AT the business proceedings of the fourth special session of the General Conference, held in Battle Creek, Mich. April 17–21 matters of great interest were discussed; the principal points of which appear in the following resolutions.
Remarks were made by different members of the Conference on the importance of caring for churches already raised up rather than neglecting these, and reaching out to raise up new companies. It was therefore resolved,
1. That we urge our ministers not to leave new converts and churches immediately after they have embraced the message; but to visit them often and regularly till they are thoroughly settled in all the truth and organized, and all are gathered in who can be reached.
2. That we believe it is wisdom to make a special effort to add to small, weak companies, instead of leaving them to die out while raising up similar companies in new fields to in turn be left in like manner.
3. That in order to save time and traveling expenses, and make each minister responsible for the completion of his own work, we recommend that, as far as practicable, each minister be assigned a definite field in which to labor for at least one year.
The chairman introduced the subject of the cause in Alabama, referring to several letters received from that State calling for help. In view of the situation of the cause there, it was voted that Eld. C. O. Taylor, as he is laboring in Georgia, be hereby requested to visit the brethren in Alabama, and make that for the present a part of his field of labor.
On the subject of the tithing system it was urged that the duty of paying a tithe of our income to the cause of the Lord has been shown by unanswerable arguments from the Scriptures to be binding upon us, and this practice, where it has been adopted, has proved a most gratifying success, resulting in improving the financial condition of our Conferences, therefore it was resolved,
That we earnestly request our brethren everywhere to take their stand fully and heartily upon this system, believing that it will not only improve the financial condition of the cause, but bring a great blessing to themselves personally.
It was also presented that as some fail to pay the Lord's tithe as received, but use it for themselves, hoping to meet the obligation at the close of the quarter, and thus frequently, by inability to pay at the appointed time cause trial to themselves, burdens to the financial officers, and so far a virtual failure of the plan, it was resolved,
That all our brethren and sisters should regard it their duty to tithe all their income at the time they receive it.
The subject of the European mission was introduced by J. N. Andrews. He spoke of the difficulties under which laborers in foreign fields are placed, while the General Conference Committee are so scattered, and are so overburdened with other duties. He proposed that there be an officer selected to fill a place corresponding in some respects to the Secretary of the Missionary Boards of other denominations; and he therefore accordingly moved that an officer as above designated be selected, who shall inform himself fully in reference to all the foreign work, and be prepared to respond to the communications of laborers in foreign fields without delay; this action being considered temporary, subject to rejection or confirmation at the next annual session of the Conference.—Carried.
A motion being made that the General Conference Committee select a man to act in the capacity indicated in the foregoing motion; the motion was amended by designating W. C. White as said officer, and as amended was then passed.
Resolutions were introduced approving of the creation of a "Home and Foreign Educational Fund," to assist worthy young men and women to prepare themselves for missionary work, and it was recommended that all our people contribute toward this object; said fund to be under the control of the General Conference Committee.
After some remarks to this resolution, it was adopted.
The Sabbath-school work and tract and missionary interests in Michigan requiring more especial attention than can be rendered by the presidents and proper officers of these organizations, it was therefore resolved that this Conference hereby recommend that W. C. White visit the churches, as far as consistent with his other duties, in the interest of the Sabbath-school and missionary work.
It appearing evident that the labors of Bro. Haskell are very much needed at the present time on the Pacific coast, it was therefore resolved that he visit immediately California, Oregon, and Nevada, to labor as long as in his judgment it may be necessary.
ELD. J. N. Andrews offered the following:—
Whereas, the ill health of our beloved Bro. White has made it impracticable for him to return to this part of the country to be present at this Conference, therefore
Resolved, That we express our deep sympathy for him in his affliction, and our great regret that we have been deprived of his counsel in our business, and his assistance at the dedication of our Tabernacle. We hold in grateful remembrance the faithful labors of Bro. and Sr. White, and shall never forget the debt of gratitude we owe to them.
This was unanimously and most heartily adopted by a rising vote of the whole congregation.
As the works of Sister White, which of late have been introduced into some of our churches throughout the various State Conferences, have already accomplished much good, therefore resolved
That we earnestly recommend the presidents of our State Conferences, and the directors of all our T. and M. districts to use every proper effort to introduce these works into all our churches throughout the country.
A committee of three was appointed to act with the General Conference Committee to consider the question of the republication of Experience and Views, and of the testimonies, and the circulation of the writings of Sister White.
This committee recommended that the testimonies be kept always in print. And in consideration of the fact that the best and easiest way to remove prejudice against the writings and special work of Sister White is the free circulation of her books, we further recommend that our brethren everywhere, and the ministers especially, supply themselves with one or more copies of the "Life of Christ Library" to loan to those who would be benefited by the perusal of those works.
It was resolved and adopted that we request the General Conference Committee to select from all parts of the country the most suitable of our young people, to be educated at our College for the missionary work, whether home or foreign. In all cases such young persons should be educated at the expense of their own friends so far as this is possible; but where necessary they should receive assistance, either from our missionary fund or from their own church or Conference, as the General Conference Committee may advise.
Since the spiritual prosperity of our churches depends largely upon the watchcare of their respective Conferences; and this watchcare to a great degree, depends upon a correct understanding of the condition of their churches, therefore it was resolved that the elder or leader of each church be hereby requested to make a report of the spiritual standing of his church to the President of the Conference, immediately after each quarterly meeting.
As the influence among the youth in the public schools and colleges of the land tends to corrupt our children, and cause them to lose their interest and confidence in present truth, therefore the resolution was passed, that we endeavor to impress upon our brethren the importance of sending their children to Battle Creek, to receive the educational and moral benefits offered at our College.
Whereas the Sanitarium is recognized by us as a denomination as an important institution, and one which may be the means of much good, and a valuable auxiliary to the carrying forward of our general work, and whereas this institution is by recent improvements furnished with facilities for largely increased usefulness, which have been supplied through the incurement of a large debt, it was resolved and adopted that we urge our people everywhere, and especially those engaged in tract and missionary work, to do all in their power, consistent with other duties, to extend the influence of the institution and to increase its patronage.
Resolutions on the foreign missions were introduced and adopted as follows:—
1. That we express our heartful thanks to God for the prosperity attending the Scandinavian missions, and the labors of our beloved Bro. Matteson in Christiana, Norway; and that we recognize in his success a cheering token of the approach of that time when all the earth will be lightened with the glory of the closing message.
2. That we have read with deep interest the earnest appeals for help made by Bro. Matteson to his American brethren; and that as we most earnestly desire, in the infancy of the work, to render all the assistance possible, consistent with the prosperity of the work in other important fields, we recommend Bro. Martin M. Olsen, of Wisconsin, to go to his assistance as a laborer at once, also Sr. Anna K. Rasmussen, to assist in the work of printing the paper and other publications.
3. That we recommend Bro. J. P. Jasperson to arrange his affairs to go to Bro. Matteson's assistance as soon as he can consistently leave the important field of Minnesota, and the providence of God shall open the way before him to go.
4. That we approve of Bro. Matteson's action in starting a paper in Christiana, and recommend that he continue to publish it in such manner as advised by the General Conference Committee.
5. That we advise Eld. Matteson to purchase the type and material necessary to the publication of the paper and our smaller tracts.
6. That we gladly recognize the hand of Providence in the openings appearing in Sweden for the spread of the truth, and in the conversion of some who promise to be helps to the cause in the future. And in view of the fact that there is no living preacher laboring there, we recommend Bro. Matteson to take a special interest in the cause in that country, and by correspondence or personal labor render all the assistance he can consistently with his other duties.
7. That we feel the deepest interest in the work in Italy and Egypt, and deeply sympathize with Dr. Ribton in his affliction.
8. That we advise Eld. Andrews, on his return to Europe, to visit England, Egypt, and Italy, and become acquainted with the progress of the work in these countries; and that as soon as the work in Switzerland will admit of his absence, he should also visit Denmark and Norway.
9. That we deem it desirable for Dr. Ribton to labor for a time with Eld. Andrews in Switzerland, if there be no plain duty to remain in Egypt; and that we favor the publication of an Italian paper as soon as practicable.
It was also recommended that immediate steps be taken for the publication of a German paper, either at Bale, or at Battle Creek, as the General Conference Committee may decide.
The subject of temperance was introduced and the following resolutions read:—
That whereas, we as a people profess to regard the principles of true health and temperance reform in their broadest sense as an important part of the system of truths which we hold and advocate, and as we believe that the interests of the general cause will be greatly forwarded by giving greater prominence to the subjects of health and temperance than has been done heretofore, therefore
Resolved that we commend the effort now being made among us to effect a general organization having for its object the promulgation of reformatory ideas on the subject of health and temperance, and encourage our people everywhere to take a hearty interest in the work, giving it their support and co-operation.
The committee on the Temperance Organization reported that they had no other plan than that proposed in the previous resolution, but would recommend that the initiation fee now charged for admission into the society should be so modified as not to stand in the way of those joining who would not be prepared at first to contribute to the funds of the society. The question being on the adoption of the previous resolution, after a little further discussion it was adopted.
Is Adventism Dangerous?
By Editor
If there is a manifestation of folly in any one thing above all others, it is in the course of the average secular newspaper when treating of religion and religious subjects.
In Pocasset, Mass., a most shocking murder was committed,—that of a child by its father, professedly in obedience to a "divine revelation." This is enough of itself to prove, what is currently stated, that the father is insane. But, unfortunately even for an insane man, he called himself a Second Adventist, and now the papers raise the cry of "A Dangerous Doctrine." The San Francisco Post gives the following notice:—
"What is to be done with the Second Adventists? They appear to be quite crazy in Massachusetts. Is religious fanaticism anyhow only a phase of madness?"
Perhaps it would please the Post, etc., to have them all hanged as murderers, or sent to insane asylums, because one who called himself so committed murder as a freak of his insanity! Was ever such charitable logic as this known?
In answer to about a score of questions on this subject we reply:—
1. Elder Haskell has just arrived here from the East. His home is in Massachusetts, and he has for years been President of that Conference, and is acquainted with every church of Seventh-day Adventists in that State. He informs us that there are none in Pocasset connected with us, and we have no friends or believers near there of the name of the persons who are implicated in this barbarity.
2. If they stand connected with any body of Adventists at all, we shall not lay this atrocity to the charge of that body, unless their religion leads them to indorse it, which we know it does not. We do not hold the Methodist denomination responsible for the action of a minister of that denomination who took the life of his wife some time since, in Illinois. It was contrary to their principles. But it would be just as reasonable to stigmatize the whole Methodist fraternity as criminals because of that act, as to reproach any class of Second Adventists with this.
3. We are willing to have the lives of Seventh-day Adventists in Massachusetts, California, or any other State, compared with the lives of any other class, religious or irreligious, and let that determine “what shall be done with the Second Adventists.”
4. We are not pleased with the illiberal spirit manifested by these papers. Scarcely a week passes but, somewhere in the country, a husband kills his wife, or a parent his child, not being insane, but temporarily and voluntarily under the influence of liquor; yet no call is made in these papers for a suppression of the traffic in liquor; they seek the favor of those who deal in it when their influence is needed to carry an election. They are not actuated by a spirit of disinterested humanity, but of partiality against a class of conscientious Bible believers.
5. Finally, they cannot show a single point of doctrine, held by the Second Adventists, which in any wise leads to insanity. The Camp-meetings of the Seventh-day Adventists which are now well known and largely attended, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, are proverbial for good order, and for freedom from that excitement which so often characterizes other meetings of that kind. Even the popular “revival” exceeds in disorder and confusion anything which can be found among us. Why, then, endeavor to make us responsible for the conduct of an insane man who acts, not in harmony with the precepts of the Bible, but under a hallucination, and directly contrary to the Bible?
Why not hold us to answer for the actions of Judas Iscariot? He was a follower of Christ, also!
The Closing Messages of the Gospel.
By R. F. Cottrell
NUMBER ONE.
THE apostles and primitive Christians were Second Adventists in the sense that they believed that the "same Jesus" with whom they had associated, listening to his gracious words and leaning upon his bosom, would "so come in like manner" as they had "seen him go into heaven," Acts 1:11, or, in other words, that he should "appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Heb. 9:28. They looked forward to this great event as that which should close probation and the preaching of the gospel, and bring the time of their reward. "Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Rev. 22:12. "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." Matt. 16:27.
Some supposed that the apostolic church looked for the coming of Christ immediately, or in their own day. It is possible that some did indulge this expectation; but if they did, they were corrected by the pen of inspiration, and cautioned against believing that that event was at hand. Speaking of it the apostle says, "Now we beseech you, brethren, by [concerning] the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together unto him, that ye neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition."
An apostasy from the truth was first to come which would result in the establishment of that wicked power prophesied of in Dan. 7:25, a power that was to persecute true believers, and bear rule for 1260 years. This must all pass, before they could scripturally expect the second coming. When the papacy was abolished by the French and the pope taken a prisoner of war in 1798, then the church might cherish the hope that the advent is drawing near; for this prophecy being fulfilled, this testimony of the apostle no longer forbids the expectation.
The argument of the apostle is simply this: Every prediction of the prophets must be fulfilled; hence all that is foretold as a part of the history of the church during her state of trial here until her great deliverance comes by the advent of the Saviour, must of necessity take place before that event shall come. This is plain and easy to be understood. Those events that were foretold as signs of Christ's coming must of necessity all appear before his coming. We know by signs fulfilled that his coming is near, even at the door; but he will not come till every event predicted in prophecy to precede his coming has transpired.
But there are messages of special warning to the world to be given before the coming of Christ. Rev. 14:6-12. These are promised, and they must come first. No one can consistently look for his coming immediately, unless they can point to the fulfillment of these warnings. We believe that the second coming is near, because, in addition to the fulfillment of other signs and prophecies, we can point to the fulfillment of these closing proclamations of warnings to mankind. It is the object of this writing to show that these warnings are being given. This is one of the most certain signs that the great final event is at hand. To those who profess to believe the event to be imminent—that it may come at once—we ask, Where are these promised warnings? Are they being fulfilled in the earth? If they are, you can give us the evidence; if they are not, all will have to wait for their appearing first, and then for the coming of the Son of man. Rev. 14:14. We shall attempt to show that these three messages have been announced in the given order, and that they are now being proclaimed to the nations of the earth; consequently, that the last scene in the great drama of human probation is already opened and being enacted!
Prophecy must have its fulfillment; but those who are blinded by unbelief will not see it until it is too late. It was so with the leaders in religion at the first advent of Christ. Paul truly said, "For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him." Acts 13:27. We need not expect that these last warnings will be fulfilled in such a manner as to compel all to believe them. If that should be the case, the day of wrath would not come unexpectedly, as the flood came in the days of Noah; but Jesus said that it would. Said he, "For as it was in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matt. 24:38, 39.
Many do not realize their unbelief; especially in respect to the fulfillment of prophecy. They suppose they have faith; yet they look upon the most simple, plain, and evident fulfillments, with doubt and unbelief. To those who are thus afflicted I would say for their encouragement, The Author of prophecy, and he alone, is responsible for its fulfillment. He will take care of that; and he will not deceive us, nor suffer trusting souls to be deceived by a false fulfillment. Therefore when predicted events occur in the proper time and order to correspond with the prophecy, it is the fulfillment; and it is perfectly safe to believe. If this were not so—if divine prophecies were not divinely guarded in their fulfillment—we should have no responsibility in the matter, and unbelief would be justifiable, and not a sin.
But we are responsible for our lack of faith. Unbelief is still a sin. Israel of old, many of them, failed of entering into their promised rest, because of unbelief; and we are exhorted and warned not to fall after the same example of unbelief. See Heb. 3:12-19; 4:1-11. The apostle Peter says, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed." 2 Peter 1:19. He also teaches us to "be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets." Ch. 3:2. And of the book of Revelation it is said, "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein." Rev. 1:3.
The strongest evidence that can be given of the fulfillment of prophecy is the fact that the events foretold take place just as it was foretold that they should. And when events transpire so perfectly in harmony with the predictions, and thus prove that we cannot show a disagreement, and thus prove that they are not the fulfillment, we are bound to accept of them as the genuine fulfillment. Let the reader bear this self-evident rule in mind, and apply it in the case of the prophecy under consideration; and if you cannot prove that we are wrong in what we claim as its fulfillment, accept of it as truth; and you may feel a perfect confidence that your faith is founded in the infallible word of God, the sure word of prophecy.
Whenever these final warnings are proclaimed to mankind, as promised in the prophecy, they will be the all-important truth for the time. Nothing else can be of such thrilling interest; for eternal consequences will depend upon the course men take with reference to them. If it is barely possible that these judgment messages are being proclaimed in our own time, it is a subject which demands our most earnest and careful examination. To be indifferent to it is to trifle in regard to our eternal destiny. Let us then give the subject the prayerful consideration which its importance demands, and not remain in willing ignorance, and as the consequence; have the day of the Lord come upon us as the flood upon the antediluvians. R. F. COTTRELL.
My Step-Mother.
"I WONDER what papa has gone to Glenville so soon again for. Do you know, Mrs. Allen?" I asked of the lady who had acted as housekeeper in our family for the four years we three children had been written "motherless."
"I did not ask him," she replied.
Her evasive answer increased my suspicions, and after twirling my napkin for a moment, I said:—
"Well, we sometimes know the reason of things, and therefore are not obliged to ask for information." After a moment's silence she replied:—
"No, Nellie; I do not know for what purpose your father visits Glenville."
"But you strongly suspect," I persisted, "and so do I. Do you not?"
"If so, I do not think best to say anything about it."
Two days after, papa returned, and after tea, we gathered in the parlor, for papa is a lawyer and did not stay in his office evenings. Mrs. Allen took her knitting, Florie was embroidering, and I took up a magazine, but not to read. I had told Florie that the next time papa asked me to sing I should sing the piece called, "I cannot call her mother," and as I was momentarily expecting such a request, I was trying to get up courage to do so. But papa sat in his easy chair, with his head thrown back and his eyes closed. I stole a look at him and whispered to Florie, "Doubtless papa is thinking of the fascinating lady who is to be the future Mrs. Gordon." Before Florie could reply, papa opened his eyes and asked me to play, and I arose with a little fluttering of the heart to do so. I took up a pile of music in order to gain time, and looked it over, then laying it down upon the music stand I struck the first note of the prelude of the piece I had said I would play. Before I began the words Mrs. Allen left the room. She knew what it was, and thought it might lead to remarks that she would not like to hear. My voice never once faltered as I sang it with as much feeling as I could throw into the words. When I had finished there was a perfect silence in the room. I finally began a lively march, but papa interrupted me, and said in a pleasant tone:—
"You need not play any more this evening, Nellie, for me. I hope you did not sing those verses because they expressed your sentiments, did you?"
"I do not know what difference it can make to any one whether those lines express our feelings or not," I replied rather coldly.
"It will make some difference with your future happiness," he continued. "I am to be married soon, and of course it will make the lady your mother. Are you not prepared to receive as such any one I may select, and give her the affection of a daughter?"
Florie burst into tears, and though I felt a choking sensation in the throat, I replied with some spirit:—
"Of course I shall treat the future Mrs. Gordon with respect, if she shall command it; but I have a mother, though she is in her grave, whom I cannot forget, if others can, with such apparent ease."
"Nellie, you forget yourself if you mean to insinuate that I have forgotten your mother. I have not, nor never shall; you could not understand my feelings if I were to explain them; therefore I will say no more. You can act your own pleasure about loving her, but you must not forget that she will be mistress of the house. How is it with you, my daughter?" turning to Florie, and his voice had a tenderer tone than when he spoke to me, "do you share your sister's feelings?"
"Oh, papa! I do not want a new mamma."
"Why do you care, Florie?"
"Because she will spoil all our plans, and make us do just as we do not wish to do, and watch us all the time, and—and—"
"Who told you that, my dear?"
"Nellie."
"Why, Nellie, I thought you had too much sense to talk to a younger sister in such a way as that!"
"Well," I replied rather angrily, "I would like to know if there ever was a step-mother who was not cross, and disagreeable, and hateful as she could be. I never heard of one."
"By what means did you become so extensively informed on the subject of step-mothers?" asked papa, ironically.
"Well, there is a description of one in 'Claudine's Trials,' and one in 'Mercy Merton,' besides, I have known two young ladies who have been blessed with such usurpers at home, and gained some of my extensive information from them."
"So from the overdrawn pictures of trashy novels, and the sensation stories of school misses, you judge of the whole. If your mind is prejudiced, it will take a more able advocate than myself to show you upon what a flimsy base your opinions are constructed; therefore we will say no more about it."
The evening came upon which papa and his wife—how my lip curled as I spoke the word—were expected. I had just said to Florie, "'What can't be cured must be endured,' but she will soon learn what frigid politeness means, from me, and I hope from you too. I'll own I'm anxious to see her, I cannot exactly determine what course to pursue till I do."
"I wanted to ask papa how she looked, but I didn't dare to after you sang that song to him," returned Florie, when we heard the carriage at the door.
"Smooth your hair now and pin your collar straight," I hastily exclaimed. "Don't let Mrs. Gordon think you are a young heathen, to whom she is to act the part of missionary."
We had taken tea and were in the parlor. I had taken mamma's portrait and hung it in the room Florie and I occupied. We had one there then, but I remarked to Florie, as I carried it up stairs, "Ain't I good to save Mrs. Gordon all the trouble possible? Now we can have one apiece."
I felt really nervous when the carriage stopped at the door, but I did not follow Ned and Florie as they rushed into the hall to meet them. They did not come into the parlor until after they had been to the dining-room and partaken of some refreshments. As papa presented his "eldest daughter" to his wife, I rose and coldly offered my hand. The lady who was hereafter to occupy my dear mother's place in the household was about thirty years of age, medium height, good looking, and a pleasant smile lighted up her face as she held my hand a moment and "hoped I was well." Later in the evening she expressed a desire to hear me play. I did not rise immediately, but when she said, "do not unless it is perfectly agreeable to you," I replied, "Most certainly it is," and selected the one, "I Sit and Weep by my Mother's Grave," as the most inappropriate one I could find. I sang it with pathos, for my heart was full of grief, and my eyes of unshed tears. I rose from the piano and glanced at papa and his new wife. Her eyes were full of tears, as she said to me in a low tone:—
"You sing with much feeling, Nellie, probably more so because you sympathize with the author, and I can sympathize with both—I have no mother, and I too have loved—
*"To sit and weep
Beside dear mother's grave."*
This was so different from what I expected that I could not reply, and merely bowed my head. As we entered the breakfast room the following morning, Mrs. Gordon took the head of the table, and, foolish child that I was, I felt the angry blood rush to my face. I had occupied that place six months—ever since I had donned long dresses—and, I thought, "she takes mamma's place and mine too."
After papa had gone down town, and Mrs. Gordon, Florie, and myself were left at home, she chatted so pleasantly with us that I had almost regretted the part I had determined to act, but when the gardener came in, and directing his remarks to me, asked if he should take up all the dahlia roots for winter, I grew angry again and said, "you can ask Mrs. Gordon; I shall not direct any more about the flowers." I did not look at her to notice the effect of my words, but Florie said her face colored. However, her voice was calm as she said: "I will go in the garden in a moment and tell you," and taking a shawl she passed out, leaving me ashamed that I did not speak in a less ungracious manner.
I need not mention every little act of hers that slowly undermined the prejudices against step-mothers which I had imbibed from early childhood. Shortly after she became a member of our household she tapped at my chamber door, and after coming in and sitting a few moments, which were passed in pleasant conversation, she said to me:—
"Was not one of those portraits of your mother taken from the parlor, Nellie?
"The one over the table was," I replied.
"I hung it here a few weeks ago."
"Well, if you are willing," she continued, "I will replace it, so that all the family can have the same pleasure as you do. I think your forehead resembles hers very much," she added, as she stepped into a chair and took it down.
I had not a word to utter. I felt that I was killed by kindness; and yet, after this, I endeavored to maintain that reserve of manner that I had determined should ever characterize my deportment toward her. The time for the closing of school came, and I asked papa to get me an expensive set of coral and gold ornaments to wear. "I will think of it," he returned, but when we were alone he said to me:—
"Ellen, if you will call my wife mother I will get those things for you. I do not like to hear you call her 'Mrs. Gordon,' especially before strangers."
"Very well," I returned, "I can do without them, they are not absolutely necessary to my happiness."
The morning of the exhibition day came, and as I was leaving the institution, I saw Mrs. Gordon come out of the jeweler's and walk hastily toward home. I followed, vexed and almost angry. I said to myself, "If I call her 'mother' at dinner, papa will notice it and get me the ornaments while I am dressing; I can wear them to the exhibition this afternoon, and the party this evening. I wonder what Emma Andrews would say if I should, as I told her I never would while I lived, and I won't, so that's decided."
Dinner over, I went up to my room to dress, for the exercises were to commence at two. As I stood by the table, I noticed a small kid case, with a slip of paper on it. I opened the paper, which bore my name on the outside, and read, "Will Nellie accept this from her friend, Alice Gordon?" In the box lay the long coveted ornaments on their satin bed. This last act of forbearance and love was more than even I could endure, and I sobbed bitterly while conscience upbraided me for the past. I did not wish to go down, and as Florie was dressed, I wrote on a slip of paper, "Accept the thanks of your daughter, Ellen," and sent it to mother, as I then determined to call her.
In a few moments I heard footsteps approaching, and turning I laid my head upon her shoulder, and murmured, "Forgive me, mother."
Gently she smoothed back the heavy braids of hair from my forehead. "I did not do this to buy your love, Nellie," she said. "I hope you would have given me that without this testimony of my affection."
From that day the most perfect confidence existed between us, and I ever found her a true friend—a faithful adviser. And now, though a decade of years have passed away, I still remember the look of satisfaction that rested on her face, at the result of her labor of love, when I yielded to the dictates of my better nature, and gave her a daughter's love and respect. A little child, whose lips have just learned to speak that sweetest of words, mamma—is sleeping in her tiny couch at my side; and when I think of the future of that little one God has committed to my care, I pray to the Great Disposer of human events, that if I be called to leave her, while her feet are in the thorny paths of childhood and youth, that she may find as faithful a friend, though a step-mother, as she whom in my early years I learned to call by that name.
The wide and unfounded prejudice against the class referred to has caused much unhappiness in many families.
Let all who have the care of children do all in their power to disabuse their young minds of such a feeling. Experience has taught me that one may find a true, faithful and loving friend, even in the person of a step-mother.—Sel.
The Home Circle.
"I GATHER THEM IN."
NIGH to a grave that was newly made
Leaned a sexton old on his earthworn spade;
His work was done, and he paused to wait
The funeral train through the open gate;
A relic of by-gone days was he,
And his locks were as white as the foamy sea ;
And these words came from his lips so thin,
"I gather them in! I gather them in!".
"I gather them in! for man and boy,
Year after year of grief and joy,
I've builded the houses that lie around
In every nook of this burial ground,
Mother and daughter, father and son,
Come to my solitude, one by one—
But come they strangers or come they kin,
I gather them in! I gather them in!"
"Many are with me, but still I'm alone!
I am king of the dead, but I make my throne
On a monument slab of marble cold,
And my scepter of rule is the spade I hold.
Come they from cottage, come they from hall,
Mankind are my subjects—all, all, all!
Let them loiter in pleasure, or toilfully spin,
I gather them in! I gather them in!"
"I gather them in, and their final rest
Is here, down here, in earth's dark breast."
And the sexton ceased—for the funeral train
Wound mutely over that solemn plain;
And I said to my heart—when time is told,
A mighter voice than the sexton's old
Will sound o'er the last trump's dreadful din,
"I gather them in! I gather them in!"
Abstain from All Appearance of Evil
ABSTAIN from all appearance of evil.
Reports from the Field.
By John Norton Loughborough
Southampton, England.
STILL our cause is gaining ground in England. Almost every day we learn of new ones who are becoming interested in the truth. Our number of Sabbath-keepers is increasing every week. Yesterday we learned of another who will keep next Sabbath. Both our Sabbath and Sunday-schools are increasing in interest.
We are sending through the post about 250 SIGNS weekly, and receive very favorable responses to many of them. So much precious seed sown, must, in due time, produce fruit. There is one favorable feature here; those who become interested, and those who embrace the truth, seem to catch at once the missionary spirit, and do all in their power to interest others in the truth.
We still hold meetings in our own hired house, which are quite well attended. Our tent is to be completed next week. We have obtained lumber for seating, and the lamps for lighting it, and we intend to open it as a more public meeting place as soon as the weather will permit.
Many even of those who have not identified themselves with us, are favoring our tent enterprise. We have already received donations from friends in England toward the tent, to the amount of $70, and more is promised. We have received favors from those of whom we purchased tent and fixtures amounting to more than $70 more. We praise God for all these tokens of his favor in the work.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Christiana, Norway.
By John G. Matteson
The Lord has helped us hitherto. In him we trust. At the beginning of this quarter (April) the building society met. The secretary read his report, which showed that the committee had been very successful in renting the house to responsible parties. I counsel with the committee for the building society about every important move, as they are brethren of some judgment. One of them is a contractor who keeps thirty men at work. He, with his family, has been converted from the world in our meetings, as well as many others.
My heart is encouraged. The Lord gives new strength in body and mind. The truth looks good to me. I have clearer views of the Lord and of his work. I am trying to get into a calm and close union with God. I feel reconciled to his kind providence. I am much encouraged by seeing the great interest in this work manifested by our brethren in America. May God bless them abundantly. John G. Matteson.
April 7.
Arbuckle, Cal.
By John D. Rice
I LATELY visited the company of believers in Arbuckle. Held five meetings with a good attendance from the outside. Organized a T. and M. society, with a membership of eight, Bro. F. H. Adams librarian. Two were baptized, making six in all that have been baptized there.
I pitched the tent in Willows, Colusa county, and commenced meetings the second instant. Expect Bro. Morton to join me as soon as he can leave Pacheco, his present field.