[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.
HIDDEN TALENTS.
By James White
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,” that12day 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.
J. H. W.
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 pineapples. 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 Chinee” 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.
S. N. HASKELL.
Willing Service to God Through 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.
FRANCE, ITALY, AND SWITZERLAND.
By Daniel 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. Conte, 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.
Dec. 9. D. T. BOURDEAU.
MINNESOTA
By L. Johnson
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.
Dec. 17.
VERMONT
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.
THE RIGHT MUST WIN
By Frederick William Faber
“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”—Ps. 126:6.
THE RIGHT MUST WIN.
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.
Dec. 10.
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.
James W. Scoles.
Why Life Is More Serious Than Death
—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.