Earlier text: TEACHING HINTSRECENT LABOR IN GENERAL MEETINGS.
By G. L. B.
Since the General Conference, in company with Eld. Canright, I have spent nearly four weeks in holding general meetings in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Iowa. These were seasons of deep interest, and were profitable, we trust, to the cause of God. We had a general attendance of all the leading brethren in Pennsylvania, and spent some five days together, laboring to increase the interest, impart instruction, and arouse the people to more earnest efforts to advance the cause. Some feelings of discouragement and depression had been prevailing previous to the meeting. This is very natural in such a work as the one in which we are engaged. We have a host of mighty influences to contend with, which call forth our utmost zeal and earnestness to withstand. The leading doctrines of our message are unpopular; and if this work is what we are sure it is,—the last message of mercy,—we may expect that Satan will rally all his powers to hinder, thwart, and discourage the workers in it. To break through the crust of prejudice, requires earnest effort, living faith and fervent zeal. The tendency all the while is to hinder and dishearten; and unless the workers draw constantly from the living Fountain strength and heavenly power, these difficulties will gradually increase and destroy their fervency of spirit. Hence the necessity of a general meeting like this, where we can seek God together, and hear the word of God from those of experience, who have encountered difficulties and trials themselves, and have learned how to overcome them. The brethren manifested a commendable interest and zeal; confessions were made, and gradually hearts warmed up to the work. A large number concluded to take hold of the canvass for the Signs and “Sunshine,” and do what they could to obtain subscribers. Many expressed themselves as very grateful for the opportunities they had enjoyed, and parted with increased courage and hope. The meeting at Minneapolis, Minn., was a very precious season. The weather was very cold, and the accommodations of the house of worship not the best; but many had come in from the different parts of the State, and we had a large representation of the leading brethren. The preaching was pointed, and God gave edge to the word. Hearts were touched, many precious confessions were made, and light broke in. We felt that it was the best meeting, in many respects, we had attended in Minnesota for a long time, unless it was the11 camp-meeting, last summer, which was a most precious season. We look for better days in Minnesota than have been seen in the recent past. This noble Conference has been passing through some trying experiences for six or eight years. Previous to that, there had been great accessions in numbers to the Conference. Perhaps there was no State where souls embraced the truth with less labor. In some instances churches came out simply by reading, having never heard a living preacher, and the Conference increased in numbers, perhaps threefold in a comparatively short period. After this, the work seemed to be hindered, and trials came in. Some who had been laboring became discouraged, and did not engage in the work, and far less was accomplished. This state of things has been experienced more or less for years; but gradually better results are being reached. Young men are taking hold with some success. Some of the old laborers who have been under discouragement are making confessions, and are coming out into the light. A good spirit prevails among the brethren, and we feel very hopeful that in the near future Minnesota will move forward with much vigor and interest. Some of our meetings on this occasion were characterized with great depth of feeling, and confessions were made which touched every heart, the whole congregation being in tears. As this meeting will likely be more fully reported, we will not say more concerning it. Our meeting at State Center, Ia., occurred in the midst of the very cold weather of the last few weeks. We were disappointed that the attendance was not larger. Some four or five of the more experienced and older ministers of the Conference were absent, which produced rather a discouraging and disheartening effect. Doubtless each one of them had what, to him, was a most excellent reason for his absence; but they must have been good ones if they could have justified our leading ministers in remaining away from a meeting where the interests of the cause are to be considered. We were glad, however, to see quite a good representation of the directors of the tract society. Special efforts were made in the preaching and other meetings to arouse these important officers to make more vigorous efforts in the missionary work. The missionary work is one of our most powerful instrumentalities in advancing the cause of God; and must become more and more important. A live director in any district can do a great deal of good. Their duty is to direct the work itself. Unless we are greatly mistaken, the directors will yet fill most important positions in our Conference. If they are what the name of their office indicates, what can be more important than that of directing a large force of laborers, seeing that the proper mold is being given to the work? Looking after the finances, talking with individuals, laboring from house to house,—this kind of labor is as important as preaching; and many of those who do it may become as useful as our ordinary ministers, and even more so. If they can be successful in getting from five to thirty persons to work earnestly in the cause in their several districts, certainly they can do full as much as one ordinary minister. The truth was pressed home heavily upon these brethren in Iowa. This noble Conference is full of men who might be useful in the cause; but the great danger is a sinking down into indifference and idleness. Fervent zeal, earnest, living, and faithful labor, are what that great Conference needs; devoted, living faith with which to go among the intelligent people of the State, and talk with them with such earnestness that their cold, worldly hearts will be aroused and warmed up. This kind of labor is greatly lacking. It must be cultivated, or this Conference will rapidly sink in importance. Some have felt that it was very hard for the Iowa Conference to have so many of its successful ministers taken away to labor in other fields. At first sight this might seem to be so; but if it results in rolling the burden upon some who might be doing good work for the Lord, but who are now doing but little, it will become a blessing to the cause. There is a disposition among many of our people, who might just as well be useful as others, to leave to the ministers the work of carrying forward the truth. They excuse themselves with the thought that they can do but little, and the ministers must do the work. Possibly one of the best things that can be done is to take away their props, and let them see that the cause requires their personal effort; then they will develop into useful workers. Oh for workers, workers, workers, everywhere, to uphold the standard of truth! May the Lord stir up the people to do what they can. We spent one Sabbath at Mt. Pleasant, Ia., and had an interesting and profitable meeting. Some for whom we had long labored and prayed made confessions, promising to be more faithful, and our hearts were rejoiced. I have disposed of my home in Mt. Pleasant, and closed my connection with that church. May God’s rich blessing rest upon it. G. L. B. HIDDEN TALENTS.
By J. H. W.
We read that the Lord gives talents “to every man according to his several ability.” Matt. 25: 15. It is providential that all have not the same talent, or the same gift, for if they had, there would be but one class of duties performed. The work would become distorted. And all talents are from God. No man has anything which he has not received. On this subject great misapprehension exists. Often we hear the expression, “If I had the talent of such a brother, I would do nothing but preach,” or, “I would spend all my time writing,” or whatever the brother’s gift seemed to indicate. But the question arises, Has this brother who speaks thus no talent? Has the Lord given nothing to him? Is there no responsibility laid upon him? Is not he also a servant of God? Yes, he claims to be a servant of God; but he says the Lord has given him no talent which he can use in the cause. He is strong to work; he has good health; his judgment is good on the value of property; he has a taste for good buildings—house and barns; his fences are in good order; his cattle show good keeping; his orchards and lands are productive; his situation and condition indicate that he has said to his soul, “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease.” But he cannot preach; he cannot write; and he sometimes laments, when he reads a good article or hears a good sermon, that the Lord has given him no talent; that he never called him, as he did his more favored brother, to labor in his vineyard. Now, we can point out more than one mistake in this man’s position. It is to be feared that “the god of this world has blinded his mind,”—that he is deceiving his own soul, perhaps to his eternal ruin. 1. His brother has spent days and nights in anxious toil, with earnest prayer for divine help, to fit himself for his position in the work of God. He has groaned over the desolations of Zion; he has wept over suffering and dying humanity, as Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Perhaps this prosperous, working brother, when he was first converted, had the same feelings of pity for his dying fellow-men; he may have felt the same promptings of the Spirit to devote himself to the work of the gospel; and if he had listened to the call, if he had devoted himself to study and given his days and nights to anxious and fervent prayers for help from above, he, too, might have filled an important place in the gospel work. Such gifts are not given all matured and perfected. They are to be cultivated and improved. If neglected, they go to ruin or are withdrawn. But in such cases the responsibility is not withdrawn with the withdrawal of the gift. It may be that his duty is turned in another direction, or it may be that the responsibility will meet him and overwhelm him in the Judgment. 2. If he never had a call to the gospel work, that does not prove that the Lord has given him no talent and laid upon him no responsibility. He has valuable business qualifications, and these are much needed in the cause of God. Can any reason be given why a business man, who has ability to amass riches, should take the glory to himself, and look upon his wealth as his own, for the use of which he is not to be brought to account? To him, as well as to any other, the words of the scripture are spoken: “For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it?” 1 Cor. 4: 7. The Lord gave special instruction on this subject to his people of old, and we are assured that these things are “written for our learning” (Rom. 15: 4), and we do well to take heed unto them. To Israel he said, Beware lest “thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God; for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth.” Deut. 8: 17, 18. Thus we learn that the ability to get wealth, skill in business, is a gift of God; it is a talent bestowed by the Lord, even as the ability to labor in word and doctrine. 3. It is not in the order of God that one should be eased and another burdened. The apostle, who spoke according to the will of God, said it was “by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance may be a supply for your want, that there may be equality.” 2 Cor. 8: 13, 14. This is just, and God will require it. He who employs his time in laboring to get gain would soon have his heart all engrossed with earthly things if it were not for the ministrations of his brother whom the Lord has called to preach the word; and he who is called to preach and to write (which is the most effective form of preaching) will have his powers cramped if he has to labor under a burden of care and want. Each can minister to the want of the other, and thus there will be equality; they will bear each other’s burdens, and neither be unwisely eased, and neither be overburdened. 4. There never was a time when the cause was in so great need of help, for there never was a time when it was being so greatly extended. Truly, we are doing a great work. The missions in Europe are in much need; missions are being planted all over this land; a mission station has been located in the great World’s Exposition in New Orleans; missionaries will soon be on their way to Australia. There is no lack of means among those who profess to believe that the coming of the Lord is near, even at the door; but there is a lack of means in the hands of those who have to superintend these missions. The laborers are performing their work to great disadvantage. Millions upon millions are in darkness; souls are perishing for lack of knowledge; the long-suffering of God withholds the time of trouble from falling upon us in our unprepared state, and we presume on his mercy, and say in our hearts, “My Lord delayeth his coming.” We fear for many professed “servants” of the Lord; unless they speedily arouse and “awake out of sleep,” that12 day will come upon them unawares, and they will not know when their probation is closing. Many have talents which are greatly needed to advance the work, but they are digging and hiding them in the earth. Matt. 25: 18. What answer will they make when they are called to give an account of their stewardship? It cannot be said, however (and we regret that it cannot), that all who labor in the word are carrying a burden of the cause on their hearts. Some of the ministers “are at ease in Zion.” They are much to be pitied. But we hope the number is small, that there are very few in this condition. And we are happy to know that not all who are “diligent in business,” and prosperous in business, are burying their talents. There are many liberal souls among them, who work with a sincere desire to help on the cause of God. Their toil and their interest will be rewarded. But there are others who profess to believe that the coming of the Lord is near—very near—whose only apparent interest is to lay up treasures on earth. To those, and of those, we speak. Their influence and example are against the truth, both in the church and before the world. The poor and the weak among the believers stumble over their worldliness, and their neighbors are led to believe that there is nothing urgent in the warning of the message while its professed followers show that they love the world and the things of the world. 1 John 2: 15. For some time there have been prosperous seasons; business has been lively, prices good, and everything prosperous. Now a change seems to be coming. Prices are low; and if with a consumption of the present supply should come failures, we should have “hard times” indeed. One thing is certain: If our faith is correct; if the coming of the Lord is near, then the time is also near when we can “neither buy nor sell,” unless we yield to the exactions of ungodly powers. What will the wealthy do with their goods in that day? “To whom will ye flee for help, and where will ye leave your glory.” Isa. 10: 3. AUSTRALIA
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
The most conclusive evidence that we can have that we are nearing the closing of probation and the coming of the Lord is the fact that the warning of this event is going to the whole world. Angels of God stand upon the “four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth” so that the servants of God may be sealed. These servants are found in “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” Not that all will be converted, but “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; then shall the end come.” It is in view of these facts that we look upon the establishing of a mission in Australia as an omen of good in more ways than one. It will not only give the light to that country, but will form a connection with the islands which surround Australia, and with New Zealand and India. We look upon this country as the most important in these respects of any on the globe. America is the home of the exile from every portion of the earth. God has chosen and prepared this nation to be the missionary field for the world. A great work no doubt will be accomplished for conservative England. Europe presents a large field, composed of different nations, speaking different tongues; while Australia presents a territory only one-fifth smaller than the entire continent of Europe. It is twenty-six times the size of Great Britain and Ireland, and nearly six times as large as India. The Australian group occupies nearly two-fifths of the whole of the British dominions; the extent of Australia is computed to be about 3,000,000 square miles. It is the largest island in the world, if it be proper to call it an island. Seven years ago it was estimated to contain about 3,000,000 inhabitants. These are principally English-speaking people who are settled on or near the sea coast, which is 7,750 miles in length. They have 5,000 miles of railway, and other American improvements. The railway system traverses all the colonies. Statistics show that in 1878 they had 5,259,182 acres of land under cultivation. It is stated on good authority that meat, bread, and groceries are very cheap, while clothing and other important necessaries are about the same as in England, somewhat cheaper than in America. The people are largely those who have emigrated to that place, England furnishing the larger proportion. The emigration has been mostly since 1835. Wages are about the same as in America, and help is in constant demand. Mechanics are wanted in the city, and agricultural men in the country. The island is divided into five colonies. The climate is variable, something like that of California; but taken as a whole, it is remarkably healthful. It is generally very dry, and is free from malaria. In summer, however, it is subject to hot winds, dust, and periodical droughts, and in the winter to floods. The seasons are the reverse of those in this country, December being mid-summer, and June mid-winter. In some portions of the country abound fruits of all kinds, including oranges, lemons, bananas, figs, and pine-apples. Many other semi-tropical products grow in abundance. Grapes flourish all along the coast district. The value of exports in 1878 was $185,582,501.44. The average number of sailing vessels leaving its shores monthly was over one hundred, besides nearly fifty steamers. The government of this people is under the British Crown. But each colony is a distinct province, having its own government and local laws. The form of government is a modification of the British constitution; the Queen being represented by the governor, who is appointed by the Crown. The House of Lords is nominated or elected by the legislative council, and the House of Commons by the legislative assembly, elected by the people. The German element is quite large, especially in South Australia and Queensland. There is no State church in Australia. The Episcopalians form the largest denomination, the Catholics second in size, and the Methodists third. All other denominations are represented, from “the heathen Chinese” to the most recent established organizations. When we see the importance of this country, and its relation to other countries where the truth has not as yet been planted in a permanent manner, and to which it is an avenue, the only wonder is that it has not been entered before. When the truth shall have found its way to these countries, it will have circumnavigated the globe. Then the influence of the labors of those who have gone East to Europe, and those who have gone West by way of the Islands of the Pacific Ocean, will meet, and the way will be prepared for the earth to be lighted with the glory of the third angel’s message. Who shall go to this country? is an important question. All the various gifts which God has ordained to carry forward his work should be connected with the establishment of this mission. We want for this work preachers, canvassers, and colporters; yes, more,—men of means who realize that God has made them stewards to help in a time like this; men and women who, for the truth’s sake, will not count their lives dear to themselves, but who will gladly spend and be spent for the establishment of the truth in Australia. May God give wisdom in the selection of proper persons to go to this distant field, is my prayer. Willing Service to God in Pain and Patience
—He that is unwilling to serve God in pain and patience is unworthy of so good a Master. THE PORTLAND MISSION.
By S. N. Haskell
SABBATH and first-day, December 27 and 28, we met with the friends in the city of Portland, Me. It will be remembered that the camp-meeting in this State was held near this city last season. In view of the interest manifested on the part of the citizens, it was thought best that rooms be secured, and for the time being that Eld. Hersum and wife take charge of them, and thus open a city mission. Thus far it is evident that God has blessed the effort. Eight have taken their stand upon the Sabbath, and there are others who are interested in the truth. God is evidently showing what he is willing to do, even in old Maine, when a proper effort is put forth. At the present time from fifteen to twenty subscriptions are taken for “Sunshine” per day by the missionary laborers in and around the city. Should the work thus continue, the people of this city will have had their attention thoroughly called to the subject of present truth before the next camp-meeting; but like all other branches of this work, funds are much needed to carry it forward. Whether the mission-rooms continue or not, depends altogether upon the friends of the cause in this State. The mission cannot be run on credit, and at the present time it is much in need of help. Those who are now holding Bible-readings and doing colporter work must turn their attention to some branch of work that will give them financial support, unless aided by their brethren in the State. For want of means to carry forward the work will our brethren say, “Abandon this field,” while souls are embracing the truth! We cannot believe that this will be the case. In order for the mission to be successful, it is necessary that while some are canvassing for “Sunshine,” thus securing readers for the Signs, others should be holding Bible-readings and doing colporter work. There are two ways in which the mission can be immediately helped. 1. By donations to the mission in the form of thank offerings to God, of any sum our brethren please, from ten cents to ten dollars or more each. Such offerings should be sent to Miss Rosa Redmond, 113 Pearl St., Portland, Me. A record of all the names of the donors, with the amount they give, will be preserved. 2. By offerings of the fruit of the land, corn, wheat, potatoes, and vegetables of any kind. A barrel of flour would be thankfully received, or anything upon which those laboring in the mission can live. They need money to pay their rent, and provisions upon which to subsist. There are no brethren more willing to help in the cause of God than those in the State of Maine, providing that they know there is a necessity for it. The help here mentioned is needed immediately. The same kind of assistance would be thankfully received by the Boston and Worcester missions. There is one thing more that the friends will not forget; i. e., to pray for God’s blessing upon these missions. It was cheering on the Sabbath to hear testimonies like the following: “This is the first Sabbath I ever kept, and it is the happiest day of my life;” “This is my third Sabbath,” “tenth Sabbath,” etc. Could our brethren and sisters have been present at our Sabbath meeting in Portland and heard these testimonies, there is not a family in the State of Maine, that has felt the love of present truth, but that would feel it a privilege to contribute something for the support of the mission. Those connected with the mission rise at 5 o’clock each day, and at 5:20 they meet for council, to read the testimonies, and to pray for God’s blessing to rest upon their efforts. Should all our city missions adopt this course, it would be pleasing in the sight of God, and greater good would result from their efforts. Elds. Goodrich and Webber were present. It was the opinion of those attending the meeting that the T. and M. depository would better be located at this place. We have written thus plainly that our friends may learn the real needs of the mission. May God bless it, is my prayer. S. N. HASKELL. COLCHESTER.—Meetings commenced here Nov. 19, and were held alternately in the town-house and an adjoining district three miles distant. Something of an interest has been manifested thus far, and a few are commencing to observe the Sabbath. At a former time this was the scene of William Miller’s labors. In the largest of the three churches in this place, for nearly a month he discoursed on the momentous theme of Christ’s coming. This city was also the home of that noted apostle of Adventism, Columbus Green. At first a Baptist preacher, but inspired with the truth for that time, he proclaimed with great power the first angel’s message throughout all of Northern Vermont. Alas! what a change! The light of truth in which many rejoiced, went out long ago. Gross darkness covers the people as the result of turning from the light, and they now look upon Adventism as a demonstrated error. The thrilling truth for this time weighs but little or nothing with them. Meetings will continue for a time, after which, as a call comes to us to occupy the Union church at West Milton, we may visit that place. M. E. KELLOGG. Dec. 18. I. E. KIMBALL. SOUTH HERO, DEC. 23.—Since my last report I have been busily engaged in holding Bible-readings, visiting from house to house, and ripening up the work. Thirteen have signed the covenant. A tract society has been organized. There are others keeping the Sabbath, some of whom are having much opposition. Last Sunday the M. E. minister made an effort to show that the Sabbath had been changed by divine authority. If assertions could be taken for proof, he would have made out his case. I shall review his discourse next Sunday evening. The effort has greatly helped the honest to see the truth and decide for it. One statement will serve as a sample of the rest: “God blessed the Sabbath institution; but he never blessed the seventh day.” This he repeated several times, saying, “Nowhere in the Bible is it said that he blessed the seventh day.” Of course he has never read Gen. 2: 3. Good reports come in from our canvassers. Orders for “Sunshine” come in every day. This means that the Signs will visit for three months as many new families; and this is only the beginning. We are exceedingly glad to see the work of God starting anew in this Conference. Good reports come from nearly all our ministers who are out laboring. In God’s strength we can go forward and conquer. A. O. BURRILL. FRANCE, ITALY, AND SWITZERLAND.
By D. T. Bourdeau
ENCOURAGING news is coming in from France. At Branges the leading brethren are having skirmishes, and report victories. They go systematically from house to house among their acquaintances, commencing with the minister, and are gaining in strength, courage, and hope, and in their desire to see the work go forward. At Valence a spirit of courage and labor prevails in the church. One has been added to their numbers, and the way is opening for a course of lectures. A colporter writes me from Ardèche, near Valence: “I have lately seen a number of Les Signes des Temps, for which you have the honor of writing. Many of your articles have greatly interested me. Having been for more than twenty years a Biblical colporter for the Society of London, you can believe, my honored brother, that my desire is to search the Scriptures more and more, and to not remain a stranger to any Bible question. Can you, dear brother, send me all the numbers of your journal from the month of July, with the tract entitled, ‘Is man Immortal?’” From Bastia, Corsica, the good news comes that our evangelist, Bro. J. D. Comte, has lately baptized three persons, and that he hopes to soon baptize a military officer and his wife, who will shortly go to Algiers, Africa, by order of the French government. Is the providence of God opening the way for the truth to penetrate that French colony? God is going before us in France, and is inviting us to follow on, and by his grace push on the work to certain victory. Through the co-operations of my dear brother and others whom God is fitting up for the work, we design to respond without delay. The prospects in Italy are no less encouraging. After leaving Bari, I held one meeting at Barletta, where I met the same fervent affection, and appreciation of the truth I had met at Bari. This greatly strengthened my attachment for the Italian people, most of whom have so long been in the most dense, degrading, and benumbing darkness of papacy. I left my interpreter, Bro. Biglia, and Eld. Volpi of Bari at this point to carry forward the good work, and went to the valley of Piedmont, in Northern Italy, where I propose soon to make an effort, with the aid of Bro. Adémar Vuilleumier, a Swiss colporter who is preparing for the ministry. Doors are opening in the islands of Sardinia and Sicily (Italy), and even at Rome there is an agitation on the Sabbath question among Protestant ministers, etc., some of whom favor the ancient Sabbath, while others are sufficiently liberal to not oppose those who would keep it. May we not hope to see faithful witnesses to God's truth raised up at the very seat of the Beast, where the noble Paul was beheaded, where the man of sin has so long reigned and exercised his cruel and oppressive power, and where for the cause of Christ blood has flowed in torrents? France and Italy have been regarded as hard fields. In many respects they have been so in reality; and they have been made more so, to a great extent, by missionary operations started on a wrong basis,—inviting people to attend meeting by promising them pay, thus making converts who are strangers to the spirit of sacrifice, who do not learn to bear their own weight, but who remain babes, demanding constantly the attention of the minister. It requires no small effort to turn back this tide, and set things on a proper basis; but I believe it can be done, at least with those for whom there is hope. On the other hand, there are redeeming features in these countries. People who have been so long shut away from the light, will appreciate it and make rapid progress in walking in it when it comes. I have also visited Geneva, and am of the conviction that labor must be bestowed in that city very soon, to draw out our Swiss colporters in the most promising part of French Switzerland, canvass many French cities and villages, and thus open the way for public labor, and form a connecting link between France and Switzerland. MINNEAPOLIS.—After General Conference was over, which it was my privilege for the first time to attend, and where I was blessed very much, I started for Chicago, where Bro. Hanson and myself held meetings Sabbath and Sunday, Nov. 22, 23. I was very glad to meet again with these brethren, whom I had not seen for nearly five years, and also to become acquainted with others who had embraced the truth since that time. The Spirit of the Lord was present in our meetings, and all seemed to feel edified and encouraged. I also stopped over at Dayton, Iowa, two days. It was there I first learned the truth, where my brother still lives. Some have died, and others have moved away, so the church is now composed of only two families; but I was glad to see the interest manifested, both by parents and children. I held four meetings, and the brethren said they were attended by more of those not of our faith than any meetings held there since we embraced the truth. The Lord blessed us very much, and it was indeed good to see those who were in the infant class of the Sabbath-school when I was there before, now grown up, and with broken hearts and tearful eyes expressing their love for the Saviour and their desire to follow him. Since I came back to Minnesota, I have visited the following churches: Riceland, Meriden, Byron, Golden Gate, and Canby. The Lord has blessed us very much at these places. I hope we shall not be behind in the good work; and to this end I ask the prayers of God's people. L. JOHNSON. THE RIGHT MUST WIN.
By Frederick William Faber
Oh, it is hard to work for God, To rise and take his part Upon this battle-field of earth, And not sometimes lose heart! He hides himself so wondrously, As though there were no God; He is least seen when all the powers Of ill are most abroad. Or he deserts us at the hour The fight is all but lost; And seems to leave us to ourselves Just when we need him most. Ill masters good, good seems to change To ill with greatest ease; And, most of all, the good with good Is at cross-purposes. Ah! God is other than we think; His ways are far above, Far beyond reason’s height, and reached Only by childlike love. Workman of God, oh! lose not heart, But learn what God is like; And on the darkest battle-field Thou shalt know where to strike. Thrice blest is he to whom is given The instinct that can tell That God is on the field when he Is most invisible. Blest, too, is he who can divine Where real right doth lie, And dares to take the side that seems Wrong to man’s blindfold eye. For right is right, since God is God; And right the day must win; To doubt would be disloyalty, To falter would be sin! —Frederick William Faber. SWEDEN
By John G. Matteson
STOCKHOLM.—The interest in this place is about the same as last month, and we labor on in hope. Bro. Johnson has gone to Örebro and Grythyttehed to hold some meetings there. He will return next week. Sabbath before last we gave the right hand of fellowship to seven brethren and sisters who united with the church, whereupon we celebrated the ordinances. This was an occasion of much blessing to all present. There are now twenty-two members here; and seven others have commenced to obey the Lord in keeping his holy day. Last Sabbath thirty persons attended our meeting. We have not preached on the law and the Sabbath yet, but are in the midst of a good interest on the life and death question. Our views on this point are considered very heretical, and it is important that the people should be enlightened in order to reach them. A teacher in the national school has become much interested, and we hope she will embrace the truth. Since our last report (Nov. 16) we have received in donations $28.62; have obtained seventy-seven subscriptions for our papers, and received $55 for subscriptions and tracts sold. Some people from other places have attended, and we have received invitations to come and preach. Bro. Norlin and Olsen are working diligently as colporters. May the Lord continue to bless the good work begun. JOHN G. MATTESON. ARKANSAS
By James W. Scoles
PEORIA, SEBASTIAN Co., DEC. 23.—Have been holding meetings in a school-house near this place for about four weeks. But little interest has been manifested. Still there seem to be some honest souls who are sincere seekers after the truth. One quite intelligent family has commenced to observe the Sabbath, and three or four others are on the point of turning. May God help them to decide in favor of the truth. Pray for the work here. Death Is Serious, but Life Is More So
—It is a very serious thing to die, but it is a much more serious thing to live. Death is but a single event, life is a series of events. Death can make no change in our character; life makes and unmakes us forever. Death is serious because it is followed by eternity. Life is serious because it decides whether our eternity shall be one of happiness or an eternal death. Our Treatment of Others Matters Most
—Our treatment of others should give us more concern than their treatment of us.