p. 110 | Review and Herald, Vol. 41, No. 14. (3/18/1873)

Investments in Men.

[An extract from the Report read before the Iowa Baptist Union for Ministerial Education, at its last Anniversary, by the Secretary, Dexter P. Smith, D. D.]

INVESTMENTS IN MEN THE MOST REMUNERATIVE.

God invests largely in men; men who, by special endowments, the development of faith, mental and moral culture, are an efficient agency in consummating his purposes of mercy. He invested in Noah, Abraham, Moses and the prophets.

When Christ came to set up his kingdom, he, too, invested; not in the accumulated capital of ages, nor in scepters and thrones, but in men. Men from the common people, who, after a liberal training under his own masterhand, and a special endowment, not of gold and silver, but of power from on high, were triumphantly marshaled against the superstition of the age, and all the opposing powers of darkness.

God invested in the martyrs, the reformers, Judson, Carey and Comstock. He is investing in men to-day. By harvests deepening, and widening, and waving in the distance, he is urging upon the churches the prayer, that the Lord of the harvest will send forth laborers. No amount of funded capital would be an equivalent for one such man as Adoniram Judson, or William Carey. Hundreds of millions would be less than the dust of the balance. Said an earnest missionary, imploring for re-enforcements “to send us Bibles without men, would be like throwing sickles into a field of grain, expecting to see it reaped without hands.” It is conceded that the great desideratum of the hour is the indefinite multiplication of this specific agency. The church, then, which sends forth her representative men, or the pastor, who, under God, duplicates himself, bequeaths to the world a legacy more precious than of gold and silver.

HOW INVEST IN MEN?

By the prayer of faith draw on the Lord of the harvest. The draft is legitimate, and will be duly honored. God will supply the church that asks, with the raw material, in the ratio of her readiness to utilize and appropriate it. Said Dr. Stone, “Churches that are not using half the gifts they have, need not expect God to add more and higher. But whenever love for Christ and the souls of men shall seek vent in aggressive labor, ministers will be sent forth to meet any emergency that may arise,” until all the ends of the earth shall see his salvation. The churches of Homer, Truxton and Cazenovia, New York, during a history of thirty years sent out over eighty ministers. Spurgeon has been investing in men during his whole natural life, and has set in motion a power that will increase in a compound ratio for all time.

HOW MAKE MOST OF THE INVESTMENT.

In answer to the prayer of faith, having obtained the men, it is a legitimate inquiry, how to make the most of them? Not always by thrusting them at once with dull scythes into the ripened harvest. The moments spent by the laborer, sharpening his instrument, so far from being lost, may be the most telling hour of the day. True, no sheaf may be garnered during that grinding process; nevertheless, the augmented efficiency of every succeeding hour demonstrates its wisdom. Skilled labor far exceeds unskilled in its valuation. Science and discipline enhance manifold its efficiency. A single man of culture often possesses immense value to his country. Wellington is said to have been worth thirty thousand ordinary men in the hour of conflict; and who will undertake to estimate the value to the world of a man like the late Professor Morse? You duplicate such men at the cost of long years of discipline and development.

So, is it not obviously in keeping with the divine will that young brethren called to preach “tarry,” if not for miraculous endowment, nevertheless for some modern Priscilla and Aquila to “expound to them the way of God more perfectly?” Scores of young men possessing talent, and giving evidence of a divine call to the ministry, are nevertheless disqualified for efficiency by an utter lack of discipline and culture. These, by timely encouragement on the part of the church, might in due time rank among our most earnest, useful ministers. The amount accomplished will not be estimated by the length of time spent in the field, but by the ratio of efficiency. Then duplicate not only your captains, but your generals—your Wellingtons, your Pauls, your Careys, your Judsons.

A WORD TO YOUNG MEN.

No young man “bought with a price” is at liberty to choose his own occupation, or yield his talents to illegitimate claims, ignoring the divine will. The loafer who does not belong to the army may sleep upon his post, smoke his cigar and ignore the roll-call; but belonging to the command, you hang fire at your peril.

Afflictions.

By E. B. Saunders

The chance of entering the kingdom of Heaven without enduring sore afflictions is about the same as it is for those who have riches to enter with their gold; that is, it is an impossibility. This world is one of trouble to man that is born of woman; but especially to the Christian. Nearly all the eminent saints, whose lives were noted in the Bible, had to endure, at some time, deep distress and anguish of heart; the Lord thus chastising them to prove them, to humble, correct, purify, and save them; and, sometimes, in their perfect submission, to get glory and praise to himself. Even the Son of God had to endure reproach, shame, and agony of mind, that he might be better fitted to sympathize with us in our distresses.

But the Scriptures indicate that the remnant of God's people are an afflicted and poor people, and in the message to the last state of the church, Rev. 3, the Lord says, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” How many hearts have been comforted and strengthened by this short sentence. When distress comes upon us, and Satan seems let loose against us with all his terrible power, and he fain would make us think that God had forsaken us, that there is no hope for us in God, and perhaps suggests some rash act on our part, how sweet to know that the chastisement is because God loves us. When the rod smites us in the tenderest place, when our loved friends are smitten, or perhaps our good name is traduced, or reproach and vile abuse are heaped upon us from those we had called friends (and, it may be, all of these things come upon us at once), when our hearts are well-nigh breaking with some great sorrow, then how sweet to feel that our Father is dealing with us in mercy, and that, “when he hath tried us, we shall come forth as gold;” and that our pitiful Heavenly Father has seen our grief and pain, has also heard the reproach, and falsehood, and slander; that he has noted the tears and distress over backslidings, lack of devotion, and sinful habits; and that he “will not cast off forever,” but though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion, according to the multitude of his mercies, for, “he doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.”

It is not for us simply to mourn and lament when afflicted, but to search out the cause, that we may be profited by it. We should seek to learn the lesson God designs by the chastisement. Our sins, or faults, should be searched out, and cordially, heartily put away. Earnest prayer and meditation will help much in this work. Our cry should not be to have the affliction removed, so much as to learn the object of the chastisement. When we put away our sins, when our pride is humbled, and we turn to God fully, with all the heart, our prayers will be answered, and our captivity will be turned.

The Lord would draw us nearer to him, that we might have strong faith. And the soul in deep trouble will go to God with strong cries and tears, will beseech of him the desired help, and He who numbereth all the hairs of our head, and who notices the falling sparrow, graciously answers our broken cries, in such an evident manner, that doubts are dispelled, and our faith in God strengthened. When every earthly refuge fails us, we turn to our Father in Heaven, and he saves our sinking forms; the enemy is rebuked, and joy and gladness fill our hearts. Though we have been shaken to pieces in his wrath, yet now he healeth and bindeth up. Oh! what God can deliver like the God of Israel. He can turn the heart of man at will, and in place of hatred and reproach, can give us love and esteem. Afflictions may make our hairs gray; they certainly should make our hearts better. They are not to make us eminent saints, but humble Christians. Jeremiah, in the dungeon, did not think of fame, but duty; and affliction so softened his heart that he is sometimes called the weeping prophet. Aaron was not to weep for his two sons, so unexpectedly destroyed, but obey. Job could say, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” In great bodily pain, Jacob thought only of the blessing. David, though king of Israel, submitted to shameful reproach and vile slander, because the Lord sent it. The furnace will destroy only the dross. The eye of God is upon you, ye afflicted ones. Seek him with all the heart.

E. B. Saunders.

The Aurora Borealis.

A WRITER in the magazine entitled, American Homes, thus speaks of the Northern Lights which are undoubtedly a part of those wonders in heaven above, given by the prophet, as signs of the end. Joel 2:30; Acts 2:19.

Nothing can be more beautiful and grand than this wild and mysterious Polar phenomenon, and the mind is filled with admiration at its varied forms of color, sometimes covering with inconceivable magnificence the whole concave above us.

Usually a brilliant arch appears in the north, a dark cloud dividing it from the horizon, and bringing into relief the clear white or brilliant red arch, which diffuses its rays far above, often appearing like a large fan, covering the whole sky and gradually ascending to the zenith, there to unite or form a crown, with blue, green, crimson and yellow playing in its palpitating rays.

This beautiful spectacle lasts but a moment, may be, and anon immense columns of light appear, varying in shape and hue with astonishing rapidity and endless caprice; now suddenly vanishing for a moment, leaving the heavens clothed in sombre blackness; then as suddenly returning with increased splendor, and shedding a matchless glory over the whole sky. Now may be seen simple gleams of brightness, now quivering rays of brilliant white—seeming as though drawn across the spacious firmament by an unseen pencil. Again, long, golden draperies appear, floating and undulating like garments shaken by the wind; and so near do they seem that one almost wonders at not hearing the rustling of their folds as they brush against each other.

Sometimes the heavens assume a blood-red color. The first aurora seen in this country (in the winter of 1719), was of this kind, and it is said “the bright light which spread from east to west over the northern sky, shone like a great fire shooting up its deadly flames. Sometimes it was of a blood-red color, and was very terrible to look at, filling the minds of the beholders with terror.”

Maupertuis, an eminent French astronomer speaks of one seen by him in Lapland, in the year 1736, as having appeared tinged with so lively a red that “the whole constellation of Orion seemed as if dyed in blood.”

In November, 1835, at New Haven, Connecticut, “an aurora of so intense a color appeared that the houses, and indeed the whole atmosphere, the snow, the trees, tops of houses, and indeed the whole face of nature appeared as red as blood.” The heavens seemed wrapped in flames, and an alarm of fire was given. The firemen turned out and paraded the streets. “Fears of some awful impending event pervaded the whole country.”

An account of a remarkable one in London, on the night of September 3, 1839, is on record, during which the whole heavens seemed as one sheet of fire, and at times the appearance of great volumes of smoke were mingled with it, which convinced every beholder that a terrible conflagration was raging. Every fire engine in the city was horsed, and thousands of people rushed in the direction of the supposed awful fire. At two o’clock the scene increased in grandeur, and the auroral splendor was so gorgeous that “the whole of London was as bright as at noonday.”

Passing over the many wonderful and brilliant displays in 1836, ’37, ’46, ’47, ’48, ’51, ’52 and ’60, we will notice for a moment the grandest of auroral storms, which occurred in 1859, and which continued with ever changing splendor for about a week, being visible over the whole of the globe.

Perhaps many of you gazed upon that magnificent spectacle with feelings of inexpressible wonder and admiration. But let those who were not so fortunate—and, indeed, those who were—go back with me a few years and behold the beautiful and gorgeous scene, as it again passes before us.

On Sunday evening, of August 28, the sun has set, and the shadows are slowly falling. See! far away in the north, pale streamers which mark every appearance of the aurora begin to shoot up. Slowly the twilight deepens into shade, and the “merry dancers” (as the “North men” call them), tripping lightly forth from their hiding-places, sweep back and forth, and flash and vanish like fiery spirits, in the Polar sky. Soon the whole northern heavens are brilliant with streamers, shooting up from all points of the horizon, and concentrating in mid-heaven, in a large globe of white light, suspended in the air, and lighting up the whole country for many miles, so that people rush out of their houses, certain that a great fire is raging.

Now appears a bright arch of light, stretching across the sky, from which flash up three floating, quivering sheets of fire. The luminous globe changes into the form of a coronet, gemmed and fringed with sparkling red and white stars, and suddenly changes into a deep blood-red color, and afterwards to a gorgeous purple. From this ruby crown, reach out, in all directions, long rays of red light, like a beautiful “glory.” The radiant coronet retains its place in the zenith, and from it, downward, on all sides, fall in graceful curves to the horizon, wide, tremulous streams of light, until the whole assumes the shape of a great shining umbrella. For about half an hour we watch this intense light, shooting its rays far up to the zenith, suffusing the whole northern sky with a bright crimson color, and shining with intense magnificence, until they slowly fade and the wondrous crown vanishes away.

Flashes of white light now shoot up, following each other so rapidly that the whole heavens seem like a great undulating sea of fire, making them appear almost as light as the day. Look! how the great auroral cloud of brightness continually changes its place and shape assuming the most singular forms, now looking like a great eagle, and again like a huge tortoise. We watch these transformations go on for full half an hour, until the whole sky seems alive with streams of flame and radiant forms of light, flashing and flitting back and forth, up and down, mingling and intermingling, appearing and disappearing, like confused processions of restless phantoms or spectres clad in ghastly shrouds, the stars all the time peeping out from among them as they move to and fro.

See the crowds of people everywhere gathered together in the streets, at the doors and windows, and on the house-tops, gazing with awe and admiration upon the glorious and terrible scene. But slowly the splendor fades and vanishes, and we can now see only with the eye of memory this sublime and surpassingly beautiful scene, the like of which is nowhere recorded.

The aurora was seen occasionally in former ages (though some have said that it was an entirely modern phenomenon), but never so frequently as since the eighteenth century, and never before had it assumed colors and hues which are now so common.

The prophet Joel (2: 30, 31), gives the best description of modern displays of northern lights that can be given in so few words:—

“And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth; BLOOD and FIRE, and PILLARS OF SMOKE.”

Notwithstanding the investigation of modern science, the cause of this wonderful phenomenon is still unknown, though its electro-magnetic character has been proved almost beyond a doubt.

NOTHING LOST.

Nothing is lost, the drop of dew That trembles on the leaf or flower, Is but exhaled, to fall anew In summer's thunder shower; Perchance to shine within the bow That fronts the sun at full of day— Perchance to sparkle in the flow Of fountains far away.

So with our deeds, of good or ill, They have their power scarce understood Then let us use our better will, To make them rife with good; Like circles on a lake they go, Ring within ring, and never stay. Oh! that our deeds were fashioned so That they might bless alway.

Keeping Good Acts in Memory

CATO says, The best way to keep good acts in memory, is to refresh them with new ones.

J. H. MORRISON

By J. H. Morrison

Iowa.

After meeting with Brn. Butler and others, at Hooks Point, Nov. 12, I returned home, in company with Bro. Mitchell, where we commenced a series of meetings, continuing about four weeks, giving in all twenty-six discourses. Sometimes we had a good turn-out; at other times not so good, as the weather was bad and teams were sick with epizootic. Two good families, after due deliberation, took their stand for the Lord and his downtrodden truth. We believe it will yet take root and prosper, if we are only faithful in all our ways.

On New Year's day, I left our home for Afton, Union Co., Iowa, where a few scattered brethren have been holding on for a long time under the most discouraging circumstances. I commenced meeting south of this place in Bro. Syp's neighborhood, where I remained nearly four weeks. Had a good interest to hear, but the weather was so bad that it broke us up once or twice every week, as it is very thinly settled, the people having to come from three to five miles. Consequently, the cold and storms were very much against us here, as was also distemper among the horses. I then went to the county seat (Afton), where I remained three weeks. The first night, four or five of their ministers were present, which seemed to inspire them with new zeal, so much so that they commenced to pay their flocks short visits to warn them against the approaching enemy. In a few days, their churches were illumined with light (that is lamp light), and the sad monotony broken by the ringing of bells.

With all their efforts, it was said we had our share of the people. The most of the time, we had the house full of attentive hearers. We took a vote near the close, when nearly all decided that they believed it. At the last meeting, thirty-two, including those who were keeping the Sabbath, covenanted together to keep the commandments of God and faith of Jesus. One of these was a minister of the old Christian order. May the Lord help him to be firm and faithful!

One of the leading men of the place, a merchant, manifested great interest to hear, also to have others, so much so that he proposed to pay for the books for those who were not able to pay, which he did cheerfully. A good number are still interested who have never been interested in religion before.

The Lord help these upright, independent souls to take their stand before it is too late. About twenty have taken their stand this winter during my labors. Calls come in from all directions, but I am unable to fill them now, as my health is so much impaired. I gave in these two places sixty-one discourses. I am now at home, where I shall remain awhile before returning. I hope to have the prayers of God's people, and shall try to cut loose from the world, and throw myself into the hands of God who will bear me up.

J. H. MORRISON

Schonberg, Iowa, March 2, 1873.

Tract and Missionary Department.

By M. Wood

The Utility of Tracts.

“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” Eccl. 11:6.

The whole tenor of this beautiful passage of Scripture is well calculated to infuse more life and vigor into the hearts and souls of those who are connected with the tract enterprise, and to induce them to renewed efforts in sowing the good seed of the kingdom, that is to fall into good ground, take root, spring forth, and grow into fruitful sheaves for the Master’s garner. Paul may plant and Apollos water, but God giveth the increase. Here the great apostle teaches us that we can do nothing of ourselves, that the blessing of God must attend our efforts. God is with his people. He has put his hand to the work, and it must move forward; and if those who have heretofore taken an active part in so noble, and so glorious a work as that of scattering the rays of light in a world of darkness, become discouraged, careless, and indifferent as to the progress of the cause, they will be sifted out, while others will fill the gap, move forward with the work, and receive the crown that might have been theirs.

“In the morning sow thy seed,” is the language of inspiration, and I believe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is the good seed of the kingdom, and that those who are interested, and engage with pure, unselfish motives in the distribution of books, pamphlets, and tracts, pertaining to the third angel’s message, if faithful, will receive their reward.

We may dispose of our stock of tracts and periodicals, and realize no good results; but God says, Sow thy seed, thou knowest not which shall fall into good ground. These words were very forcibly brought to my mind a few days ago, by an event that transpired in this place. The REVIEW AND HERALD OF THE SABBATH, together with some tracts, were given to a man with a request that after reading he should pass them to his friends. He read them and re-read them. His wife and children read them. The result was, The man became convinced, and acknowledged the Sabbath; but, like thousands of others, he is waiting for a more convenient season. Not so, his wife; for after carefully comparing the tracts with Scripture, and learning for the first time that Saturday, the seventh day, is the Lord’s sanctified Sabbath, without hearing a single sermon on present truth, avowed her intentions never again to desecrate God’s holy Sabbath. And to-day, her daughter informed me that she was keeping the Sabbath with her mother. What the final result will be from the seed thus sown in the morning, the soon-coming Judgment will reveal. M. Wood.

Time to Awake.

By H. S. Gurney

“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” Rom. 13: 11, 12.

THE apostle here speaks by inspiration. Although the text, when penned, did apply, in a restricted sense, yet in the broadest sense it could apply only to the closing work of the gospel age.

The text naturally presents the following order:—

Time understood.
Night, time when men sleep.
Night far spent.
Day at hand.

Consider the following instances of God’s displeasure toward the guilty, after his long-suffering had endured until waiting was no longer an attribute of mercy. For instance: The destruction of the world by water. The visitation of wrath upon the cities of the plain. God’s displeasure on Egypt because they rejected his counsel and oppressed Israel when the time had come for their deliverance from bondage. The threatening against Nineveh. Nebuchadnezzar’s humiliation for his pride. Babylon’s punishment at the close of the seventy years’ Jewish captivity. The destruction of the Jewish polity and their capital city, for their rejection of the gospel. In every instance here referred to, the events were preceded by a faithful warning; and in the Judgment day, when justice speaks to the guilty, they will find no excuse for neglecting the warning given. This we see that facts as well as common sense approve.

So in the end of earthly probation. The time of the end, and the circumstances of the end, are clearly stated in the Bible. The faithful watchman, watching for the signs of day, will be found pleading with the people, saying, “Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach.” Joel 2: 17. This text defines the time, see chap. 1: 14, 15, and also shows the burden of the work as expressed in chap. 2: 1. “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand.”

This text reveals a very solemn fact—the day of the Lord “nigh at hand.” An imperative duty now rests upon the faithful

watchmen, who are, in some respects, the antitype of the “Aaronic priesthood.” 1 Pet. 2: 9. Aaron’s two sons were appointed priests, and two trumpets made for them. As the trumpets were designed for the priest, only two were made—all that were necessary at that time. But afterward, at the dedication of the temple built by Solomon, we find one hundred and twenty priests with trumpets. We find the origin and design of these trumpets given in Num. 10: 1–10. One purpose was to gather the people to their solemn feasts and sacrifices, and another, to raise the alarm of war. In the antitype, these trumpets point to the faithful gospel ministry, proclaiming to all the world a warning of coming danger, and also to the resurrection trump, to gather the elect to Mount Zion. Notice one point in the command to make the trumpets: They were to be made of one piece. “Of a whole piece shalt thou make them,” Num. 10: 2, signifying but one gospel, “one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.”

Thus we can clearly see that the prophet Joel caught a glimpse of the last warning to all the world when the day of God is “nigh at hand,” Joel 2: 1, 2, in a time of darkness represented by night watches, a time when men are inclined to sleep. Hence we understand that Joel’s prophecy covers the very last portion of the gospel age, the last generation of men, to whom the trumpet sounds the alarm to prepare to escape impending wrath and be ready to stand before the Son of man.

In the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew, our Lord leads through the gospel age down to his second coming by a clearly defined order of events, and unmistakable signs to show when his coming is at the door. And then Matt. 25 compares the closing work or experience of the church, to the events and movements of an eastern marriage. As in the figure, the church are awakened, the wise, supplied with a good stock of faith in God’s word, Heb. 10: 35–39, are prepared for the conflict with evil servants, who say, “My Lord delayeth his coming.” Disappointed in expectation, a period of darkness sets in, and our Lord, by a parable, enforces the duty of watchfulness. Two considerations mark the commencement of the period called night watches. Mark 13: 35.

First. Disappointment in expectation. Second. No prophetic period to light up the future consequently we know not when the time is. Mark 13: 33.

The period of watching has now commenced, and they that sleep, sleep in the night. 1 Thess. 5: 1–8. But the watching ones “shall understand.” They know perfectly that the day of the Lord will steal upon all those who will not watch, and they will be caught in a snare.

But streams of light penetrate the darkness of this night, and the watchers discern by the moral, physical, and political signs when the night is “far spent,” as in the language of our text. It is reasonable to suppose that from this point, viz., night far spent, and day at hand, light will increase as we look for day.

We have no prophetic periods to measure this night. They lead us to its commencement and there leave us, amidst the perils of the last days, to watch. The faithful watchman will discern the signs of the times, and by faith in God’s providential workings will, in a clear voice, proclaim when the night is far spent and the signs appear which bring the morning light and day of joy.

The day spoken of in our text is the same as Mark 13: 32, “Of that day and hour knoweth [properly, maketh known], no man.” It is a day of power and glory. Verse 26. It is a day of rewards. 2 Tim. 4: 8.

The Saviour says, “If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I shall come upon thee.” Important duties are implied in the command to watch. We must watch the fulfillment of prophecy, cast off the works of the darkness of this night, and put on the armor of light. The end of all prophetic time leaves the watching company under the influence and darkness of error on some important points of Bible truth, which our text exhorts us to cast off. This, in the providence of God, we have been doing during the watching time, in the changes we have made in our relation to the law of God, the immortality of the soul, and the work of our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary; thus putting on the armor of light, enabling us to walk as in the day.

It is only by walking in the light as by the light of a lamp in a dark place that we are safe. The broad road is paved with those who profess to be in the light, and the Judgment day alone will reveal to them the mistake they are making in rejecting the last message to the world, a means which God is now manifestly approving as the only means that can possibly light up the future and prepare the mind to escape the wrath to come. In regard to this, the days of Noah and Lot afford us profitable instruction.

“The wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Dan. 12: 10. Daniel’s inquiry was, “What shall be the end?” not, When shall be the end? He is informed, “The wise shall understand.” The same distinction is here made as in the parable of the ten virgins. The wise trim their lamps with a sufficient supply of oil to last them through the night of watching. It is impossible to understand the work of our great High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary in regard to its period of cleansing, without

Faith in the word of God, and,
Faith in the providence of God in the fulfillment of prophecy.

Hence it is easy to understand the testimony of the apostle as applying to the present time, “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. . . . But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, . . . ye are all the children of light.” 1 Thess. 5. These put off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light. May we be diligent in gathering up the rays of light now shining, and press towards the perfect day.

“Watchman, see, the light is beaming, Brighter still upon the way; Signs through all the earth are gleaming, Omens of the coming day.”

H. S. GURNEY.

ONE STEP MORE.

By Sel.

“A man's heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth his steps.” Prov. 16:9.

What though before me all is dark, Too dark for one to see? I ask but light for one step more, 'Tis quite enough for me.

Each little, humble step I take, The gloom clears from the next; So, though 'tis very dark beyond, I never am perplexed.

And if sometimes the mist hangs close, So close, I fear to stray, Patient I wait a little while, And soon it clears away.

I would not see my farther path, For mercy veils it so; My present steps might harder be Did I the future know.

It may be that my path is rough, Thorny, and hard, and steep; And knowing this, my strength might fail Through fear and terror deep.

It may be that it winds along A smooth and flowery way; But, seeing this, I might despise The journey of to-day.

Perhaps my path is very short, My journey nearly done; And I might tremble at the thought Of ending it so soon.

Or, if I saw a weary length Of road that I must wend, Fainting, I'd think, “My feeble powers Will fail me ere the end.”

And so I do not wish to see My journey or its length; Assured that, through my Father's love, Each step will bring its strength.

Thus, step by step, I onward go, Not looking far before; Trusting that I shall always have Light for just “one step more.” —Sel.

Shiawassee Co., Mich.

By J. O. Corliss; W. H. Hawkins

SINCE our last report, we have labored at Shiawassee Town nearly three weeks, giving in all twenty-two discourses, after which we concentrated our efforts at Fremont two and one half miles from the former place, where we have given about thirty discourses. We have also labored in an adjoining district, where we have held about twenty-five meetings.

Some have taken their stand with us, and still the interest is good, which encourages us to labor on and look to the Lord for wisdom to direct us in the great work.

We shall probably remain here for some time yet. Our experience has shown us that we must stay in a place long enough to become acquainted with the people, and labor with them by their firesides. If people do not move out as fast as we think they ought to, we are apt to become discouraged, and think our work is done, when in reality it is but just begun.

We have obtained sixteen subscribers for the Review, and the people are stirred up to search the Scriptures, and see if these things are so. May the blessing of the Lord attend their researches, and cause them to see and obey the truth.

J. O. Corliss, W. H. Hawkins.

California.

By S. A. Ross

I FOR one can say that I feel thankful for the light of present truth and for the progress of the cause on this coast. I was one of the first that was baptized in this Valley. Things looked rather gloomy then, but I made up my mind that I would put my trust in the Lord and if it was the truth, God would raise up more to aid us in serving him; and, thanks be to his name, the cause has grown with rapid speed. We look for greater advancement of the truth this summer than ever in this State, as our ministers are going out into new fields to labor, where the truth has never been proclaimed. There is a great work to be done here, as there are large fields for labor. The harvest truly is great, and the laborers are few. Pray for the success of the cause in California. S. A. ROSS. Green Valley, Sonoma Co., Cal.

T. M. STEWARD

By T. M. Steward

Illinois.

OUR quarterly meeting at Rockton, the 15th and 16th of February, was quite an interesting one. Brethren and sisters were with us from Albany and Johnstown, Wis., and added much to the interest of the meeting. Bro. Andrews could not meet with us, so we did the best we could. We organized a Tract Society for this District. Bro. Gillet of Albany gave us some interesting reports of the workings of the missionary society in his locality. May the Lord help us to work while we have the opportunity.

T. M. STEWARD

Rockton, Feb. 20, 1873.

A Thank-Offering.

By August Rasmussen

I FIND it in my heart to pay a tribute of thanks in behalf of the Lord's poor; for the unfortunate brother who has lost the use of his hands; for the poor brother who needs to sell his cow; for such a poor sister as meets with nothing at home but opposition. I will gladly pay $10.00 on their indebtedness on REVIEW AND HERALD. If this more than covers it, apply remainder to 1873. May God bless it.

Respectfully,

AUGUST RASMUSSEN.

Gorven, Mich.

The Review.

By Mrs. E. D. Carmichael

For twelve years this good paper has come to our home laden with the richest spiritual food, faithful warnings, and timely reproofs, its cheering hopes and faithful admonitions. While viewing the past, with all its changes, conflicts, trials, victories, hopes, and fears, we are ready to wonder at the goodness of God to us.

On the first page of our paper, we always find poetry well adapted to our necessities. The rich sermons now given by Bro. and sister White, are food for us in our lonely condition. The cheering reports of the success of the cause cheer our drooping spirits, and hope springs up in the heart that there is a better day for those who mourn.

We are still striving to overcome our wrongs and gain the victory over sin. May God in mercy help us in the conflict, and give us courage and strength. In him only we trust. Mrs. E. D. Carmichael. Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.

Sleep not, but Work.

By Allie Church

WHY do we sleep on the verge of ruin when instant destruction threatens us? Supposing one was standing on the brink of some lofty precipice and was conscious of the impending evil if he remained there, think you he would quietly settle down to take a nap, when it was certain death if he did? when he knew that he would surely fall from that immense height and be dashed in pieces on the rocks below? No! if he was not insane, or partially so, he would not. Every one who reads this would fly from such a place instantly.

Yet, my friends, you are standing on the brink of a more frightful precipice than the one we have described, and you are partly asleep. You do not see it, nor do you realize how terrible is your situation. But the reason you do not see or realize your fearful danger is not because you cannot, but because you will not. O awake! now, ere it is too late. Time is short. Let us see the importance of improving every moment. Jesus is soon coming in the clouds of heaven, and then it will be everlastingly too late. There is no time to spare, not a moment. Be up and doing. Jesus calls you, why will you delay? Angels are hovering around you, inviting you. They do not want you to refuse the gracious invitation. Long has your Master been knocking at the door of your heart, seeking entrance. But you would not listen. Soon it will be said, Let him alone. Let us make haste. ALLIE CHURCH.

Rice Co., Minn., Feb. 11, 1873.

Nearer My God to Thee

By C. L. Gregory

C. L. GREGORY writes from Ottawa Co., Mich.: Many times when I have been almost crushed with severe trials, have I, with an eye of faith, looked up to my Heavenly Father and claimed his precious promises. At such times I have always found peace and quietness, if I persevered.

The sentiment of my heart is, “Nearer my God to thee.” We who profess to believe that time is short, ought above all others to walk with God as Enoch did, then we shall show to the world that we are sincere in our profession; then we shall be prepared to help sound the loud cry of the third angel wherever God in his providence casts our lot.

Continue reading: Report of the Quarterly Meeting of the N. Y. and Pa. T. and M. Society