The perils of the last days are upon us. Infidelity and iniquity abound. War threatens, and famine and pestilence are abroad in the earth. Crimes and casualties are on the increase; and discontent and disorder are threatening the social system. Earthquakes, storms, floods, and tornadoes are also frequently doing their work of devastation, and are a prelude of woes to come.
The prophecies of Scripture show that the last days are here; and the last warning of the gospel is being proclaimed. The hour of God’s judgment is come; the inhabitants of the earth are being tested, and very soon will the cases of all living be decided; the filthy will be filthy still, and the holy will be confirmed in holiness and sealed for immortality; then Jesus will come quickly to reward every one according to his deeds. Rev. 22: 12.
The last message is calling the attention of the people to the law of God, by which they are to be judged, and multitudes are being called upon to decide whether they will be found loyal to the King of Heaven. We may borrow the expression of the prophet Joel, “Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision;” though that doubtless applies to the valley of cutting off or of the slaughter of the wicked in the “valley of Jehoshaphat,” where the wicked will be gathered and slain in the battle of the great day.
The people are being stirred; many are being convinced of their duty, and are almost persuaded to obey God; but still they halt between two courses of action. Some embrace the truth but to backslide and apostatize. Some who have long professed obedience will be tested out and will turn back. Many will experience the truth of the saying, “Almost saved is wholly lost.”
Now is the time to inquire, “Is it I?” now to inquire, “Who shall be able to stand?” while a preparation is possible. My brothers and sisters, my friends, crucify self; let go of earth and lay hold on Heaven. Be determined to win eternal glory at the expense of all things. We cannot afford to lose eternal life. Earth and earthly possessions will soon look very small to us; they will look like things not worth striving so hard for. Let us strive for life in the world to come.
We are under obligation, not to ourselves alone, but to our fellow-men. The world is to be warned; and all who have a knowledge of the truth are called upon to labor to enlighten and save others. This is God’s great plan; he makes those to whom the gospel comes the channels through which he conveys it to others, and thus gives us the unspeakable honor of being co-laborers with God. And those who neglect this work, and refuse to engage in it, cannot have it said to them, “Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
Reader, think of these things, and let your thoughts lead you to action. The things here suggested will prove true, whether the writer is saved or lost. All desire and mean to be saved; but some will be self-deceived, and so disappointed when it will be too late for remedy. I do not mean to be of that number, you do not. Now is the time to make our calling and election sure. There is danger to many who do not realize it; but let not the timid despair. The Lord loves us; and by his help, which he has promised and is willing to give, we may be saved. R. F. COTTRELL.
The Debate at Half Rock, Mo.
By George I. Butler
The debate between Eld. Joab Podget of the Christian (Campbellite) church and myself, closed Oct. 22. We claim a triumphant victory for the truth. So far as I know, all of our people who heard the debate, and a goodly number not of our faith, claim this. The debate covered six propositions on the subjects of the Sabbath, Sunday, consciousness in death, destiny of the wicked, and the kingdom. Sixteen sessions were held of two hours each.
The truth was preached at Half Rock several years ago, and a small church was raised up. A year ago last summer, Bro. Chaffee lectured there, and quite a number came out on the truth. He was crowded into a discussion with Eld. Hedrick. Eld. H.'s friends were not satisfied with the result, and determined to try it over.
Last spring, when I was visiting the church, they came to me with their propositions, and, though I was averse to debating, I could see no way to avoid it, unless I flatly refused. I accepted, and the debate was appointed for Oct. 14. It aroused considerable local interest. Eld. Podget is a young man of fair ability, quite ambitious, and with a large share of self-assurance. Six or seven of his ministerial brethren were present to assist him, more or less, and he made a determined effort. He had been specially preparing himself for months, had his Bible cut up and proof-texts pasted into a blank book; and near difficult verses which he supposed I would quote, he had written explanations pasted into his Bible, so as not to be taken by surprise. But all was of no avail. I never expect to be better satisfied with the result of any debate in which I may participate than I am with this. How clear the truth looks when laid side by side with error! Many of the elder's friends, who came out in force at first, evidently got sick of it, for they staid away after a few sessions; and several of his ministerial friends looked to me anything but pleased. I felt that God greatly blessed me in presenting the truth, and gave me special clearness of mind.
I think we shall hear no more of debates at Half Rock. On the kingdom question I felt we gained a special victory. I had never heard this question debated, and knew little of the positions he would take. He made a desperate effort to maintain the position that the kingdom of God was set up during the lifetime of the apostles, but signally failed. Our position on the kingdom of grace admits all they can possibly prove, while the great fact that the glorious and everlasting kingdom of God will be set up in connection with Christ's second coming stands out as clear and full as a mountain lighted up by the blazing sun.
Debates are generally unprofitable, and hence to be avoided; but there are cases where it seems hard to avoid them, without conveying the impression that we fear to meet our opponents in open discussion. A debate is quite a school for the person conducting it; it calls out thoughts that might otherwise never occur to him, and gives one boldness in the face of opposition. But their prevalence is anything but desirable under ordinary circumstances, and all reasonable ways should be used to avoid them.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
THE REIGN OF GOD PERPETUAL.
By Albert Stone
The attributes of God, as revealed in nature and in the Bible, are a guarantee of the stability and perpetuity of his throne and kingdom. The principles of the moral law constitute the basis of the divine government, and the power of God is pledged for their perpetual support. The end of sin, and the cessation of pain, sickness, and death, are coming events that may comfort the hearts of the good.
When the last and mightiest effort of the enemies of God to usurp the throne of universal government shall be in the past, it will be triumphantly said to Zion, “Thy God reigneth.” The heathen may rage, and the people, instigated by the prince of darkness, may imagine vain things; but their work shall not stand, their counsel will come to naught. The wheels of God’s irresistible providence will in due time crush rebellion, and it shall be as though it had not been; and the sinners will perish out of the land.
If men will have eternal life, they must receive it as the gift of God through Christ. Unbelief must yield to faith, through reasonable evidence. The heart must be changed; it must become gentle, meek, and trusting. Those who have an evil heart of unbelief will doubt, and think it adds to nobleness of character to doubt the word of God. God does not compel any to believe. They can believe and be saved, or they can choose to doubt and cavil, and perish. Satan is not an unbeliever. He knows that the word of God and the plan of salvation is the truth. Yet he is the instigator of unbelief in man, who thus becomes the dupe of Satan to his eternal ruin. Why will men thus foolishly become co-workers with Satan to accomplish their ruin? Is everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and the glory of his power, worth so great a price? Will God’s eternal throne topple and fall before the power of Satan in the day of Judgment? Will rocks and mountains hear the prayer of rebels, in the day of their calamity, and hide them from the presence of Him that sitteth upon the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb?
Verily the throne of God is established in righteousness and peace forever. “Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.”
ALBERT STONE.
THE WORK IN ENGLAND.
By Wm. Ings.
[Translated from Les Signes des Temps by D. T. B.]
During my stay of sixteen weeks in England, I have been able to ascertain the measure of interest Christians would be likely to manifest in present truth. Wherever I have been, I have found the same eagerness to read our publications; and, being so far from our publishing house, I could scarcely satisfy the wants of my readers. Wherever I distributed tracts, they became the principal topic of conversation, and many persons were astonished that these things had not been found out before.
We believe that the people are ready to receive the message, and it seems that the providence of God has gone before us to prepare minds to receive the truth. They are benevolent, friendly, and desirous to hear preaching on the prophecies.
As the result of my efforts in the missionary work, ten persons have received the truths of the third angel’s message. Among these is an evangelist who will certainly communicate to others the light of truth he has received. Others are convinced, some of whom, I am confident, will embrace the Sabbath.
England, by her position and relations with other nations, has many advantages that will facilitate the propagation of the message. During my stay in that country, I sent publications to the island of Cyprus, to Portugal, and to the Bermudas; I have also distributed some on vessels starting for the Red Sea, for Scotland, and for the East Indies, and have scattered our works in different parts of England.
Thousands of persons who a few months ago knew nothing of these great truths, now read our publications; and we hope that much good will be accomplished by this means. We are certainly on the eve of great events, and if all those who have received the light of present truth are disposed to do the work God has assigned them, we shall soon see the truth spread in all parts of the world, uniting a people on the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Wm. Ings.
HELLUM, DENMARK.
By John G. Matteson
From Sjelland I went to Uhe and held three meetings with the brethren there. They still love the truth. We administered the ordinances. After traveling all night through a rain-storm, in the dark, and part of the time on foot, and riding all day on the cars in a perfect cloud of tobacco-smoke until I was well-nigh sick, I arrived late in the evening at Tylstrup. Here I preached three times on the Sabbath and administered the ordinances.
Early the next morning I was on my way to Hellum. Here I preached three times, and then went to Alstrup on Monday. Bro. K. Brorsen has labored some in Hellum and vicinity. Four good souls were keeping the Sabbath before he came, and eight more are now rejoicing in the truth. JOHN G. MATTESON. Oct. 8.
Earth's Joys and Sorrows Are Fleeting
EARTH’S joys and sorrows are alike fleeting. Its beauties and blemishes will soon be among the things of the past; and, as Dr. Cummings says, “some few years hence it will matter very little what we have suffered if we find this, that we have washed our robes in the Lamb’s precious blood, and that our righteousness is the righteousness of our Lord.”
Judging a Doctrine by Its Fruit in Disciples
To form a correct judgment concerning the tendency of any doctrine, we should rather look at the fruit it bears in the disciples than in the teacher. For he only made it; they are made by it.
NEW YORK.
By Geo. D. Ballou; J. E. Robinson
Tent No. 5, North Lansing, Oct. 23.
Oct. 14, we closed our labors in the tent at this place. Three have committed themselves to the service of the Lord. The truth has gained a reputation in the community for miles around, and we have invitations to hold meetings at three houses of worship in this immediate vicinity. We have commenced meetings at one of these places, and shall go to the others as soon as possible.
During the tent season here, sixteen, who continue faithful, have accepted the truth; three others, children of Sabbath-keeping parents, have come to a full decision to obey the Lord; eight have been baptized, and ten have been received into the Genoa church, some of whom kept the Sabbath previously. Several others are preparing for baptism by putting away bad habits.
Bro. A. H. Hall spent a little over a week with us and administered the ordinance of baptism. The brethren and sisters have been faithful in aiding the work.
GEO. D. BALLOU.
J. E. ROBINSON.
NEW ENGLAND.
By D. A. Robinson
The past three weeks I have spent in holding meetings with the churches and companies at Westmoreland, N. H., So. Amherst, Mass., Norfolk, Conn., and last Sabbath and first-day, Oct. 12, 13, with the church at Curtis Corner, R. I., it being the time for their district quarterly meeting.
The friends at Westmoreland have been quite prompt in meeting their pledges, which is commendable, but they need to become more thoroughly imbued with the missionary spirit, and to become real workers in this cause. At South Amherst six were baptized and added to the church. God has blessed them, and there are others who will unite with them soon. They should have here before long a small house of worship. This they could build themselves if they had the spirit of it. God helps those who help themselves. Some of the brethren here need to drink in more largely of a sacrificing spirit. Angels are soon to be sent to gather from the earth a people possessing this very trait of character. This is shown by the following words: “Gather my saints together unto me, those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” Some of us will have to cultivate this trait before we ever enter the portals of glory.
At Norfolk I baptized seven and organized a church of the scattered friends there and in Western Massachusetts. One brother and his wife who embraced the truth some twenty-five years ago under the labors of Eld. A. S. Hutchins, with their daughter, were baptized at this meeting.
The district quarterly meeting at Curtis Corner, R. I., was almost a failure, so far as the presence of those of other churches was concerned. This would not have been the case had the brethren and sisters had as much interest as one sister who walked ten miles to attend the meeting on Sunday morning. Several of our brethren and sisters in this district, unless they take advance steps and move forward with the work of God, will soon find that they are far behind.
What is done in this district in the missionary work is done by a very few. “My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” We say, God bless the faithful few; but what about those who do nothing? I read in my Bible that the Lord cursed Meroz at one time—for what? For doing more than they ought to have done? No. For wrong acts? No. Well, what had they done? Nothing. And they were cursed for it? Yes; cursed for doing nothing. Your secretary sends out blanks every quarter to each of you, yet but few of these are returned. Send in your reports, brethren. If you have done nothing, notify us of that fact by signing your name to the blank and sending it in.
But you can all do something. There are about sixty members in your district. Suppose you should scatter two hundred pages of reading matter each for the next quarter, that would amount to twelve thousand pages. Again, suppose you each send with your report a personal donation of 25 cts. (and many could do much more than that), this would place $15 in your treasury at the end of every quarter. In this way the money would be raised without any special effort, and nobody would feel it either.
Our opportunities for working in this cause will soon be gone. Somebody will soon hear the “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” We shall hear it if we have been faithful in the work assigned us.
D. A. ROBINSON.
“THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY.”
By Eliza H. Morton
Our eyes now look on beauty
All soiled by curse and sin;
We see as through a vista
A light all faint and dim.
The face of earth around us
Is clothed with verdure green;
But rills, and vales, and mountains,
All through a glass are seen.
But soon our eyes will see them
In beauty dressed for aye,
And clothed with living glory
That will not fade away.
The sky will soon be opened
Before our eager gaze;
The veil will be uplifted,
And cleared the tangled maze.
The dark and thorny pathway
Will glow with dazzling light;
The road that leads “up higher”
Will burst upon our sight.
God’s ways will then be fathomed,
His purpose all be known;
The seed will yield rich harvest
In weakness that was sown.
No more a “glass all darkly”
Will hide the radiant throng;
No more the gates eternal
Shut in the angel’s song;
But face to face we’ll see them,
And hand in hand we’ll stand,
With all the loved of ages
In “Canaan’s happy land.”
ELIZA H. MORTON.
WHAT THEY SAY.
BRO. LEWIS MARTIN, of Hillsborough county, N. H., who is over seventy years of age, and has looked for the consummation of the Christian’s hope, the second appearing of our Saviour, for thirty-five years, says:—
My heart is cheered from week to week as I read the REVIEW and SIGNS. How encouraging it is to read what God is now doing for the human family. I commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord in the spring of 1845, and to-day the language of my heart is: Blessed be God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
The following testimony to the truth is from Chas. Zeliff, one who does not keep the Sabbath. He does not give his residence. Mr. Zeliff says:—
I am very much interested in your paper [the REVIEW], and prize its weekly visits. I believe you have the truth. I think the seventh day is the Bible Sabbath, and believe it will be kept by the people of God when the earth is restored to its Eden beauty. I believe the truth will gain the victory over sin and Satan, and that the Saviour will reign king over his people.
ENCOURAGEMENT
By T. H. Goodsell
I give a few extracts from letters received in the missionary work, thinking they may encourage others. For a time I received no answers from those to whom I sent papers, but some have written kind words which amply repay me for the little trouble and expense it has been to send them.
A lady in Western Virginia writes: “I feel under many obligations to you for your kindness in sending the journals [HEALTH REFORMER]. I thank you for the interest you have shown in my welfare, and wish you could know the pleasure it gave me to read your kind words and receive the papers.” “I like your papers very much, and my mother has been reading them and is much pleased.”
Surely words like these are encouraging to us who can only write a few letters and send the Signs and other papers. We can have a part, though a small one, in this work, and God will bless our endeavors.
Another lady writes from California: “I receive the Signs regularly, for which accept many thanks. I know very little of your religion, and would like to understand it better. In these days of so many changes in religion, I hardly know what to believe. When I was a girl I attended church and Sabbath-school regularly. When I became older, the more I thought on these things, the less I understood them.”
Later she says, “From what I have read, I am convinced that yours is the true religion.” T. H. Goodsell.
The Word “As” in the Lord's Prayer
“As.”—That little word “as” has cost me more trouble than the whole vocabulary of the English language. It often makes me tremble from head to foot, and not infrequently brings tears to my eyes. It is not the two letters of which it is formed, or just the word itself, but the place which it occupies in one of the petitions of that inimitable prayer Jesus Christ taught to his disciples: “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” There it stands as the deciding index on the beam of the balance while in one scale is placed my prayer for forgiveness, and in the other the exact weight of my pardon. As I forgive, so, Lord, forgive me. We repeat the Lord’s prayer from earliest infancy to our dying day; yet if we indulge in an unforgiving spirit we unconsciously plead for punishment instead of mercy. The question is: Can I conscientiously use the argument, “for I also forgive every one”? And, if not, can I expect my sin-darkened soul to be washed and made whiter than snow?
Using Leisure Time for the Advancement of Truth
If our leisure moments are employed in planning and working for the advancement of the truth, we shall find no time for idle gossiping, backbiting, and the like.
Bearing a Fresh Testimony in Social Meeting
If, in the social meeting, we cannot bear a new and better testimony each week, are we not losing ground in the Christian race?
Faith's Willingness: A Quotation from Luther
FAITH ever says, If thou wilt; not, if thou canst.—Luther.
KANSAS CAMP-MEETING.
By R. F. Andrews
This meeting was held Oct. 16-21, as per appointment in REVIEW, in a sheltered nook familiarly known as “Ash Thicket,” within about half a mile of Bethany. Owing to delays occasioned by the wrecking of a freight train near Bushnell, Ill., I did not reach the camp till about the going down of the sun on Friday. Brn. Sharp, Bagby, Thorp, and Enoch were present. There were fourteen tents and eighteen covered wagons on the ground. It was estimated that there were about two hundred Sabbath-keepers in attendance. This was a much larger number than we expected to see in this new country.
There was no effort made to tickle the ear with flowery speeches and well-rounded periods. We cried to God for help, realizing, in some measure, our dependence upon him, and, blessed be his name, we did not call upon him in vain. The Lord, by his Holy Spirit, met with us, and set the truth home to the hearts of his people. After the sermon on Sabbath afternoon, a call was made for the unconverted and backslidden. More than sixty came forward for prayers. The Lord came very near, and hard hearts were melted to tenderness before him. Praise his holy name. The effort in the evening was especially for the benefit of those who were seeking the Lord.
The early morning meeting on first-day was devoted to a consideration of our work and duty as believers in the “third angel’s message.” The good Spirit of God was present, and when we called for pledges for the English mission, and Kansas State Conference Tract Society the sum of $1527.00 was pledged to the former and $400.00 to the latter, and this was done without urging. If the brethren in the other parts of the State do as well, Kansas will have done nobly.
We did not have a very large outside attendance on Sunday. The country is very new here. At the close of the afternoon service, Bro. Sharp baptized twenty-one persons. God grant that they may walk in newness of life. Sunday evening good attention was given to a discourse on the prophecies, showing the work of the papacy in mutilating the law of God, and proving the restoration of the Lord’s Sabbath before the second advent of Christ.
Monday morning we held our last meeting, and it was a precious season. One hundred testimonies were borne in thirty-five minutes, and many of them were well wet down with tears. The brethren all seemed encouraged, and determined to take hold anew. The following resolution was unanimously adopted:—
Resolved, That we hereby pledge ourselves to come up to the Bible standard of giving, to sustain the cause of God in our Conference, and that we will commence immediately to pay what we have already pledged on s. B.
The weather was very fine for the season. May the Lord bless this dear people, and may he help us all to live as in his sight. R. F. Andrews.
Beloit, Kansas, Oct. 22.
ILLINOIS
By Sarah F. Owen
The third quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 9 was held at Onarga, Oct. 13, Bro. Pottenger chairman.
The report of labor showed the following: No. of families visited, 112; letters written, 56; No. of new subscribers for our periodicals 23; No. of pages tracts and pamphlets loaned and given away, 40,579; periodicals distributed, 156; Annuals given away, 27. Money received from donations and book sales, $17.57.
Remarks were made on visiting and the distribution of tracts; also on the advantage of using tracts to aid in the study of the Bible. SARAH F. OWEN, Sec.
MINNESOTA
By C. Nelson
Richland.—Two were baptized, and four received into the church.
Golden Gate, Sept. 26 to Oct. 8.—The Lord was near to us by his Spirit, especially on the occasion of the quarterly meeting, Oct. 5, 6.
Granite Falls, Oct. 9–14.—It pleased the God of Israel to bless us in our gatherings here. One brother came fourteen miles to attend our meeting; he took a decided stand for the Sabbath. We hope for more. To God be all the praise.
Remember me in your prayers.
C. Nelson.
TENNESSEE
By G. K. Owen
Since Eld. Osborn returned to Kentucky with the tent, we have continued our labors in Robertson county, Tenn. The Lord has turned the hearts of fifteen more to keep the Sabbath. There are more calls for lectures than we can fill in six months. Have just given two lectures in an adjoining county (Simpson, Ky.), with apparently the best interest we have seen yet. We expect to return here after the Kentucky Conference, for which we start this morning.
Our address, for the present, is Black Jack, Robertson county, Tenn.
Oct. 22. G. K. OWEN.
TEXAS
By R. M. Kilgore
Plano, Oct. 20.
Our meetings continue nightly. The last two Sundays, the high gulf winds have prevented meetings during the day. Our tent is so rotten that we dare not risk it standing during these gales.
Our congregations are still good, though the cold nights have caused a reduction in numbers. Many are listening attentively to the word; about four hundred were out this Sunday night. About thirty are keeping the Sabbath. Our temporal wants are supplied by the people. We are encouraged to hold on. R. M. Kilgore.
RHODE ISLAND.
By S. S. Mooney
Niantic, Oct. 21.
I commenced meetings in this place, Oct. 3. Have held twenty-two meetings, and have given about twenty discourses. Our meetings have been well attended every evening. The Lord is at work in the place, and quite a good number have started to serve him. The interest is still good; the people say there has not been so great an interest here for many years. There is no opposition yet. S. S. MOONEY.
IOWA
By J. D. Pegg
Olin, Jones Co., Oct. 23.
CLOSED our meetings at this place, Sunday evening, Oct. 20. Sixteen decided in favor of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. They will hold regular Sabbath meetings.
We are building a small church at Clarence. J. D. Pegg.
Salem Oregon Quarterly Meeting Report
At the quarterly meeting at Salem, Oregon, Oct. 5, 6, as reported by Bro. A. T. Jones, nearly all the church were present except those unavoidably detained. The meeting was profitable. Pledges to the amount of $70 were made for the British mission.
WHAT IS THE TROUBLE?
By Wm. Covert
Bro. A.—Good morning, Bro. B., I am happy to meet you. I have been wanting to ask you about the prosperity of your church. How is the church getting along?
Bro. B.—I am sorry to tell you, but our church is all out of joint.
Bro. A.—How does this come, Bro. B?
Bro. B.—The members are continually hurting one another’s feelings, and all seem so very sensitive that there is no getting along with them.
Bro. A.—That is very bad. There must be some cause for it.
Bro. B.—Perhaps there is; but I cannot tell just what the cause is.
Bro. A.—Shall we look it up?
Bro. B.—I will render all the assistance I can.
Bro. A.—Then I would ask first, How many families in your church are taking our papers?
Bro. B.—I do not know exactly, but less than half. Times are very close, and retrenchment seems necessary. We can scarcely take our own county paper.
Bro. A.—What are you doing in the tract work this quarter?
Bro. B.—Indeed, I hardly know what is being done, I went home after preaching. Our young folks were visiting, and I could not stay to the tract and business meetings. I learned, however, from Bro. T., that the report was not very encouraging. People are very much prejudiced against the Adventists in this vicinity, and our members are not doing much.
Bro. A.—How is your elder’s courage in the work?
Bro. B.—Not very good. Our elder and deacon have spent much time in trying to settle church difficulties of late, and I cannot see that any real good has been accomplished.
Bro. A.—Were there any accessions to your church at the last quarterly meeting?
Bro. B.—No: there are several that might have been reached but for the troubles in the church. A large share of the minister’s time was taken up in investigating these troubles.
Bro. A.—When I was here two years ago, your son and daughter, and members of other families in the church, were much interested upon the subject of religion. How is it with them now?
Bro. B.—Not so favorable as it was.
Bro. A.—That is strange, when there is so much interest at new points where the truth is being presented.
Bro. B.—Well, as I have told you, the troubles in our church are hard things to meet, and then we have been so busy of late that I have neglected to interest myself about these things as I should.
Bro. A.—I cannot understand why you should be so burdened with business as that; your farm is cozy, and I suppose you are out of debt.
Bro. B.—I was one year ago; but I bought forty acres over the way for $1000, and I had to borrow $500 to pay for it. I would not have done this, but there was a bargain of $500 in it. The man could not pay for his land, and I thought that if I could get it, I could then do something for the cause by-and-by.
Bro. A.—What did the brethren advise about it?
Bro. B.—I did not ask them. They are too ready to remark about other people’s business any way. My feelings have been hurt over some remarks that have been made about the matter.
Bro. A.—My dear brother, I think I can tell you what is the trouble in your church. The world is getting between you and the kingdom of God. I have learned by our conversation this morning that the members are not hunting for something useful to do in the Lord’s cause, and when this is the case, the devil always sets them to work. You tell me that many families are neglecting to take our own papers, yet they take the county papers; your tract society meeting was a failure, first, because you had but few reports to bring in; and, secondly, some of the members left the meeting to let their children visit.
Can you not see plainly that there is a sad lack of real interest in the cause of present truth? This being the condition of a majority of your members, you are sure to have much trouble and many church trials. Your church must reform or go down, and now I would advise that every one take our papers, and read them. If all do this, I believe they will soon find so many things to interest them that they will forget to talk about one another. They will forget all about what has been said about them; and instead of wasting the time of the church officers and the ministers in trying to ferret out flying scandals, they will be hunting for the best tract to give to this friend, and the most suitable paper for that one, and studying how they may get another to subscribe for the REVIEW, the SIGNS, or the REFORMER; some will be found who should attend our college, and still others who should take treatment at the Sanitarium, etc., etc. Prejudice will then give way, and your neighbors will read what you recommend to them. Your children will see that you are in earnest, and they will be converted; and instead of calling for help, you can be helping others.