WE are always pleased to notice the objections of those who honestly differ with us in regard to religious truth. We may honestly differ when each walks according to the best light he has on the sacred word. But when we come to a correct understanding of the word our differences must then cease, or if we choose still to differ we cannot do it without blame. For the word of God is yea, and amen,—not "yea and nay." The Scriptures do not speak one thing to one man and a contrary thing to another man. Excusable differences are the result of a want of correct knowledge of the inspired word.
Objections offered by those who are walking up to the best light they have are evidences that such persons are interested in the subject, and are willing to investigate the Scriptures. We repeat, we are pleased to notice objections offered under such circumstances.
An interested reader of the Signs in Arizona, writes to a member of the Oakland V. M. Society as follows, concerning the Sabbath :—
"The whole tenor of God's word clearly indicates that the command is that we devote one-seventh part of our time to His service, or rather, that we hallow one day in seven, and keep it sacred, because he has commanded us so to do."
We know how to sympathize with the writer of this paragraph. We remember when, under the influence of the popular teaching, we thought just so, and felt warranted in acting accordingly. But when we examined the teachings of the Scriptures we were astonished to find that there is no indication in God's word that we are required to "devote one-seventh part of our time to His service," except as it relates to "the seventh day ;" or to "hallow one day in seven," for he has not commanded us so to do.
The Sabbath and Sabbath obligation are many times mentioned in the Bible, and that in no indefinite language. But in all cases, whether it speaks of the act of instituting, of the institution itself, of the consecration or sanctifying, the precept or obligation, either in commandment or history, it invariably speaks of "the seventh day," and of no other. It never speaks indefinitely, as of a seventh day, a seventh part of time, or one day in seven. An examination of the Bible must convince every one that this is true. Therefore to say that "the whole tenor of God's word" indicates the duty to keep a day, indefinite, or any day, as we may select, is to speak unadvisedly. Even those texts in the New Testament, which speak of the Sabbath, but do not specially mention the seventh day, show, in their connection, that the seventh day is the day to which reference is made. As in the gospels, where it is distinguished from, and immediately precedes, the first day of the week. And in the gospels, and in the book of Acts, where it is connected with the usage and custom of the Jews, who kept "the Sabbath day according to the commandment." Luke 23:56 ; 24:1, etc. All these show that reference is made to the seventh day and to no other whenever mention is made of the Sabbath in the Scriptures. The writer continues:—
"Then why so much labor to change the day that is recognized as the Sabbath by all Christian lands and people, to the seventh day, unless God's command laid stress on the day, and not the observance of a Sabbath holy to the Lord?"
It is a mistake to suppose that all Christian people recognize the first day as the Sabbath. That has never been the case. The fourth commandment has always had witnesses among the followers of Christ. But this is no particular argument for or against any day or any thing. "What say the Scriptures?" This is our appeal. And God did lay stress on the day. He never commanded a Sabbath to be kept. It was the day that was at first set apart. "And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it." Gen. 2:3. It was sanctified (set apart for observance,) for a reason which applies to the seventh day and to it only. "In six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day." Ex. 20:11. He did not rest on any day other than the seventh. The whole institution is of the day. "Wherefore"—for this reason, that he rested the seventh day—"the Lord blessed the Sabbath day (day of the rest) and hallowed it." So also in Gen. 2:3, the Lord "God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because that in it he had rested from all his work." To this fact and to this day only the commandment refers. "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy." And it enforces this by an explanatory precept. "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work." No other day could thus be enforced as the Sabbath or rest day of Jehovah, for he did not rest on any other day from all his work which he created. He does not say, "a seventh part of time is a Sabbath." Reference is made to a specified occurrence which relates to no day but the specified day—the seventh day.
On no subject in all the Bible is inspiration more definite and restrictive. It leaves no latitude for supposition; no room for inferences or misapplications. It appears very much of an oversight to declare that God's word accepts any day except the seventh day as the Sabbath.
Again the writer says:—
"If I observe the first day of the week as the Sabbath, and keep it holy as he has commanded, and do all else as well, think you he will say, Depart from me, I never knew you."
In the light of the scriptures we have just quoted the writer must see that this is a misapprehension. God never commanded him or any one to keep the first day of the week. No precept on that subject was ever given from Heaven. "Where no law is there is no transgression." "By the law is the knowledge of sin."
It is also a mistake to suppose that it is possible to keep holy the first day of the week. Our position is that a day must first be made holy before we can keep it holy. In the first quotation here given the writer says, "God commanded that we hallow one day in seven." But God did not so command. What are the facts concerning the sanctity of the seventh day? 1. God rested on the seventh day. 2. For this reason he blessed and hallowed the seventh day. Both cause and consequent are stated in Gen. 2:3. "And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because that in it he had rested." So also in Ex. 20:11.
Now we inquire, How shall we, or how can we hallow the first day of the week? We presume the answer will be, By resting on it, and devoting it to the service of God. But this would not affect that result. Did God's resting on the seventh day day hallow it? No; he hallowed it by an express and separate act, because he had rested on it. Surely, if God's resting on the seventh day did not hallow that day, our resting on the first day will not hallow it. Is our rest so much more important than that of the Creator that it will effect what his would not? When we consider the subject carefully, does it not look like presumption to affirm that we can hallow the first day?
Again, the statement is essentially erroneous, that we can keep the first day holy, as we can keep the seventh. Of the latter we can preserve its sanctity because that God himself has sanctified it. But the former was never sanctified by Jehovah, and of course we cannot preserve relations which never existed. We cannot make it holy as God did the seventh; and cannot keep it holy, for it was never made holy.
Nor is the case made better by saying that the first day is our Sabbath as the seventh day was the Jewish Sabbath. 1. The Bible never calls the seventh day the Jewish Sabbath, but the Sabbath of the Lord. It is Jehovah's rest day, because it is related to his work, and not to a work wrought by the Jews. The Jews did not create the world in six days and rest the seventh day. 2. The Lord never commanded us to keep our Sabbath. Says Jehovah, "Verily, my Sabbaths ye shall keep." "The seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord." "If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day."
The writer speaks of some (supposed) New Testament facts which we may notice at another time. We invite him to examine these points carefully and with prayer. And we pray that the Spirit of God may guide him in his investigations, and lead him to obey the sacred word by which alone man is sanctified. John 17:17.
J. H. WAGGONER.
REFORM ALWAYS UP-HILL WORK.
By R. F. Cottrell
THE tendency of fallen humanity is downward. It is hard to bring it up. If a work of reform is commenced, unless the most constant and untiring efforts are put forth, and the strictest watch maintained, there will be a relapse, and the work will soon be found going backward, the car rolling with increasing celerity down to the low level whence it started.
And this very fact constitutes what is supposed to be a good reason for not engaging in the work of reform. "If this is necessary," say they, "why don't every body see it, and act accordingly?" The proper reply to this question is, Seeing it, why do not you act upon it? But here the claim is put forth that they cannot see it; and the reason they cannot see it is because nobody else has seen it. It is thought that it cannot be necessary, because others have not, and do not, engage in it.
It is easy for humanity, having known and embraced truth, to depart from it; but it is very difficult to induce it to return. This may be illustrated by the case of the falling away of Israel from the true God to the worship of Baal, in the days of Ahab and Jezebel, and the consequent work of reform which Elijah the prophet was called to proclaim. We will present the case in the form of a supposed dialogue.
Baalite. "Art thou he that troubleth Israel?"
Elijah. "I have not troubled Israel, but thou and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim."
B. Are you so bigoted as to think that none are true worshipers but yourself? If God is worshiped, what difference does it make whether we call him Jehovah or Baal?
E. There is but one living and true God. He brought us out of Egypt, and commanded us to worship no other gods. So to worship the god called Baalim is a violation of the commandment of Jehovah our God.
B. What are names? The main thing is to have the spirit of worship. This constitutes the true worshiper. And our fathers from time immemorial have worshiped Baal. And they have been very pious and sincere worshipers. And if they have all been wrong in this, why has nobody ever found it out?
E. In time past, they have, doubtless, for a long time, had less information on the subject than you now have. Light rejected brings condemnation. I have referred you to the commandment of Jehovah, and shown what he requires. If you can tell me why you are not ready to obey, that may cast some light upon the reason why your fathers have not discovered and handed down to you the true light. If you reject truth which has been so clearly set before you, will not your children reiterate your argument, and say, "If this is the only right way, why have not our fathers, among whom were many learned men, discovered it? They were indeed religious, and devoted worshipers of Baal; hence we must conclude that he is the true God." Now if you follow this course of falling back on the fathers, reform is impossible. I call upon you to reform. I present the commandment of Jehovah. How long halt ye between two opinions? if Jehovah be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.
The application is easy. Each reader can make it. The word of God has no weight with those who hold to the traditions of their fathers. When they fail to find anything in the Bible to favor their position and course, they fall back on the fathers as a sure foundation. They may admire the conduct and fortitude of a Luther and other reformers, who boldly protested against the corruptions of the Roman popedom; but had they lived in those days, they would have clung to the "mother church," and opposed the Reformation. And had they lived in the days when it was fashionable to worship Baal, the voice of Elijah would have been unheeded by them. Reform is up-hill work. Dead fish will float down stream; none but live ones will make head against the current. R. F. COTTRELL.
DIRECTORS' MEETING.
By S. N. Haskell
The Directors elected, met on the evening of April 7. Eld. S. N. Haskell was called to the chair. On account of the lateness of the hour, adjourned to the 8th, at 7:30, A. M.
April 8, 7:30, A. M. Met according to adjournment. Organization was effected by the election of S. N. Haskell, President; W. C. White, Vice President; L. D. Carruth, Secretary; John Morrison, Treasurer; J. D. Rice, Auditor.
C. H. Jones presented his resignation. After considerable deliberation, it was accepted, and T. M. Chapman was elected to fill the vacancy.
A Publishing Committee was elected, consisting of the following persons: J. H. Waggoner, W. C. White, and S. N. Haskell.
The editors for last year were re-elected for this. J. H. Waggoner was nominated for resident editor. On account of ill health, Eld. W. objected to being placed in that position. He was elected.
S. N. HASKELL, Pres.
L. D. CARRUTH, Secretary.
THE MISSIONARY.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
OUR PUBLISHING WORK AND OUR DUTY.
The publishing interest is the right arm of our strength. The labors of our most successful ministers would be comparatively fruitless were it not for our publications. The minister goes into some town or city, and pitches his cotton meeting-house, and as soon as he obtains a hearing, offers for sale his publications, which treat upon the subjects he has presented. It is thus that conviction is fastened upon minds in regard to those truths to which they have listened. Others also who could not attend the meetings, desirous to learn what is being presented at the tent, sometimes from curiosity, will obtain these publications and read with interest. It is in this manner that a knowledge of these truths will extend for miles around, to hundreds who have hitherto known nothing of them.
Reading creates a permanent interest, and those whose hearts are susceptible to divine impressions, and whose minds can comprehend the truth, will see its beauty, feel its force, and be led to embrace it. Tens of thousands of people all over the land learn of the truth, and many embrace it who would have had no knowledge of it were it not for the silent messengers which find their way by mail and otherwise to every part of the civilized world.
We repeat it, our publishing interest is the right arm of our power and the principal means of awakening an interest and communicating the light to the ends of the earth.
The publishing interest must be sustained by its friends at all hazard. Our brethren and sisters upon this coast have done nobly in the past in donating of their means and taking shares in this Association. There are some who have more recently embraced the truth who have not done this. They also should feel it their privilege to take shares in the Association, and those embracing the truth should be thus educated by the ministers. The institution is owned by shareholders, and no one person is benefited by its proceeds. Those employed by the Association, who take responsibilities, receive from five to ten dollars per week less than would be paid for such labor in worldly institutions of like character on the coast.
ANOTHER EFFECTUAL METHOD
of sustaining the publishing work, and also of carrying out the object for which this printing-house was established, is to make a market for our publications among our people and others. We need canvassers and colporters who will devote their entire time to the sale of these publications. Each friend of the cause can and should take an active interest in this branch of the work. Ministers should act as agents. Our brethren and sisters should become more intelligent on present truth and be prepared to give a reason of our hope in an acceptable manner to those who may desire it. This can only be accomplished by reading and studying our publications. There should be a library of our works in every family of Seventh-day Adventists. The three volumes of Spirit of Prophecy should be owned and read by all. None can afford to be without them.
The visit of Sister White to this coast this spring has been timely. Another such opportunity for her to visit individual churches may never occur. Our brethren have been encouraged and much strengthened. And hundreds not of our faith, have listened to her testimony. This makes the present a golden opportunity in which to introduce her works to others.
The interest in every place where she has been should be followed up by calling the attention of the people to her works. These speak for themselves. Before this, prejudice would have prevented many from reading; now they will examine them. All should feel an equal interest in this, and each individual who believes in present truth should be awake and press the battle, and retain the victory which God's providence has so manifestly given us.
Our ministers and tract officers should see that each family have these works, and that a supply be had in each district depository, that each librarian may furnish to those who may wish to read. Do not wait for those of your neighbors and friends to come to you, but go to them and introduce these writings. Hundreds of volumes of Spirit of Prophecy may thus be sold if the interest now awakened be followed up. Our brethren should purchase these works at retail price and sell them at the same. Not less then 1000 copies should thus be disposed of this present quarter.
Other publications are of priceless value to our brethren. Our Sabbath-schools should be furnished with the necessary appliances,—maps and various works just adapted to the wants of those interested in the study of the Scriptures. This is also a missionary work, and it qualifies those engaged in it to be successful workers. This also builds up the Association and establishes confidence in the work.
S. N. HASKELL.
FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE P. S. D. A. PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION.
The fifth annual meeting of this Association convened at the Publishing House in Oakland, Cal., at 10, A. M., April 6, 1880. Prayer by Eld. M. C. Israel.
The call of the roll was answered by 1982 shares; 947 being present, and 1035 by proxy, being over two-thirds of the subscribed stock. After the roll call, the report of the Treasurer last year, as published in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, April 10, 1879, was read and accepted. The Treasurer then presented his report as follows:—
Report of the financial workings of the Association from March 27, to April 1.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
RECEIPTS.
Cash on hand March 27, 1879 ......................... $ 51 60
Received on Acct's and Deposits ....................... 171,503 17
" Signs of the Times ........................... 8,749 52
" Book Sales etc .............................. 6,231 94
" Custom Printing and Binding ................. 24,080 97
" Cal. Pub. Fund .............................. 6,416 38
" Donations to Signs .......................... 83 67
" Cal. Conf. Fund ............................. 3,131 65
" T. and M. Society ........................... 2,569 20
" Exchange .................................... 5 45
" Type and Material ........................... 3,641 09—$226,464.64
DISBURSEMENTS.
Paid out on Acct's and Deposits ...................... $166,953 61
" for Office Labor ............................ 23,191 54
" Stock Paper and Binders' Material ........... 9,619 31
" Fuel and Incidentals ........................ 5,434 58
" Books and Freight ........................... 2,721 91
" Real Estate ................................. 1,941 54
" Type and Machinery .......................... 7,515 03
" Cal. Conf. Fund ............................. 2,336 73
" Cal. T. and M. Society ...................... 2,752 75
" Exchange .................................... 36 95
" Interest .................................... 2,504 45
" Office Fixtures and Furniture ............... 1,144 84
Cash on hand .......................................... 311 38—$226,464.64
JOHN MORRISON, Treasurer.
I hereby certify that the foregoing statement is correct, according to my best information and belief. W. N. GLENN, Auditor.
INVENTORY.
Bindery ............................................... $ 4,116 75
Real Estate ........................................... 29,121 30
Books ................................................. 6,605 22
Paper ................................................. 5,935 18
Type and Machinery .................................... 25,032 08
Office Fixtures and Furniture ......................... 2,825 95
Total Valuation of Property ........................... 73,726 48
Due on Accounts ....................................... 11,644 37
Cash on hand .......................................... 311 38—$85,682.73
Association owes on Notes and Deposits ................ 52,280.32
Assetts after all Debts are Paid ...................... 33,402.41
A committee of three was appointed on nominations, as follows: William Saunders, J. H. Waggoner, and W. M. Healey.
After some remarks by Elder Waggoner on the working of the institution the past year, adjourned to 2:30, P. M.
SECOND MEETING, — 2:30, P. M.
The committee on nominations reported the following as candidates for Directors:— S. N. Haskell, W. C. White, John Morrison, M. C. Israel, and C. H. Jones, who were elected.
The following preamble and resolution were presented by Bro. Saunders:—
Whereas, In the providence of God the SIGNS OF THE TIMES Publishing House has been established here in Oakland as a means of spreading present truth before the world, and warning the people of earth to flee from the wrath to come; and feeling that on account of its present needs for further facilities, particularly in the press department, and
Whereas, We, the stockholders here assembled, are gratified to find that there is a prospect of the Publishing Association being relieved from its financial embarrassment through reduced expenditures, the employment of more efficient labors (who will work not only for financial success, but also with its primary object—the spread of the truth—ever in view, and who will work with a sanctified desire to glorify God, and to save fallen man), therefore
Resolved, That we will ourselves, and we recommend to our people everywhere that they sustain the Publishing Association to the best of their ability, with our labors, our means, and our most earnest prayers.
It was also moved and voted that the meeting recommend an increase of stock.
Interesting and instructive remarks were made by Sr. White; also by Brn. Haskell, White, and others. These were listened to with much interest until a late hour. Adjourned.
W. C. WHITE, Vice Pres.
L. D. CARRUTH, Secretary.
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE S. D. A. P. ASSOCIATION.
A SPECIAL meeting of the Stockholders of the Association was held in Oakland, April 6, at 2 P. M. Opened by prayer by M. C. Israel.
The object of the meeting was stated, as given in the published notice, to amend Section 2 of Article 6, to make it read—"There shall be an annual meeting of this Association on the fourth Monday of April,"—instead of, "on the first Tuesday," as it now reads. More than two-thirds of the capital stock of the Association was represented, and the change was made by a unanimous vote. Adjourned.
W. C. WHITE, Vice Pres.
L. D. CARRUTH, Secretary.
TRACT AND MISSIONARY MEETINGS AT OAKLAND.
The annual meeting of the Association having called in many of our brethren from various parts of the State, the opportunity was improved by Eld. Haskell to give some instructions in the missionary work. The time which could be used for this purpose was so limited that full and thorough instructions could not be given, but every available hour was used to the best advantage, and to the satisfaction and profit of all in attendance.
The importance of the system of thorough accounting which Eld. Haskell has introduced into the missionary work has not hitherto been appreciated by the societies and the workers on this coast. The lessons which have been given here will do much to improve the working of the societies in this State, and they have created a strong desire to have Eld. H. hold a regular Institute before he leaves us.
In the exercises illustrations were given showing the importance of exact conformity to every part of the system. Members of the class confessed that they "did not know there was so much of it." A committee appointed by the class reported the following resolutions, which were adopted:—
Resolved, That we who have attended the Tract and Missionary Institute held in Oakland, April 5, 6, 7, 1880, realizing, from what we have seen and learned for ourselves, the importance of a better understanding of the nature of the work in which we are engaged and the proper method of performing that work, and also the importance of keeping correct record and account of every transaction, we recommend that a Tract and Missionary Institute be held in connection with the next autumn Camp-meeting, so that members throughout the State may have the benefit of the instruction imparted by such a course of lessons.
Resolved, That we should realize our responsibilities, which are the greater now that we have received clearer light as to our duty, and we should strive more earnestly than we have heretofore to spread the truth and to let this light shine before the world.
WALKERTON, INDIANA.
By A. W. Bartlett
Four weeks ago I began meetings at Walkerton, and up to the present time sixteen have signed the covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. A well-known physician of W., who has also preached twelve years as a Baptist minister, has embraced the Sabbath, as also one of the trustees of the Baptist church, in whose house we held our meetings. Eld. W. W. Sharp has labored with me nearly a week. The interest still continues very good, and we expect a goodly company, by God's blessing.
A. W. BARTLETT.
March 29, 1880.
A CONSTRAINED MINISTRY.
JEREMIAH had been greatly persecuted for his faithfulness in delivering the word of God. He tells us his reason for his continuance in a work which brought him so sorrowful a reward. He gives us to understand that he had been faithful in delivering God's word, because that word had been overpoweringly precious to his own soul. He could not do otherwise than speak the truth, because that truth had been his own daily food. He met with nothing but ill treatment from those whom he addressed; they had vilified him in every way; he had been put in the most noisome dungeon; he had been denied even bread and water; everything short of actually putting him to death had been inflicted upon him by his ungrateful countrymen; but still he went on prophesying. He could not be silent. Though his prophesying brought him nothing but tears, yet he continued still to prophesy; for God's word came with such sweetness to his own soul, and filled his heart with such ravishing joy and delight, that he could not do otherwise than go out among his countrymen and tell what had been so delightful to himself.
I believe this to be the secret of a living ministry. The ministry that is fed upon flattery, and flatters those who flatter it, is a poor, feeble counterfeit, and God will never bless it; but the ministry which under great difficulties and fierce opposition is still sustained because the preacher cannot help continuing it, that is what God will bless.
It was good advice of a venerable divine to a young man who aspired to be a preacher, when he said to him, "Don't become a minister if you can help it." The man who could very easily be a tradesman or merchant had better not be a minister. A preacher of the gospel should always be a volunteer, and yet he should always be a pressed man, who serves his King because he is omnipotently constrained to do so. Only he is fit to preach who cannot avoid preaching, who feels that woe is upon him unless he preach the gospel, and that the very stones would cry out against him if he should hold his peace.—Sel.
Thanks for Tract and Missionary Instruction
Resolved, That we having listened to the instructions of Elder S. N. Haskell during the past few days upon Tract and Missionary work hereby tender him our thanks for the patience and kindness with which said instruction has been given.
WM. SAUNDERS,
W. M. HEALY,
J. L. WOOD,
Committee.
DAYTON AND PATAHA PRAIRIE, W. T.
By Alonzo T. Jones; William L. Raymond
FROM March 12-30, we were with the churches of Dayton and Pataha Prairie.
At Dayton, one was baptized, who united with the church. Ten signed the Teetotal Pledge. Four joined the Benevolent Aid Association, and others will do so soon. Also enough was pledged to insure the erection of a meeting-house. A building committee was appointed, and the house will be built just as soon as the lumber can be obtained from the mountains, and properly seasoned. The house will be 24x36.
At Pataha Prairie, a T. and M. Society was organized, consisting of nine members, and a Benevolent Aid Association of nine. Thirteen signed the Teetotal Pledge. And there also the building of a meeting-house is assured by sufficient pledges, and the house will be built as soon as the material can be procured. When it is considered that the Pataha church consists of only ten members, (five men and their wives), we think they have displayed a commendable zeal in the work of the Lord. May the Lord bless in all the efforts of both churches to advance the great work of the third angel's message.
ALONZO T. JONES.
WM. L. RAYMOND.
March 31, 1880.
MADISON, DAKOTA.
By S. B. Whitney
SINCE my last writing, I have been laboring to set things in order, and gather in those who are interested. Twenty have signed the covenant; and we have organized a tract society with nineteen members, raised a club of eighteen for the weekly Instructor, and nineteen for the SIGNS, and obtained nine subscribers for the Review, four for Good Health, and one for the Tidende. The tithing system was generally adopted. Eight or ten have commenced the observance of the Sabbath, and nearly all have taken part in the meetings. The Lord has wrought powerfully for us, and some who had wandered far from God and the truth have been brought back, and are now rejoicing in the light. Among those who have signed the covenant are a Baptist family, who have embraced the Sabbath since my last report.
LATER, MARCH 24.—Three more have signed the covenant. A vigilant missionary society has been partially organized, with twelve members. I have sold two sets of "Spirit of Prophecy," and obtained four full members to the H. and T. Association on the teetotal pledge. Circumstances have seemed to make it necessary to remain here longer than I had designed, but the results seem to indicate that it is providential.
S. B. WHITNEY.
ALBANY, IOWA.
By J. D. Pegg
We closed our meetings in this place, March 21, with a crowded house, some being unable to gain admittance. As the result of our effort here, sixteen have signed the covenant, and three or four others have commenced to keep the Sabbath. One favorable feature is, that there is not a broken family in this company; every husband has his wife with him in the truth. Three were keeping the Sabbath when we came here, and now there is a company of over twenty, all but two of whom are heads of families.
We organized a Sabbath-school last Sabbath. There will be about twenty children of Sabbath-keeping parents, and some others we think will join the school, making over forty scholars.
A Freewill Baptist and his wife are among the number who have accepted the truth. He has preached for thirty years, and will make a good leader. He has been addicted to the use of tobacco, but says that, by the grace of God, it shall go, with other errors. J. D. Pegg.
THIS IS THE LORD'S DOING.
By Raymond F. Cottrell
MORE than a quarter of a century ago a few souls had faith to believe, from the harmonious fulfillment of prophecy, that the time had come for the fulfillment of the last warning message to mankind, which had been foretold in prophecy in the beginning of the gospel age. Rev. 14: 9-12. The truths which they held were extremely unpopular. The world and the churches were unwilling to hear the doctrine of the soon coming of the Lord, and the Lord's Sabbath was despised as a Jewish institution: the people having so long trampled it under their feet, would not listen to an argument for its restoration. In short, everything stood against the truth, and the feeble band of those who believed and proclaimed it. Nothing looked more wild and visionary to the people in general than the belief that this work is the especial work of God for our time.
But despite prejudice and opposition, the work has gone on and increased, so that its present proportions are like the stately oak compared with the acorn. And yet it is onward. Soon it will assume still more gigantic proportions. The message will swell, as we believed, into a loud voice, only to die away with the close of human probation.
This work is not to be attributed to human power. "It is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes." How solemn the thought that this last message is doing its fearful work! How awful the responsibility laid upon all to work in the Lord's harvest till the last sheaf is bound, "And joyfully borne from the harvest ground."
Awake, my soul, to the duties of the present hour!
R. F. COTTRELL.
LITCHFIELD, KENTUCKY.
By R. G. Garrett
I COMMENCED meetings at Hanging Rock, Feb. 27, and continued three weeks. Sixteen have signed the covenant; others are convinced, for some of whom I have hope. I have sold books to the value of $9.70. Some are very bitter in their opposition to the truth, misrepresenting us and wresting our words.
I have been urgently requested by several to lecture at Litchfield. They have offered me the use of a house of worship, and the hotel-keeper offers to keep me and my horse free of charge while I stay. The people have paid all my expenses since I have been with them. I return home for a few days. Brethren, pray for me and the cause of truth here. R. G. GARRETT.
MEETINGS.
By Joseph Clarke
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together." Heb. 10 : 25.
A regular and constant effort put forth in the common pursuits of life is generally crowned with at least some degree of success. So in spiritual things, God has laid a plan for man's salvation. The seasons of secret and social prayer, the Sabbath with its holy influence, the influence of the good, the Bible and all the varied means of grace, if well improved, prove a rich savor of life unto life. The stated meetings of the church, especially, are a powerful means of grace. Those who attend these with a proper spirit of devotion reap a rich reward. The camp-meetings are an interesting feature in the work and great privileges are afforded to those who attend these meetings, and great loss attends the neglect of them.
Only a few short years remain, and when these expire, all will be over. Well it is that the people of God hold yearly religious anniversaries. These are seasons of great importance to all who value eternal life; and as they return in their yearly round, they seem like mile-posts to the celestial city. Every year, these meetings rise in their interest and power, and well will it be for us if we rise with them. Jos. Clarke.
THE POWER OF TRUTH.
CANDID, thinking, Christian men are not unfrequently brought into the light of the Sabbath truth through their own investigations by simply having their attention called to the subject. The following is a case in point: A Freewill Baptist minister in Wisconsin received a letter from a sister in the church of which he was pastor in Canada, stating her convictions of, and conversion to, this truth. On receiving it, his surprise was only equaled by his zeal to correct her error. He took his Bible, and sat down to answer her letter. But the Bible failing to sustain the Sunday Sabbath, he postponed writing till he should obtain Justin Edwards' Sabbath Manual. The result was, that when he wrote, he believed that the seventh day of the week "is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God," which truth he ardently loved and strictly obeyed until his death.
The Light Lies Ahead
We walked to-day under the shadow of the mountains, where the sun no longer shone upon our path. But far up the valley, beyond the range of hills, the sunlight still flooded the landscape. We were reminded how often in this life we walk through vales where some sorrow, for the time, casts its shadow over us, but beyond, the eye of faith sees the light of hope shine across the way, and we have but to go forward that we may escape the shadow and chill which would fall upon us with increasing power if we were to linger in the old places where trouble found us. They who go forward find the openings where the sunshine lies.
Truth Needs No Assistance
By Addison
TRUTH is always consistent with itself and needs nothing to help it out. It is always near at hand, sits upon our lips, and is ready to drop out before we are aware. A lie is troublesome, and sets a man's invention on the rack, and one trick needs a great many more to make it good. It is building upon a false foundation, which continually stands in need of props to shove it up; and proves at last more chargeable than to have raised a substantial building at first upon a true and solid foundation.—Addison.
Reason Free from Fear of Ridicule
You can no more exercise your reason if you live in constant dread of ridicule, than you can enjoy your life if you live in constant fear of death.
An Ungodly Man and His Conscience
Of all companies, an ungodly man least likes that of his own conscience.