Earlier text: Wm. M. TweedOur New School Grounds.
By George I. Butler
YESTERDAY the writings were drawn conveying, to those that have charge of school matters here, a site for our proposed school buildings. These grounds lie in front of the Health Reform Institute, on the opposite side of the road, and comprise twelve acres. They were purchased of Mr. Erastus Hussey; and it is not too much to say that they form the most beautiful site for school buildings that can be found in the city of Battle Creek. They are tastefully adorned with a large number of fruit, evergreen, and other ornamental, trees; and by their high, commanding position, when suitable buildings are erected, a person can easily view at a glance nearly the whole city. We consider this a very rare chance indeed. We have been able to secure just such a site for our school as we have earnestly desired, where the liberal donations of our people may be suitably expended. Our buildings will be away from the noise and dust of the business street, and yet, within easy access of all. The grounds will be ample, the air pure, and the surroundings inviting. The purchase of this site will save the necessity of moving the Institute, which would have been necessary had the Fair Grounds been purchased, as it was once contemplated. Here will be a saving of several thousands of dollars. Our institutions here will all be within easy access of each other, and within easy access of the church. This is an item of no small importance. In short, we feel exceedingly grateful that our anxiety in regard to the selection of a proper site is so happily terminated. When Bro. White left for California, we had little hope that it could be obtained without paying an exorbitant price. But the way has opened, and the grounds are secured. The purchase of these grounds would not have been consummated at this time had it not been for the clearing away of difficulties in the church, during the last two months. It will be plainly seen that we expect to hold our ground in Battle Creek, which has been a matter of some doubt in the past. This purchase is a very important step in this direction. The increase of our school and our publishing work makes it necessary that school buildings be erected next season. Our school now numbers upwards of one hundred and twenty, and we could not accommodate a great many more in the present building. The Publishing Association will soon need it for its own use. The winter season is the right time to make preparation to build cheaply. We must soon purchase material and get it upon the ground. It will be seen by this that we “mean business.” This will greatly gratify all true friends of the cause. Such desire to see something done. We do not want to see this drag along, but want to keep the ball moving right forward. This will make it necessary that our friends, who have so liberally pledged during the past summer, should pay their pledges. Not far from $25,000 were subscribed to be paid in 1873. This is New Year's day, and not quite $10,000 of this has been paid in. We should like that balance of $15,000, friends, as quick as you can send it on; for we want to go to work now. We have no censure to cast in this matter. Money matters have been very close this fall, and you did not know as there was any special need of it. Now you will all rejoice that the way has opened for it to be immediately used. And if there are any who signed sums for 1874, who can just as well pay now, we should be very glad to have them, though they are under no obligation to pay till one year from to-day. But the burden of our expense will fall upon us the coming season. We have no doubt but those who so liberally pledged will now pay those pledges. They cheerfully signed these sums and will cheerfully pay them. Send them in, friends, and you shall soon receive your certificates of stock; for the Educational Society will be legally organized within a few weeks, at most. The purchase of this site makes that step now necessary. So one step after another is taken in the great work in which we are engaged. It does not go backward, but forward. So it will, till it shall end in the triumph of God's truth. Battle Creek, Mich., Jan. 1, 1874. Counterfeit.
By S. N. Haskell
Probably no generation has ever entered more extensively into the work of counterfeiting than the people of the present age. Bank bills are counterfeited. Gold and silver coin are counterfeited. Every useful article is immediately followed by something worthless purporting to be the genuine. Bogus concerns are gotten up in the various cities throughout the country to allure the unsuspecting to give of their means without receiving an equivalent. And thus unprincipled men enrich themselves at the expense of others. Not long since, I received an article of jewelry for which the lady paid seven dollars. She wished it converted into money, and placed in the missionary cause. The jeweler examined it, and pronounced it worthless. The world is full of such counterfeits and deceptions. A very few get value received. The prophet describes this time as follows: “The good man is perished out of the earth; and there is none upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood. They hunt every man his brother with a net.” But the worst of all counterfeits that exists is a counterfeit religion. A man may be deceived in jewelry and a thousand other things and never learn the deception, because he has never applied the test, and there is nothing very ruinous in this to him who is thus imposed upon. And even if he should learn the deceit practiced upon him, he may be able to survive the loss. But it is not so with the hope that relates to eternal things; for “every man’s work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” This will be terrible, for there will be no opportunity to remedy this deception at the day of Judgment. It is then forever too late. The importance of examining ourselves while we have an opportunity to learn our true condition cannot be overestimated. The test should be applied by ourselves while here in probationary time. The heart should be examined when there is an opportunity to reform. But if left wholly to our own selves, without the Spirit of God to enlighten our minds, and to make our own choice of circumstances under which we may be placed, and consult our own preferences as to the manner of examining ourselves, we should never learn the amount of selfishness there is in our hearts. For “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, and who can know it?” Therefore we read, “I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” A man may donate large sums to the cause of God and do very many commendable things, and be called very religious and liberal by those that know him, yet selfishness be the ruling principle in his heart. “Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity it profiteth me nothing.” Love or charity never murmurs or complains. It suffereth long and is kind. And whenever the true spirit of love enters the hearts of individuals, if they have a complaint against any, as Christ forgave, so will they forgive. It envieth not. Charity vaunteth not itself, and is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, but will rejoice in the prosperity of others. In lowliness of mind will esteem others better than themselves. There will be no room for an unsanctified imagination to dwell upon a thousand evils that do not exist. It rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth. It does not live in a kind of selfish way without any regard for righteousness and equity, but the principles of morality and rectitude will be exalted. The individual who possesses this spirit will honor that which God honors, and despise that which reproaches his Maker, bearing all things, enduring all things, believing all things. Charity never faileth. It elevates fallen humanity to become a partaker of the divine nature. It is a golden cord, like the telegraphic cable in the ocean, let down through this world to unite us with the throne of the Eternal. The heart goes out after others. It takes delight in doing good to our fellow-men. It cannot live without works of a disinterested, benevolent character. God’s providence often changes our circumstances to test us. We come in contact with the afflicted under such circumstances that we may benefit ourselves at their expense or benefit them at our own expense. God permits this, that our true characters may be developed, and we thus behold the motive that actuates us. If we have a disposition to sacrifice our personal ease and comfort, which perhaps will cost more than means, it will then be made manifest. If selfishness reigns there, it will be discovered. The heart will flutter between selfishness and disinterested benevolence until one or the other gains the victory. It is then we approach the mirror, and behold ourselves as we really are. If we have been deceived in the real condition of our own hearts, now will come murmurings, envyings, jealousies, with surmisings, &c., &c. Conversion is not the work of a moment. It is learning, whatever state we are in, therewith to be content, and overcoming every selfish principle, getting out of the narrow, bigoted feeling which all centers on a “me” and “mine,” and having, on the contrary, a large and liberal soul. Hannah More, the late missionary to Africa, now sleeping in Northern Michigan, spent months at our house in New England, and was contented while she could be doing for others. Deprive her of that privilege, and she would immediately become uneasy, and feel that she could not remain longer. It had become second nature to her to do for others. Take this from her, and she was out of her element. This is the true missionary spirit. This is the change of heart that should be wrought in every one who names the name of Christ, and this will be accomplished in the hearts of all who will yield themselves to God and his truth. The work of grace transforms and molds the character according to the likeness of our divine Lord and Master. And if the work fails to be accomplished in our hearts while living here upon the earth, we shall fail of everlasting life. We may flatter ourselves with the thought that we have a well-grounded hope in God, yet our religion will prove to be the counterfeit, and life will prove a failure. James says, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” In Luke 14:12–14 we have a key that explains why works of this class are a test of Christian character. Here is a practical test we can apply daily. Does our soul go out after others? Are we anxious to engage in that kind of labor that brings in no reward in this life? Are we anxious to sacrifice our means, our ease, and if need be our comfort, to make others happy? Do we know the afflicted and needy in our neighborhood? and are we often found ministering to their wants? Perhaps the answer would be that “we are so hurried with work that we have no time.” And is not this very work that so takes up our time, as the saying is, “to get a living,” which virtually means, To keep good what we have and add to it. If this is the case, we possess a spurious article. We have the counterfeit; and it will not stand the test of the Judgment. We have not the spirit that led Christ to die here upon the earth, that led him with meekness to wear the crown of thorns, and when he was reviled to revile not again, and when he suffered, to threaten not, but to commit himself to Him who judgeth righteously. It is when this spirit actuates the person that it will give him freedom in God and a life of usefulness in God. It is then we can labor for others successfully, and God will crown the effort with his blessing. S. N. Haskell. Present Opportunity.
By Jos. Clarke
To-day, the ambassador of Jesus Christ stands pleading with thee, O sinner. His heart overflows with love. He knocks at the door of thine heart. Wilt thou open the door, and admit the heavenly messenger? To-day, Jesus pleads before his Father for thee, lukewarm professor; and the angels beckon thee on to victory. The Spirit of God is already near thee; and thine eyes are moved to tears; and thine heart is tender. Wilt thou repent and reform. To-day, thy sins are set in order before thee. The heavenly messenger has softened thine heart; but it is not yet purified. The showers have softened the soil. Now is the time to pull up the weeds. To-day, he stands knocking at the door of thine heart. Wilt thou remove the rubbish, and open wide the door? Perhaps some vile habit, or some unruly passion, or unhallowed desire, or bitter feeling, closes fast the door, and shuts out the heavenly guest. For six thousand years Jesus has stood pleading for sinners. A few have accepted his mediation, and the work is nearly accomplished. As we near the end, we more highly prize the great atonement soon to culminate in victory. The resurrection is near, and the final reward. To-day, we hear the startling voice of the angelic message, calling to all who love God and his word to come out and separate themselves from error and sin; calling to all who love purity to rally around the standard of the cross, and by lives of obedience, humility, purity, and holy love, to win the approbation of God. Van Buren Co., Mich., Dec. 29, 1873
By H. M. Kenyon
Commenced meetings at Kendall, Van Buren Co., Mich., Dec. 8; and although the weather most of the time has been unfavorable, there has been a deep interest manifested on the part of the people to listen to the truths presented. Have now given twenty-five discourses. At the close of the meeting Sunday evening, Dec. 28, twenty fully committed themselves to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. The people are considerably stirred in the region round about, and several urgent calls are made for meetings. I desire to understand duty, and to bestow labor where there are those that will receive the truth. H. M. KENYON. Van Buren Co., Mich., Dec. 29, 1873
The Confession of Sins.
By E. Goodrich
The confession of sin is certainly a Bible duty. Yet in this, as in almost everything else, there seems to be danger of either misunderstanding or misapplying the truth. Some of the reasons that underlie this duty are, Man deliberately sins; he should, therefore, deliberately renounce and put away his sins. And as sin is an injury, both to its possessor and to those against whom it is committed, destroying peace and friendship, the only way to restore broken confidence and repair the damage done is to confess the wrong, and make that restoration that the case demands. These are inseparable, because a man cannot confess and obtain pardon while he holds the price of iniquity yet in his hands. Now, there are various grades and classes of sins, and the rule that is to govern us in confessing our sins is this: Sins are to be confessed in the same order and to the same extent that they are committed. 1. There are secret sins, those sins that are committed in secret where no eye but that of God is upon us. Every sinful thought, every wicked purpose that forms itself in the mind, and every lustful and unlawful wish that clamors in the heart and that seeks gratification under the cover of darkness, these are secret sins. And there is no principle either in reason or in revelation that demands that those sins that stain and pollute the soul should be publicly confessed, and thus thrown out upon the world to corrupt and taint others. Facts are not moral only when they are moral facts. And, as we are affected with the sight of our eyes and the hearing of our ears, the less we know of the iniquity of others, the better it is for us. This truth is fully demonstrated in the great amount of evil done in publishing low literature. These sins are to be confessed only in secret in the presence of God who searcheth the hearts and trieth the reins of the children of men. Undoubtedly there are those, and perhaps many, who stumble over this first lesson of Christian experience. Being convicted of sins, the cross of humble confession is too great, and they do not make a start. If this first duty is understood and discharged, it gives strength for more advanced lessons and duties. And this is the way with all duties; exercise gives strength. Again, we are to confess only our own sins, not those of others. And it seems a mistaken idea that some get, if they think evil of any one, that they must express that evil thought, or else they are hypocrites. The thinking of evil of any one of our family, a brother or neighbor, does them no evil; it is the speaking of evil that injures. And the breathing out of our sinful thoughts, feelings, and passions, is Satan’s own way of scattering firebrands, arrows, and death. The speaking of evil of any one is never a duty unless the cause of virtue and humanity demands it as a warning to save others. 2. We have private sins—those sins that are committed in private life, where only one or at most but a few are witnesses. Those sins may be committed against members of our own families, against a neighbor, or even a stranger; or two or more persons may be confederate in sin, and a knowledge of the same be confined to themselves alone. Now in confessing this class of sins, there seems no need of going either upon the house-tops or into the streets of a city to proclaim what we have done. It is enough that we go to the injured one, or to the persons in whose presence we have sinned, and there confess the wrong and repair as far as we can the damage that has been done. And to do this properly, we should be as much in earnest and as explicit in confessing as in committing our sins. Apologies are not confessions; and we should never say, If I have wronged you, if you were offended, if I used improper language, I want you to forgive; but we should say, I know that I have wronged you, I know that I have abused you. Neither should we expect that a single word is quite enough to cover a long period of evil treatment. Nor yet should we be discouraged if perfect confidence is not at once restored although our confession is hearty and genuine. The restoring of confidence that has been broken is like the planting of trees that have been pulled up by the roots; it requires time for them to become rooted again, so restoration of confidence requires time and evidence of reformation. 3. There are public sins—sins that are committed openly, and in the light of day. These sins cannot be confessed secretly, but are to be renounced and put away in a public manner. No person can go about the streets of a city or over the country publishing lying and slanderous reports about a neighbor, or even the least of Christ’s disciples, and then go into the closet or to the man injured and obtain pardon. In other words, no person who commits a public sin, of whatever kind it may be, can obtain either a secret or private pardon. And in seeking redress from wrongs that have been done, whether private or public, or in reproving the sins of others, the same rule is to be observed as in confessing sins. Private wrongs are to be privately righted, and public sins are to be openly rebuked and punished. How the Scriptures Comfort Believers.
By M. E. P.
How precious to the believer are some of the apostles’ words that breathe a spirit of trust and confidence in God. There are times when the full soul seems pressed beyond measure, and, opening the sacred word, the eye rests upon some passage that is peculiarly fitting in its nature to bring consolation and peace. It is not that the words are new; we have read and heard them read over and over again; they are familiar to our ears; but the Spirit now bears witness with our spirit that these words of comfort are for us. This is the work of the blessed Comforter that Jesus promised to send to all those who should believe on him, even the spirit of truth, of which it is said, “He shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.” John 16:14. Thus are the Scriptures made effectual in bringing us into closer fellowship with God the Father and Christ his dear Son. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Rom. 15:4. A part of the work of the Spirit is to comfort believers. When perplexed and troubled with earth’s cares, we read of Paul’s experience in the same, but that he was not distressed, nor in despair, not forsaken, nor yet destroyed; and we feel that our own afflictions are so light in comparison with the ancient worthies that we can only look upward, even through the blinding tears, and rejoice that our tribulation is but for a moment, and is not worthy to be compared with the exceeding great and precious reward; for which cause we faint not. “Though our outward man perish,” or the things external might cause us to be faint-hearted or to disbelieve, “yet the inward man is renewed day by day,” “while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.” 2 Cor. 4:18. Not disappointed because things temporal do not afford the happiness we might desire, we look forward in the blessed hope of being partaker in the endless joys of eternal life. Oh, the glorious thought! But for this, the heart would faint; but with the prize in view, we can struggle on a little longer. May we so strive that the day of God may not find us unprepared. THE BARREN FIG-TREE
By Arville B. Gardner
Nothing but leaves!
O Saviour! can it be
My worthless life
Is like that barren tree?
No ripened fruit appears;
Alas! the Spirit grieves
Over a life which yields
Nothing but leaves.
Lord, look in mercy down on me!
Spare thou, another year, this tree! Nothing but leaves!
I've wrought no kindly deed,
No blessing brought
To those who are in need.
My hands have idle been;
I have no garnered sheaves;
My hoarded treasure, all
Is naught but leaves.
Although no fruit doth yet appear,
Oh! spare this tree another year. Nothing but leaves!
On me thy light is shed;
Thy blessing still
Is resting on my head.
But should the Reaper come
To gather in his sheaves
My aimless life would yield
Nothing but leaves.
Lord, canst thou yet a season spare
And let this fig-tree be thy care? Nothing but leaves!
Prune each unfruitful bough,
And rob the earth
Of all that charms me now.
Bright scenes of pleasure lure
My feet to turn aside,
From paths of truth and grace
I wander wide.
I would be thine, of thee I'd learn!
Earth yields but leaves, to Heaven I'll turn! Nothing but leaves!
It shall no longer be!
A better way
By faith in Christ I see.
For me his blood was shed;
For me the Saviour grieves;
No longer shall my life
Yield naught but leaves.
Some precious fruit I fain would bring
To offer to the Heavenly King. Etna, Dec. 28, 1873
By H. F. Phelps
Bro. Ellis and myself came to this place about the first of October, under the most discouraging circumstances. We labored here about four weeks. The first week was one of good interest, after which, on account of press of fall labor and bad weather, our meetings were very much broken up. Still we held on, visiting from house to house, talking and praying with the people. Seven decided to keep the Sabbath. These were all women. There is a great amount of skepticism among the men. At the end of four weeks, the necessary preparations for a Minnesota winter called us home. Providence favored, and in four weeks I was back again. The ministers had been making their attacks upon our views in our absence, but had lost friends by it. They had promised a sermon on the Sabbath question; but all at once the trustees of the meeting-house decided that a discussion in the midst of a religious interest would not do; and so it was postponed till next summer (?) they say. Others are convinced. Secret opposition is very bitter. One good sister says she believes this is the remnant people of God, and would be glad to know that all were praying for her. Let earnest prayers go up to God for victory. Opposition is her lot, as also the lot of some others. Pray for us here. I seek wisdom. May it be given. We have, up to this time, used the Baptist meeting-house, but can have it no longer. There are now nine, all women, who have made up their minds to obey the truth. If their husbands do not unite with them, they will find it somewhat difficult. But let us pray for all such. Grace will surely be given. Be faithful, sisters. You may win your husbands and save your children. The Bible a New Book.
By E. J. Church
The third angel’s message was first proclaimed here in St. Helena, Cal., last August by Elds. Cornell and Loughborough. They labored about seven weeks, with good success. We have now thirty-six names to our covenant, and nearly all are active workers. We hold meetings twice a week, and notwithstanding we are alone the most of the time, we have interesting meetings. Each seems to understand that it is an individual work, and God helps us to move forward. We also have a Sabbath-school and Bible-class organized, which bid fair to be a source of much good. Our Sabbath-school children number thirty-four. We had been fast asleep all the days of our lives in regard to the truths of the Bible, until Brn. C. and L. came here. Now the Bible is a new book to us, and of more importance than all others. May God continue his blessings upon us, and may the labors of his servants be rewarded throughout the land. E. J. Church. Strength for the Day.
By John R. Macduff
Believer, hast thou not felt it so? Hast thou not found plants distilling balm growing beside sorrow’s path—succors and supports vouchsafed, which were undreamed of until the dreaded cloud had burst, and the day of trial had come? Trouble not thyself regarding an unknown and vailed future, but cast all thy cares on God. Our sandals are proof against the roughest path. He who is “the God of all grace,” is better than his word. He will be found equal to all the emergencies of his people, enough for each moment and each hour as they come. He never takes us to the bitter Marah streams, but he reveals also the hidden branch. Paul was hurled down from the third heavens to endure the smarting of his “thorn,” but he rises like a giant from his fall, exulting in the sustaining grace of an “all-sufficient God.” The beautiful peculiarity of this promise is, that God proportions his grace to the nature and the season of trial. He does not forestall or advance a supply of grace, but when the needed season and exigency comes, then the appropriate strength and support are imparted. He does not send the bow before the cloud, but when the cloud appears, the bow is seen in it! He gives sustaining grace for a trying day, and dying grace for a dying day. Reader, do not morbidly brood on the future. Live on the promise! When the morrow comes with its trials, Jesus will come with the morrow, and with its trials too. Present grace is enough for present necessity. Trust God for the future. We honor him, not by anticipating trial, but by confiding in his faithfulness, and crediting his assurance, that no temptation will be sent greater than we are able to bear. Even if you should see fresh clouds returning after the rain, be ready to say, “I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.” Insufficient you are of yourself for any trial, but “your sufficiency is of God.” The promise is not, “thy grace,” but “my grace is sufficient.” Oh! trust his all-sufficiency in all things. See written over every trying hour of the future, “So shall thy strength be!”—John R. Macduff. A Terrible Affair.
By L. A. Cartwright
WE have not yet seen a list of the killed and wounded; though a faithful record is kept. No steamboat disaster, no railroad collision, or wreck at sea, ever equaled its horrors. The groans of the victims, and the ghastly wounds of the dead and dying appall all hearts. A few skillful surgeons are doing all they can to relieve the sufferers. But many are perishing for want of care. A well-appointed hospital has been prepared with lint, bandages, and healing medicine. But there is lack of ambulances and nurses. Special invitation is given to every lover of humanity to minister to the pressing need, and, if possible, to prevent such a catastrophe in the future. It was a seeming trifle that caused the trouble, but a ferocious object nevertheless. It is described as an unruly member, which no man can tame, a world of iniquity full of deadly poison, set on fire of hell, scattering firebrands, arrows, and death. Sometimes it is smoother than oil, but it has secretly drawn swords, and the poison of asps is under its lips. It has belched an epidemic over the whole world. Whoever lives through the pestilence must take sanitary measures at home. To the rescue, then, one and all; for if we cannot restore the dead to life, many of the wounded may yet be saved, and more calamity averted. There is balm in Gilead, and a great Physician, who can extract the poison and heal the wounds. Let us all take his prescription, and help cleanse this “world of iniquity,” and put out this “fire of hell,” by bridling our own tongues in obedience to “the great Head of the church.” Report from Bro. Waggoner.
By Joseph H. Waggoner
I HAVE not hitherto reported to the REVIEW, because I have not been preaching much, and have not known just what course I should pursue. I left Battle Creek Nov. 24, in answer to a telegram, to attend a funeral in Green Lake Co., Wis. Spoke three times in Mackford, once in Markesan (beside the funeral sermon), and once in Marquette. Having worked very hard during the summer, I improved the opportunity of visiting kindred and friends in Wisconsin. But my visiting season was not spent in idleness. For more than two years, I have had in my mind to write on a certain subject, but could not find time to devote to it; and so I have made my proposed time of rest a time of diligent writing. I visited Baraboo, having some mind to labor there; but after carefully examining the ground, decided not to do so. I spoke but twice while there. I feel a strong desire to have the truth preached in Baraboo, but not under present circumstances. Also visited Sauk Prairie. Found there some friends of my younger days; and I think there is an opening there for the proclamation of the present truth. At present, I am holding meetings in a school-house in Hundred Mile Grove, Dane Co. An explanation is needed in regard to this locality. Though the church was named the Hundred Mile Grove church, it is not at the Grove, nor are there any Sabbath-keepers at the Grove, nor in its immediate vicinity. There appears to be a good interest to hear, and I pray that it may bear fruit to salvation. I have not forgotten the good meetings in Battle Creek, but regretted that I could not longer remain there to share in the further blessing received by God's people. My prayer is that this may be the beginning of a general revival of the good work. My post-office for the present is Lodi, Columbia Co., Wis.