ALL teachers readily admit the importance of knowing what they are to teach, even though they may not always act in harmony with that admission; not so many realize the necessity of knowing whom they are to teach; nor do teachers bestow as much thought as they ought upon the matter of how they are to teach. No teacher should go before his class until he has earnestly and repeatedly asked and answered the question, How shall I teach this lesson? The answer to this question will vary according to the circumstances of different classes; hence the following hints are given, not for you to follow exactly, but as suggestions to help you in forming a plan for the teaching of your individual class.
To secure the attention of all at the outset, you might ask as a general question, Who can name the first passage of scripture in the lesson? Glance swiftly around the class, and call upon the least attentive scholar for an answer. Give the substance of the passage, Henry. What truth is it quoted to prove, William? Here you may introduce some of the questions as given in the lesson, if you like. Do not dwell too long upon the beginning, but hasten on to the most important passages. There will be a number of these probably, and you should determine beforehand what will be the most important points to dwell upon in your class. As you pass along, emphasize the facts that the Bible recognizes but two classes of people in the world, that there is no middle ground, that no one can belong to both these classes at the same time, and that a separation will soon take place. These points furnish material for excellent practical instruction, and bring you to a very important part of the lesson; namely, the character borne by these two classes, and their final separation. Let their characters be dwelt upon, and the different points brought out by questions and answers. Or call upon some one to name the good deeds performed by the one, and neglected by the other, while the rest of the class keep watch to see that nothing is omitted. It might add to the interest to have all turn to the passage, and read the more striking portions.
You are now ready to consider the fate of these two classes. Perhaps you might do this successfully by the use of questions like the following: Who are meant by “these” in the 46th verse? What will be their fate? What of the righteous? Is there any difference between eternal and everlasting? Are they from the same or different Greek words? Which lasts the longer—the punishment of the wicked, or the reward of the righteous? Are you all agreed, then, that the punishment is eternal? What is that punishment? Repeat in concert the text that proves your answer. What two things are contrasted in Rom. 6: 23? Are the wages of sin misery? Is the gift of God happiness? Is here any misery connected with the wages of sin? Any happiness connected with the gift of God? What can you say of the theory that death here does not have its usual meaning? etc. In a similar way you might question on 2 Thess. 1: 7-9. A great mistake will be made if you simply ask question “15,” listen to the recital of 2 Thess. 1: 7-9 as an answer, and then go on to question “16.” Be sure your scholars understand the text before you proceed. A dozen questions could be used with profit.
By all means dwell upon that precious passage at the close of the lesson, 1 John 1: 7. Time your teaching so as to have opportunity for this, omitting if necessary some less important passages.
I think you might use a small blackboard or a large slate to good advantage in your class work. It would help you in securing and holding attention and in riveting the lesson already taught. You might write in a bold hand at the close of the recitation something like the following:—
To-Day There is Placed Before You—Eternal Life, the Gift of God—For the Righteous.Eternal Death, the Wages of Sin—For the Wicked.Choose Ye!
C. C. L.
“SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES.”
By Eliza H. Morton
The Bible is the one book that never loses its freshness and power. While presenting thoughts that the most ignorant can grasp and understand, it also shadows forth themes so lofty, so grand, and so incomprehensible, that the strongest minds find food, and stand abashed before the wonderful mysteries of God.
It is the duty of every professed Christian to seek to know the will of the Master as revealed on the sacred page. God never designed that ministers alone should understand the Scriptures. The word is to the world; and the most humble, unlearned student, directed by the Spirit, may see his Bible illuminated with rays of divine light. As we near the close of time we find that the honest in heart feel impelled to study the prophecies. The prayer, “Lord, show me the truth,” is being offered by many a soul, and God is answering that prayer, and earth’s closing message of mercy is being carried eastward and westward and northward and southward, and soon the whole earth will be lighted with its glory.
By careful, prayerful study of the Bible, we may hasten the work of God in the earth, secure valuable mental discipline, gain a depth of Christian experience, secure sweet daily blessings, and by following the teachings of the book divine, win many stars in our crowns of rejoicing. To those who thus “search the Scriptures” the Bible will prove to be—
“A fountain ever springing,
Where the weary may repair,
The heavy burdens bringing
Of sin and of despair.
“A hive of honeyed treasures
Distilled from Eden’s bowers,
Where heaven-born hope with pleasure
May feed in wintry hours.”
Portland, Me. ELIZA H. MORTON.
Victory Over Sin Strengthens the Believer
—A victory won against sin strengthens us for the next assault. A new line in our defense has been drawn against our enemy; and his darts, which once pierced our affections, now glance from our shield.
Fidelity: The Humble Grace of the Christian Worker
—No grace is more necessary to the Christian worker than fidelity,—the humble grace that marches on in sunshine and storm, when no banners are waving, and there is no music to cheer the weary feet.
The Solitude of Unnoticed Labor
—Many Christians have to endure the solitude of unnoticed labor. They are serving God in a way which is exceedingly useful, but not at all noticeable. How very sweet to many workers are those little corners of the newspapers and magazines which describe their labors and successes; yet some, who are doing what God will think a great deal more of at the last, never saw their names in print.
THE OPENING YEAR.
By Editor
“Watchman, what of the night?” is the opening question of the year with every one who is waiting for the consolation of Zion. Events and movements and outlooks are of interest chiefly in proportion to their relation to the question of the progress of the cause of truth in the earth. Whatever affects this is worthy of attention. Whatever tends to the advancement of this cause, regardless of the form it may assume, is a matter of encouragement.
The year opens auspiciously for our work all along the line. The REVIEW never had a larger and better paying list of subscribers than at the present time. And the same is probably true of all the periodicals published in the cause of present truth in this country and in Europe.
The results of last year's work are encouraging, and the outlook for the future is hopeful. Some movements which at first partook partially of the nature of experiments, have proved successful, and may now be prosecuted with all confidence as a part of a tested and settled policy. The work of the past twelve months has not been merely a spasmodic effort, but will be continued with an increasing activity. Broader plans, and a pushing out into regions still beyond, are the watchwords of the hour.
This cause has never had any failures to explain, any misapplications of prophecy to correct, any back track to take on any question. It has taken a uniform position, and borne a uniform testimony from the beginning, wholly by faith on many points at the commencement; but events have been transpiring all along, slowly it seemed sometimes, but nevertheless surely, to confirm our faith and verify our predictions.
But, says one, the Adventists of 1844 were very positive and sure they were right; yet they made a great mistake; and although you feel very positive as to the correctness of your position, may you not after all be just as mistaken? We answer, the situation has greatly changed since 1844. The prophetic field has been more fully explored, and our relation to passing and coming events is more clearly understood.
Let us illustrate. When the navigators of the 15th and 16th centuries sailed westward from the shores of Europe, it was for the purpose of finding a shorter passage to India and the eastern world. And when land was discovered, they supposed it was the eastern coast of their own continent, and searched carefully all the bays and inlets of our Atlantic coast in expectation of finding a short passage through to the South Sea, in the vicinity of which they verily supposed themselves to be. They thought they were right; but they were mistaken; and further discoveries soon showed that they had not reached India by a whole continent and another and larger ocean. But this continent has since been explored, and the great Pacific Ocean traversed, and now all navigators know the whole extent of the field, and can tell just where they are on the surface of the globe.
So in prophecy. New discoveries have been made. New evidence has been produced. New truths have unvailed themselves. Time and study have cleared up completely the mistake the Adventists made in 1844. The whole prophetic globe, so to speak, has been explored, and the circuit completed. We can locate all its countries and continents. We can calculate all its degrees of latitude and longitude. And we can no more be mistaken in our present position in prophecy, than the geographers and navigators of our time can be mistaken when they map out the countries of our globe, and sail across its seas.
As compared with any development of truth in the past, there is tenfold more evidence for the position we occupy, than others have had for their work. What evidence had Noah to present to the world that the flood was coming? He had simply the fact that the Lord had said it, and he was well along in the building of the ark. What evidence have we that the end is at hand? We have the word of the Lord for it, and the work which the Lord has given his people to do in view of it, well under way; but the Lord has added a thousand other particulars in the social, moral, political, and physical worlds, which appearing all around us, add their testimony to the truthfulness of our position.
The whole world has been explored. All civilized lands know where every nation is located. There are no new nations to be developed. The present ones only are to be warned; and then shall the end come.
There are many hearts into which the inspiration of this truth has come to stay. The voices which come up from all sides are voices of hope and courage, enthusiasm and zeal. Watchman, what of the night?—The morning cometh! The day is at hand.
Another year's pledge for earnest work in the good cause goes up on high from many hearts; and they gird on the armor anew to go forth to transform it into the record of faithful service done.
A GOOD SABBATH.
The last Sabbath of 1884 was a good day for the church in Battle Creek. Eld. Littlejohn spoke in the forenoon on the subject of a Sabbath reform predicted for the last days. He referred to twelve distinct prophecies which point out a law movement to be accomplished in the last generation, and then showed that any movement in behalf of the law, in Christendom at the present time must eventuate in a Sabbath reform. Facts were then presented to show how plainly these prophecies are now being fulfilled, and a vivid picture was drawn of the contrast between the faith by which we were obliged to walk out wholly in the commencement of the message over thirty years ago, and the sight by which we are able to walk to-day. The predicted reform is already far advanced, and the last days are indeed here.
In the afternoon Eld. Waggoner spoke on 1 Tim. 4:15. This was Eld. W.'s last Sabbath with us before his departure for California, and although the weather changed after the forenoon service to be exceedingly unfavorable, the congregation was nearly as large as in the morning, filling the main auditorium and a large portion of the gallery.
The discourse fitted well to that of the forenoon. The speaker dwelt upon the necessity of meditating upon the truth and being profited by it. The truth is made so plain upon tables (prophetic and law charts) Hab. 2:2, that a man—not, “may read it while running,” as the text is so commonly erroneously interpreted, but—“may run that readeth it,” that is, may go forth with haste as soon as he reads it, to make it known to others. It is so plain and important that a man really believing it cannot still go on in his ordinary manner, but must run to warn his fellow-men. This is a prophecy respecting the second advent of Christ; for Paul so applies it in Heb. 10:37, 38. Isa. 30:8–11 was referred to as pointing out the same movement; and it was shown how modern professors are endeavoring to “cause the Holy One of Israel to cease” from before them by taking him out of the fourth commandment, and putting the Jew in his place, calling that Sabbath “the old Jewish Sabbath,” which Jehovah says is “the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” Fearful liberty to take with the law of the great Jehovah!
Alluding to Heb. 10:25, it was shown how, by startling events in whatever direction we may look, we see the day approaching. The discourse had the true advent ring in it. It seemed to be given in obedience clearly to the prophetic injunction (Joel 2:1), to blow the trumpet and sound an alarm as the day of the Lord is drawing nigh. He who could listen to it unmoved, must be unfeeling indeed. While we rejoice in so clear a truth, let us pray that the Lord will give more of his servants to so feel its power as to be able to impress the hearts of others therewith; and that he may render the hearts of all his people susceptible to the impressions which the truth is calculated to make.
The words of the day were good words: and we felt some as we may imagine the Gentiles felt (Acts. 13:42) when they besought Paul that the same words might be preached to them the next Sabbath day. The Lord give us to hear many more such words as these.
WHAT THE CHRISTMAS TREE BORE.
The evening of Dec. 25 was made a very pleasant occasion for both old and young, by exercises at the Tabernacle, provided by the church, College, and Rivulet, T. and M. Societies of Battle Creek.
The exercises consisted of prayer, remarks, reading of missionary letters, reading of an original Christmas poem, Scripture recitations by the College society, an interesting children's exercise by the Rivulet society, and a Conversation—Why don't you join the Missionary Society? by members of the church V. M. society, answering in a very natural and effective way the excuses and objections usually urged for not engaging in missionary work. So fully was this done that those personating the objectors yielded all their excuses, and joined the society.
This was followed by the gathering of the fruit of the tree. Acting on a suggestion made by Sr. White in the REVIEW a few weeks ago, it had been decided to make the Central European Mission the object of the offerings on this occasion. The fruit was therefore cash contributions to this mission hung upon the tree in various tasteful and attractive forms. Two ready scribes took down the sums as they were read off, and the whole footed up to twelve hundred and thirty-three dollars, and thirty-seven cents, besides one gold ring, one pen, and two cans of choice fruit. One family gave five hundred dollars. The tree thus turned out to be very gratifyingly fruitful in a good cause.
The preceding exercises had been interspersed with four select pieces of music beautifully rendered by the choir, and the whole congregation now joined in the stirring strains of old Coronation, after which Eld. H. M. Kenyon, who also made the opening prayer, dismissed with the benediction.
The presidents of the different societies, W. C. Sisley and W. K. Loughborough are entitled to credit for their care and labor in making the arrangements, and the interesting manner in which the exercises were conducted. For the Christmas poem, which was by O. C. Godsmark, we hope to find room in the REVIEW soon.
Looking at results obtained simply on this occasion, one can but feel like invoking a blessing on these missionary organizations. May they prosper greatly in the Lord. The members will look back with satisfaction upon their Christmas offerings of 1884, as they watch the progress of the cause in Europe, and feel that they have contributed something toward warning the millions there of the coming of the great day of the Lord.
We trust the contributions offered on this occasion may be made effectual by the blessing of the Lord, in advancing the work which our dear brethren in Europe are so zealously laboring to carry forward in his name.
THE SENTINEL.
By Editor
The last number of this paper has been committed to the mails, and will reach its readers in advance of this number of the REVIEW. It is a number which speaks for itself, and hence requires no special notice in this place.
Three able articles by contributors will be found worthy of note; namely, “The Lesson of the Campaign,” by Eld. Littlejohn, “A Wonderful Stretch of Faith,” by Eld. Cottrell, and “Worth Remembering,” by Eld. Hutchins.
All are requested to notice particularly the offer made to those whose subscriptions have not yet expired, and if they come under that designation, act accordingly.
Some have expressed regret that the Sentinel is to be discontinued. But its discontinuance will leave a little more time to be devoted to the REVIEW, which we trust will not be without its influence on the latter paper.
THE YEAR BOOK FOR 1885.
THIS work is now ready. It contains the matter prescribed by the General Conference, as follows:— Ministers' Directory, General Directories, Gen. Conf. Proceedings, S. D. A. Statistics, Reports of the Proceedings of the International T. and M. Society, the S. D. A. Pub. Association, Pacific S. D. A. Pub. Association, S. D. A. Educational Society, Healdsburg College, South Lancaster Academy, Health Reform Institute, General S. S. Association, H. and T. Association, General and State Conference Constitutions, Statistics of Our Publishing Work, Summary of T. and M. Labor, Summary of City Mission Work, Postal Guide, and Calendar.
The Postal Guide is made very complete, from the latest returns from the P. O. department, and is what all Tract and Missionary workers who are sending out matter by mail should have, as it gives all rates of postage on different grades of matter in this country and to foreign countries. The book contains also a statement of astronomical changes for the year, the value of foreign coins, the population of the United States and Territories, and growth of population from 1800 to 1880.
Every friend of the cause should feel an interest to have such information as this in his possession for reference through the year. The books have been sent out to different Conferences, as far as orders have been received. Price 25 cts. Address REVIEW AND HERALD.
TO CANVASSERS.
By Editor
Some of our most experienced canvassers, judging from their experience in the past, and from what they have heard and seen in their intercourse with almost all classes of people, have come to the conclusion that the late new edition of the work on “Man’s Nature and Destiny,” would be an excellent book to sell by subscription. They think some cheaper work would be of great service taken along with “Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation,” and that this would answer well for that purpose.
Quite a large number of copies of the “United States in Prophecy” have been sold in this manner; and there are many indications that “Man’s Nature and Destiny” would be still better in this field.
This is a very important subject, and an essential part of the present truth, in view of the proportions to which Spiritualism has already attained and the work it has to do in the future.
In response to this call we have had a number of Prospectuses prepared; and they are now ready for any canvassers who may wish to give the work a trial.
Address, REVIEW AND HERALD.
THE NEW SANITARIUM.
We are happy to present to our readers this week a view of the Sanitarium with the addition which has just been completed. The addition is the five story portion shown on the right. It does not here show to the best advantage, the point of view carrying it so far to the rear. From any other direction it really appears as the main building, to which the old main building serves as a magnificent wing. The view is taken as it is for the purpose of showing also the large rear extension of the old main building which appears upon the left.
The new part, only the front of which is shown in the engraving, is, as the reader will perceive, five stories in hight. A capacious elevator makes the upper stories equally convenient with the lower. The first floor is devoted mainly to a large and elegantly fitted up dining hall with tables for the accommodation of some five hundred guests. The other floors are devoted mostly to patients' rooms, pleasant, light and airy, and well ventilated, with the requisite number of offices, etc.
The method of ventilation, many of the plans and devices for which are original with the managers of the Sanitarium, is the most complete to be found in any building in the country. Air from the pure and inexhaustible supply outside, is forced into the building, warmed to a pleasant temperature in winter, and cooled to an equally pleasant degree in the summer, in such quantities that the air in any room can be entirely changed every three minutes, and yet no unpleasant drafts be experienced. Certainly there is nothing more to be desired in this direction.
There is to the new part (not shown in the engraving) a rear extension, 85 by 45 feet, the spacious and airy basement of which affords a most suitable place for the Mechanical Exercise and Swedish Movement department, rendering it free from noise and jar. The entire floor over this basement is devoted to the gymnasium.
The dimensions of the entire building as it now stands are as follows: Length, including rear extension, 475 feet; width of main part, in its several divisions, 40, 46, and 54 feet, respectively; length of promenade in halls and verandas, over half a mile; space covered by floors, over two acres. The addition nearly doubles the capacity of the building, but according to present appearances will only temporarily relieve the pressure of increasing patronage.
This institution, called at its opening, eighteen years ago and until more recently, the Health Reform Institute, and now known as the Sanitarium, has grown to be the largest institution of its kind in the world. And if one seeks for more complete appliances and facilities for treating all manner of diseases, and a more intelligent application of them to the cases in hand, he must seek them on some other planet; for here we have the best that this one affords.
The past year has been the most prosperous of any during the whole history of the institution; and the managers report that the prospect for future success and a larger patronage, was never so good as at the present time. In this the friends of the cause everywhere will rejoice.
The Sanitarium is doing a good work not only in teaching a pure gospel of health and relieving physical ailments, but in bringing many to a knowledge of those truths through which a new and divine life comes into the soul. Especial effort is made to care for its religious interest at the present time; and its managers solicit the co-operation of its friends, and an interest in their good wishes and the petitions they may offer to a throne of grace. Communications may be addressed to the Sanitarium, Battle Creek, Mich., or to the Superintendent, J. H. Kellogg, M. D.
GET IT—READ IT.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
I HAVE read many books, but never one which has interested me so intensely and impressed me so profoundly as Vol. IX. of “The Great Controversy,” by Sr. White. “Perhaps it may be partly because I see things differently; but I am sure that is not wholly the reason.” The historical part is good, but that which was of the most intense interest to me, was the last part, beginning with the “Origin of Evil.” The ideas concerning the nature and attributes of God, the character of Christ, and the rebellion of Lucifer in heaven, carry with them their own proof of inspiration. They moved the depths of my soul as nothing else ever did. I feel that I have a new and higher conception of the goodness and forbearance of God, the awful wickedness of Satan, and the tender love of Christ. I wish everybody could read it whether of our people or not. Get it, brethren, and read it carefully. D. M. CANRIGHT.
COMPARING STATISTICS.
By E. Lanphear
[We feel no disposition to draw any invidious comparisons between ourselves and others. We are doing far less than we ought to do, and we should feel earnestly to dissuade any of our own people from making the statements contained in the following article. Inasmuch, however, as they come from a Seventh-day Baptist, we feel less hesitation in granting him the liberty to express his feelings. It may be proper for us to add that so far as co-operation between the two societies—S. D. Baptists and S. D. Adventists—is concerned, the S. D. Adventists were not the first to put up the bars in that direction.—Ed.]
EDITOR OF THE REVIEW, Dear Sir:—I have been comparing the statistics of the last report of the Seventh-day Baptist denomination with those of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. In doing so I find quite a difference in the increase of membership and growth of the two denominations.
These two denominations seem to agree upon the seventh day of the week as God’s Sabbath, baptism by immersion, repentance, and salvation from the penalties of sin through our Lord Jesus Christ. These seem to be the fundamental principles of the gospel; and these principles seem to be what each denomination builds upon as the hope of salvation for lost men.
The differences of belief outside of these seem to pertain more to conditions after death and the final Judgment of saint and sinner. Yet each claims that the great object of the church should be to save the sinner from the penalty of sin, whatever that penalty may be. It seems impossible for us mortals in this world to know exactly what the future will reveal; but this much is revealed, that men shall be punished according to the deeds done in the body, whether good or bad.
Is it not safe to leave that matter in the hands of a just God, and unite on the fundamental principles upon which the two denominations do agree, and thus work together for the salvation of souls? Is there not a mistake somewhere? Certainly the S. D. Baptists are not making the progress that a Christian denomination ought to make, which bases its work and labor upon the gospel; for God’s word shall not “return unto him void.” The Adventists, though they appear to be gathering in more sheaves than the S. D. Baptists, have yet plenty of room and material in the world for greater progress. The adoption of proper methods may have much to do in the matter of progress. God’s method of converting the world is the correct one; and that denomination or church that gets the nearest to his method will be the most successful in bringing souls to Christ and his church.
Would it not be well for these denominations to come together in the name of Christ and compare notes and methods of work, and learn of each other the best methods of work, and from what source they gain the greatest number of souls, as saved to Christ and his church?
A church, as well as an individual, may come to the conclusion that it possesses about all the wisdom there is in the world, forgetting that all true wisdom cometh from above. Moses forgot to give God the glory for bringing water out of the rock, and forfeited his right to enter the promised land. Some seem wise above what is written. With such there can come no great success.
Here is a point worthy of investigation and examination by churches and denominations, as well as by individuals. And the statistics of the two denominations, as to increase, may be a topic worthy of attention; and by a thorough investigation better methods may be adopted, and greater success be achieved, and greater numbers be brought to a knowledge of the truth, and such added to the church as shall be saved.
The S. D. Adventist denomination has been organized in this country some forty years. Their last Conference statistics shows a membership of 18,702. It also shows an increase over last year of 1,266 members. The S. D. Baptist denomination dates back over two hundred years in this country. Its report of its last Conference shows a membership of 8,655. Net increase over last year 93 members. Comparing the last report with that of five years before, I find that the membership then was 8,605, which shows an increase of only 50 in the five years. It seems to me that on their part there must be a lack of proper methods of work, doctrine, or practice. Is there not a secret lying back of these facts somewhere, that is the cause of so small an increase? Why should they not have an increase in proportion to S. D. Adventists? Had they done so, they would now number one hundred and fifty thousand or more. What has been the matter? is a question worthy of attention and inquiry. Will God suffer this people to live on at such a poor dying rate? Have they made a proper use of the talent given them? Shall their talent be taken from them and given to another people? By their fruits ye shall know them.
Can you tell why the S. D. Adventist denomination has gained faster than that of the S. D. Baptist? Is it because of their living nearer to the truths they profess? or because they separate themselves more from the world, and walk more circumspectly before God and the world? Certainly their doctrines, or beliefs, do not accord with the common orthodox views in the world as do those of the S. D. Baptists; and so far as strictness of discipline is concerned, the former are much the stricter of the two denominations. So far as the use of ardent spirits, the use of tobacco, and the fashions of the world, is concerned, they are the strongest objectors, and would shut out many that would be admitted by other churches. I take it that a person must be more strictly religious, in practice at least, to get into the Adventist church, than to be admitted into the S. D. Baptist church. Consequently there must be among them different methods of work in order to obtain the results they do in the way of increase of membership.
Could there not be a gain to both denominations and to the cause of Christ generally, for these people to work together for the common cause, so far as they can agree in doctrine, and thus help each other and the cause generally, and especially the cause of the Lord’s Sabbath. I cannot see why these denominations might not be a greater power for good by working together. Why not?
E. LANPHEAR.
Plainfield, N. J., Dec. 21, 1884.
NEGLECTED OPPORTUNITIES.
By G. I. B.
WE verily believe that there are many souls around us ready to receive the light of the truth, with whom our people, though living near, never become acquainted.
Recently, while spending a few days in a city where we have a church of sixty-five members, we were halted by a prominent citizen who had become interested in Good Health. He said that the things taught in it did not receive the attention, generally, that they deserved. Inquiring if I was willing to take his subscription, he paid me $1.25 for it with the premium, “Household Manual.” Of course I was most happy to do this.
Spending a few moments in business at another house, where I was but little acquainted, one of the ladies present, when she found that I lived at Battle Creek, Mich., asked me about the REVIEW AND HERALD, and said she had received a copy of it lately, and was very much pleased with it indeed; and then asked me several questions concerning our faith and our work, showing an interest in the same.
The members of the church have labored under the impression that there was no interest whatever in the city, and had felt that it was useless to try to do anything there because of the prejudice, etc.; yet in both of these cases, without my saying a word, these intelligent persons showed their interest in an unmistakable manner, one of them even asking me to take his subscription, and paying me for the same. Very likely there might be scores of others in the same city who would be interested if approached in the proper spirit.
We cannot tell how much influence the truth has exerted as efforts have been made to spread it in various directions. We shall see those interesting themselves in it of whom we never dreamed. If our people would wake up and take hold of the missionary work, they would find many interested persons who would encourage them in so doing; but while we are oppressed with fear and unbelief we shall fail to receive the blessing of God ourselves, and very likely the blood of souls will be found in our skirts.
May God help us to arouse, and exercise faith, and press forward as though we had confidence in the truth we profess. G. I. B.
