VERSE 1. In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.
One prominent characteristic of the sacred writings, and one which should forever shield them from the charge of being works of fiction, is the frankness and freedom with which the writers state all the circumstances connected with that which they record. This verse states the time when the vision recorded in this chapter was given to Daniel. The first year of Belshazzar is set down as B. C. 555. His third year, in which this vision was given, would consequently be 553. If Daniel, as is supposed, was about twenty years of age when he was carried to Babylon, in the first year of Nebuchadnezzar, B. C. 606, he was at this time about seventy-three years of age. The vision he speaks of as the one “which appeared unto him at the first,” is doubtless the vision of the seventh chapter, which he had in the first year of Belshazzar.
Verse 2. And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.
As verse 1 states the time when, this verse gives the place where, the vision was given. Shushan, as we learn from Prideaux, was the metropolis of the province of Elam. This was then in the hands of the Babylonians, and there the king of Babylon had a royal palace. Daniel, as minister of State, and employed about the king’s business, was accordingly in that place. About three years after this time, Abradates, viceroy or prince of Shushan, revolted to Cyrus, and the province was joined to the Medes and Persians; so that, according to the prophecy of Isaiah, 21:2, Elam went up with the Medes to besiege Babylon. Under the Medes and Persians it regained its liberties which it had been deprived of by the Babylonians, according to the prophecy of Jeremiah 49:39.
Verse 3. Then I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns; and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. 4. I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beast might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.
In verse 20, an interpretation of this symbol is given us in plain language: “The ram which thou sawest, having two horns, are the kings of Media and Persia.” We have only therefore to consider how well the symbol answers to the power in question. The two horns represented the two nationalities of which the empire consisted. The higher came up last. This represented the Persian element, which from being at first simply an ally of the Medes, came to be the leading division of the empire. The different directions in which the ram was seen pushing, denote the directions in which the Medes and Persians carried their conquests. No earthly powers could stand before them while they were marching up to the exalted position to which the providence of God had pointed them. And so successfully were their conquests prosecuted that in the days of Ahasuerus (Esth. 1:1), the Medo-Persian kingdom extended from India to Ethiopia, the extremities of the then known world, over a hundred and twenty-seven provinces. The prophecy almost seems to fall short of the facts as stated in history, when it simply says that this power did according to its will, and became great.
Verse 5. And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground; and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. 6. And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power. 7. And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns; and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him; and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.
“As I was considering,” says the prophet; and in this he sets an example for every lover of the truth, and all who have any regard for things higher than the objects of time and sense. When Moses saw the burning bush, he said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight.” But how few are willing at the present time to turn aside from their pursuits of business or pleasure, to consider those important themes to which both the mercy and the providence of God are striving to call their attention.
The symbol here introduced is also explained by the angel to Daniel. Verse 21: “And the rough goat is the king [or kingdom] of Grecia.” Concerning the fitness of this symbol to the Grecian or Macedonian people, Bishop Newton observes that, “two hundred years before the time of Daniel, they were called Ægeadæ, the goats’ people; the origin of which name is said to be as follows: Caranus, their first king, going with a multitude of Greeks to seek a new habitation in Macedonia, was advised by an oracle to take the goats for his guide; and afterward, seeing a herd of goats flying from a violent storm, he followed them to Edessa, and there fixed the seat of his empire, and made the goats his ensigns or standards, and called the place Æge or Ægea, the goats’ town, and the people Ægeadæ, the goats’ people; names which are derived from αἴξ, αἰγός, a goat. The city of Æge or Ægea, was the usual burying-place of the Macedonian kings; and in reference to this origin, Alexander called his son by Roxana, Alexander Ægus, Alexander the goat. All this shows the very great propriety of the symbol here used.”
The goat came from the west. Grecia lay west of Persia.
“On the face of the whole earth.” He covered all the ground as he passed; that is, he swept everything before him; he left nothing behind.
He “touched not the ground.” Such was the speed and celerity of his movements that he did not seem to touch the ground, but to fly from point to point with the speed of the wind; the same feature is brought to view by the four wings of the leopard in the vision of chapter 7.
The notable horn between his eyes. This is explained in verse 21 to be the first king of the Macedonian empire. This king was Alexander the Great.
Verses 6 and 7 give a concise account of the overthrow of the Persian empire by Alexander. The contests between the Greeks and Persians are said to have been exceedingly furious; and some of the scenes as recorded in history are vividly brought to mind by the words of the prophecy, a ram standing before the river and the goat running unto him in the fury of his power. Alexander first vanquished the generals of Darius at the river Granicus, in Phrygia; he next attacked and totally routed Darius, at the straits of Issus in Cilicia, and afterward at the plains of Arbela in Syria. This battle occurred B. C. 331, and marks the conclusion of the Persian empire; for by this event Alexander became complete master of the whole country. “One can hardly read these words,” says Bp. Newton, “the ram which I had seen standing by the river,” and of the goat that he “ran unto him in the fury of his power,” without having the image of Darius’ army standing and guarding the river Granicus, and of Alexander on the other side, with his forces plunging in, swimming across the stream and rushing on the enemy, with all the fire and fury that can be conceived.”
The language of verse 7 sets forth the completeness of the subjection of Medo-Persia to Alexander. The two horns were broken, and the ram cast to the ground and stamped upon. Persia was subdued, the country ravaged, its armies cut to pieces and scattered, its cities plundered, and the royal city of Persepolis, the capital of the Persian empire, and even in its ruins one of the wonders of the world to the present day, was sacked and burnt. Thus the ram had no power to stand before the goat, and there was none that could deliver him out of his hand.
Random Thoughts.
By John Nevins Andrews
NOTHING VALUABLE IN HARVEST BUT FRUIT.
This is sought in harvest, and if there is nothing to be found, there is nothing to repay the labor of the husbandman. He has put forth his efforts for this, and it is this alone that is valuable to him. The fruit is gathered into the garner, and all else is cast away or set aside as simply useless or pernicious. What a solemn admonition to us. If we bear no fruit, or if we bear evil fruit, we shall find ourselves condemned in the Judgment. Yet it need not be thus with us. Not deeds that make a great display, but such as God shall see no self in, are those which he desires at our hands. Acts of patient submission, acts of self-denial, acts of secret good to others, no less than acts of active obedience to the public duties of life, God will accept of us. But if our lives have been spent in seeking only our own good, and we have done nothing for God, and for our fellow-men, we shall come to the harvest with nothing but leaves. What sort of an examination shall we sustain in the Judgment? Our lives even now declare the results. With many of us no fruit will appear in the Judgment, simply because we bear none now. Useless lives will end in final ruin. Let us consider our case as it really is, and act as those that must pass a strict account.
IMPROVEMENT OF TIME.
Life is at longest very short. We begin to die as soon as we begin to live. Only a limited existence is granted us, and it begins to expire as soon as it begins to be. It is like a machine wound up for action, which can run only till it runs down. The Scriptures admonish us in every way of its brevity and its speedy termination. And this grand lesson is urged upon our attention that we make the most of our time by wisely improving it. Of all the commodities granted by heaven, time is the most precious. It is given us in the smallest atoms, and each one is capable of being used to the honor of God, and for the well being of our fellow-men. Eternal things are suspended upon the swiftly fleeting moments. We have not one to waste. We are to be rewarded according to our works, and reckoned with according to our opportunities. Who of us is able to meet this strict account? Let us no longer suffer our time to waste, because we have it in atoms. Let every one be used in well doing.
SMALL THINGS.
Life is not made up of great deeds but small ones. It is folly to stand idle, waiting for some great deed to5do, when there are plenty of small things which we can do in the cause of God or for our fellow-men. It is the providence of God that assigns our work. We have only one simple rule to follow: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” Eccl 9:10. Let God appoint our work, and assign our time, but let us work while the day lasts with untiring diligence.
USEFUL LIVES.
We need not lead useless lives. Every one of us can do something for God. Our lives of activity or our examples of patient suffering, can all tell for Christ. “They also serve who only stand and wait.”
WHO APPOINTS OUR TOIL?
Could we bear in mind always that our toil is assigned us by our Lord, we should be more careful how we utter words of complaint at the burdens we bear. It is not for us to murmur, though our lot is hard and that of others light and pleasant. God says, “Do this for me and I will reward you at the resurrection of the just.” If the work be very painful, he will not forget this when he bestows the reward. If others are excused from such burdens, they will not be rewarded with the blessing in reserve for us. He who appoints our toil will faithfully reward our patient labor. Do not murmur against him. It is his business to fix our labor and our reward. Let us be thankful that he has counted us worthy of a place in his great work.
J. N. ANDREWS.
The New Volume.
By Editor
We once more change the figures which mark the volume of the REVIEW. The number thirty-six reminds us how long this paper has been in the field as the defender of the true Advent movement, the advocate of a harmonious explanation of the Bible, and a herald of the truth. With the exception of the Advent Herald of Boston, it is the oldest Advent periodical now issued. We here pause only to breathe the prayer that as the paper grows in years, it may also grow in power and usefulness.
The new volume is before us. It is like each new day or new year in every one's life. Its record is yet unmade. But the blank must be filled—filled with that which will tell either in the right direction or the wrong. Who will contribute by their pens and their prayers to make the record of the coming volume such as shall accomplish the greatest possible amount of good?
So our minds are called out to the future. “Forgetting those things which are behind,” we reach “forth unto those things which are before.” Through the blessing of God something has been accomplished in the past. Thankful for this, let us look and labor for greater things to come.
Western Tour.
By James White
Second day, May 30, we took the fast train at Battle Creek, for Chicago. Our company for the western camp-meetings numbered four: Mrs. W., myself, Sister Hall, and Willie. Bro. Gage, of the Review Office, accompanied us as far as Chicago, on business. The fast trains on the Michigan Central, at this season of the year, move at the rate of about thirty-five miles per hour. There is no better road than the Michigan Central. The rapid train moves so smoothly that one accustomed to riding on the cars seems to forget that the train moves at all. We left Battle Creek at 11 A. M., reached Chicago at 4 P. M., had six hours for business in the city, took a sleeping car at 10 P. M., for Rock Island, Ill., and reached Washington, Iowa, next morning at half-past ten. Soon we were at Bro. Wheeler’s, where we spent six days very pleasantly. Mrs. W. had great freedom in writing for her second volume of The Spirit of Prophecy. She wrote more in this place of retirement in six days than in three weeks in the midst of cares and interruptions at Battle Creek.
By invitation we spoke on first-day and evening, June 5, in the house of worship of the people who call themselves the Church of God. The attendance was good, and we enjoyed freedom. Third-day we left Bro. Kilgore’s, for the camp-meeting, in company with about thirty others, loaded, bag and baggage, on five teams. The weather was cool, roads good, and atmosphere fine. Freed from care, we enjoyed the journey exceedingly. Before night we joined others from other towns, making one train, long and interesting. There were thirteen teams in all. The number of persons, great and small, was not much less than one hundred. About 6 P. M., we halted for the night, and pitched three large family tents. A kind gentleman farmer gave us room, plenty of good straw, and, with his neighbors, came in to our evening meeting. We had a good, sweet little introductory to our camp-meeting. Our train committee called for a bill of the trouble we had made the generous farmer, and were told by him that he was more than paid already in what he had heard.
At-half past four in the morning we were up, tents and baggage packed, and we were moving out in a line on our journey. The morning was chilly, and as the heavy teams moved slowly, most of the company chose to walk, for exercise, to keep warm. At 7 A. M., we halted by a stream, watered the teams, built fires with the dry bark along the stream, provided warm drink—not tea nor coffee—for the feeble ones and after looking to God in thanksgiving and petition for his blessings, took breakfast. We need not say that we enjoyed the simple, healthful repast, of that occasion, after journeying more than two hours, in the clear, cool air of that good morning. About 1 P. M., we reached the camp ground, and found several tents already up, and others in process of erection. Dinner over, each tent company of our train commenced to erect their tents, and make ready for the night.
We were one day in advance of the time of the meeting, and were surprised to find that most all the tent companies in the State, instead of being one day behind, were one day in advance. Almost every hour since we arrived on fourth-day new companies have been arriving. And now at the time of this writing, fifth-day, 6 P. M., there are twenty-two large family tents up, and another company is now moving slowly in upon the ground.
The bell is ringing for early evening service. And although the time appointed for this camp-meeting has just arrived, we have already enjoyed three short, but interesting meetings at the stand. The large tent is filled with brethren and sisters, earnestly listening to Mrs. W., who is bearing a close and powerful testimony upon the corruptions of the natural heart, and the purity of the Christian life. The shades of evening are gathering around us, and the people in the vicinity are crowding into the large tent to hear.
The camp is on a sandy rise of ground. It is thinly clad with small trees, much like the western groves generally. The large tent is pitched in an open place in the center of the grove, and the smaller tents are pitched among the trees around it, with a becoming taste. The weather is fine, and there is every prospect of a good meeting, if the brethren consecrate themselves to God, and enter heartily into the work. Next week we hope to give the result of this camp-meeting, and the introduction of the next, in Illinois.
JAMES WHITE.
Marion Camp-Meeting
By James White
[Since the above was in type, we have received the following additional report from Bro. W.—Ed.]
Marion Camp-Meeting.
FIFTH-DAY evening the carriages that returned from the trains brought, with other passengers, our much-loved Bro. W. H. Littlejohn of Allegan, Mich. The news of his coming gave a spring of joy to all upon the ground who knew him. We were happy to make him a member of our tent family, which at present consists of six.
Sixth-day, the weather is still fine. It is just cool enough for health, and for the better preservation of provisions. The brethren are still coming in from different parts of the State. All seem in good spirits. The provisions made for the meeting are ample. They have been made with a liberal hand.
This morning, Bro. Littlejohn gave a very instructive, practical, close discourse from 2 Cor. 13:5. It was a sermon well adapted to the stage of the meeting. In the afternoon we spoke upon Col. 1:9-14 with a good degree of freedom. The friends still come in, and the interest of the meeting is rising. All are now actively preparing for the rest of the holy Sabbath. The evening service commences with the Sabbath. There is a great anxiety in this community to hear Mrs. W. The people, who do not attend all the services, request that it shall be announced beforehand when she will speak, that they may know when to come and hear her. This is to be attributed mainly to the spirit of opposition on the part of a few here, who have done what they could to hold her up to the people in a false light. The people feel that they must hear for themselves. And thus they advertise for us, and call the people out to hear. When God is in the work, even its bitterest foes sometimes work for its advancement.
Mrs. W. has spoken this evening with solemnity and power to a large and very attentive audience. The greatest attention and respect was shown to the word spoken. And perfect order and candor was manifested both during the service, and after it closed. The evening is delightful. The heavens are clear, and the moon lights up the entire encampment.
Sabbath morning, the bell wakes us at half past four. All in our tent report rest, and a full amount of good sleep. After the weary toils of a long camp-meeting day, it does seem to us that one sleeps faster and better in one of our good tents than anywhere else. The morning prayer-meeting at the stand has been a blessed one. Probably one hundred spoke in the hour. No time for long talks here, beginning with the fall of Adam, and winding up with the final judgment. All spoke right out to the point a few words of present experience. That was just what the occasion required.
Breakfast is over. Next comes social worship in the several tents. First they read a short portion of the word. And now they break out and sing. In each tent of the grand circle they have a tune of their own. And each enters so heartily into the spirit of singing that they do not hear the others. But imagine yourself standing in the center of a circle of twenty-five tents, and from each a perfect pour of sacred song ringing out upon the clear morning air, in the form of twenty-five different spiritual tunes. But all is harmony in each tent, while the outsider hears only a sort of sacred, sublime confusion.
The social meeting at half past nine was good. Two or three would rise at once, and then as soon as these would each say a few words, others would rise. At a quarter before eleven, Bro. Littlejohn took the stand and preached a powerful discourse from Rev. 14:12. The brethren and sisters are settling into the work. The wavering are being confirmed, and the weak are becoming strong. There is a very general attendance from all parts of the State. At 2 P. M. Mrs. W. spoke with freedom to a large congregation. The work seemed deepening. By a rising vote hundreds covenanted to be more devoted to the service of God. Sinners were called forward. Twenty or thirty came forward. Mrs. W. exhorted the people with power. It was a deeply interesting season. There was liberty and power in praying for sinners.
At 6 P. M. especial social services were held in about one half of the tents. All gathered into them as far as room would permit. There were some of the most precious, melting seasons in many of the tents we ever witnessed. To change the scene, even in the midst of an interesting meeting, is a relief. The crowded tents were becoming oppressively warm, and after an hour of thrilling interest in many of the tents, we called the entire congregation to the large tent, and spoke to them relative to the interests of the cause, with great freedom. In the evening Bro. Canright spoke to a crowd of eager listeners.
JAMES WHITE.
Marion, Iowa, June 14, 1870.
JOS. CLARKE
By Jos. Clarke
Items.
THAT religion which has for its base line of operation, the fear of man, is only an eye service at the best. The less you have of it the better. But in getting clear of it, do not I beg of you, run to the other extreme, and lay aside all regard for good men; for in doing this you will insult God.
Religion is well styled in the Bible a mystery; for while it is very simple and easy to him who possesses it, it is perfectly inexplicable to the wicked man. He smiles at its developments in his little child, and wonders how it became so wise. But he frowns angrily when its principles cross his track, little thinking it is one web of truth, purity, and love.
Never grudge what you have once pledged or given to the treasury of God's truth. Satan may tempt you hard here, if you are poor; but do not yield to him a moment, lest you lose not your treasure only but Heaven itself. This is an ugly trait, this ruining your covenant with God, and withdrawing the sacrifice. If you feel like doing this at all, it shows you are far from God, and have forgotten the sweetness of heavenly joys, and pardoning love. Haste back to the fold, and increase your offering. Bind yourself to Heaven by every means.
Give to God your best time, best strength, and your best treasure, and best service.
God's people should never let his cause go a begging. Any want of the cause should be supplied on the first call, and more too, so that it may be said, “It is enough.”
JOS. CLARKE
Report from Ohio.
By I. D. VAN HORN
I LEFT home on Thursday, May 19, to commence labor in the Ohio Conference. My first meeting was at Clyde, on Sabbath and first-day. At this meeting I gave three discourses, had one good social meeting, and one business meeting. We had freedom in declaring the truth, and the influence throughout the whole meeting was good. Under the zealous and judicious labors of Bro. Guilford, this church is making some advance in the cause of truth. May they go on unto perfection.
We appointed meeting for the following Sabbath at Fremont, as there were some who wished to be baptized. In the meantime I visited Norwalk to see about a place for pitching the tent. I also visited Townsend, where I held meeting last winter, and found a few holding on to the truth. Enjoyed a good meeting with them.
We were all blessed and much encouraged by the good meeting we enjoyed at Fremont on Sabbath, May 28. Following the meeting we went to the river where five were buried with their Lord in baptism. We were glad to meet with Bro. Mears and Smith at this meeting. The next day we again visited Townsend and enjoyed a good meeting with them. While here we had evidence of the blessing of the Lord in counseling with the Conf. Committee relative to tent operations, the condition of the cause, and camp-meeting.
It was decided that I should visit Melmore, where we had the tent last season, before going out with the tent now. Accordingly I went there and spent nearly a week with them. I found most of the friends there holding firmly to the truth, but a few were some discouraged.
Our meeting served to arouse the desponding ones, and to give encouragement to all. On the Sabbath, June 4, we enjoyed a good meeting. Following it we went to the river, and seven put on the Lord Jesus Christ by being baptized. On Sunday morning the little company entered into a written agreement to sustain meetings among them, and to help each other on in the Christian life. Fifteen attached their names to this agreement, and there are a few more, who were not present, that will do so. I feel that my visit with them was timely, and that much good was done. May they now, by the help of the Lord, go forward till they reach Mount Zion.
Last Monday, the 6th, we started to find a location for our tent, and we now have it pitched in the little village of Rochester, Lorain Co., Ohio. This is on the Cleveland and Columbus R. R., about twenty miles S. E. of Norwalk. We have had three meetings, but the weather is very wet and cold so that but few come out. Though at our first meeting, about 150 were present. Pray for us. I. D. VAN HORN.
Report from California.
By John Norton Loughborough
At the time of my last report, April 13, I was at Petaluma, having just closed my labors with Bro. Bourdeau. Since that time, I have attended the Quarterly meetings at Petaluma, Green Valley, and Healdsburg, and in connection with Bro. Kellogg have labored with the tent one month in this place.
The Quarterly meetings were well attended, and interesting, and in each of the places of meeting three members were united to the church by profession of the truth. The most of those who have made a start in the work are holding on their way. There is such a contrast between the relaxed way of many California professors of religion, and true Bible Christianity, that an earnest effort must be made to hold up before the people, by precept and example, the true Christian life, which is far above the sensual, pleasure-seeking, formalist's course. May true zeal inspire us all to take Christ and his holy apostles as patterns. May we emulate their lives in devotion to God, and not be of those who have a form of godliness while they deny the power thereof. It is essential to the development of an earnest Christian that he be a worker. Self-examination and secret prayer must be daily carried out; then the family prayer; and these having been engaged in, give us an experience to tell, when we meet with God's people. Our hearts should ever have a sense of God's goodness, mercy, and love, to us. His praise should be continually in our hearts.
While thus performing our duties here, we shall be7preparing to participate in the everlasting song of “Worthy is the Lamb.”
The tent meeting here has been well attended, and a good interest manifested by those who have heard. Ministers have worked in private to keep their members away. Some are already convinced of the truth, and we trust, with God's blessing, a small company, at least, will be raised up in Bloomfield. Pray for us that God may still guide, and keep us in this mission. If our labor is put forth in his name, relying on his strength, it must succeed. Otherwise all will be in vain.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Bloomfield, Cal., June 6, 1870.
SHIPWRECKED
Look where the ships go down;
Some silently and slow,
Upon the sea of life,
Full freighted with their woe;
Others, with tattered sail,
From battling with rough wind,
Sink down with mournful wail,
Nor leave one trace behind.
Look where the ships go down,
All round us on the way;
Some strike on sudden rock,
With warning clear as day;
And some, with calmest tide,
Whose course ere now was bright,
Beneath the dark waves hide
Their last uncertain light.
Look where the ships go down,
The harbor full in view,
With warnings on the rocks,
To guide the traveler through.
Look where the wrecks go down,
Or wander tempest-tossed,
With light and anchor gone;
For ever, ever lost!
Oh, soul of mine, keep calm!
Sail firmly on thy way,
To meet the great “I Am”
At Heaven’s all-crowning day;
Thy fears will all be o’er,
Thy anchor then at rest,
And thou for evermore
Safe havened with the blest!
The Cause in Michigan.
By J. H. Waggoner
THERE is much misapprehension abroad in regard to the cause in Michigan. Many suppose that because this State stands central in the work, and the Publishing Office is here, everything here is prosperous and flourishing, and all the wants of the cause are supplied. This is a great mistake. In many parts of Michigan the cause is languishing for want of help. We have a larger number of preachers than any other Conference, but our Conference is large, embracing Michigan and Indiana, and our preachers are generally sent away to supply calls in other fields. Two are on the General Conference Committee, and cannot be depended on for local labor; one has gone to Missouri; one is in New England; one is in Ohio; and thus our efficient force is exhausted, with little or no labor in the State. No better openings, nor more urgent calls, are found in any State than in this; but if they are supplied here, and others neglected, there are too often complaints raised, and so other fields are supplied, and this neglected. I do not say this should not be so, but it is well that the facts should be known.
As I stated last March, Tuscola County now presents an excellent field for labor, and the calls are urgent. Lapeer is crying for help. Oakland is in pressing need, if indeed it can be helped. Genoa, in Livingston Co., has long had promises of labor, and they now say they will pay the whole expenses of a tent meeting if requested—only send the tent and the preachers. And so I might continue to enumerate.
Now what shall be done? Cannot the Committee at their meeting soon to take place, review their forces, and arrange for more efficient labor in this State? Cannot the large number of credentials and licenses issued by this Conference command more, and more efficient, service than is now received? I think they should. Again I ask, What shall be done?
J. H. WAGGONER.
Holly, June 13, 1870.
Meeting at Lancaster, N. Y.
By R. F. Cottrell
The weather was rainy; and this probably prevented some, who would have attended the meeting. Still there were a goodly number present; especially there was a good representation from Elma, though some of them did not come until the second day of the meeting. Bro. Andrews was present, and, though worn and exhausted with labor, spoke the word with clearness and to edification and exhortation. Our social meetings were interesting, but would doubtless have been better, had all been present from the beginning. To obtain the full benefit of a meeting it is important that all should be present from the beginning. Some resolved to seek God at this meeting, and some who had strayed resolved to return. The Lord help them. And he will if they are steadfast in the fulfillment of their vows. A French sister, Parrot, who was converted to the truth in California and now lives in Buffalo, met with us, and we were cheered with her testimony, though she could not speak so well in our language. The time is not distant when the Israel of God will have a pure language. “Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand.” Isa. 33:19; Zeph. 2:9. We hope the meeting will result in some good. Our privileges and opportunities are being numbered off. Soon they will all be gone. If not improved, it will be to our infinite loss; but if properly improved, soon it will be said to us, Well done. Having shared in the sufferings and sorrow, enter into the joy; and having finished the work, enter into the rest; and having borne the cross in humility, receive the crown and be exalted to the throne. Who will be so unwise as not to make a strong and persevering effort to overcome? Who can afford to fail of securing eternal life, when it is placed within their reach?
R. F. COTTRELL.
The Bible Feeds Multitudes
The Bible, so little in bulk, like the five barley loaves and two fishes, what thousands upon thousands in every age it has fed! And what multitudes it will feed in every land of Christendom, till the end of time!
Meetings in Michigan.
By Joseph Hayes
Our last report was relative to our series of meetings in Monterey, after which, May 22, we enjoyed an interesting meeting with the church in Allegan in celebrating the ordinances.
May 23, 24, in company with Bro. Herman Kenyon, visited and held three meetings, with four families of Sabbath-keepers, in Hastings. Baptized five, and added them to their number. With Bro. John Francisco's team, Bro. Kenyon took me to Bowne, and returned to hold a series of meetings in Hastings. Found the brethren in Bowne in a state of trial, tending to disunion.
May 25 and 26, visited and held meetings with them, and left the united ones more decided to struggle and labor to promote union and Christian fellowship in their midst.
May 30 and 31, at Vergennes. Here the brethren are scattered in their farming districts, some eleven miles. They seemed glad, and so did we, to meet again on our annual visit, and be strengthened in the Lord. Since our last meetings with them they have been called to part with their much-loved Sr. C. Kenney, who, we trust, “died in the Lord. . . . and rests from her labors.”
One young married woman came five miles to hear. By investigating and hearing from her neighbors, her attention had been arrested, and she said she believed we were right.
June 1, Bro. S. Kanaday took us ten miles to Fair Plains. Here we found Bro. R. Sawyer laboring in Bro. White's vineyard, and among his fruit trees. With the blessing of the Lord's rain and sunshine, his grounds in a few weeks more will become most attractive; especially to lovers of good, choice, ripe fruit. We very much enjoyed our refreshment, and rest with Bro. and Sr. S.
In answer to prayer by the elders, our dear Sr. Maynard who has been afflicted with the dropsy for many months, was much blessed of the Lord, and hopes by his continued favor and blessing to be again at the head of her family.
Sabbath, June 4, brethren from Orlean, Stanton, and some from Bushnell, came to Fair Plains to monthly meeting. At the close of the day we had an interesting season in attending to the ordinances of the Lord's house. The Lord blessed and strengthened his people, thanks to his holy name.
Sunday, June 5, held two good meetings with the church and people in Orleans.
The Lord bless and save his people is our prayer.
JOSEPH HAYES.
Monterey, June 12, 1870.
Hearing the Law.
By P. C. Rodman
“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination.” Prov. 28: 9. In this scripture the importance of keeping God’s commandments is clearly taught; and unless we will do them, our life, even if a life of prayer, is not acceptable to God, no matter how earnest we may be, nor how fervently we make our petitions. The Lord will not regard our prayer unless we will obey him. If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me. Ps. 66: 18. We may hope our prayer is acceptable, as did the blind Pharisees, who, for the praise of men, and to gratify their covetousness, sought a public place to pray, and urge their traditions upon men. To obey these, they would break the commandment of God. But unless we will keep his commandments, the words of Jesus as really apply to us: Ye hypocrites! well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. Matt. 15: 7–9.
Said Jesus, Blessed are the pure in heart. If there is opposition in our hearts to the perfect law of God we may be assured that all is not right, and we should seek earnestly the renewings of God’s Spirit that we may be right, yielding, cheerful obedience to that law whose commandments are righteous altogether, standing fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. Ps. 19: 9; 111: 8. Then our prayers for help will be acceptable to him who will give grace to help in time of need. Yes, if we ask we shall receive; for Jesus has said that if we believe we receive the things we ask for, we shall have them. How ready we are to help our children in the path of obedience to our counsel; and will not He who gave his Son to die for us, give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him, when they want it to enable them to love and delight to keep his holy Law? We believe he will; for no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Then may our prayers ascend from loyal hearts that will keep the commandments, having more regard for God’s law and his honor, than for all the traditions of men or approbation of friends. Our friends may be wrong; but God’s law is the truth. Ps. 119: 142. They may be in the dark, though they are talented and learned. Matt. 11: 25, 26. May we be found among those who have ears to hear, receiving with meekness, and obeying with delight, God’s perfect law. Then will our prayers be acceptable, and if we endure to the end, it will be said to us, Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matt. 25: 34.