Earlier text: Walking with the WorldA Time for All Things.
By Jos. Clarke
“To everything there is a season.” Eccl. 3:1. How true are these words. See the various kinds of grain and fruits, and all the varied products of the earth, how each observes its proper time to mature. Notice the instinct of the birds, also, in their unerring migrations; how true they are to nature in all its changes. Notice, too, the wild beasts of the forest, how timely are their arrangements for the cold of winter. Man made in the image of God, has a peculiar sensitiveness on this point. He loves to see order and regularity in all things, and to see everything done by rule, and in its proper time. Who would think of nominating a president, canvassing for him, and holding the election, a year before election was necessary? Men would say, Wait till near the close of the term of the present incumbent, then elect the next one. So, now, just at the close of time, is the very time for such a warning message to go forth as is contained in the third angel’s message. Often, when people hear the present truth, they are surprised at its novelty, and they exclaim, “Why have we not heard this before?” We reply, It was not properly applicable to any generation before the present one, from the fact that this generation is the identical one which is to witness the sublime and terrible events of the last days. This generation must see the close of all earthly things; it must witness the seven last plagues, the first resurrection, the coming of the Saviour in all the glory of his Father with all his holy angels, and the translation of the righteous, and their ascent to worlds on high. Some must see the earth as it is desolated of its inhabitants. All must stand for or against this message. No one can be neutral then. To such a generation, living on the confines of time, witnessing its closing scenes, looking each way into the past and the future, with the blazing light of the nineteenth century illuminating the darkest corners of the earth, to such a generation is this light given. Could anything be more timely, more appropriate? Everything in nature, everything in science, everything in art, everything in revelation, points to this very generation, to this very time, in which probation is about to close and the Judgment about to begin in all its awful and decisive splendors. Do men really think that God is jesting with them? Dare puny man contradict the word of Jehovah? Are such things as prophecy indicates as forerunners of the second advent to be passed lightly by? Shall we dare to slight the beacon lights of Heaven? But we refer again to the common question, “Why have we not heard of this before?” We say in reply, Because it was not proper for God to warn our fathers of events which were to take place in the days of their children; but to us is this word preached, because we are to view these scenes, and to stand or fall in the great day of the Lord. JOS. CLARKE. A Frank Confession.
By J. O. Corliss
THE desk of a popular church was supplied yesterday by a man from abroad; and in the course of his remarks, he said, “I dare not try to enforce the doctrines of Christ and his apostles upon you; if I should, you would close your doors against me.” I believe the above confession was made in sincerity, incompatible as it may seem with the great commission of our Lord. There are many other ministers who might with equal truthfulness make the same admission, were their real sentiments spoken; but this is an age when “truth faileth, and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey;” and rather than stem the tide of popular opinion, there is a disposition to wheel into line, and keep step with the masses, until a position and an influence have been attained which it is hard to forfeit. Therefore, the truth is compromised to pander to the inordinate desires of the people, and to hold a place in their affections. Notwithstanding the displeasure of God upon such a course, and perhaps the serious reflection of the guilty party at times, this course is persisted in until the Holy Spirit, as a reprover, ceases to make an impression in this direction. The reason for following such a line of conduct is given in the above frank acknowledgement. The people will not hear the truth! Is it true that we are living in the time spoken of by Paul, 2 Tim. 4: 3, 4, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables”—which times he calls, in the previous chapter, the last days? It seems plain that this is so; and like the children of Israel, when God was compelled to cast them off for contempt of his word, they say to their teachers: “Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things,” for which God ordered it written in a book for the latter day (margin) that they were a rebellious people, and would not hear the law of the Lord. Isa. 30: 8, 9. Although this has been faithfully done, the people of the “latter day” have not sought instruction from it, but are in a similar position toward God. In view of the time to come when these features should characterize the people, the apostle says: “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, . . . . Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” Whether the masses will hear or forbear, the path of duty is plain, and when the Judgment shall reveal the cases of all men, each will then have his former work measured into his bosom. Now as Then.
By A. S. Hutchins
As the sound of salvation through the cross broke upon the ears of the world in power and splendor at the opening of the present dispensation, it encountered the most bitter and determined opposition from all ranks of society. Those who wrapt themselves up in robes of self-righteousness, boasting of their communion with God were, with the most openly vile, equally its opposers. Both Jews and Greeks united in the effort to grind the life and power out of the truth, and lay its influence low in the dust. Blinded and maddened by Satan, they were unprepared to receive and appreciate the Heaven-sent tidings of mercy, the melodious notes of redemption to lost man. They recognized neither the love or providence of God in the plan of salvation through the death of his Son. So the apostle says, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” A few received the truth, rejoiced in it, and suffered for it; sealing the testimony of their love for it with their blood, as millions have since done. And again, says Paul, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser that men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” 1 Cor. 1: 21-25. Now as then, men set their own wisdom and human reasoning above the wisdom and reason of God. Now as then, there is a present truth; and now as then, the preaching of truth applicable to the present time is “foolishness” to those who do not believe; but unto them which believe it is “the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” It is no fault of the gospel system, in its grand adaptation to the wants and woes of the human family, that one class behold in it the surpassing wisdom and goodness of God, and reach out to receive it with unspeakable joy and gladness, while another beholds in it no attracting beauties. The rays of divine light and luster reflected by the gospel of the Son of God are obscure to the mind beclouded by sin and rebellion; so that to the one it is the savor of life unto life; and to the other, of death unto death. Now as then, “the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Rom. 8: 6, 7. Let the carnal mind be exchanged by the power of God for “the mind which was in Christ Jesus,” and then, as did the apostle, we may say, “I delight in the law of God after the inward man.” And now may we, under the highest approval of Heaven, publish the truth, standing equally firm with the honor and throne of the Lawgiver. “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law.” Rom. 3: 31. A. S. HUTCHINS. Preaching the Bible.
By J. H. W.
VERY many people find fault with our method of preaching because we read so much Scripture in our discourses. Nothing seems to them like preaching but taking a sentence for a text and talking far from it, telling anecdotes, &c. This style of harangue, for it is not worthy to be called by the name of sermon, is more popular in America than in the old countries. The following is from an account of a discourse by Dr. Parker, of London:— “The sermon was one of a series of Sunday evening discourses, in which he was expounding the book of Nehemiah. The expository style being so much more commonly used in Great Britain than by American preachers, this seemed a peculiarly favorable time to study it at its best. Especially were we glad to hear him in it, as Dr. Parker himself spoke with much enthusiasm of the necessity of feeding the people with ‘great masses of Scripture,’ and with some contempt of the opposite method of taking a mere pinch of Scripture words with which to flavor a very copious dilution of human speculation. Solid gospel meat seemed to him much better than the poor water-gruel some ministers offer, on whose surface a text may float which has no vital connection with it.” That is an excellent picture of the modern essay style, which is called sermonizing—“a mere pinch of Scripture words with which to flavor a very copious dilution of human speculation.” And frequently popular ministers will talk on some passing event, or some political movement, quoting a text of Scripture so that it may be called preaching, the text, however, having no possible relation to the matter of discourse. When Paul preached he “reasoned out of the Scriptures.” Perhaps we have not done ourselves and our cause justice in styling our discourses “Bible Lectures.” They are generally expository sermons, and people should be led to look upon them in that light. There is something in a name, and we should recognize it. As long as we call an expository discourse a lecture, we are fastening on the minds of the people the idea that an essay with a “mere pinch of Scripture” to preface it is real preaching. Let us lead the people to respect, as a sermon, an argument or discourse which brings out and enforces Bible truth.—J. H. W., in Signs of the Times. VILLAGES DESTROYED, THOUSANDS MADE HOMELESS AND MANY PERSONS KILLED.
LONDON, June 12.—About six weeks ago there was a heavy rain of ashes and cinders along the northern coast of Norway, covering the ground several inches deep. Investigation revealed the fact that these strange materials, coming from a northwesterly direction like immense clouds through the air, were of volcanic origin. It was at once thought that there must have been an eruption of Mount Hecla in Iceland. A steamer was dispatched from Copenhagen, and that vessel has returned from Reykjavik, with news of unparalleled disaster. It seems that the outbreak began on Christmas, and has continued ever since with scarcely any interruption. For seven weeks before Christmas the inhabitants were terrified by subterranean noises like thunder, which extended through nearly two-thirds of the Island. Early in January followed earthquakes in all directions, and at last, an old extinct volcano near Vatnayskud opened, and for four weeks continued to eject immense quantities of liquid fire, lava, ashes, and a muddy fluid mass at boiling heat. The village and some smaller hamlets and farms within a radius of twenty miles, were destroyed, and over a thousand people had to flee for their lives. After four weeks this volcano ceased, but at that instant another extinct volcano, nearly a hundred miles away, near Myvatu, sent its burning mass upon the peaceful habitations around. This eruption lasted for several weeks, the village of Myvatu became a prey to the fiery elements, and the whole country for more than fifty miles around was devastated. More than eight hundred of the people are reported as having been rendered homeless. Early in March, there seemed to be a general upheaval of the earth in the whole central portion of the island; new mounds, as it were, rose to the surface, some to a height of several hundred feet, and over a thousand feet in diameter at the base, amid tremendous shocks of thundering beneath. They split open at the top and vomited forth their burning contents upon the surface around them, covering a distance of 200 miles. Ten thousand people are said to have lost nearly all their possessions, and the remainder, who live nearer to and along the coasts, some forty thousand in number, are themselves too poor to support such a vast number of needy people. Several hundred persons are also reported to have perished. The world-renowned Geysers have dried up since the terrible eruption began, and instead of water, these mysterious funnels emit immense quantities of hot smoke and ashes, which, during the night, rising several thousand feet into the air, appear like gigantic columns of flameless fire, visible for hundreds of miles. It is said that no historic record of any volcanic eruption anywhere in the world compares with this, either in territory over which it extends, the number of newly opened craters, or the time of its duration. The Copenhagen Government has issued an appeal for aid to the sufferers. Hammondville, Hart Co., Ky.
By S. Osborne
I have stopped labor here for the present, as the rain breaks up our meeting nearly every night. I think I will wait until the weather is more favorable. I have had good attendance when the weather would admit of it, notwithstanding the prejudice. I am about two-thirds through with a course of lectures, and four have taken their stand on the Sabbath. There are a few more that are investigating. I will try to visit the brethren in Tennessee. Bro. E. B. Lane wrote, requesting me to do so if it was possible. S. Osborne. Bristol, Vt.
By A. S. Hutchins
I remained here three Sabbaths following our Tract and Missionary meeting. Two more were received into the church, making nine new Sabbath-keepers added within a few months. While these brethren and sisters have been taking hold of the truth, the truth has been taking hold of, and doing a good work for, them; its legitimate fruits being manifested in inspiring in their hearts a love for reading the word of God, hitherto neglected, in the establishment of the family altar, and in assembling from Sabbath to Sabbath, to join with the people of the Lord in acts of solemn devotion. We were happy to meet Bro. Jackman here. Himself and family have left their former Adventist brethren and united with those who are keeping the commandments of God. He enjoys a continual intellectual feast as he gathers and treasures up new light and truth on the great fundamental principles of the faith of Seventh-day Adventists. In Ferrisburg, I held a few meetings. One Adventist brother firmly committed himself on the Sabbath, commenced its observance, and met with us the last Sabbath I was at Bristol. From here, I went to West Bolton, visited nearly every family of the friends, spoke to them on the Sabbath, and on first-day, administered the ordinance of baptism, and celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house. The brother baptized has numbered almost fourscore years, and being very feeble several tried to dissuade him from an act so hazardous; but genuine faith in Bible baptism, and a firm trust for necessary support from the Saviour, brought him several miles on a rainy day to the rolling waters where he received scriptural baptism, for which, through the persistent entreaties of others, he in youth was induced to accept of sprinkling as a substitute, which had been to him a life-long regret. His companion, though a Methodist, rejoiced that the favored time had come when he could follow the divine example of the Lord and Saviour in baptism. Here, as at Jamaica, the figures on s. s. were materially raised, after explanation of duty on this point. North Pacific Mission.
By I. D. Van Horn
Our quarterly meeting is in the past. It was a success. The good cause here has been strengthened, and brethren and sisters have been much encouraged. On the Sabbath our new meeting-house was well filled with Sabbath-keepers and their children. At the close of the discourse, we called for those wishing baptism to rise up, when five responded, and were voted into the church. Then the call was made for others who had been baptized, and wished to join the church to rise up, and five responded to this call also, and were voted into the church. One aged sister who could not be with us sent a letter asking the privilege of being received into the church, which request was granted. We then went to the water, and there, on that beautiful Sabbath day, five were baptized, and the place was made solemn by the presence of the Spirit of the Lord. Thus eleven were added to the church, making our present number seventy-five. There are others, good, substantial persons, keeping the Sabbath who will sooner or later join us. Those keeping the Sabbath in this valley, counting the members of the church with their children, number about two hundred. At our business meeting on Sunday morning, union and brotherly love were manifested throughout. At this meeting the church accepted the meeting-house from the hand of the Building Committee, and assumed the debt of eleven hundred dollars, by giving obligations without mortgaging the property. We rarely find such union of feeling as was manifested here, under like circumstances. A plan was adopted similar to our Systematic Benevolence, by which the debt and all interest can be paid within two years. When everything was thus arranged, we proceeded to dedicate the house, which was well filled with attentive hearers. The discourse upon the “True Worship of God” (text, John 4: 53, 24) was such as to lead the mind to adore the great Creator in spirit, and respect and honor his truth. As we gave the house to the Lord at the close of the service, we had evidence that he accepted it at our hands. The house is a building 32x46 feet and 18 feet between the floor and the ceiling, with a tower in front 9x9, projecting half its size outside, and a recess in the back end for the pulpit. This recess has two small windows which can be so adjusted as to give plenty of air to the speaker. The cost of the house is $3000; and the Walla Walla Statesman says, “It is the best house of worship in Oregon or Washington Ter., except one, east of the Cascade Mountains.” The organization of a tract society was deferred for the present. All here would rejoice could Bro. and sister White make us a visit after the California Camp-meeting, and assist in organizing a T. & M. Society. On returning here to Dayton, I find the interest even greater than when I left a week ago. Shall hope to establish a company of believers in the truth here. Pray for us.—I. D. Van Horn, in Signs of the Times. Dayton, W. T., July 7, 1875. The Sabbath Made for Man.
By J. M. Gallimore
“And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27. In the beginning, God, who made all things, made also a Sabbath, and that Sabbath, the Saviour testifies, was made for man. This being the case, was that which was made for man against man, and therefore taken out of the way? And was that47which was made for man a yoke of bondage, as very many in this day contend? The Sabbath, it seems, is about all the yoke of oppression that opposers are able to find in the commandments of God, which the Saviour in plain words teaches us to obey. By the manner in which the Jews observed the Sabbath, they made it a yoke of bondage; for they dared not do so much as attend to the wants of the sick on that day, and hence the expression is called forth, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” The Sabbath, then, was given us as a precious blessing, and not as a burden. He who properly observes it is each week strengthened bodily and spiritually, and at the same time is reminded of his Creator, the God who made all things. Sad, indeed, would be the condition of man without a Sabbath; yet how very many, after learning that the seventh day is the only Sabbath of the Lord that the Bible recognizes, take the unreasonable position that the people of this dispensation have no Sabbath, that that which was made for a blessing has been abolished, and that too by the Friend and Saviour of mankind. Such is the insane reasoning of men in this age of folly, when men love darkness rather than the clear light that is being shed upon the truths contained in the Bible. Such is the reasoning even of some of those who profess to be guides of the blind and teachers of the holy and righteous will of God. Are not the blind leading the blind? and shall not both fall into the ditch? J. M. GALLIMORE. Oh! how wearisome the waiting
For the sweet delights of sleep,
When, with languishing or sorrow,
One must lonely vigils keep
With the slowly passing moments
Through the weary hours of night,
Vainly wooing gentle slumber,
Waiting for the morning light. May we trust our Heavenly Father,
To the great Redeemer live,
Whether with fresh throbbing pulses,
Which new life and vigor give,
Or with drooping, fainting spirit,
We await the Master's will;
Those who labor for him serve him,
Those who suffer serve him still. Those who love and trust the Saviour,
Though they languish, may rejoice
As they listen to the accents
Of his sweet, consoling voice,
“Come, and cast thy burden on me;
I have gladly borne for thee
Deepest anguish in the garden,
Keenest torture on the tree. “Art thou pressed with care and sorrow?
Man of sorrow have I been,
Yielding up the joys of Heaven
For a world enslaved to sin;
To redeem thy soul from bondage
I have dwelt on earth for thee;
To a bright and blissful mansion,
Come, then, trusting unto me.” Round Prairie, Minn.
By W. B. Hill; F. W. Morse
WE have been at this place two weeks, and have given some twenty discourses. This was considered an uninviting field for religious labor, but the young believers at Burnhamville and Greenwood needed help. We therefore set the tent where those at the last-named place could attend, and one of us has been at B. every Sabbath. The interest has been better here than we expected. Ten have signified their determination to keep all the commandments of God. Most of them are making a start to serve God for the first time. Some came at first out of mere curiosity, they tell us, and then from interest could not stay away, and now they are rejoicing in the truth. The interest is still good. Others, without doubt, will soon identify themselves with God's commandment-keeping people. Urgent calls come in from other places. Dear brethren, pray for us, that we may be guided by the Lord, and that his work may prosper in our hand. We shall fill calls for help as fast as possible. W. B. HILL, F. W. MORSE. Northern Michigan.
By A. O. Burrill
The tent was taken down at Hubbardston the 19th, after a stay of five weeks. About one dozen decided to obey the truth, and many others were “almost persuaded” to be Christians. We met with much underhanded opposition, such as individuals privately advising others to remain away from the tent. The wants of the cause were such that we decided to separate. Bro. Van Duesen went to N. Shades, Springbrook, and a place west of Carson City where there are some twenty-five or thirty Sabbath-keepers unorganized, some of whom have recently received the truth. He intends to effect an organization, so that they can be represented in the coming Conference. I took the tent, and came to Muir, Ionia Co., which is a place on the line of the D. and M. R. R., a village of twelve or fifteen hundred inhabitants, with another nearly as large only one mile distant. The tent is well filled every evening, and the best of attention is given to the word spoken. Our publications are selling rapidly, and we hope to see a good work accomplished in this place. A. O. Burrill. I wish to let the friends of the cause know that we are still trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. It cheers our hearts to know that Jesus will soon come in the clouds of heaven. But we are pained to see those we dearly love sitting in the seat of the scornful. Our hearts were made to rejoice last Sabbath and first-day by seeing those who have been long in the truth come from twelve to thirty miles with Bro. Byington to meet with us. The truth is good, and we feel thankful to the Lord for the help we received through his servant. Three more were added to the church, making, in all, eighteen. The children all love the Sabbath-school. With the help of the Lord we are all trying to live so that we may hear it said, “Well done, good and faithful servant, . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” L. A. Among the French in Illinois.
By D. T. Bourdeau
DURING the past three weeks, we have labored on new ground in Papineau and L’Erable, Iroquois Co., besides speaking to the brethren at their prayer-meetings and on the Sabbath. In Papineau the interest was limited to a few Protestant families, and, as the investigation was progressing, Eld. Auger, the Baptist preacher who opposed us last year at St. Anne, commenced to work against us in families, insinuating that he would like to meet us in discussion or conversation before them. We did not see how we could avoid a collision. Last Wednesday night we had a session on spiritual gifts and other points on which we had been falsely accused to injure our influence. This session lasted till midnight. And, although we had been anxious to commence with the Sabbath question, we were glad at the close that the other topics had come up first. God gave great freedom in defending unpopular truth, our brethren were strengthened, and prejudice was removed. It was 2 A. M. when we reached our resting place at St. Anne. Yesterday (Sunday) we had a discussion with the same man on the Sabbath question. We felt that God greatly helped in presenting in a brief manner the main features of our faith on this question and in meeting objections; but we were very sorry that one or two of our brethren became so earnest in meeting opposition at the close of the discussion. It is always better for the cause that such interviews should close in an orderly manner and without excitement. At L’Erable, our congregation was not large. It was equally divided between Roman Catholics and Protestants. We have aimed to get one or more witnesses to the truth at these points, that our brethren who have a measure of experience may be stimulated to labor on new ground as they have done in the past, while we go into entirely new fields. The work among the French in this country will require time and perseverance, because, first, the French are generally scattered; and, secondly, their past education, and their limited privileges and experience in religious things, will demand more patient instruction than is requisite to advance the cause among Americans. But we would labor where our lot is cast; and we desire above all things to do our work wisely and to divine acceptance. St. Anne, Ill., July 26, 1875. Adventism Growing in Ohio County, Kentucky
A BROTHER writing from Ohio Co., Kentucky, says, “Adventism is not dead in Kentucky. It is growing all the time. I think if we could have a preacher here, there might be a church raised up in this place. Five or six persons here are keeping the Lord’s Sabbath, and several believe in the second advent who do not keep the Sabbath.” Talk—Its Worth.
By A. M. Driscall
It is said that “talk is cheap,” which implies that words are of no particular value, and could they be made an article of merchandise, and be bought and sold, they would bring but little at the present time, as the market is full. It is true there is a certain kind of talk that the world is full of, the market is glutted, and it is indeed cheap. It is compared to chaff which the wind carries away. Talk is composed of words. They may be words of vanity, boastful, full of conceit and bigotry. They may be proud words, which from the natural heart—one not imbued with the divine Spirit—flow like a stream of darkened water, embittered with envy and sarcasm, that blast and wither as they go. These are “devouring words,” that the deceitful tongue loveth. They are cruel and unmerciful words, wounding like a “sharp razor,” leaving hearts all lacerated and bleeding, without one healing touch. Of such talk, the world is full; it cries, Enough. There is a kind of talk, however, that is never overabundant. It is a kind that the world is in perishing need of. The market will never be overflowing with this kind. Its price is high. It is invaluable—more precious than rubies. It is compared to “apples of gold in pictures of silver.” It is that kind of talk that emanates from a heart renewed by the Spirit of God. It is that kind of talk that has healing in its wings. It is full of charity. It loves mercy, and has compassion. It pities the unfortunate. It comforts the afflicted and sorrowing. It supports the weak and trembling, and gives courage to the desponding. Such is its mission, and its field is a world-wide one. Sorrowing, afflicted, and disappointed hearts are all around us; and, while this is the case, shall we, members of the Tract and Missionary Society, sit idly down and mourn that nature has been so sparing in her gifts to us in not endowing us with greater ability to do good? As we look over the vast missionary field, extending from continent to continent, from ocean to ocean, and to the lone islands of the sea, and see the work that is being wrought, and hear the cry, “Come and help us,” we wish for greater ability to do, and forget, perhaps, the work that lies at our own door. There is work to be done. We need not stand idly by, excusing ourselves from doing because we possess the one talent only. Shall we not rather bless the Father of all good that he has provided a way whereby all, both small and great, he who has one talent, as well as he who has ten, may work for him? We may not be blessed with the gift of eloquent speech to persuade men to become reconciled to God; but, by the blessing of Heaven, we can have hearts to feel for others’ woe, can weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who rejoice, and more than this, we are provided liberally with tracts and papers that are written with the greatest care. With a heart prepared for the work, by watching for opportunities for a careful and wise distribution of these precious documents, we will find work to do for the Master. And as these papers pass from our hands into others’, may a silent prayer ascend that God’s blessing may attend them. Let us not be weary in the work of the Lord, but ever bear in mind the injunction of the wise man, “Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days.” May the work of the Tract Society widen and deepen each succeeding week is the prayer of one who has an interest in the missionary work. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” Died, at her home in Berlin, Wis., May 7, my sister, Izah G. Putman, aged 39 years. Her disease was consumption. She leaves a husband and three children to mourn their loss. She embraced the present truth about ten years ago, under the preaching of Elds. Matteson and Sanborn, and was baptized by the latter. She was a great sufferer the last two years of her life, but was hopeful and patient, exhorting her husband and son to prepare to meet her when Jesus comes to wake the sleeping dead. [Will the Signs please copy?] Died, at Koronis, Minn., July 16, 1875, of inflammation of the lungs, Edna May, infant daughter of Bro. and sister Campbell, aged four months and fifteen days. Words of consolation from John 11: 25: “I am the resurrection and the life.” Died, of inflammation of the brain, at Sturgis, Mich., July 9, 1875, our little Geine, aged six months. He was a bright and loving child, and although so young is greatly missed from our home. But we have laid him away in hope of meeting him again where sickness and death can never come. The following account of the sudden and terrible death of Bro. James A. Wright is taken from the Waushara Co. Argus. Bro. Wright has been an honorable member of the Seventh-day Adventist church of Fish Lake for many years, and the church feel their loss very much. He attended our last camp-meeting at Sparta, Wis., and enjoyed the meeting the best of any he ever attended. He was burned the following Friday, and died Monday about one o’clock P. M., July 12, 1875. He testified that he never felt the sustaining grace of God so powerfully in his life as after he was burned. Funeral obsequies by Eld. Olin, Methodist. Text, 2 Kings 20:1: “Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.” - “Last Friday morning, Mr. James A. Wright, of the firm of Wright & Lyman, set to work to make some ‘asphaltum stain,’ to be used in the paint-room of their cabinet shop in this village. As we understand, this stain is made of asphaltum and turpentine, and must be made over a fire. Mr. Wright built a fire in the stove and put the ingredients into a kettle, and the kettle over the fire. This has been done many dozens of times by the proprietors of the shop, in the same manner, and with the same conveniences. After a short time, it became apparent to Mr. Wright that the materials were getting too hot, and that they were about to take fire. Instant action was necessary. In case there was an explosion, the shop would certainly be destroyed, and his life with it. If he could get the kettle out of doors successfully, he might be burned but slightly, and the shop would be saved. He threw a sheep-skin over the burning kettle, placed his hands upon the sides, and started for the door. As he reached the door, the fire confined by the skin caused an explosion, which threw the blazing turpentine over his body, face and arms, and he was instantly ablaze. In the intense agony caused by thus being on fire, he uttered one terrible cry that started people in the vicinity to his assistance; he staggered across the street to a growth of weeds, and threw himself into them and rolled about, to put out the flames that were consuming him. Instantly a cry of fire was raised, the dense smoke that arose from the burning turpentine served as a beacon to tell where the fire was, and the streets were alive in an instant with men running to the scene, each carrying pails of water.
“Little or no damage was done to the building. The flames having been put out upon Mr. Wright, he was helped to his house, and medical aid summoned. An examination of the injuries showed that he was terribly burned. His left hand and arm were literally cooked, the flesh falling off in pieces, his back and left side burned to a crisp, his face and right hand badly injured, and various other marks of the burning turpentine. Physicians pronounced him beyond recovery; but everything was done to ease the terrible pain that was continually upon him. He bore his sufferings with Christian heroism and fortitude until death came to his relief. Mr. Wright was about 60 years old, has been a resident of this county for many years, was an excellent mechanic, good citizen, and an exemplary Christian. His loss will be sadly felt in Wautoma. The sympathies of all our people go out to the stricken wife and children he leaves behind him. So sudden and terrible a death of a loved one must needs be a fearful shock.” Daniel F. Holcomb, a Methodist ex-itinerant, and a neighbor of the deceased, says:— “I wish to bear my testimony to the intrinsic worth of Bro. James A. Wright, through the columns of his own cherished paper. Though I could not indorse every feature of his creed, I could but admire the man. Some men are all creed and no principle; while there are a few, who are all principle, and no creed. Bro. W. occupied the middle ground. He had a creed which was dearer to him than life; but underlying this, there was a Christian principle deeply rooted and grounded in his very soul which served as the mainspring of all his words and actions. Nothing was permitted to take the place of his religion. This, with him, was first, and paramount to everything else; nothing of an earthly nature must intrude here. This, with him, was sacred ground; and no unclean thing was allowed to enter to defile it.” “He was a model man in all the relations of life. He was a kind husband, an affectionate father, an obliging neighbor, a good citizen, and a faithful friend. He was a living Christian, and a beacon light in this morally dark world so replete with danger, sin and sorrow. In short, he was thoroughly and persistently a man of God, walking in all the ordinances and commandments of the Lord blameless, and verily he has his reward. Our loss is his eternal gain.”