Earlier text: “Walk in Wisdom toward them that Are without, Redeeming the Time.” Eph. 4:5Men and Things.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Poor, foolish, vain woman, read this, and then throw off your trinkets and be counted as a sensible woman. “Overdressing is vulgar, especially in women, for the glare of the sun-lit and eye lit street. Toilets, even when tasteful as to color and style, denote, if habitually rich and showy, mental vulgarity, their transparent design being by superficial, material means, to impress the beholder. The refined beholder is unfavorably impressed, suspecting such outward richness to be the mask of inward poverty. A prevalent fashion of costly dressing is a sign of general vulgarity. The finest type of ladyhood would recoil offended from her mirror at seeing herself besilked, and befeathered, and bejewelled, for a morning walk or drive. She will be as simply elegant in her attire, in-doors or out, as in her manners, and will not exhibit, either in the one or the other, the slightest effort to outvie her neighbors.—‘The Gentleman,’ Calvert.” Evil thoughts are the source of all bad actions. A man who can control his thoughts, can also control his actions. The thought is first entertained, the design formed in the mind, before the deed is committed. Thus Jesus taught: “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders,” etc. Matt. 15:19. “It is not acts which blacken the soul; it is not conduct which destroys. These are but the holes which the worms, bred in the very fibre of the wood, have eaten. These are but the fruit and visible witness of a disease which holds the entire body in its power, making the veins its channels, every drop of blood its servant, every pulsation of the heart its slave. The thoughts destroy. The imagination puts the knife’s edge to the jugular vein of virtue, and lets the precious current out. You cannot reform a drunkard until you first reform his mind. What needs to be done is to have the craving for stimulants taken out of him. Over against his inordinate desire you must raise up some stronger repulsion which shall be more than a match for his appetite for liquor. This is the true philosophy in every branch of morals. You must change the man himself if you would change his habits. There is no life so hard as a religious life to a man without religion.—Rev. W. H. H. Murray.” His race is about run, his end is at hand. Here is what a Catholic paper, The Tablet, says: The Tablet’s New Year’s survey of the condition and prospects of the Holy See is not cheerful: “Deserted by all the great powers of the earth, robbed of the patrimony of St. Peter, her Pontiff a prisoner in his own palace, her capital, with its incalculable wealth of art treasures, its churches, its glorious monuments, in the hands of ruthless despoilers who know no other law than that of their own passions—her most cherished religious orders persecuted, robbed of their own just and lawful possessions, ever used for beneficent and Christian purposes—the calm and hallowed retreats of learning and religion invaded by a lawless and godless soldier, some of them converted into stables for the horses of the royal freebooter of Savoy! Everywhere the powers of evil arrayed against the church, everywhere secret societies, burrowing like moles in the dark depths below the surface of society, undermining the very foundations of virtue and morality, exciting the unwise and unwary against religion, which they nickname superstition and tyranny—everywhere the spirit of revolt raising its hydra head, hissing forth blasphemy against God and his Christ, his mother, and his saints—everywhere the Church fighting single-handed and alone, the powers of earth and hell, in divers forms, holding aloft the banner of the cross, and wielding the spiritual weapons her God has given her, in defense of the faith once delivered to the saints, assailed on every side by an irreligious age.” HOW TO GET THE DEVIL OUT OF THE BIBLE.
Some things in the Bible trouble certain men very much. They are anxious to make themselves and others believe that they are not really there. A personal devil is one of these things. The idea of such a being is very objectionable to some persons. In answer to a question on this point, Beecher says:— “The Bible will need a deal of interpreting and adjusting to get all traces of a personal Satan out of it. Still it can be done. Decide first that the Bible does not teach his existence, and then, learned ingenuity can easily put him out of every verse where now he seems to be seen.” Every candid reader must be satisfied that this is really the only way a man can satisfy himself that the existence of a personal devil is not taught in the Bible. This is the way in which men are able to prove so many things by the Scriptures. They first decide that a certain doctrine is true; then they go to the Holy Scriptures determined to find it in there and to prove it by them. A little ingenuity with considerable adjusting and interpreting will do the thing. This is the way Sunday-keeping, sprinkling, &c., are proved. But if it is the truth we want, we must let the Bible have its most natural and easy meaning, though it tears our theories all up heaps on heaps. Walk in the Light
By D. T. Bourdeau
God is not a being whose word should be questioned or trifled with. When he speaks he means what he says, and we should not presume to neglect or disregard his word. Every saying that he has uttered, or caused to be written, is weighty. Every duty which he enjoins upon us, should be complied with, without asking questions. Though we may not always understand, at first, every motive that prompts the Lord to demand obedience at our hands, yet we should obey him cheerfully and without delay, knowing that his word has gone forth. The idea that God has spoken is enough. He knows what is for our best good, and the promise is that if we will do his will, we shall learn of the doctrine. He gives us light enough to take one step, and when we have taken this, light will shine far enough ahead for us to take another step. It is with us, in this respect, as with a man traveling in a dark night with a lantern. It would be very unwise for him to wait until he can see all the way before him, before commencing to travel in it. Light is to increase on our pathway throughout our Christian course. Should we decide not to obey God until we enjoy the whole light of divine truth, we would never walk in the path of obedience. Every additional ray of divine light brings with it additional responsibility; and we should walk in the light, lest the light that is in us become darkness, and lest darkness and hardness of heart come upon us. To-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. The hardening of the heart is a gradual work. It is done by seemingly small deviations from the right. But it will be found at last that it is the little foxes which spoil the vine, and that none of God's prohibitions or injunctions are unimportant. They all contain broad and eternal principles, and their neglect must be followed by terrible consequences. We should walk in the light because in so doing, we glorify God and benefit our own souls. We should walk in the light because it is only when we are in the light that we can reflect light upon others, that they may be led to glorify our Father who is in Heaven. We should not live merely for ourselves. We all have an influence, and that influence should tell on the side of truth. We either gather with Christ or scatter abroad. What unutterable anguish will those experience in whose garments shall be found the blood of souls. We should not wait until others obey the Lord, and the way is made easier, before walking in the light ourselves. It is when light comes to us that we are to walk in it, and become, as it were, stepping-stones for others to walk in the way of obedience. Of course if we are the first to see duty, it is expected that we will be the first to perform it, and unless we obey first, our influence must be a hindrance to the cause instead of a help. And if we excuse ourselves others will think they have plausible reasons to excuse themselves; and what will become of the bleeding cause of truth? It is noble indeed to be pioneers in the cause of truth. What a satisfaction it will be to have stood by the truth when it needed help—when its friends were few. What a rich reward such will receive. They will be rewarded according to their works and sacrifices. But what shame will come upon those who have shunned the cross, and studied to get to Heaven without suffering with Christ. Missionary and Tract Society
By Uriah Smith; J. E. White
OF THE MICH. STATE CONFERENCE.
A GOOD representation of brethren from different parts of Michigan having assembled at Battle Creek, in accordance with the call in the Review of Feb. 13, they met Feb. 24, 1872, at 6½ P. M. for the purpose of forming a Missionary and Tract Society for the Mich. and Ind. Conference. The object of the meeting was stated by Bro. White. The constitution recommended in Review of Jan. 16, 1872, by the committee appointed by General Conference to suggest a plan upon which to form such societies, was read. On motion it was voted to form a Missionary and Tract Society for this Conference. The constitution recommended was then taken up article by article, and unanimously adopted, with the following amendments: Art. ii was amended so as to read: “The officers of this Society shall be a President, Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer, and a board of fourteen Directors, of whom the President shall be one, and they shall be elected annually.” Art. iii was adopted as Art. ii. The fourth clause of Art. ii, was omitted. The words “Executive Committee” wherever occurring in the constitution were changed to “Board of Directors;” and the word “direction” in Art. v, was changed to “supervision.” It was suggested that the Conference be divided into thirteen districts, and a director be appointed in each district. Whereupon a districting Committee, consisting of all the visiting brethren present, with the President and Secretary of the Conference, was appointed. Adjourned to Sunday morning at 10 A. M. SECOND SESSION. The districting committee reported, recommending that the Conference be divided into the following districts:- Southern Indiana, centering in Owen Co.
- Northern Indiana, centering in North Liberty.
- Salem Center, Ind., Ransom Center and Hillsdale, Mich.
- Parkville, Colon, Burlington, Battle Creek, Newton, and Convis.
- Potterville, Charlotte, Oneida, and Jackson.
- Otsego, Allegan, Monterey, and Saugatuck.
- Wright, Leighton, Gaines, Allendale, Casnovia, Oceana, and Cedar Springs.
- Vergennes, Orange, Orleans, Greenville, Bushnell, and the Danish brethren in Montcalm County.
- North Plains, Greenbush, Ithaca, Alma, and Isabella County.
- Jay, Edendville, Williams, St. Charles, Chesaning, and Owosso.
- Tuscola, Vassar, and Watrousville.
- Holly, Lapeer, Memphis, and Oakland.
- Genoa, Bunkerhill, Alaiedon, and Locke.
The following officers were then elected: President, E. H. Root, of Wright; Vice-president, Geo. T. Lay, of Monterey; Secretary, J. E. White, of Battle Creek; Treasurer, Addie Merriam, of Battle Creek. Directors: None elected for the 1st. district. For the 2d, James Harvey; 3d, S. D. Salisbury; 4th, H. S. Woolsey; 5th, J. F. Carman; 6th, Dr. H. S. Lay; 7th, Chas. Buck; 8th, S. H. King; 9th, Wm. Nelson; 10th, J. McGregor; 11th, John Walton; 12th, Wm. Potter; 13th, Alex. Carpenter. Adjourned to call of the chair. U. SMITH, Chairman.
JANE R. TREMBLEY, Secretary. The Directors present called a meeting at 4 P. M. In the absence of the President, Bro. Smith was chosen to act as Chairman, pro tem. The object and workings of the society were discussed at length by several. It was at last decided to leave these matters with the directors present. On motion, it was voted to proceed to take members for the society, but on some questions arising in the minds of several in regard to what is required of members, most of the remaining time was employed in explanations. SECOND SESSION. On motion of the Directors, Bro. White was requested to make some remarks giving further instructions in regard to the workings of the society. In response, he thought the work of the society to include the obtaining of shares for the Health Institute, the Publishing Association, and to look to the interests of Systematic Benevolence, the Hygienic Book Fund, and in fact, that one object of the society should be to see that all these institutions be properly cared for and sustained. The remark was also made that the work should not merely be a head work, but more devotion should be blended with it. On motion Bro. Wm. R. Carpenter was elected as Director for district No. 1, of Southern Indiana. Suggestions made by Bro. White in regard to starting a paper setting forth the doings of the society abroad. On motion Bro. White was requested to publish a pamphlet setting forth the work to be accomplished by the Society. On motion, the meeting adjourned. U. SMITH, Chairman,
J. E. WHITE, Sec’y. The Days of Fasting.
By C. O. Taylor
I look back to our days of fasting and prayer with some degree of satisfaction, so far as present results are concerned. Nearly all here engaged in fasting. The meetings were well attended. The testimonies and prayers showed that the Lord was laying the burden of the work upon his people, to cry to the Lord of the harvest to raise up laborers. As we took the general wants of the cause on us, we felt our own hearts warming up with love to God. While we confessed our wrongs, &c., our hearts were more enlarged to love each other. We added alms with our prayers and fasting. Some gave to the Book and Tract Society, that this good work may go forward. The Spirit helped some to remember, that those the Lord should call to the work of the ministry would want of this world's goods, and led them to lay the same upon the altar anew. To God be all the praise. C. O. TAYLOR. “All the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change come. Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee. Thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.” Job 14; 14, 15. She Sleeps in Jesus.
By James White
It becomes our painful duty to record the death of sister Elmina R. Fairfield, who fell asleep in Battle Creek, Mich., Feb. 1, 1872, aged twenty-four years. Her disease was consumption. Sister Mina gave her heart to the Lord, to serve him, and keep his commandments, at the age of fifteen years, at the time her parents embraced the Advent faith, and the observance of the Sabbath. Her natural and acquired abilities were such that her services at this Office were obtained about four years since, where she, until her sickness, served faithfully as a compositor, proof-reader, and editor. Her example in this Office as a Christian, and a laborer in the cause of truth, has been good, and she won the esteem of fellow-laborers, and all who knew her. Her last sickness was characterized by devotion, cheerfulness, and resignation. Her last days, notwithstanding her painful sickness, were full of hope and joy in view of the reward of the faithful at the soon coming of Christ. Her death was peaceful. Her parents, brother, and sisters deeply feel the loss of one so intelligent, good and true, while all in the employ of the Publishing Association, and the church of which she was a worthy member, also feel the loss which they sustain in her death. The funeral services were held on Sabbath, Feb. 3d. Our house of worship was crowded with mourning and sympathizing friends. Both the writer and Mrs. White spoke briefly on the occasion, and a very large procession followed the deceased to her resting place at Oak Hill Cemetery in this city. In the fullest sense, may the following precious words be applied to sister Mina: “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” Rev. 14:13. GEO. I. BUTLER
By George I. Butler
My last report closed with my Waukon meeting. I should have remained several weeks in the northern part of the State and given lectures at some favorable point had it not been for the pressure of General Conference matters. These made it necessary for me to return south at once. There are good openings apparently in the northern part of the State for labor, and as a section, it has had very little of it for the last four years. I held meetings at West Union, Jan. 27 and 28. The weather was very cold and stormy, yet we had very good congregations considering the circumstances. I trust our meetings were profitable. It was deemed best for the good of the cause here that an individual, claiming to be a S. D. Adventist, who lived at this place and made himself quite prominent in the meetings, though not a member of the church, and who had much to say about miracles and mighty works which he claimed had been wrought through him years ago, should understand that the church had no confidence in him. This of course was most unpleasant to all concerned; but his course had been such that the church almost unanimously felt a lack of confidence, and it was thought best that he himself should understand it. I held meetings at Fayette, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, with fair congregations. Feb. 3 and 4, I was at Laporte City. Our meetings were excellent. It seemed to me that the spiritual atmosphere had very much cleared up since our long church trial, when I held meetings on my way north, in which four were set out of the church. And all spoke of the good meetings they had while I had been gone. The four who had been set out of the church all took part in our social meetings, and some of them it seemed to me with far greater earnestness than ever before. I was much gratified that they took a sensible view of the matter, and I do really hope this may be the beginning of better days. I never had so much hope for the prosperity of the church there as I have now. I am sure all the church will rejoice to receive every one of them back when it shall become evident that it will be safe for the church and a benefit to the individuals to do so. I enjoyed the meetings there well, and we were all truly sad at parting. May God bless the church at Laporte City. I met with the friends at State Center according to appointment, and held nine meetings. Very few were here from abroad, yet our meetings were well attended by outsiders, the school-house being generally well filled. The Dunkard people had been speaking against us on the law question. I gave two discourses on that subject in reply. My meeting here coming at the time of the appointed fast, of course our minds were much directed to that object. Our meetings were not joyous, but heart-searching seasons of humiliation before God. I do trust the Lord of the harvest has heard the cries of his people, and that faithful laborers will be found to take hold of the work in earnest. I believe God will answer this prayer of his people, and that we shall see a change for the better this very year. On Monday, we had a special meeting with the church which I trust will be of great profit. I expect soon to be able to attend to the call of the General Conference and meet with the friends in the East. I feel in need of the prayers of God's people, that I stumble not beneath the burdens placed upon me. Lisbon, Iowa, Feb. 14, 1872. WM. S. INGRAHAM
By Wm. S. Ingraham
Since my last report, I have visited the following churches: Tenhassen, Jodavis, and Shelbyville. In Tenhassen I spent about one week. The Lord gave edge and power to the preached word. There was a general breaking down, and such a work of confession I have not witnessed for a long time, in any place. The Lord was our helper, and there was a general coming up on the part of the church. From this place I went to Jodavis, where I spent the Sabbath. Our brethren here are well united, and our short stay with them was very pleasant. Our next appointment was at Shelbyville. Here I met with Bro. Grant, who assisted me much in our meetings. Our congregations were quite large considering the bad weather. The Lord was pleased to give good liberty in the proclamation of the truth, and we trust good was done. While in Shelbyville, we learned that two spiritualist lecturers were causing great excitement in an adjoining town, and, as I was sent for to go and hear them, we thought it would be proper to do so. Such blasphemy as fell from the lips of one of these gentlemen never escaped the lips of Paine, Voltaire, or a Hume, and it would puzzle an infernal demon to outstrip and go beyond him in reproaching Jesus Christ and the word of God. We were told that soap and water were far preferable to the blood of Christ, to cleanse a man. After the close of the lecture, I was enabled to ask some questions, and defend them in such a manner that these lecturers were badly puzzled, so much so that the people saw that my questions were not fairly met. As the people were anxious to hear me speak upon the subject of spiritualism, and voted to have me do so. I accordingly left an appointment for the next Sunday evening. The house was well filled, and the effort was really a success. Near the close of my remarks, while contrasting spiritualism and its teachers with Christ and the Bible, I called upon all that preferred Christ and the word of God to manifest it by saying, I. A response was given that did honor to the truth. I then requested all that preferred spiritualism to the Christian's God and Bible to manifest it by the same sign; but, notwithstanding many had been deceived and led into spiritualism, not one dared to vote in its favor. The truth triumphed, and the tide turned in favor of the Bible. Much good might be done here by giving a course of lectures. After leaving Shelbyville, I returned, in connection with Bro. Grant, to Tenhassen. We tarried here a few days, setting things in order by having the church enter into a more perfect organization. Bro. Birch was ordained elder, and Bro. R. Johnson, deacon. Bro. Merry took a noble stand in the confession of his wrongs, and two new ones embraced the truth. We return home, having good evidence that the Lord has been our helper, and that the cause is fast coming up in this State. T. M. STEWARD
By T. M. Steward
AFTER closing our tent labor, Sept. 17th, I returned home, and remained one week, after an absence of four months. I then returned to Farm Ridge to follow up the interest, as the way might open. I found a house some five miles from Farm Ridge, where I could hold meetings. I continued to hold meetings, and visit from house to house, until those who had embraced the truth were established, and others had also taken hold, and started a Sabbath School. I then visited the neighbourhood where we held our first tent-meeting, and visited some who were interested in the tent-meeting, and held a series of meetings in their neighbourhood until some six, or more, had taken a stand on the Sabbath. In Dec. I returned home, and have held meetings at different points since. Had some excellent meetings at Rockton, Avon, Albany, and Monroe, Wis. I came here Jan. 22, to assist Bro. Andrews in the debate with Eld. Vogle, a Christian preacher. There seems to be but little interest to hear in this place. I want to say, in my own experience the past season I see new beauties in the truth that makes me love it more than ever. It looks to me, as it looms up before my mind, like a mighty Gibraltar of truth. The more the enemy assails it, the grander and sublimer it looks. As God waited in the days of Noah, until that generation was living on the earth that should witness the flood, and then sent the warning to them, so it is now. He has waited until that generation is living on the earth that shall witness the coming of Christ, and to them he sends the warning. And as certainly as the generation that heard the warning in reference to the flood were the very ones that witnessed it; so that people, that hear the warning in reference to the second advent of Christ, will live to see the event take place. Matt. 24:34; Mark 13:30; Luke 21:32. “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning, and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he shall return from the wedding.” See Luke 12:31–38. As the calls for help are coming from all parts, I can but pray, Lord send forth more laborers into the vineyard, and quicken those already in the field to new life and zeal in the cause. I do desire that my life may be a blessing to God's cause and the world. I will try to be more faithful in the future. Michigan.
By J. O. Corliss
SINCE my last report I have spent a few days with the brethren and sisters at Vernon. Held two meetings, and visited from house to house. All that have taken hold of the truth appear firm, notwithstanding some efforts have been made against us. Four more have taken their stand on the side of truth, and are disposed to put away their idols. There are some others here who are almost87 persuaded, but are halting, seemingly undecided. May the Lord help them to decide aright. Bro. Phinney accompanied me from Vernon to Hersey, Osceola Co., and kindly paid my expenses. Bro. Weeks joined me here; and the way not opening for us, we seek another field of labor. May the Lord direct. J. O. CORLISS. THINK NO EVIL.
By Rebekah Smith
If by our words or acts none suffer wrong,
To us 't is thought no blame can e'er belong.
But this meets not Heaven's high and searching test;
That looks at thoughts as well as words expressed. The rule is given that we must think no ill;
If any wrong us, we must love them still,
Must do them good, and for them ever pray,
That truth may lead them all from error's way. To think no evil when we are betrayed,
When even a subject of reproach we're made,
When we are falsely charged, traduced, reviled—
This needs a heart that's pure and undefiled. Thus to forgive when we are wronged, abused,
To render good when thus unjustly used—
This is to reach on earth perfection's height,
Whence we can scatter beams of heavenly light. A Heaven on earth is then by us begun;
This way alone the Christian race is run.
And all who thus unto the end endure,
Possess a hope of Heaven that's bright and sure. REBEKAH SMITH.
West Wilton, N. H., Jan., 1872. R. J. LAWRENCE
By R. J. LAWRENCE
I LEFT home for Missouri and Kansas, in company with my son, on Tuesday. Friday morning, we arrived at the station near Civil Bend, Mo. Bro. Rogers met us, and took us to his home. Sabbath and first-day we spent with the church in fasting and prayer. I spoke on the subject of fasting and prayer, followed by seasons of prayer and remarks. There was not that depth of interest that we wished to see. In the evening, I spoke on the subject of overcoming. First-day we met at Bro. Mallory’s. The meeting was opened by remarks, followed by seasons of prayer. Then some testimonies were borne, followed by some heart-felt confessions. Our meeting was very good, but not what we could have wished. Tuesday we took the cars for Kansas. Arrived at the city of Lawrence at 8 P. M. Wednesday we started with our hand satchels on foot for Deer Creek a distance of sixteen miles and arrived at Bro. Plant’s at 3½ P. M. I learn that the interest to hear is better than when I left one year since. There are calls for labor in every direction. I commence meetings this evening. Pray for me and for the prosperity of the cause here. Iowa and Nebraska.
By R. M. Kilgore
Since my last report, by the advice of the Conference Committee, I joined Bro. Bartlett to labor in the west part of this State and Nebraska. Our first meeting was at Magnolia, the county seat of Harrison County. Here the interest was small. Those who were interested, when Bro. Morrison held meetings here two years ago, had lost their interest and did not come near us. Those who were most interested being from the country, we thought best to leave town and go to the school-house near Bro. Smith’s. Here we held a few meetings, and closed Sabbath, Jan. 27, with a good spiritual meeting. Hearts were softened by the influence of the tender spirit of God. As the result of these meetings, three have embraced the truth, and two who were on the back ground made a new start to serve the Lord. Others are under deep conviction and will yet obey the truth. Arrangements were made for Sabbath meetings, that this little band of eight may meet together to encourage and strengthen each other. From this place we went four miles north to the Soldier Creek Valley, where Bro. Bartlett began a series of meetings last fall, but was compelled to close because of severe storms. Here we gave eleven discourses to a very attentive and interested people. Here twelve in all have taken a noble stand upon the truth as the result of this labor, living within a compass of half a mile. Our meeting here last Sabbath was a very profitable season to all. The blessing of God was present with us, and we all felt its power. We felt to rejoice in the Lord as we witnessed strong men arise with tearful eyes and confess the truth and make known their determinations to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, especially was this the case when one in his seventy-second year arose to bear his testimony for the first time for more than twenty years. He, with his aged companion, have decided to live the remaining days of their pilgrimage here in obedience to God’s holy law. This little company covenanted together to meet on the Sabbath for worship and to obtain a more thorough knowledge of the truth. A leader was chosen whom we trust will receive a large measure of the blessing of God to enable him to discharge his duties aright. While here we shared the hospitality of Bro. and sister Chase. With this brother I feel a strong attachment. He, like myself, served in the late war. We were engaged together in fighting the battles of a carnal warfare. I trust he may prove faithful and “endure hardness as a good soldier” in the battles of the Lord. At this meeting a family of native Americans, Snowball and squaw, attended regularly. We left the dear friends here with reluctance, but with the assurance that God had wrought for them. To his name be all the praise. May God bless them. We sold over seven dollars’ worth of books, gave away more, and obtained one subscriber for the REVIEW. We are now on our way to Nebraska, to engage in labor there. May the Lord direct. The people here in the West are kind and hospitable. We enjoy visiting with them, even in their log cabins, some of which are covered with prairie sod, as the one is in which I now write. My address will now be, Hooper, Dodge Co., Nebraska. R. M. KILGORE. Elk Falls, Kansas.
By A. W. Smith
Our meetings here on the recent fast-days were interesting and I trust a lasting benefit to all. We invited the brethren at Eureka, some twenty-five miles north, to meet with us. A load of six came. Four more came from the western part of the county, which, with about fourteen here, made a good company. We had no elder, and so we spent the time in social meetings which increased in interest from the commencement to the close. Bro. Hamilton, who had been for some time deprived of meetings, was too overjoyed to express his feelings, to see so goodly a number of Sabbath-keepers assembled in this new and back place. He spoke to us of the importance of waking up, of all acting our part in winning souls to Christ, in our different positions in ordinary life; that to accomplish this we must first be consecrated to God ourselves, that our example may back up what we present or speak. It is not the multitude of words, the amens, and shouts, that bring down upon us the blessing of God, but that earnest, anxious pleading to know and feel our sins, and a drawing nearer to God. All took part. Unbelievers were much affected. Some confessed that God was with us. To me at least it was a feast of fat things, a foretaste of that refreshing which I hope will soon be more abundantly poured on the remnant people. But this is only a taste; my soul cries out for more, to be filled with the love of God and his Spirit, to be daily prepared for the company of the just made perfect, the company of the angels, of Jesus, and of God. The coming of Jesus is drawing nearer. Do you discover dross among us? The true gold will but shine the brighter where they are separated. We are yet unorganized for the want of an elder, and we are very anxious for ministerial labor among us in this place. COMMENCING Dec. 21, 1871, I gave thirteen lectures in Centerville, and organized a Tract Society. Jan. 6, commenced meetings five miles from Ft. Scott. There was no church organization in the place. Dancing was the favorite amusement of the people, some engaging in it for profit, the rest for pleasure. After the meeting had progressed for a time, an effort was made to stop the interest by appointing a dance; but only four tickets could be sold. The next move was to lock the house. I have promised them a grove meeting if the house cannot be had after the election of the new district board in March next. Two have already embraced the Sabbath, and three more join to sustain Sabbath meetings. I am now having good and apparently unprejudiced congregations in Labette.
J. H. COOK. New England.
By S. N. Haskell
FEB. 3 and 4, we met at the quarterly meeting at South Lancaster. About seventy-five were present, representing every State in the New England Conference and most of the churches. Our social meeting Friday evening was one of interest. Met Sabbath morning at half past five o’clock and spent an hour and a quarter in a special praying season. Social meeting at nine A. M. Preaching at half past ten o’clock. At half past two P. M., Bro. Rodman gave an interesting discourse, reviewing the past experience of Adventists. Closed with a social meeting. Preaching again at half past six. Thursday, spent about nine hours in the place of worship, yet so much of the blessing of God was realized that but little weariness was felt. On first-day, about five hours were occupied in business sessions relating to matters connected with the tract enterprise and the health movement. Monday morning, at half past five, a special praying season at our house for the benefit of some who were bound by Satan and desired freedom. It was preceded by hearty confessions. It seemed that God met with us to accept the confessions made. About seven A. M., the friends began to separate, some feeling that it was the best meeting they ever attended, which may prove true if they carry into their lives the resolutions they formed. Feb 10 and 11, met with the friends in Boston. We trust our meetings are profitable. Consecration and devotion to the work of God is what is needed. The religion of the Bible is too much held at arms’ length, while worldly interests constitute the great business of life. This should be reversed. “Seek first the kingdom of God.” When the cause of present truth becomes the business of life, and worldly interests second, then will be realized blessings that God only can bestow. S. N. HASKELL. The Popes of the Tenth Century.
By R. F. Cottrell
THE following is from the History of the Christian Church, by Rev. Joseph Reeve, a Roman Catholic, published at Boston, 1851, pp. 291, 292. “THE Popes were not masters in their own capital. Raised by faction, as it happened, or by intrigue, they lost their personal respectability, were often insulted, imprisoned, and even murdered, by the prevailing party. Two sister prostitutes, Marozia and Theodora, daughters of the lewd Marchioness of Tuscany, governed Rome by their political influence and criminal intrigue. To these disorders the Popes themselves contributed in no small degree. [Here follows a list of thirty one Popes.] Between the years 891 and 999, here are one and thirty Popes; their number is a clear proof that the reigns of many of them were short, and their end dishonorable. Sergius III. exhibited a spectacle of scandal, of which the Christian world had never known an example, a sovereign Pontiff clasped in the lewd embraces of a notorious prostitute. Sergius III., without regard for the dignity or the holiness of his pontifical character, publicly avowed his criminal connections with Marozia; by her he had a son, who, under his mother’s influence, crept afterwards into St. Peter’s chair by the name of John XI. To the infamy of his spurious birth, he added personal vice, in which he was shamefully imitated by many, who in that century were raised to the papal throne, without the virtues to merit or support their elevation. Protestant writers here exult in the disgrace of the Roman pontiffs at that time, and wildly fancy, that in the papal dress, thus defiled with vice, they behold the scarlet petticoat of the Babylonian harlot. These writers instead of imitating the filial piety of Shem and Japheth, in drawing a cloak over their father’s shame, as modesty would dictate, indecently laugh with Ham, and by dwelling with malignant pleasure upon vices incident to mortal men, even in the most exalted stations of life, wantonly insult their mother church. The insult affects neither the truth nor the holiness of her doctrine. Those vices of her first pastors are merely personal; they are not the result of her belief. Her existence rests not on the personal merit of any man; it is founded on the power and promises of Christ, who has engaged his word to lead her into all truth, and to abide with her to the end of time. On such grounds her faith can never fail. But scandals will still happen; they are a natural consequence of the depravity of man’s heart; when they happen within the sanctuary, they are grievous indeed; they are one of the many trials which the Christian church has to undergo; they tend to tarnish the luster of her virtues, and to shake, if it were possible, the foundation of her faith. Dark, gathering clouds cast a dismal gloom over the earth, and seemingly threaten to blot out the light of day; but the sun’s glorious orb never ceases to shine in a sphere far above their reach, and as the clouds disperse, breaks out upon us with undiminished brightness. Such is the triumph of the church over all the temporary misfortunes that accidentally befall her.” It is very true that the truth of God should not be condemned, because men in high places have fallen into sin. Those who reject the truth, because that men prove to be hypocrites, do not act wisely. They should attribute men’s vices to human depravity, and not to that revelation of truth that condemns them. But when the writer attempts thus to smooth over the shameful sins of the popes, still holding to an unbroken line of infallible vicars of Jesus Christ, from the apostles to the present time, the question assumes a different form. Were those vile, degraded, and beastly men the representatives of Christ on earth?—the chosen vessels to support the standard of his truth and to exemplify his doctrine? Were these the chosen men to prevent the gates of hell from prevailing against the church? Could no better be found? Then the gates of hell certainly prevailed, and there was no church of Christ on earth.