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Review and Herald, Vol. 35, No. 24.

CHRISTIAN RECREATION.
Earlier text: CHRISTIAN RECREATION.

New York Ministers and Fast Horses.

By Editor

IS THE following a candid and truthful representation of the practices of New York ministers, or only a wicked burlesque by some unprincipled reprobate upon the clerical profession? If we were not living in days when ministers take their friends into liquor saloons and treat them to gin and milk, and when they openly advocate vengeance by personal and lawless acts of violence for private injuries, we should be inclined to the latter opinion. But as it is, we are prepared for anything, and see no improbability in what professes to be a plain, unexaggerated statement concerning the habits of some of the religious teachers of N. Y. city. A late New York paper says:
A New York correspondent, himself a minister, has been observing “life” from the piazza of Harry Bertholf, on the Harlem road, and thus relates what he saw: Gentlemen who do not care to ride fast, or do not care to be beaten, drive here with their wives and families, and from Harry’s pleasant parlor look out upon the exciting scene. His piazzas and balconies are full of the most distinguished men in New York. Harry was for many years the crier of the courts. A partisan judge displaced him. He obtained this position, and is immensely popular, not only with the horsemen, but with judges, lawyers, and princely merchants. His bar room in the afternoon is packed. The horsemen drink principally hot lemonade. It is a curious place, for everybody is dissected who goes tramping by. “Hullo! that’s a fine nervous team. Yes, that’s Weston, of St. John’s Chapel. He loves a good horse. I was out with him when he was chaplain of the Seventh Regiment.” And Doctor Weston goes dashing by in his slouched hat and driving gloves, with a brother minister, an ultra high church man, by his side. “Don’t you know who that is? That’s Hall, of the Fifth Avenue church. Well, he can afford it. Six thousand in gold, house rent, perquisites thrown in.” And Doctor Hall with a pair of spanking horses, a tall, large formed man, with a jockey cap on his head, and in a spider wagon, rolls out of sight toward Harlem river.
Twenty years ago a minister in New York could not have kept a span of fast horses and his pulpit besides. The world moves. There comes Corey with Mountain Maid and Kentucky Mare. He preaches in a little church on Murray Hill; but it is one of the most elegant chapels in New York. He is an eager driver and loves the road. “Vanderbilt will die soon from an affection of the heart.” “Why so?” “Didn’t you know he gave Corey the Mountain Maid? She is worth $10,000.” Behind is a gentleman in earnest conversation with Harry. “Something to drink?” “Yes, but the fact is, my minister is with me.” “Well invite him to take something.” “Bless me! I wouldn’t do that for the world!” “Let me see him,” Harry says. “Point him out to me. That’s him with the cap on? Pshaw! I have seen him before.” Harry goes up to the divine, and to the question, Will you join Mr. — in something to drink, the answer is, “Certainly I will,” and the parties reach the bar, glasses jingle, and the pulpit and pew understand each other better. “It was a long time before I could get my minister to take a ride with me on the road,” said a party on the left. “He consented one day, and I drove only a fair pace, to his great terror. Grasping the seat convulsively, he kept crying out, ‘Don’t! please don’t! Do hold up! Don’t drive so fast!’ After the second round he sat up erect. On the third he intimated that a horse was gaining on me. Before the drive closed he became so excited that he shouted, ‘Take care! He’ll go by you.’ And so the conversation continued till the teams were brought round, and the parties were on the road again.

A Good Day.

It matters not how the majority of the Sabbath-keepers in Battle Creek, found themselves on the shore of the beautiful lake about a mile and a half south of this city, on Sunday, May 22. Suffice it to say that they did find themselves there, at a seasonable hour in the forenoon, provided with two of our camp-meeting tents, as a safeguard against any sudden obliquity on the part of the weather, each family furnished with a basket of hygienic provisions for dinner, and all in a state of body and mind to appreciate, and enjoy a day of Christian recreation. The object of the occasion was to get good, not to lose it, to spend a day in such a manner as to enjoy respite from labor and still at its close to find ourselves, not destitute of the spirituality and clearness of conscience, which we had at its commencement, but refreshed in spirit, with a conscience void of offense toward God and man, and better prepared to engage with confidence in the work of the Lord; in other words to spend such an occasion as it should be spent, extracting the good, and coming out of it free from that barrenness of soul which always results from a season of nonsense and frivolity.
Viewed from this standpoint, and judged according to this standard, the occasion was one of encouraging success. There was a gratifying absence of fun and vanity, chaff and nonsense, so common with many, the young especially, at the present day.
All seemed more or less to realize that they had sober realities of life to deal with, and responsibilities of earnest Christian work to discharge; yet they did not act as though their “religion did not agree with them.” It was a season of good cheer.
The forenoon was mostly taken up with remarks from different ones on the subject of health reform, relating experience and imparting instruction on that important subject. After a suitable intermission and a pleasant repast, meeting was again resumed, and the time filled up with songs of praise, prayer and exhortation on the great themes of Christian life.
We might dwell on many of the enjoyable features of the occasion; the lovely day, the pleasant grove, the enlivening scene, the cheerful associations. But with these the reader is not so much concerned. Those who enjoyed them will give them a prominent niche among their pleasant memories; while the reader will be thankful for some of the good things said on the occasion. We are therefore happy to present in another column the remarks of sister White, on Christian recreation, which will be as interesting and instructive to those who read them at their homes, as to us who heard them in the leafy grove.
The remarks of Bro. Ertzenberger added interest to the occasion, both forenoon and afternoon. Other testimonies were borne, when the time having come to conclude the exercises, we returned to our homes pleased and profited with the day's doings.

The Inheritance.

By John Matteson

The inheritance is incorruptible, 1 Pet. 1:4. The crown of immortality decks the brow of happy saints in glory. The cold embrace of death shall chill the heart no more. The ghastly form no more shall meet the eye of the bereaved mother; nor cause the bitter tears of the orphan to flow; nor tear asunder the tender cords of friendship and love. Incorruptible inheritance! Glorious crown of life! Thy heavenly splendor charms my heart.
The inheritance is undefiled. Sin can never stain the heavenly garments. Troubled soul, there is peace! The world and the devil surround you with snares. Temptations cause a continual warfare. But in the kingdom of Heaven is peace eternal and undisturbed. There the Prince of peace will lead his people as a shepherd his flock, in the rich pastures, to the ever-flowing fountains.
The heavenly inheritance can never fade. Here winter comes, so long and cold. The green groves fade, and the beautiful flowers wither and die. All the beauty of earth passes away, like a fading garment. And the gloomy night of tribulation is near. The tribulation of the last days. A greater tribulation than this, earth has ever witnessed. Like a Siberian winter will it close the long year of corruption. The night cometh, but also the morning. The eternal morn is beyond the night. It brings the never-fading inheritance. The immortal flowers of Paradise can never fade. The rustling leaves no more portend the swift approach of winter.
O world! how deceitful thou art. Depart from my soul with thy perishing beauty. Draw near, dear Saviour, with the beautiful Paradise. Fill my heart with thy heavenly treasures. Keep me by the power of God through faith unto the glorious salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
Rays of light from the world of glory! Celestial bliss beyond all comprehension! I go to dwell in the heavenly city; to walk with Jesus in the streets of gold; to see the beautiful mansions in my Father's house. Dear reader, will you go with us to Jesus? Will you go with us to the heavenly country, to the city of our God?
JOHN MATTESON.

How are we Receiving it?

By H. C. Miller

We mean the testimony of the Lord. This is a question of importance for all to decide. There are two ways in which it can be received: in meekness which is the right way, and in pride and stubbornness of heart, which is the wrong way. Those who receive it in meekness will think on their ways, comparing them with the testimony given, and will turn their feet into the way of such testimony. Those who are proud and stubborn, will bow with the others in prayer, will ask God to show them his will, and give them light as to their duty, but all the while the spirit in the heart is to do their own ways; and if the Lord sees fit to speak to them, they are ready to rebel against his word and to say of God's humble servant, “The Lord hath not spoken by you. Thou speakest falsely.”
We would call attention to the prophecy of Jeremiah, chapters 43 and 45. Here is a remarkable instance recorded, illustrative of the course and end of those who do thus. We cannot make the case clearer by any comments, than it is made in the text. The points may be summed up in few words. The remnant that escaped being carried to Babylon got the idea into their mind that it would be a fine thing to put themselves under the protection of the king of Egypt. So under the leadership of Azariah, Johanan, and others, they wait on the prophet to make a pretense of learning his (God's) will. They say, verse 3, “That the Lord thy God may show us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do.”
The sequel shows they had fully determined what they would do, and they sought the Lord not to learn what to do but to get his consent to what they were already decided upon. God told them to abide in the land and he would bless them; verse 7-12; but if they went to Egypt the sword, famine, and pestilence would be their portion. God knew the future of Egypt. He knew that it was to be the spoil, in a very short time, of the king of Babylon. He would have his people come under the dominion of Babylon in his own way, and so as to prove for their best good. But this was not the purpose of the people. They were going to Egypt any how. And they dissembled in their hearts when they came to Jeremiah. See verse 20. God gave them a plain testimony through Jeremiah. Did they heed it? Perhaps if God had thundered from heaven, or with his own mighty voice had spoken directly to them, they might have paid some little attention. But he spoke through a humble man; and would they believe a man, though Heaven-sent! They were too proud to humbly receive and obey his message.
But we read, “And it came to pass, that when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking unto all the people all the words of the Lord their God, for which the Lord their God had sent him to them, even all these words, then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men [mark this, it is the proud men who talk thus; and we know their end, see Mal. 4:1] saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the Lord our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there. But Baruch the son of Neriah setteth thee on against us, for to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans, that they might put us to death, and carry us away captives into Babylon.” Jer. 43:1-3.
But I need not say more. They obeyed not, but went over to the king of Egypt, forcing Jeremiah to go with them. Their end is recorded. It will be profitable to all to read carefully the record in these chapters from the fortieth onward. But especially would we commend it to the careful attention of those who are of a proud heart, and who have been reproved by the Lord through his chosen instrument, and who feel in their hearts to say: “I do not believe it is God who says thus, but you speak the thoughts of your own mind.” As my mind dwells upon it, I am exceedingly moved. Those words, “and all the proud men,” make a strong impression upon my mind. I contrast the course of these men with that of humble king David, 2 Sam. 12:13. 1 Chron. 20:9-13, &c. Hear his reply; hear his experience. He does not say to the prophets, The Lord has not said it, but you have said it. He says “Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors,” “I have stuck [adhered closely, clung fast] unto thy testimonies: O Lord put me not to shame.” Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.” “Incline my heart unto thy testimonies.” “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.” Ps. 119. Yes, David did this always when reproved. I think it the best way, Lord help me to think on my ways and turn my feet unto thy testimonies; and give me my portion not with all the proud men who choose to go into Egypt, but with the meek and humble ones who are to inherit the land. H. C. MILLER. Battle Creek, Mich.

Are the Roman Catholics United?

By Dudley Marvin Canright

CATHOLICS are constantly pointing to the divisions and disputes among Protestants, and contrasting this with the unity and oneness which they assert everywhere exists among Catholics. But this is a false claim. Divisions, contentions, and fierce and heated disputes have always existed, and do now exist, among them. True, they all belong to one church and one communion; but this is about the extent of their unity.
The following facts I gather from Mosheim's Ecclesiastical History, vol. 3, pp. 106–108.
1. The Catholics are divided respecting the extent and magnitude of the power of a Roman pontiff. This point is now under fierce dispute.
2. They are divided respecting the extent and prerogatives of the church.
3. They are divided respecting the nature, operation, and necessity of divine grace.
4. They are divided respecting original sin, the natural power of man to obey the divine law.
5. They are divided respecting the nature of God's eternal decrees in regard to the salvation of men.
6. They are divided respecting many points of morality and rules of conduct.
7. They are divided respecting the administration of the sacraments.
8. They are divided respecting the right method of training Christians.
This list might be extended indefinitely if we were to notice as small points as often make disputes and divisions among Protestants; so that really the Catholics can claim no superiority in this respect.
D. M. CANRIGHT.

The Blessing of Sorrow

TRULY is life akin to grief—and how necessary is it to our nature! As the light consumes the inanimate substance it rests upon, so that it requires the night to restore what is lost during the day, thus does prosperity fatten upon what is best within us, only to be restored by the dark blessing of sorrow.

Camp-meeting in the State of New York.

By John Nevins Andrews

A PORTION of the Camp-meeting Committee, viz., Brn. Lindsay, Abbey, Walsworth and Kinne, have just met for consultation relative to the place of the Camp-meeting in this State. After looking at the old ground near Kirkville, and also the ground used by the Methodists, near Manlius, the committee visited Oneida, and were so much impressed with the advantages of that place as to decide that our Camp-meeting this year shall be holden there.
Oneida is an important station on the N. Y. Central R. R., at which all trains, except one, regularly stop. It is also the point at which the Midland R. R. crosses the Central. The ground selected is within one half mile of the Central depot, and is still nearer to that of the Midland. All supplies can be obtained in Oneida.
The grove is small, but sufficient to fully shade the congregation. The circumstances seem to be very favorable, and the committee think this to be a providential opening for our meeting.
As to the time, it is hoped that it may be held as early as the middle or last of August. We wish to respect the convenience of our brethren in other States, and also to secure the labors of Dr. and Sr. White. We cannot, then, at this time, more definitely fix the date of the meeting.
Tents can be hired in Rochester at the following prices: Tents 24 ft. by 30, for $15.00; 16 by 24, for $8.00; 12 by 17 for $5.00; 9 by 12 for $2.50.
Those hiring tents will have to pay the freight to and from the place of meeting.
The churches in N. Y. and Pa. will please address J. M. Lindsay, Olcott, Niagara Co., N. Y., stating what sized tent they will have. This should be attended to immediately. J. N. ANDREWS.

The Promised Life.

By R. F. Cottrell

Is it literal, or figurative? Is eternal life continued conscious existence? or, are all sure of that, and hence the life promised is happiness in contradistinction from misery?
We quote one text: “He that loveth his life shall lose it; but he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” John 12:25.
It is difficult to give the word life in this short passage a variety of significations. That which is hated, or lightly esteemed, in this world, is that which shall be enjoyed in the future world. Is it happiness? Are not Christians required to lay their literal lives upon the altar, and, if need be, literally sacrifice them, as the martyrs have done? And does not the text promise the same thing to them that they sacrificed in this world?
Life in a world that is free from sorrow and pain, embraces all the happiness that such a world affords. Hence, life is the best term to express the whole. But if all are sure of life, happiness and misery are terms preferable to life and death, to express the reward and punishment that await us in the world to come. Why were they not chosen by inspiration?
R. F. COTTRELL.

The Value of Good Temper

No trait of character is more valuable than the possession of good temper. Home can never be made happy without it. It is like flowers springing up in our pathway, reviving and cheering us. Kind words and looks are the outward demonstration; patience and forbearance are the sentinels within.

“Be Shod with a Preparation of the Gospel.” Eph. 6:15.

By M. W. Howard

How few of those who profess to receive the Bible as the “rule of faith and practice,” do really equip themselves with what the apostle calls, “The whole armor of God.” In nothing perhaps is this deficiency more apparent, than the one under consideration, and its kindred admonition “Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Verse 17. If the word of God does furnish something to meet all the various phases of human life, as well as doctrines and innovation, how wise to fix the conviction in every mind, that this gospel armor is to be firmly secured to our persons each part in its appropriate place.
But such a preparation may not be obtained by that indolent reception of knowledge, transmitted from one to another, so prevalent at this day; but by putting forth that mental effort which is needful, whenever we would grasp an important idea and make it fully our own. The word preparation implies, that we should have performed a previous work, that we may be forestalled for a coming onset, just as the word provide, in the injunction, “Provide things honest in the sight of all men,” implies a fore casting, or looking forward to see the bearing of our doings, “that our good be not evil spoken of.” — M. W. HOWARD.

THE HARDEST TIME OF ALL.

There are days of deepest sorrow In the season of our life; There are wild, despairing moments, There are hours of mental strife. There are hours of stony anguish, When the tears refuse to fall; But the waiting time my brothers, Is the hardest time of all.
Youth and love are oft impatient, Seeking things beyond their reach; And the heart grows sick with hoping, Ere it learns what life can teach. For, before the fruit be gathered, We must see the blossoms fall; And the waiting time my brothers, Is the hardest time of all.
Loving once and loving ever, It is sad to watch for years For the light whose fitful shining Makes a rainbow of our tears. It is sad to count at morning All the hours to evenfall; Oh! the waiting time, my brothers, Is the hardest time of all.
We can hear the heat of conflict, Though the sudden crashing blow, Beating back our gathered forces, For a moment lay us low. We may rise again beneath it, None the weaker for our fall; But the waiting time, my brothers, Is the hardest time of all.
For it wears the eager spirit, As the salt waves wear the stone, And hope's gorgeous garb grows threadbare, Till its brightest tints are gone. Then amid youth's radiant tresses, Silent snows begin to fall; Oh! the waiting time, my brothers, Is the hardest time of all.
Yet at last we learn the lesson, That God knoweth what is best, And a silent resignation Makes the spirit calm and blest: For, perchance a day is coming, For the changes of our fate, When our hearts will thank Him meekly That he taught us how to wait.

Our Heavenly Home.

By L. E. Miller

In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you. What pen can portray the joys of our heavenly home? How transporting the thought that we are nearing that blessed home of perfect rest. The long, dark night of sorrow is almost over. The morning soon will dawn. That blessed day when Christ, our adorable Redeemer, will come to take his weary children home to those bright mansions, in our Father's house, is at hand.
When by faith we survey the beautiful city, how our hearts swell with rapture at the thought that we are almost there. As we near the golden city, its heavenly breezes refresh our weary souls, and we drink of the waters of life now freely flowing.
How sweet the thought that there our joys are everlasting. Forever with the Lord! Crowns of unfading glory shall be ours, and we shall be kings and priests unto God. Delightful employment! Our songs of redeeming grace and Jesus' dying love will never end.
As we obtain a glimpse of those glorious mansions, how this poor world recedes from our sight. How vain each earthly treasure. All, all, are passing away. But we have a house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens. Then let us look up; for our redemption draweth nigh. The gates of the celestial city will soon be opened for the righteous nation who have kept the truth to enter in.
“Where beauty smiles eternally, And pleasure never dies.”
L. E. MILLER.
Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Sabbath Observance.

By Charles P. Whitford

There are but few commands of divine origin and authority so little understood, and so lightly esteemed, as that which enjoins the universal obligation to “remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy.” The Sabbath, by many, is looked upon as a Jewish institution, and therefore having no claims on men now. Nothing could be more false. The Sabbath never was a Jewish institution, except incidentally. It was ordained when man was made; because, as the Saviour declared, it “was made for man.” It existed before the Jews; but when the law of special dispensation was given to them, as a special people, then the Sabbath law was repeated as one of the ten commands. But it was before all races, and all systems, and will remain to the end of time a human necessity, and one of the wisest and most merciful of the Creator’s appointments.
While man’s physical needs and necessities demand one day of rest in seven, yet the religious claims and benefits of the Sabbath deserve a higher regard than any of a merely temporal character. The best spiritual welfare of man, as well as the best interests of society, are intimately connected with a due appreciation and proper observance of the Sabbath. In every heart, in the sanctuary of every home, on all the customs of society, on business and pleasure, in high places and low, should be written, as of divine authority and for human good, to be revered, loved and obeyed, “Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy.”
CHARLES P. WHITFORD.

“Distinction in Heaven.”

By Miner Lamb

It was said of John the Baptist, “Of them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John, notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.” Matt. 11:11. The word least in this verse should be rendered “lesser;” and it refers to the Lord who was six months younger than John whose fame also at that time was greater than that of Jesus. It was said also to confirm the faith of the disciples in him as the Messiah. The figure of speech called deiktikos, or pointing to oneself, was very common in those days. It is quite a different word from least in Matt. 5:19: Whosoever shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. The word translated least in Matt. 11:11, is translated less in Mark 4:31, where there is no article, and least in Matt. 13:32, where there is the article. The Greek Concordance gives only those three places where that word is used. In Matt. 13:32, it would have been better translated lesser, for it is improbable that the mustard seed was the least known seed in the East. It was considered comparatively, and not superlatively, in the Hellenic or Greek-Testament dialect, whatever may have been its use in other Greek dialects. The enemies of the Sabbath have plenty to say about salvation by free grace, but never any thing about being counted worthy to stand before the Son of Man. When the mother of Zebedee’s children invoked Christ for her sons, Christ did not deny there were distinctions in Heaven, but that to sit on his right hand and on his left would be given to those for whom it was prepared.
INER LAMB.
Vineland, N. J.

Confession and Return to the Truth

By H. W. Decker

From Bro. Decker:

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: In view of my past course in connection with the present truth, I esteem it a privilege to say a few words to you at this time. As many of you are aware that I have once given up the truth, I wish to name some of the causes by way of confession, and as a warning to others.
I first neglected secret prayer. This soon caused me to begin to lose my interest in the truth. And very soon I acquired a taste for light and fictitious reading. Then a spirit of fault finding came in, which tended still further to destroy my spirituality. Still I had a high regard for the truth and for those who presented it. It seemed too sacred for me to have any connection with.
I finally began to look with favor upon secret societies, and to cherish a desire to join them. I accordingly joined the Free Masons and Odd Fellows. I now publicly renounce all such connections, considering them snares of the devil. During this time I tried to give up the truth; but a conviction I could not shake off still held me. I then began to look around for an easier way, and to find a people who lived according to a lower standard. I found the first-day Adventists to be a people of this kind, and so tried to persuade myself that walking according to their standard would be sufficient.
When I gave up the Sabbath I had suffered my judgment to become so perverted as to consider that I had reasons for it; yet I never could feel entirely satisfied. I felt, as expressed in the message, that they have no rest day nor night who worship the beast and his image.
Like all those who are upon the enemy's ground and subject to his temptations, I conceived a prejudice against Bro. and Sr. White. I spoke against the visions; but on grounds which were never really satisfactory to myself. I could never wholly disbelieve them. All that I have ever said against Bro. and Sr. W., I deeply regret and wish to take back. I consider that I have had no occasion for saying what I have. I am perfectly satisfied in regard to the Testimonies of Sr. White, that they are from the Lord.
And now in regard to all others, as far as I have injured individuals and have used my influence against them, I will as soon as possible, and as far as possible, make everything straight with them.
To those who were here from the West, at our late Conference, especially the ministers, I would say that I misrepresented matters in regard to the course of the church in Monroe touching my case, being willing to let it appear that they were responsible for my not being in fellowship with them, to shield myself from blame. To do this I kept back the fact that I was willing to have my name dropped, and had even requested them to drop it.
With sincere regret for my past wrong in giving up, and the evils that naturally followed, and asking forgiveness of my brethren and the Lord, I have taken a firmer stand than ever on the truth. I have made a complete surrender, and feel more freedom and strength than ever before. I feel entirely satisfied and clear on every point of the truth; and I ask an interest in the prayers of the church that I may be able to maintain the stand I have taken.
H. W. DECKER.
Battle Creek, Mich.

A Call for Gospel Preaching

Sr. H. Crandall writes from Washington Co., Ohio: If some one would come here and preach the truth of God, it would cheer our hearts and I think do good. We are trying to keep the Sabbath, and not only that, but all the commandments of God. I want to live right and do those things that please God. I feel lonely here. No one seems to see and feel as I do, in this place, about the coming of the Saviour. Sometimes I long to behold him coming.

Sabbath Law in Iowa

By P. W. Baker

From Bro. Baker.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: As I read through the REVIEW what the Lord is doing for his people in leading them on in the strait and narrow way that leads to life, and how others are embracing the present truth by perusal of those silent messengers, the tracts, it makes my heart rejoice, and I feel to thank God that he ever opened my eyes to the truth. Oh, how strait the way to life! I want to be an overcomer. I see that I have a great work to do to be prepared for the soon coming of our blessed Saviour to gather his saints home. I believe we are near the end; that our trials, if we are faithful, will soon be over. Hold on a little longer brethren and the great Deliverer will come; for he has promised in his word to come again; and our Saviour says, Heaven and earth shall pass away but my word shall not pass away. We see the signs fast fulfilling. My eye has just caught sight of an article in the Jasper Bulletin which I will copy that you may see what feeling prevails in this section. It is as follows:
“As a warning for the benefit of certain persons who are in the habit of disturbing the quiet of our little city on the Sabbath day we quote below the law:
“Be it enacted by the general Assembly of the State of Iowa that if any person be found on the first day of the week, commonly called Sabbath, engaging in any riot, fighting, or offering to fight, or hunting, shooting, carrying fire arms, fishing, horse racing, dancing, or in any way or manner disturbing any worshiping assembly, or private family, or buying or in selling property of any kind, or in labor, he is subject to a fine and imprisonment.”
There are only two families of Sabbath-keepers here. Could not some messenger come this way. May the Lord speed the time when the great salvation shall be wrought.
Yours in hope of the kingdom. P. W. BAKER.
NOTE. We do not know that the above was inserted in the Bulletin in reference to Sabbath-keepers. But we would here take occasion to say that we think Sabbath-keepers should be particularly careful not to do anything which could be construed into disturbance by their Sunday-keeping neighbors. Nothing is lost in respecting the feelings and opinions of those around us, so far as we can do so without compromising the truth or our profession of it. Of course, if an unfriendly feeling exists in the community, it will be almost impossible to avoid the charge of wilfully disturbing and annoying them. But if a person is conscious of perfect innocence in this respect, and then takes the accusations patiently, this, according to Peter, will be “acceptable with God.”—Ed.

MRS. I. H. ARCHER

By Mrs. I. H. Archer

From Sr. Archer.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Although a stranger to most of you, I trust that I am not a stranger to our blessed Saviour, but rejoice to-day that for the last few years it has been my privilege to form an acquaintance with the sinner's Friend; and oh, what a friend! Who would exchange him for a thousand worlds like this!
“As by the light of opening day The stars are all concealed, So earthly pleasures fade away, When Jesus is revealed.”
I once enjoyed the pleasures of earth; but this world has lost all charms for me. And why should we who have identified ourselves with the poor despised company who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and who are confidently expecting that our Saviour is so soon to come, still cling to the things of earth, or think it hard that we must give up the customs of the world, and thus be a peculiar people, holy and acceptable unto the Lord? For one, I can truly say that I am willing to give all for Christ, and that is nothing in comparison with what he has given for me.
I praise him especially for the health reform. Instead of a cross, it is a pleasure, to take that course which is conducive to health. And what an aid in gaining the victory over selfishness and impatience! I fully believe that to be accepted of God we must deny self and be willing to be saved in his appointed way. But how many are letting self stand in the way. How much this has been the case with me! To all such let me say, Make the sacrifice, deny self; and the rich blessing of God will amply repay for all denial. Better the approving smile of God than all this world can give. How inexpressibly sweet to feel from day to day our acceptance with him. As the way grows narrow my determination increases to walk in it. My faith and hope grow stronger, and I know that my Father's promise is sure. In our own strength we can do nothing, but in the strength of Israel's God I believe we can go up and possess the goodly land.
My humble prayer shall be that none who now love the truth may give it up and return to the world, but that God may add to our numbers such as shall be saved.

MRS. I. H. ARCHER

Addison Co., Vt.

A Resolve to Live the Truth

By L J. Geroy

SR. L J. GEROY writes from Kent Co., Mich.: I feel thankful for the light of present truth. It is my desire to live up to what I profess to believe. I thank God for the privileges I enjoyed the past week, in listening to the burning truths as preached by the servants of the Lord at the dedication of the new S. D. A. house of worship in Wright.
I have resolved to profit by what I there heard, to exemplify the religion of Jesus Christ, in my daily walk and conversation. I mean to double my diligence, and be more watchful and prayerful; and to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord. It is my desire to let my light so shine that others by seeing my good works, may glorify my Father which is in Heaven. I feel a stronger determination to get the truth more firmly fixed in my heart, that every act and thought may be pure in the sight of my Redeemer. I feel that it is high time to wake out of sleep, and gird on the whole armor of God. I most sincerely believe that we are living in the very close of time, and I do most earnestly pray that we as a people may not be deceived. Let us take heed to our ways, that we sin not with our lips. Oh! let us not neglect the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is, but let us be oftentimes at the house of God, exhorting one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching. I feel in earnest in this work of preparation. To meet my dear Saviour in peace is my greatest desire. I want to ever feel the sanctifying influence of the truth as advocated by the Seventh-day Adventists. We have the truth, and it is that that will condemn us or justify us in the last great day. Finally, dear brethren and sisters, let us take courage in this good and glorious work. Let our every-day lives preach to the world, that we believe that Jesus is soon coming, and that we are preparing for the great event. Oh! that I with you, may be of that unspeakably happy company, who shall find a secure hiding place, in the pavilion of the Lord, in the day of his fierce anger.

R. C. HIGHT

By R. C. Hight

From Sister Hight.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Six years ago this spring, we heard the third angel's message from Bro. Cornell. Since that time, I have been trying to keep all the commandments, without ever having one doubt but that this is the way; and I can say to-day, "Oh! how love I Thy law!" As I have been trying to follow the light which has been increasing, and to keep pace with the people of God, I find it requires decision, self-denial, and bearing the cross. I feel thankful that it is my privilege to bear reproach and to suffer for the truth's sake, and with what ardor and zeal should we, who have come into the truth at this late hour, labor, lest we have not time to get ready for the Judgment. While those who lead in this work, toil and suffer, why should we complain of the hardness of the way? Such, probably, will never go through. With such the Lord is not well pleased. Where is the enduring hardness like a good soldier? What are the fruits? What is the example? Oh! brethren and sisters of Maine, we need to come up to the help of the Lord, lest he get weary of us and forsake us. Let us arouse. Let us labor to enter into the rest that remains. Shall the love of the world, the cares of life, and the deceitfulness of riches, kill out all the words of life in the heart and so we lose the eternal inheritance?
While I've been writing I could say, Bless the Lord, O my soul, for all his goodness to me. I have been sick, but the Lord has raised me up; and while one said the other day I should die an infidel, because of my believing such "strange things," I expect instead to live till the Lord comes. But whether I live or die, I hope I may be the Lord's; and while I think I stand, I would take heed, lest I fall.

R. C. HIGHT

Somerset Co., Me.

Be in Earnest in the Lord's Service

BRO. J. A. Munger writes from Saginaw Co., Mich. I feel that it is of the utmost importance that we be in earnest in the service of our Lord and Master; that we make a wise improvement of the time that God in his mercy has given us to prepare for eternal life. May the Lord forbid that any of us should so lose sight of our eternal interests as to be found like the five foolish virgins with our lamps gone out. I feel for one that I cannot afford to lose eternal life.

A Call for Brother Sanborn’s Return

By L. E. Sutliff

SR. L. E. SUTLIFF writes from LaCrosse Co., Wis.: Though few in numbers yet we feel encouraged to try to keep the whole law of God, and the faith of Jesus, hoping to be heirs of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, when he shall appear to gather those who are found faithful.
Many feel anxious for Bro. Sanborn to return to this people, that the good begun work may spread much farther and many more be brought into the fold of Christ, while probation still lingers.
I believe Bro. Sanborn has many friends here, notwithstanding some have attempted to destroy the little good that has resulted from his labors among the people. The Lord never forgets his cause. And he will have a people on the earth when he comes.
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