to whom she has already sent several of our French tracts. We are aiding her in the work. We purpose in the strength of God to learn from the errors of the past, and press on in harmony with the counsel of our brethren. D. T. BOURDEAU. The following list comprises the leading casualties that occurred during the year 1874: Jan. 22, near Port Townsend, Washington Territory, the ship Panther was lost with twenty-three persons. Feb. 13, eleven men killed and as many more injured by the falling of a brewery in Philadelphia. Feb. 13, Taylor’s Pantechnicon in London burned. It was a repository for the most valuable furniture and other articles of value. Loss $15,000,000. March 24, boiler explosion in steamer Crescent City on the Mississippi; sixteen lives lost. April 1, the greater portion of Millerstown, Pa., burned and seven persons lost their lives. April 17, by an unprecedented rise of the Mississippi and violent local storms, six or seven of the largest and most fertile parishes of Louisiana were overflowed, leaving thousands of people without food or shelter. The federal government rendered large assistance and all the larger cities contributed generously. Other states along the Mississippi were more or less damaged. March 31, the loss of the French steamship Nile between Hong-Kong and Yokohama reported, by which 80 persons were drowned. April 9, twenty-two persons were killed by an explosion on board the Tigress at St. John, N. F. April 2, the French Transatlantic Co.’s steamship Europe, from Liverpool to New York, was lost and on the 9th, the ship L’Amerique of the same line was abandoned at sea, but towed into an English harbor in good condition. April 15, fifty persons were killed by a coal mine explosion in England. May 16, the Mill Run reservoir, covering a tract of 100 acres at Williamsburg, Mass., gave way quite early in the morning, and the vast mass of water was precipitated down a steep, narrow valley through the villages of Haydenville, Leeds, Florence, and the town of Northampton. A million dollars’ worth of property was destroyed and one hundred and fifty lives lost by drowning. In December the top of the newly constructed dam at Haydenville gave way owing to bad engineering and material. June 23, second floor of the Central Baptist Church of Syracuse, N. Y., gave way during a strawberry festival, precipitating hundreds of people into the lower story. Thirteen persons were killed and many injured. May 31, seventy-three lives were lost by the stranding of the ship British Admiral on King’s Island. June 20, by a collision in the Sea of Marmora 320 lives were lost. July 4, one hundred houses were burned in Allegheny City, Pa. July 14, a fire in Chicago destroyed 346 buildings. Loss $4,000,000, with an insurance of $2,500,000. July 26, a destructive deluge or “burst of a water cloud” resulted in a loss of over 100 lives in the suburbs of Pittsburg, Pa. August 5, over fifty lives were lost by the burning of the steamer Port Rogers on the Ohio river. July 26, a land slide in Navarre, Spain, caused the death of 200 persons. September 7, nearly 700 families were made homeless by a destructive fire in Merningen, Germany. Loss $3,000,000. September 19, the Granite Mill at Fall River was partially burned, and in the consequent panic over twenty operators were killed. An earthquake in Guatemala, Sept. 3, nearly destroyed several towns and more than 200 persons lost their lives. Sept. 28, a very destructive gale occurred on the coast near Charleston, causing an extensive loss of property. Great loss was occasioned by an extensive tornado in south-western Texas a little earlier. The grasshoppers destroyed quite an extensive breadth of crops in the newly settled portion of Minnesota, and in the south-western part of Nebraska and new counties of Kansas, so completely devastating the country as to make about 25,000 people objects of charity. The terrible famine which threatened India, has been averted by the interposition of the British government. At one time it was feared that thousands in a population of eight millions would die of starvation. It is estimated that all were saved except two thousand. November 17, the emigrant ship Cospatrick bound from Liverpool to Australia, was burned at sea, and 474 lives were lost. Oct. 2, a large load of gunpowder, weighing four tons, exploded in a canal in London, killing twelve persons and inflicting great injury on property in the vicinity. Sept. 22 and 23, a typhoon of great extent and violence swept over the vicinity of Hong Kong, by which 30,000 persons lost their lives and $50,000,000 of property were destroyed. Dec. —, the Pacific Mail steamer Japan was burned soon after leaving the Chinese port and 400 Chinese passengers lost. HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING?
By Sel.
My life flows on in endless song,
Above earth’s lamentation,
I catch the sweet, though far-off hymn,
That hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult, and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul,
How can I keep from singing? What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Saviour liveth;
What though the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of Heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing? I lift my eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smooths,
Since first I learned to love it.
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart—
A fountain over-springing;
All things are mine since I am his—
How can I cease from singing? The Hygienic Platform.
By Editor
In order that those who may be comparatively unacquainted with the aim and scope of the health reform may at once become informed upon these points, we present the following as our platform, the elucidation of the principles involved in them being the object of this publication:— 1. Obedience to the laws of life and health is a moral obligation. 2. Mental, moral, and physical health can only be maintained by the observance of mental, moral, and physical laws. 3. A healthy body is essential to perfect soundness of mind. 4. Physical health promotes morality. 5. Morality, likewise, promotes physical health. 6. In the treatment of disease the simplest and safest remedies are the proper curative agents. 7. Nature is the most efficient physician. We shall not here present any of the various arguments which demonstrate the truth of the above propositions, leaving this as a pleasant task for future numbers. We may further add, for the benefit of those who are entirely unacquainted with the tenets of hygienists, that in enforcing the principles enunciated above we advocate:— 1. Total abstinence from the use of all stimulating beverages, including tea, coffee, and chocolate, as well as alcoholic liquors. 2. That tobacco-using is a filthy habit, ruinous to both body and mind, and a disgrace to civilization. 3. That animal food is not the proper food for man, as indicated by his anatomical and physiological characteristics, while fruits and farinaceous foods are the best adapted to his wants, as proved by science and experience. 4. That simplicity in diet is one of the most important means of preserving health. 5. That improper dress is a prolific source of many of the diseases from which women and children suffer. Our reasons for these views, which are somewhat radical in character, and may be novel to many, will be given elsewhere in this and future numbers. We also urge the importance of carefully observing each of the several laws of hygiene relating to ventilation, rest, exercise, etc. We invite the candid attention of the reader to these important subjects, with the conviction that only an unbiased investigation is necessary to insure the adoption of the truths which we are endeavoring to promulgate.—Health Reformer. Appointments and Quarterly Meetings Announcements
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand. ** Services in Chicago, every Sabbath (seventh day), at 269 West Erie St. All Sabbath-keepers spending a Sabbath in Chicago are invited to attend. Monthly meeting of the Jackson church, at Bro. H. H. Bramhall’s in Springport, Mich., Sabbath, Feb. 6, 1875. Eld. E. R. Jones will be present. E. P. GILES. The T. & M. quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 2, Minn., will be held at Mankato, in connection with Bro. Haskell’s appointment, Feb. 6 and 7. We want all the members to report in season. CALVIN KELSEY, Director. Quarterly meeting of the Dell Prairie, Wis., church will be held on the second Sabbath and first-day of February next. R. G. COWLES. I will meet in quarterly meeting with the church at White Hall, Trempealeau Co., Wis., Jan. 30, 31; at Burnside, Buffalo Co., Feb. 6, 7; meeting with the friends at Modena, Buffalo Co., Monday evening, Feb. 1. O. A. OLSEN. Quarterly meeting of the T. & M. Society for Dist. No. 2, Mich., at Potterville, Sabbath and first-day, Feb. 6, 7. J. F. CARMAN, Director. Quarterly meeting at Victory, Wis., first Sabbath in February. Brethren and sisters from other churches are invited, and Elds. Atkinson and Olsen, especially, we hope may be present. F. C. CLARK, Clerk. General quarterly meeting of the T. & M. Society for Minnesota, at Stewartsville, Feb. 13, 14, 1875. All directors are expected to hold their district quarterly meetings, and be ready to report all the work done in each district at this meeting. HARRISON GRANT. General quarterly meeting of the church and T. & M. Societies of Dist. No. 10, Mich., at Lapeer, the first Sabbath and first-day in February. Librarians are requested to be prompt, in making their report, in time for this meeting. Bro. Lane will be present. We hope for a good attendance from each Church. WM. POTTER, Director. General quarterly meeting of the T. & M. Society of Mo. and Kansas, at the Lincoln school-house in Johnson Co., Mo., Feb. 6 and 7, 1875. This place is north of Kingsville on the Mo. Pacific 5 miles, 8 miles N. W. of Holden. Hope each director will see that his district is reported in due time to the secretary so we may know the true condition of the Society. Let all attend who can. J. H. ROGERS, Pres. Quarterly meeting of the church of Flushing, Mich., Sabbath and first-day, Jan. 30 and 31, 1875. We hope to see all the friends of the cause attend these meetings. Business meeting on first-day. ELIJAH HARTSHORN, Clerk. The next quarterly meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist church of Waterloo, Grant Co., Wis., will be held on Sabbath and first-day Jan. 30, 31. Elder Downer may be expected. Brethren from Mount Hope and other places are cordially invited. G. GANIARD. General meetings as follows: Grove Lake, Minn., Jan. 30, 31. Mankato, “ Feb. 6, 7. Stewartsville, “ “ 13, 14. The friends are all requested to attend these meetings. S. N. HASKELL. The next general quarterly meeting of the T. & M. Society for Michigan will be held at St. Charles, Feb. 20, 21, 1875. The directors should hold their quarterly meetings in time for this meeting. E. H. ROOT. The next monthly meeting for Marshall Co., Iowa, will be held at State Center, the last Sabbath and first-day in Jan. All the scattered brethren and sisters are invited to attend, and it is hoped that all absent members of the church will report at this meeting. S. M. HOLLY, Elder. Quarterly meeting of the T. & M. Society for Dist. No. 3, Mich., at Quincy, Branch Co., Jan. 30, 31, 1875. Will the librarians send their reports to J. Warren Wright, Battle Creek, Mich., in season for this meeting? I. A. OLMSTEAD, Director. No providence preventing, I will meet with the churches in Maine, as follows: Cornville, Jan. 30, 31, “; West Athens, evening, Feb. 2, “. No postponement on account of weather. J. B. GOODRICH. End of the Republic in Spain.
By J. H. W.
The friends of Republicanism have had considerable rejoicing for some time past, over the downfall of the Kingdom and the erection of a Republic in Spain. It was looked upon as a marked sign of the times in the direction of progress. If Spain could uphold freedom, it was thought the days of monarchy must be numbered in this world. But all such rejoicings have proved to be vain. The Republic is overthrown, and Alfonso, a youth, has been placed on the throne. This is only what was to be expected of such a people. They are not Republican either in feeling or education; and they are too intensely Catholic to admit of the long continuance of any system which grants freedom of conscience. The following from the N. Y. Evangelist gives a correct idea of the state of things in that unhappy country:— “Of course this boy will be a mere puppet in the hands of cunning schemers—soldiers and politicians. Probably the worst of the old retainers of his mother will flock around him, and by pandering to his boyish vanity and vices, control him, while they plunder the country at their leisure. This will go on a few years till there comes another revolution. Such is the inevitable round of change of a people that have not been educated to just ideas of liberty—that is, of freedom combined with order—and whose moral sense has been weakened by a puerile and superstitious religion.” J. H. W. This Week’s Paper.
By Uriah Smith
We are happy to present this week many interesting articles on a variety of interesting topics. The Progress Department has a most encouraging and cheering tone, owing not only to the fact that upwards of forty are reported as having embraced the truth, which is of itself most cheering, but also to the evidence that those who have embraced the truth, find great peace and joy therein. This is the legitimate effect of new light and truth received cheerfully into the heart. Any one who loves truth for its own sake can but rejoice when led into its new and delightful fields; and this is the fruit we like to see appear. The article on the Morality of the Sabbath is this week of more than ordinary interest. The picture of what this world would be, did all mankind conscientiously and faithfully observe the Sabbath of the Lord, is one delightful to contemplate. This, however, will never be in this revolted world. But, thank God, the day is not far distant when in a world free from sin, a world filled with every rational delight and heavenly joy, all flesh shall come up from Sabbath to Sabbath to worship the Lord. Isa. 66: 23. Then shall the Sabbath reign in its native glory all the earth o’er. Oh! what will the Sabbaths of eternity be! We long for their dawning. In the article, “The Signs of the Times,” from the Cincinnati Christian Standard, which gives a striking picture of the Christian world at the present time, Adventists are referred to as “full of debate, and flourishing more in the direction of schism than in any other.” This is true of first-day Adventists, not of Seventh-day Adventists, who, we are happy to say, enjoy a most cheering state of union, and are moving forward in the direction of greater unity, and co-operation of effort in the good work. Everything touching the papacy will be eagerly read; for great interest now centers upon that power from a prophetical point of view. The nature of the present contest between Roman Catholicism and the governments of Europe, is well set forth in the article entitled, “Temporal and Spiritual,” which we quote from Dr. Holland in the February number of Scribner. We are glad to see these questions discussed in such publications as Scribner, the leading magazine in this country, which is equivalent to saying, the leading one in the world. The reader is also referred to another article in this number on the same subject, entitled, “A Wonderful Contrast.” Thus while Europe is moving in the direction of a separation of Church and State, can any but Seventh-day Adventists account for the fact that in this country a movement has been set on foot, looking toward their union? A sad fact is revealed in the article on Opium; that as intemperance in the sale of intoxicating drinks goes down, intemperance in the use of opium comes up. This shows that any reform, to be permanent, must spring from a quickened condition of the moral nature. Otherwise the depravity shut out of one channel will manifest itself in another, as diseases under the influence of medicine change their form but are not cured. The conclusion of the article on the Millennium, disproving one of the popular fables of these days, will be found on the first page. Also No. 2 of the important series of articles on The Law of God. This subject lies at the very foundation of correct Biblical interpretation. Let these articles be carefully studied. Commendable Zeal.
By Uriah Smith
A SISTER writes us from Kansas of her desire for the REVIEW, and the interest of her children to procure the Instructor. Her two little boys, aged ten and eleven years respectively, trapped gophers for which a bounty was offered; and in the snow and cold of Jan. 5, 1875, walked ten miles to obtain the money for them, $2.50, and the next day walked eight miles to mail the letter ordering the papers. Such zeal will meet its reward. May all whose efforts go to produce our periodicals, have an equal zeal to make them as good as they can be made, that they may be a blessing to all who read. U. S. Dedication at Armada, Mich.
By J. H. W.
No preventing providence, the new house of worship in Armada, Mich., will be dedicated Jan. 31, 1875. There will be a two days' meeting Jan. 30, 31. Bro. U. Smith will be present. The friends in neighboring churches are requested to attend, and to remain two full days. White Family Departs for California Trip
Bro. and Sister White start for California the first of next week, to remain till the camp-meeting season. The Legislative Journal of Mich., in its issue of Friday, Jan. 15, 1875, gives the population of the State of Michigan in counties, townships, and cities, according to the census of 1874. From this it appears that the State has a population of 1,334,031. Calhoun County, with a population of 35,655, is the eighth county in point of numbers, and Battle Creek, with 5,323 inhabitants, is the twelfth city of the State. To Correspondents.
By Editor
A. POTTER: The facts connected with the transfiguration, the resurrection of Moses, and the expressions respecting Christ being the first-fruits, &c., are fully considered and explained in our work, “Man’s Nature and Destiny,” pp. 137–148. A. LUCAS: Your suggestion on the names is probably correct. Eze. 34:23 and 37:24 doubtless refer to the future. Israel is to be understood of the “Israel of God” in the sense in which the term is used in the New Testament. See Rom. 2:28, 29; 9:6-8; and Gal. 3:29. David, in such promises, stands to represent his line. Christ is called the son of David, though many generations stood between them. To him were given “the sure mercies of David;” Isa. 55:3, 4; and the promises to David of the perpetuity of his throne will be fulfilled in Christ. To O. ILES: Please compare with Matt. 10:23; Luke 10:1. We think this relieves the difficulty which appears to exist. It is only apparent. H. BARTLETT: In Thoughts on the Revelation, p. 239, you will find an explanation of Rev. 13:18, concerning the number of the beast. One Hundred Dollars Each.
We here give the names of those east of the plains who have paid one hundred dollars each, to purchase a power press, engine, and printing material for the Pacific Coast. Others will be added as fast as paid. James White ....$100 Thos. Bickle ....100
Hiram Hunter ....100 A. A. Bradford ....100
M. Wood ....100 M. J. Bartholf & wife 100
S. A. McPherson ....100 James Harvey ....100
D. R. Palmer ....100 J. H. Bennett ....100
O. W. Comings ....100 Ellen G. White ....100
N. G. Raymond ....100 Betsey Landon ....100
R. M. Pierce ....100 P. W. Baker ....100
B. M. Berry ....100 P. S. Marshall ....100
E. H. Root ....100 Wm. Harper ....100
L. McCoy ....100 Amy Dart ....100
Jacob Shively ....100 Isaac Zirkle ....100
J P Henderson ....100 A W Maynard ....100
T S Harris ....100 Sidney Hart ....100
James Raddabaugh 100 Flushing Church Seeks Minister for Quarterly Meeting
By E. Hartshorn
The church of Flushing, Mich., would be glad to have some one of the ministers meet with them at their next quarterly meeting, Jan. 30 and 31. Some one preferred, that could stay and give a course of lectures in this vicinity. Bro. J. S. Wager, will meet any one at Owosso Station, on receiving word.
E. HARTSHORN. French Assembly Bill on Sabbath Observance
A BILL for promoting the better observance of the Sabbath has been brought before the French Assembly. The bill, though not carried, was supported by a large minority. Change of Post Office Address for Elder Stephen Pierce
The P. O. address of Eld. Stephen Pierce will be for the future, Mt. Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa. Change of Post-Office Address for George I. Butler
By George I. Butler
My post-office address, till further notice, is Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. GEO. I. BUTLER.