Earlier text: SABBATON: AN EXPOSITION OF MATT. 28:1, AND PARALLEL PASSAGESThe Sanctuary.--No. 2.
By R. F. Cottrell
"Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed." Dan. 8:14. Every word of God has a meaning; and his revelations to men are designed for their benefit. But to be of use, they must be understood. Our text was not written for the purpose of making the Bible a larger book; but to convey to the reader the truth concerning a most important event, to transpire at a time then far in the future; but of transcendent interest to those who should live at the time, when the given period should end and the promised event should follow. This period is not merely 2300 literal days; but so many years. This is the view of almost all expositors and students of prophecy; and it is susceptible of the clearest proof from the fulfillment of a part of this prophecy, the seventy weeks, and other prophetic periods which have had exact and marked fulfillment, reckoning a year for a day. The time for the beginning of the work of the cleansing of the sanctuary was appointed by inspiration of God more than two thousand and three hundred years beforehand. An event so long foretold cannot be one of little importance; and yet many, I may say, the mass of professed Christians, manifest no interest in it whatever. This is owing to prevailing ignorance on the subject. The fact that but few give any exposition of it in their teaching does not prove that their view of it is untrue. It is evident that were it not true, some one would be able to make the error apparent, by giving the true view in its stead. But attempts to prove its unsoundness have ceased; because beyond all controversy the period of time has ended; and this being the case, there is but one reasonable view of the sanctuary and its cleansing that can be given, and that is so plain and evident that it commends itself to every searcher for truth. To illustrate the ignorance and apathy which prevails on this important subject, I will relate an incident. I was conversing with an aged minister, one who, I have no doubt, thinks he reveres the word of God. I told him that I had been informed that a certain other minister of his acquaintance had said that he believed that the 2300 days had ended. To my surprise he replied substantially as follows: "Suppose they have ended, what of that?" As though the great God should foretell a future event more than two thousand years distant, and the ending of that definite period be of no interest to those who should live at the appointed time! It is absurd. The only reasonable view of it is, that the event foretold is one of the most thrilling importance to those living at the end of the days, and that those who diligently seek for the truth concerning the grand event, will be able to find it. Otherwise this divine utterance will be of no use, and therefore in vain. A definite period without a starting point given would be useless. It is therefore reasonable to believe that the beginning of this long period is given so that we can find it. But it is not given in chapter 8. In this chapter is the evidence that the period is hundreds of years in length, covering a portion of the history of the three great empires, Medo-Persia, Grecia, and Rome. This is a part of the proof that the days are symbols of years. The vision consists of three symbols, the ram, the goat, and the little horn, and the question and the answer concerning the length of the time. Gabriel being commanded to make Daniel understand the vision, explained the three symbols, giving the names of two of the empires symbolized, and describing the third so fully as to make its application to Rome infallible. But he did not at this time explain the time. He alluded to it merely saying, "And the vision of the evening and the morning [that is, the days] which was told is true; wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days." No point was given from which to reckon the days; hence he concludes the chapter by saying, "I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it." But from chapter 9 we learn that Gabriel came to Daniel again, and the stated purpose was to give him skill and understanding. Said he, "Understand the matter, and consider the vision. "Having called his attention to the vision, which is doubtless that of chapter 8, he proceeds directly to speak of the time, the only portion left unexplained. Said the angel, "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people." The word rendered determined literally signifies cut off. We understand that these seventy weeks are the first 490 of the 2300 days; consequently that both begin at the same point; so that the given date of the seventy weeks is also the date of the beginning of the 2300 days. A starting point is then given, namely, "from the going forth of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem." At the time this prophecy was given, Jerusalem was in ruins, and Daniel and his people were in captivity in Babylon. They were to be restored and their city was to be rebuilt. From the beginning of this work the time of the vision is to be reckoned. From this point seventy weeks, or 490 years, are given to the Jews especially, reaching to the coming of their promised Messiah "to make an end of sins," or sin-offerings, "and to make reconciliation for iniquity," &c. "and to seal up the vision and prophecy." To seal up, in this instance, is to make sure; and one effect of giving the seventy weeks, with their subdivisions and marked events, is to make the interpretation of the time absolutely sure. The work of restoration and rebuilding, we learn from Ezra 7, began in the fall of the year, and our chronology makes it B. C. 457. Seven weeks, forty-nine years, seem to have been employed in building. Then three score and two weeks added, makes sixty-nine weeks, or 483 years, and these were to reach to Messiah, or Christ. From the fall of B. C. 457, 483 years reach to the fall of A. D. 27. Here Jesus was manifested as the Messiah, at his baptism and the commencement of his public life and ministry. Three years and a half from this point reaches to the spring of A. D. 31, where Christ was crucified, or "cut off," "in the midst of the week," the seventieth. We know that the crucifixion was in the spring, because it was at the time of the passover, which was always celebrated in the first Jewish month. Consequently the remaining half of the seventieth week would end in the fall of A. D. 34, which we believe was marked by the introduction of the gospel to the gentiles, it being no longer confined to the Jews only. If there is any doubt concerning our starting point at the beginning of the work under Ezra, B. C. 457, the truth can be demonstrated by beginning at the crucifixion and reckoning backward. The best testimony places the crucifixion in A. D. 31, and no other date of the crucifixion will correspond with any commandment for restoring and building Jerusalem, according to the terms of the prophecy. Consequently, relying upon the prophecy as an infallible guide, we are shut up to these dates, there being no other way of harmonizing its several events. And if the date of the seventy weeks is not the date of the 2300 days, no point is given for their commencement. This would involve the author of the prophecy in the absurdity of giving a definite period with no possible way to find its beginning. This would only puzzle believers, being of no profit whatever. Not being willing to impute such an absurdity to the God we worship, we take the only alternative, that of believing without a doubt that the 2300 days began in the fall of B. C. 457, and consequently ended in the fall of A. D. 1844. The dates which lead to this conclusion are the original dates which gave rise to the present great movement concerning the nearness of the second advent of Christ; the dates as held and preached by Eld. Wm. Miller and all others who believed with him that Christ would come in 1844. No good reason had ever been given for adopting different dates. The fact that Christ did not come, as was expected, does not prove that the days did not end at that time. Every attempt to re-adjust the figures in order to make them reach the coming of Christ has proved nothing, but the folly of those engaged in it. That Christ would come at the end of the days was only an unwarranted inference; that the sanctuary should be cleansed at their termination, is what the text said. The advent movement of 1844 laid the foundation of most that can now be said proving the nearness of the event. Other prophecies and signs were brought in evidence; but prophetic time, the true understanding of which was clearly demonstrated, was the grand point that moved the people; opponents themselves admitting that the time was correct. A message based on definite time was due the world before the coming of Christ, Rev. 14:6, 7. If this has not been announced already, it must be in the future. Some suggested that the period should be dated from the time that Nehemiah went to help in the work at Jerusalem, thirteen years later than the commission of Ezra; but all disputed ground, in respect to the time, is now past; and nothing has occurred worthy to mark the ending of this great period since 1844. There is a thrilling message was announced based on this very period, and corresponding exactly to that of the angel of Rev. 14:6, 7, namely, "Fear God and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come." It is utterly in vain, as every clear minded student of prophecy knows, to look for the ending of the 2300 days in the future. Why not then believe that they ended in 1844, sustained, as is this view, by all the evidence, and more, that moved the world at that time? Why not find in the subject of the sanctuary and its cleansing, the explanation of the error that led to that disappointment?
R. F. COTTRELL. A Warning for Our Time.
By Ellen G. White
An honest man, according to Christ's measurement, is one who will manifest unbending integrity. Deceitful weights and false balances, with which many seek to advance their interests in the world, are abominations in the sight of God. Yet many who are professing to keep the commandments of God are dealing with false weights and false balances. When a man is indeed connected with God, and is keeping his law in truth, his life will reveal the fact, for all his actions will be in harmony with the teachings of Christ. He will not sell his honor for gain. His principles are built upon the sure foundation, and his conduct in worldly matters is a transcript of his principles. Firm integrity shines forth as gold amid the dross and rubbish of the world. Deceit, falsehood, and unfaithfulness may be glossed over and hidden from the eyes of man, but not from the eyes of God. The angels of God, who watch the developement of character, and weigh moral worth, record in the books of heaven these minor transactions which reveal character. If a workman in the daily vocations of life is unfaithful, and slights his work, the world will not judge incorrectly if they estimate his standard in religion according to his standard in business. "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much." It is not the magnitude of the matter that makes it fair or unfair. As a man deals with his fellow-men, so will he deal with God. He that is unfaithful in the mammon of unrighteousness, will never be intrusted with the true riches. The children of God should not fail to remember that in all their business transactions they are being proved, weighed in the balances of the sanctuary. Christ has said, "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." "Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them." The deeds of a man's life are the fruit he bears. If he is unfaithful and dishonest in temporal matters, he is bringing forth briars and thorns; he will be unfaithful in the religious life, and will rob God in tithes and offerings. The Bible condemns in the strongest terms all falsehood, false dealing and dishonesty. Right and wrong are plainly stated. But alas, God's people have placed themselves on the enemy's ground, yielded to his temptations, and followed his devices, until their sensibilities have become fearfully blunted. A slight deviation from truth, a little variation from the requirements of God, is thought to be, after all, not so very sinful, when pecuniary gain or loss is involved. But sin is sin whether committed by the possessor of millions, or by the beggar in the streets. Those who secure property by false representation are bringing condemnation on their souls. All that is obtained by deceit and fraud will be only a curse to the receiver. Adam and Eve suffered the terrible consequence of disobeying the express command of God. They might have reasoned, This is a very small sin, and will never be taken into account. But God treated the matter as a fearful evil; and the woe of their transgression will be felt through all time. In the times in which we live sins of far greater magnitude are often committed by those who profess to be God's children. In the transaction of business, falsehoods are uttered and acted by God's professed people, that bring his frown upon them and a reproach upon his cause. The least departure from truthfulness and rectitude is a transgression of the law of God. A continual indulgence in sin accustoms the person to a habit of wrong doing, but does not lessen the aggravating character of the sin. God has established immutable principles which he cannot change without a revision of his whole nature. If the word of God was faithfully studied by all who profess to believe the truth, they would not be dwarfs in spiritual things. Those who disregard the requirements of God in this life, would not respect his authority were they in Heaven. Every species of immorality is plainly delineated in the word of God, and its results spread before us. The indulgence of the lower passions is presented before us in its most revolting character. No one, however dark may be his understanding, need to err. But this sin is cherished by many who profess to be walking in all the commandments of God. God will judge every man by his word. Said Christ, "Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me. The Bible is an unerring guide. It demands perfect purity in word, in thought, and in action. Only virtuous and spotless characters will be permitted to enter the presence of a pure and holy God. The word of God, if studied and obeyed, would lead the children of men as the Israelites were led by a pillar of fire by night, and a pillar of cloud by day. The Bible is God's will expressed to man. It is the only perfect standard of character, and marks out the duty of man in every circumstance of life. There are many responsibilities resting upon us in this life, a neglect of which will not only cause suffering to ourselves, but others will sustain loss in consequence. Men and women professing to revere the Bible and follow its teachings, fail in many respects to perform its requirements. In the training of children they follow their own perverse nature rather than the revealed will of God. This neglect of duty involves the loss of thousands of souls. The Bible lays down rules for the correct discipline of children. Were these requirements of God heeded by parents we should to-day see a different class of youth coming upon the stage of action. But parents who profess to be Bible readers and Bible followers are going directly contrary to its teachings. We hear the cry of sorrow and anguish from fathers and mothers who bewail the conduct of their children, little realizing that they were bringing this sorrow and anguish upon themselves, and ruining their children, by their mistaken affections. They do not realize their God-given responsibilities to train their children to right habits from their babyhood. Parents, you are in a great degree responsible for the souls of your children. Many neglect their duty during the first years of their children's lives, thinking that when they get older they will then be very careful to repress wrong and educate them in the right. But the very time for them to do this work is when the children are babes in their arms. It is not right for parents to pet and humor their children, neither is it right for them to abuse them. A firm, decided, straightforward course of action will be productive of the best results. Lincoln, Mich.
By L. A. Kellogg
I CLOSED my labors in Seville after a stay of eight weeks. Those who have taken a stand here are firm. The truth has been quite thoroughly presented, and as the result twenty have signed the covenant. Last Sabbath we organized a Sabbath-school of thirty-five members. Sabbath meetings and a weekly prayer-meeting will be kept up. Nebraska City, Neb.
By A. E. Shepherd
For the past six weeks Bro. Boyd has been with us. He has labored over four weeks of the time on Camp Creek, ten miles from the city. Seven united with the church, three by baptism, two subject to baptism, and two by letter. The remainder of the time has been spent with the church in this city.103 This labor was greatly needed here. The ordinances had not been celebrated for almost two years. Little things had come up to mar the perfect harmony of the body, and those little things had been let alone, or rather had not been let alone, until there was more or less ill feeling existing almost throughout the church. There has been a great work accomplished here. The ordinances were celebrated. Love and unity prevail; and may the dearly-purchased experience of the past answer ever for the future. March 10, 1879. A. E. SHEPHERD. A CLERGYMAN resident in the suburbs of New York had several times been cautioned by his friends against over study. He gave little heed to their warnings and a few days since became a raving maniac. Usually the saloon is credited with all the dissipation. Yet life's candle is often burned equally as fast at either end in the study. Intense mental application becomes a passion. The victim's whole life and energy are concentrated in books in the presumed facts and opinions gained from them and in giving them expression by tongue or pen. He lives in the study. He is with difficulty borne away from it. He begrudges the time spent elsewhere. He is absent from his family even when in their sight. His body may be present but his mind is absorbed elsewhere. He eats abstractedly or with a book before him. This is dissipation. It does not give a man a bad name as will late hours at wicked places and midnight orgies, but the result sooner or later is similar. It is as much a craving after a certain form of excitement as is granted by the gaming table. It matters not whether a mind is over-driven in the study of theology or in rouge et noir. Both tend to midnight oil and exhaustion. The penalty of disreputable dissipation. Both alike often end in insanity. The man daily neglecting exercise and setting down immediately after a hastily bolted meal to his books, thus diverting all the spare blood, life and energy of his system to his brain when it should be at work in his stomach, is equally culpable with the one daily poisoning himself with bad liquor. Nature makes no exception in favor of moral pursuits. Good character goes for naught at Court. She punishes the young divine and the drunkard in exact proportion to the weight of their offenses. If referred to she can cite many dreadful warnings among students, divines, inventors, and writers as among the reckless and dissipated who travel to death by less respectable roads.—N. Y. Graphic. Reports from the Field.
By John G. Matteson
THE Lord is ever present with those that fear his name, and his blessings are all the more precious when the enemy is working with all power to destroy. It cheered us very much to get letters of encouragement from Bro. and Sr. White and from other faithful friends. The expressions of sympathy as well as the promises of laborers and means to help in this mission called forth tears of joy. My heart is bound up in this Scandinavian mission, and my highest ambition is that it may prosper. We have already invested too much in it to draw back, and we must make all possible effort, under God, to have it prosper. We need tracts and papers to scatter, and men and woman to scatter them. We need printers who would handle holy things with holy hands. Tracts can be printed very cheap here. Two thousand copies of 32 page tracts can be delivered ready to sell for $17 or $18, when they are first printed in the paper (Tidernes Tegn). If we had a press, ourselves, it would cost less. Our meetings are of great interest. The opposition continues without ceasing. Books and papers are printed, and filled with attacks, accusations, and arguments to overthrow our positions and stop our influence; but the Lord continues to give the people a hearing ear. Sunday evening many had to go away for want of room. The truth is gaining friends, and souls are brought to the light. Last evening about sixty poor people were invited to get something to eat. We had a choir of singers. The meeting commenced about 5:30 P. M. with singing and prayer. Then all got enough plain food to satisfy their hunger. Afterwards we had singing, prayer, and a sermon. Then each one received half a loaf of bread to take home, and also some tracts and papers to read. All were very thankful. A friend, a laboring man, had furnished the money for this feast. There is much suffering in this city on account of poverty, and no possible chance for work. We have formed a sewing society of sisters, who will labor to earn means to help meet the payments on our meeting house. Twenty-four joined, and several others will unite with them. Feb. 18, 1879. JOHN G. MATTESON Elk Rapids, Mich.
By J. and L. M. Sisley
Since our last report we have held about thirty meetings near Elk Rapids. The undercurrent of opposition was strong, and most professors of religion staid away. Some, however, were determined to hear the word of God preached, and are now rejoicing in the advancing light of truth. Ten have fully decided to obey the Lord, and others are keeping the Sabbath with them. We have held two Sabbath meetings here, and at the last nearly all expressed a desire to seek God. Most of these give evidence of the work of grace commenced in their hearts. We visited the friends near Spencer Creek, and found them growing in the love of the truth, although they have not held any meetings this winter because of the impassable condition of the roads. Their growth in grace is chiefly due to the fact that they have the circulating library. Every little company should have this valuable help. Sheridan, Mich.
By O. Soule
I AM holding services each Sabbath at Sheridan and Stanton, and the remainder of the time I spend at Stanton. In the latter place one has commenced to keep the Sabbath. At Sheridan two have begun to keep the Sabbath, four have been taken under the watchcare of the church on profession of faith, and four who were professors have joined the church. I have obtained three subscribers for our periodicals. Otsego Mich.
By H. M. Kenyon
On the 25th of February I commenced meetings in the Otto school-house, four miles northwest of Otsego, near Bro. Geo. Leighton's. Thus far the interest is good. Last Sabbath a man and his wife who have for some time been reading the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, united with us to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. Page Co., Virginia.
By I. Sanborn
On the 2d of March, I closed my meetings in Page county, after having spent six weeks in faithfully persuading the people to turn to the Lord. Twenty-eight are now keeping the Sabbath, of whom seventeen have signed the covenant, and others have promised to do so. Eight have signed the tithing pledge. An elder, deacon, and secretary have been chosen, and a Bible-class and Sabbath-school have been organized. I. SANBORN. Lindley, New York.
By D. T. Fero
I RETURNED from the T. and M. Institute, Feb. 11. Bro. Lane had been “holding the fort,” and five had been added to the number of Sabbath-keepers. The interest seemed to be declining for a time, but it is now assuming a deeper and more permanent form. Last Sabbath two more expressed their purpose to keep the Sabbath, making ten who have decided since these meetings commenced. We have an interesting Bible-class, and expect to organize a Sabbath-school soon. Twenty adults were present last Sabbath. March 9, 1879. D. T. FERO. South Troy, Vermont.
By C. W. Stone
I HAVE been holding meetings in this place since Feb. 1. The interest has been very good from the first, and at present fifteen have embraced the Sabbath of the Lord. We have held two Sabbath meetings. At the last about twenty were present, and seventeen bore testimony. It was a good season. March 13, 1879. C. W. STONE. Weston, Wis.
By E. E. Olive
I CAME to this place, Feb. 16. Our congregations have averaged from twenty-five to fifty. We have sold quite a number of books, although times are very hard. As a result of our labors, four are keeping the Sabbath, and many others are convinced of the truth. Paulding, Ohio.
By G. G. Rupert
I COMMENCED meetings here February 14. Five have signed the covenant since I came, making twenty in all. Three others are observing the Sabbath, and intend to sign the covenant. All but one are heads of families. G. G. Rupert. March 10, 1879. Hamler, Ohio.
By A. A. Bigelow
THE meetings here have closed. Eleven signed the covenant. There will be an opportunity for baptism about the first of April. The brethren are agitating the subject of erecting a meeting-house. March 10, 1879. A. A. BIGELOW. Fort Scott, Kansas.
By J. H. Cook
ON the 8th inst. I closed my labors in McPherson county for the present. I organized a church of nine members, to be known as the Empire church. The church bought the library of Sr. White's writings, and sent for a club of Instructors for their Sabbath-school. A tract society was organized; and they pledged to the treasury of the Lord for the ensuing year the tithe of their increase. Four more are keeping the Sabbath in this vicinity, and four more at McPherson Center, about twelve miles away, who should join the Empire church, and probably will soon. We have encountered the most bitter opposition, especially from ministers; and they dared not make any public opposition only as they resorted to sarcasm and slang. J. H. Cook. Tekamah, Neb.
By A. J. Cudney
LAST Sabbath I closed my meetings west of this place, for the present. Seven have signed the covenant, and are rejoicing in present truth, one of whom was a German Baptist minister. I think others will soon follow his example. A Sabbath-school of thirty-three members has been organized. It was only a little blossom,
Just the merest bit of bloom,
But it brought a glimpse of Summer
To the little darkened room. It was only a glad “good morning,”
As she passed along the way;
But it spread the morning's glory
Over the livelong day. Only a song, but the music,
Though simply pure and sweet,
Brought back to better pathways
The reckless roving feet. Only! In our blind wisdom
How dare we say it all?
Since the ages alone can tell us
Which is the great or small. Good Health.
By John Harvey Kellogg
OR THE DANGERS OF PORK EATING EXPOSED.
3. Now, my friends, assist your eye-sight by a good microscope, and you will be convinced that you have only just caught a glimpse of the enormous filthiness, the inherent badness, and intrinsic ugliness of this loathsome animal. Take a thin slice of the lean flesh, place it upon the stage of your microscope, adjust the eye-piece, and look. If you are fortunate, you will find displayed before your eyes hundreds of voracious little animals, each coiled up in its little cell waiting for an opportunity to escape from its prison walls and begin its destined work of devastation. A gentleman of eminence in Louisville has made very extensive researches upon the subject, and asserts that in at least one hog out of every ten these creatures may be found. A few weeks ago we obtained a small portion of the flesh of an individual that had died with trichinæ. Upon subjecting it to a careful microscopical examination with a good instrument, we discovered multitudes of the worms. The animal is seen inclosed in a little cyst, or sac, which is dissolved by the gastric juice when taken into the stomach of any animal. The parasite being then set at liberty, immediately penetrates the thin, muscular walls of the stomach, and gradually works its way throughout the whole muscular system, not sparing even the heart. It possesses the power of propagating its species with wonderful rapidity; and a person once infected is almost certain to die a lingering death of excruciating agony. Being curious to know, approximately, how numerous were the worms in the specimens we were examining, we prepared a small portion about the size of a kernel of wheat in a suitable manner. By careful count, we found upwards of 500: and in a large portion of the specimen they lay so thickly together that it was impossible to isolate them. None but solitary individuals were counted; and hence it is fairly presumed that the specimen really contained double the number actually counted. A little computation will show that the flesh of the individual furnishing the specimen must have contained from 250,000 to 500,000 trichinæ in every cubic inch of muscle. In Helstadt, Prussia, one hundred and three persons were poisoned, and twenty of them died within a month. During past seasons this disease has been especially prevalent in this country. Scores of authentic cases of recent occurrence might be cited. The report has been current in the newspapers that several thousand hogs died of the disease in one locality in Illinois, known as the Kaskaskia Bottom, during the fall and winter a few years since. It is doubtless not known how many deaths are really due to this cause; for many persons die of strange, unknown diseases, which baffle the doctors' skill both as to diagnosis and cure. Trichinosis also very much resembles other diseases in some of its stages, and may be attributed to other than its true cause. It is thought by some medical men of considerable eminence that hundreds of people die of the disease without its true nature being suspected. Have we not seen that a hog is nothing better than an animated mass of physical defilement? Few that have seen the animal will dispute that his filthiness is a most patent fact. How wise and sanitary, then, was the command of God to the ancient Jews, "It is unclean unto you. Ye shall not eat of their flesh nor touch their dead carcass." Although it may not be said that this law still exists, and is binding upon all mankind as a moral obligation, it is quite plain that the physical basis upon which the law is founded is as good to-day as at any previous period. Could it be proved that the hog had kept pace with advancing civilization, and had improved his habits, we might possibly find more tolerance for him; but he is evidently just as unclean as ever, and just as unfit for food. Adam Clarke, when once requested to give thanks at a repast of which pork constituted a conspicuous part, used the following words: "Lord, bless this bread, these vegetables, and this fruit; and if thou canst bless under the gospel what thou didst curse under the law, bless this swine's flesh." The Mohammedans, as well as the Jews, abstain entirely from the use of pork. Such is also the case with some other tribes of Asia and Africa. EVIL EFFECTS OF PORK-EATING.
At the head of the list we place scrofula. How almost universally it abounds! How few are untainted by this ugly disease! The chronic sore eyes, glandular enlargements, obstinate ulcers, disfigured countenances, unsightly eruptions, including a long list of skin diseases, all proclaim the defilement of the blood with this vile humor. So, too, do the vast army of dwarfed, strumous, precocious children tell the same story. Erysipelas, too, a dreadful scourge, owes more to pork than any other cause. That terrible disease, leprosy, so common in Eastern countries, and now beginning to show itself upon our own shores, is largely attributable to pork-eating. "Biliousness," a name which covers every bad condition for which no other appropriate name can be found, is notoriously the result of pork-eating. This is the main reason why so many people complain of "biliousness" in the spring, after gorging themselves with fat pork all winter. The liver is overworked in attempting to remove from the system such a mass of impurity as is received in the eating of pork. It consequently becomes clogged, congested, torpid. Then follow all the ills consequent upon the irritation of biliary matters in the blood. The skin becomes tawny—jaundiced. The kidneys are overworked. Perhaps a fever results. A partial clearing out then occurs, which enables the individual to pass along for a time, until some epidemic or contagious disease claims him as a lawful victim, which is almost certain to be. Consumption is another disease which is not easily separable from pork-eating. In fact, scrofula is its great predisposing cause. The narrow chests, projecting shoulders, thin features and lank limbs of so many young boys and girls are evidence of a consumptive tendency, of which a scrofulous diathesis is the predisposing cause. Dyspepsia, that malady of many forms, is a frequent result from the use of pork. Especially when fat, and salted or smoked, pork is one of the most indigestible of foods, requiring between five and six hours for its digestion, when decent food will digest in half that time. This is the reason for the notion that salt pork is an excellent thing to "stick by the rib." Tape-worm, we have already mentioned as the result of eating measly pork. It is a very difficult disease to cure, and often baffles the best medical skill for many years. Few ever detect the cysts unless their attention has been directed to the matter. Trichinæ produces in man an uncurable disease. No remedy can stay the ravages of the parasite. All pork-eaters are in constant danger, for the worm is too small to be seen without the aid of the microscope. However this disease is not nearly so formidable as the others named; for it is not so common, neither does it entail any weight of suffering upon posterity as does scrofula. Finlay, Dakota.
By S. B. Whitney
WE had a crowded house to listen to the review of the Baptist minister's discourse on Tuesday evening, and a good impression seemed to be made. However, the Baptists have since been making a determined effort to keep the people away, and our audiences have been small; but notwithstanding all this, two more families have embraced the Sabbath, and last Sabbath we had one of the most melting and powerful meetings of its size we have ever held. Between fifteen and twenty were present, and all but three or four took part. A Sabbath-school was organized, which we expect to get into working order by next Sabbath. Stony Point, Cal.
By F. E. B.
BLOOMFIELD church met at Stony Point, Sabbath, March 15, 1879, for prayer and social meeting, following which a Sabbath-school was organized with a membership of all those present. The degree of earnestness manifested was encouraging, and appears to be on the increase. A complete set of Sr. White's Testimonies was ordered for the church library, and the donations necessary for that purpose freely made. F. E. B.