“Have faith in God.” Mark 11:22. The Lord desires that his children should be strong in faith, and they are often brought into straightened circumstances in order that their faith may be tested and strengthened. Were we never placed in such circumstances, our prayers would not go up with that earnest pleading that they ought, and our faith would not be strengthened as it should be by beholding God's readiness to deliver and assist us at all times.
We have the history of the Lord's wonderful dealings with his people in days that are past. We see them led to the Red Sea, and just at the point of despair, we behold their deliverance by the power of the Lord. We see them again in the wilderness brought into apparently fatal circumstances, and at this point we have another manifestation of God's willingness and power to help, as he brings forth from the rock water in due season; at a time when his people are ready to despair. We see them fed and cared for in like manner at a time when none but God could help. We see them at their weakest point as they feel their own insufficiency, and as they are ready to give up the battle, triumphing over their enemies, putting them to utter flight. And just so, throughout their entire history, except when led away from God by sin, we see the Lord working with and for them; we see him testing and working to strengthen their faith—yet how weak is their faith, and how prone they are to doubt.
God is still trying and testing the faith of his people; he is still working to strengthen their faith. When we realize how weak our faith is, is it any wonder that God sometimes brings us to see our need and to feel our dependence upon him? that he casts us down and lifts us up again, that we may see his power and willingness to help, and that our faith may be made strong in the Lord? After witnessing and realizing the help of the Lord in our own cases, as the Christian often does, how are we sometimes led to see and realize our lack of faith, and how little and unworthy we are made to feel! Oh, that there was not in us such an evil heart of unbelief!
If we could but learn to grasp the promises of God with full assurance, and submit ourselves to his ways; if we could but learn to do our whole duty, and cease taking thought for the morrow (when we know that he who careth even for the little sparrow is much more mindful of the wants of his believing children), how much more we should please God, and how many cares and anxieties we might avoid.
Let us then lay strong hold upon the sure promises of God; seeing that it was through faith the worlds were framed, and through faith that all the ancient worthies obtained a good repute, and performed mighty works in the name of the Lord. See Heb. 11. May the Lord strengthen our faith, and may we be able to grasp his precious promises without doubting. What a hope is the Christian's; what a precious consolation, even in this life, to know that as a father cares for and pities his children, so the Lord cares for those that are his, and that he will withhold no good thing from those who walk uprightly before him.
J. M. GALLEMORE
Salisbury, Mo.
Politeness in Business as Stratagem
POLITENESS is, in business, what stratagem is in war. It gives power in weakness; it supplies great deficiencies. It is invincible either in attack or defense.
Baptism of the First Christians.
By August Rasmussen
By study of the Bible, I find the following facts: The first Christians went for baptism to places where there was much water. Matt. 3:6; John 3:22, 23. They went down into the water, and came up out of it. Acts 8:38, 39; Matt. 3:16. They were buried in the water. Rom. 6:4. They that gladly received his word, and those only, were baptized. Acts 2:41. Belief, conversion, and confession of sins, were demanded before baptism. Acts 8:37; 2:38; Matt. 3:6.
Baptism is the answer of a good conscience toward God and requires a newness of life. 1 Pet. 3:21; Rom. 6:4. Baptism among the first Christians was just the same as it is now. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, Eph. 4:5, and no more.
Now how can it answer to take a little infant a few weeks, or days, of age, and sprinkle it? Can a little child believe and repent? Can it walk out to the water? Can it walk in newness of life? Can it confess sins and say, Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Rom. 6:3, 4. If not, infant baptism is all a fearful delusion.
AUGUST RASMUSSEN.
WATCHWORDS OF LIFE.
By Sel.
Hope,
While there's a hand to strike!
Dare,
While there's a young heart brave!
Toil,
While there's a task unwrought!
Trust,
While there's a God to save!
Learn,
That there's a work for each!
Feel,
That there's a strength in God!
Know,
That there's a crown reserved!
Wait,
Though 'neath the cloud and rod!
Love,
When there's a foe that wrongs!
Help,
When there's a brother's need!
Watch,
When there's a tempter near!
Pray,
Both in word and earnest deed!
—Sel.
A blue cross on the margin of your paper signifies that your subscription will expire in two weeks, and that an earnest invitation is extended to you to renew at once.
THE P. O. address of Eld. J. O. Corliss, will be for the present South Norridgewock, Me.
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Cash Received on Account.
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Book Fund.
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Mich. T. & M. Society.
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Illinois Camp-Meeting
Appointments.
“And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
** Services in Chicago, every Sabbath (seventh day), at 269 West Erie St. All Sabbath-keepers spending a Sabbath in Chicago are invited to attend.
Illinois Camp-Meeting.
There will be a general camp-meeting of the Seventh-day Adventists of Illinois on the farm of Bro. Alfred Hobbs, near Sheridan, La Salle Co., June 10–15, 1875. Bro. and sister White are expected to attend this meeting. Preparations will be made for all who may attend. Let there be a general rally. R. F. Andrews, W. Winston, J. H. Bennett, Illinois Conf. Committee.
Wisconsin Camp-Meeting.
There will be held two camp-meetings in the State this season; one at Monroe, Green Co., June 17–22; the other at Sparta, Monroe Co., July 1–6.
Bro. and sister White are expected to attend these meetings.
Ample preparations will be made at each of these meetings. Provisions, hay, and grain, will be furnished on the ground at reasonable rates. O. A. Olsen, for Committee.
Minnesota Camp-Meeting.
The general camp-meeting of the Seventh-day Adventists of Minnesota will be held at Eagle Lake Station, Blue Earth Co., Minn., commencing Thursday, June 24, 1875. Eagle Lake is on the Winona & St. Peter R. R., about 34 miles west of Owatonna, 6 miles east of Mankato, and 10 miles south of St. Peter. The camp ground is about 40 rods from the depot. Ample provisions will be made for the accommodation of all who come. Hay and grain will be furnished on the ground, at reasonable rates. Bro. and Sr. White are requested, and confidently expected, to be present at this meeting. Harrison Grant, I. Z. Lamb, Calvin Kelsey, Minn. Conf. Com.
Illinois Conference.
The next annual session of the Illinois Conference will be held in connection with the camp-meeting at Sheridan, June 10–15, 1875. Let the delegates be promptly on the ground prepared to present all reports that are required by the Conference. Conf. Committee.
Wisconsin Conference.
The next annual meeting of the Wisconsin Conference will be held in connection with the camp-meeting at Monroe, June 17–22. Let every church be represented if possible by delegate, otherwise send a letter. Let the elders and clerks see that proper reports are made out for the Conference. Look over your S. B. pledges. Let each church pay up their pledges for the past year. You can send it in money orders to Wm. Kerr, Monroe, Wis., or by the delegate to the Conference. Also bear in mind to arrange your S. B. pledges for the coming year. O. A. Olsen, Geo. C. Tenney, O. H. Pratt, Wisconsin Conf. Com.
Minnesota Conference.
The Minnesota State Conference will hold its annual session during the camp-meeting at Eagle Lake, June 24–29, 1875. It is expected that all the churches in our Conference will be represented by delegation. If any cannot send delegates, let them not fail to send a letter. The scattered brethren and sisters are earnestly requested to come to the camp-meeting or report themselves by letter. Address all letters designed for this meeting to H. Grant, Eagle Lake, Blue Earth Co., Minn. Harrison Grant, Pres. Minn. State Conf.
If nothing in the providence of God prevents, I will meet with the friends in Boston, June 5, 6. Eld. E. B. Lane and wife will also be at this meeting. Arrangements will here be made for tent-meetings the coming season. Will Bro. Robinson and Gage meet with us at this meeting? S. N. Haskell.
Quarterly meeting of the Troy church, Ashland Co., Ohio, at the house of D. S. Plum, June 12, 13, 1875. The Norwalk brethren are invited to attend. B. F. Zarher, Clerk.
Quarterly meeting of the church at Avon, Wis., Sabbath and first-day, June 12, 13, 1875. We desire all the brethren and sisters to attend. Those from surrounding churches are invited. Can some minister be present? John A. Pease, Clerk.
Burlington, Mich., June 12, 1875. The ordinances of the church will be celebrated. A full attendance of the church is specially requested.
Also, Sabbath, June 19, with the church at Alaiedon, Mich. Will some one meet me at Mason in the afternoon of the 18th? John Byington.
Elds. D. H. Lamson and E. B. Jones will meet with the friends at Pine Run, Sabbath and Sunday, June 5 and 6.
The next annual meeting of the Illinois T. & M. Society will be held in connection with the camp-meeting, near Sheridan, La Salle Co., Ill., June 10–15, 1875. The officers of the Society should all be present, and all the members, as far as possible. R. F. Andrews.
Quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 3, Wis. T. & M. Society, at Waterloo, June 5 and 6. Let us have a full report of labor done. As this is the last meeting of the Conference year, it is expected that those who have unpaid pledges will be prompt to settle them, that we may commence the new year with a clean record. Also those who have S. B. pledges unpaid will attend to arranging them with the church treasurers. Blanks will be furnished the secretary in time for distribution.
Let us come up to this meeting with a view to having our hearts softened by the influences of the Spirit, that we may be the better prepared to be benefited at the camp-meetings. A. S. Osborn, Director.
The next quarterly meeting for the churches of Allegan Co. will be held at Allegan, June 5, 1875. A general invitation is extended. H. S. Lay.
Quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 7 at the Brick school-house, in Deerfield, Wis., June 13, 14, 1875, in connection with the quarterly meeting of Plainfield and Fish Lake churches. It is important that the brethren and sisters attend this meeting, as there is some business to be attended to besides the election of delegates to attend the Wisconsin Conference. Can Brn. O. A. Olsen or I. Sanborn attend? P. S. Thurston, Director.
Quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 2, N. Y. & Pa. T. and M. Society, in connection with the monthly meeting at Roosevelt, June 5, 6, 1875. Librarians are requested to send in their reports in time for the meeting, and a general attendance of members is desired. Daniel Bowe, Director.
West Bolton, Vt., Sabbath, June 5. A. C. Bourdeau.
Quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 9, N. Y. & Pa. T. & M. Society, will be held at Catlin, June 5, 6, 1875. Bro. B. L. Whitney is expected. Let the librarians report to the secretary forthwith. We hope to see a goodly attendance. J. W. Raymond, Director.
The general quarterly meeting for the T. & M. Society of Vt., will be held at Bristol in connection with the quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 4, June 19, 20, 1875. We hope to see a general attendance. No providence preventing, we expect Bro. Hutchins will attend these meetings. L. Bean, Pres.
The Vt. T. & M. Society for Dist. No. 5 will hold their next quarterly meeting for that district, June 12, 13, 1875. We would recommend that the different directors of the T. & M. Society of Vt., make an effort to collect as much as they can of the money due on pledges at their next meeting. L. Bean, Pres.
Quarterly meeting for Dist. No. 3, N. Y. & Pa. T. & M. Society, at Mannsville, Jeff. Co., N. Y., June 5, 6, 1875. Hope for a general attendance. D. B. Green, Director.
The next annual meeting of the Tract and Missionary Society of Wisconsin will be held in connection with the camp-meeting at Monroe, Wis., June 17–22. The district quarterly meetings should be held in time, that the reports may be sent to the secretary, Mattie Babcock, Monroe, Wis. O. A. Olsen, Pres.
The third State quarterly meeting of the N. Y. and Pa. T. and M. Society will be held at Frankfort, Herkimer Co., N. Y., June 12, 13, 1875. The directors who have not already appointed their district meetings will please do so in season, so that their reports may be in readiness for this meeting. Teams will meet the trains on Friday. B. L. Whitney.
The next annual meeting of the Minnesota T. & M. Society will be held in connection with the camp-meeting at Eagle Lake, Minn., June 24–29. The directors will please appoint their district meetings so that the reports may be in the hands of the secretary in time. His address is A. H. Vankirk, Concord, Minn. H. Grant, Pres.
Quarterly Meetings in Minnesota Conference.
Churches at Grove Lake and West Union, at Grove Lake, June 5, 6, “
Corinna, “ 12, 13, “
Chisago Lake, “ 19, 20, “
River Falls, “ 26, 27, “
Lake City and Maiden Rock churches, at Maiden Rock, June 5, 6, “
Stewartsville, “ 12, 13, “
Golden Gate, June 12, 13, “
Medford, “ 19, 20, “
No providence preventing, one of the Conf. Com. will attend all the above meetings, and as these meetings will be the last in this Conference year we hope that all our churches will prepare to come up to our next Conference with our S. B. all paid up. Harrison Grant.
Western Camp-Meetings.
ILLINOIS.—Sheridan, La Salle Co., June 10—15.
WISCONSIN.—Monroe, Green Co., “ 17—22.
MINN.—Eagle Lake, Blue Earth, Co., “ 24—29.
WISCONSIN.—Sparta, Monroe Co., July 1—6.
New Departures.
By Uriah Smith
BRO. AND SISTER WHITE left Battle Creek, Wednesday, May 26, in good health and spirits, for their appointment in Missouri, thence to Moultrie Co., Ill., and then to the western camp-meetings in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Bro. J. O. Corliss has gone east to labor in Maine the coming season.
Bro. and sister E. B. Lane have also gone to New England, to labor with the tent in New Hampshire and Massachusetts the present summer.
Bro. S. N. Haskell, after the labors and exposures of the past severe winter, feels the need of partial relaxation from labor for a time and will remain in New England till the time of the Michigan Camp-meeting.
Nothing preventing, we expect to accompany Bro. and sister White to the western camp-meetings.
U. S.
Terrible Disaster in Holyoke.
By Uriah Smith
THE French Catholic church, in Holyoke, Mass., was destroyed by fire during the evening service, May 27. The drapery around the Virgin Mary took fire from a burning candle, and almost immediately the whole building was enveloped in flames. The passage ways were at once choked up by the panic-stricken and frantic crowd, and seventy-five perished and many more were injured before they could be rescued. So rapid was the work of destruction that in twenty minutes the building was a mass of ruins.
U. S.
Date of Christ’s Baptism.
By Uriah Smith
We have received a circular issued by the Chronological Institute of London, Eng., by W. H. Black, Pres., purporting to establish the dates of the birth, baptism, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. By this the baptism is put in the autumn or winter of A. D. 28, and the crucifixion in the spring of A. D. 30. This would give only one year and a half for the ministry of Christ, which is evidently too short a period, inasmuch as he attended four passovers, at the last of which he was crucified, John 2: 13; 5: 1; 6: 4; 13: 1, which would make his ministry three and a half years in duration, which is half a week of years, and is in accordance with the prophecy of Daniel, Dan. 9: 27. We see no cause to question the correctness of Dr. Hale’s Chronology which places the baptism of Christ in the autumn of A. D. 27, and his crucifixion in the spring of A. D. 31.
U. S.
To the Wisconsin Churches.
By E. R. Gillett
DEAR BRETHREN: You will remember that last winter a call was made for means to buy a new tent. The Tract Society, which met at Oakland soon after, apportioned the amount to the different districts. As yet, but two districts have sent in any money, and these only to a limited amount; in all, only about twenty dollars.
The vice president informs me that the tent has been purchased some weeks, and lies in Chicago packed and ready to ship as soon as the money is sent. But three weeks remain before the camp-meeting. The tent must be on the ground at that time. What shall be done? Will the directors see to it that their districts send in their pledges at once? It will not do to wait to bring it when you come to the meeting; it is needed now, that everything may be done that can be done, to be ready at the time appointed for the meeting to commence.
E. R. Gillett, Treas. T. & M. S. Wis.
Monroe, May 24, 1875.
Pine Island, Minn
By H. F. Phelps
Notice.
I HAVE just sent blanks to all the churches in Minn. Conference, and I wish those to whom they were sent to see to it that they are filled out and sent to me immediately. As some have failed in the past, now is the opportunity to redeem the time. Hope there will not be a failure. Do not put it off. Act, and act to-day.
H. F. PHELPS, Sec.
Pine Island, Minn
Notice of Camp-Meeting at Sheridan, Illinois
By R. F. Andrews; L. Winston; J. H. Bennett
Notice.
Sheridan, Ill., the place near which our camp-meeting is to be held, is on the “Fox River Branch” of the C. B. & Q. Railway, between the cities of Ottawa and Aurora, about sixteen miles north of the former place. The railroad is on the east side of the grounds. All passenger trains will stop at the grounds.
We are very anxious that our brethren and sisters from every part of the Conference should attend this meeting. Let there be a general turnout. We expect this will be the most important meeting ever held among our people in this State. Come, then, one and all; bring your children and unconverted friends with you.
Brethren in Southern Illinois, remember the solemn promise you made “to do all in your power to attend this meeting.” We want to see the entire Aledo church here, and all the brethren from Joe Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, and Whiteside Counties. Let all the scattered ones everywhere make a grand effort to come.
And oh! that the Great Head of the church may come, and bless and cheer the hearts of his people.
R. F. ANDREWS,
L. WINSTON,
J. H. BENNETT,
Illinois Conf. Com.