Earlier text: 5.—SAMUEL AND THE WOMAN OF ENDOREUSEBIUS
By S. Isadore Miner
BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF EMINENT MEN.—NO. 2.
AMONG the names made immortal by their connection with ecclesiastical research, none is more conspicuous than that of Eusebius. Indeed, he is universally known as the father of church history, and is acknowledged authority on all events involving the early Christians, from the beginning of the first century to the last half of the fourth. Little is known of his early life, for his biography, which was written by his successor in the episcopacy, was destroyed. He was probably born about 270 A. D., at Cæsarea in Palestine. We first learn of him at Antioch, as an enthusiastic student in the Scriptures. After some years devoted to this study in various theological schools, he returned to Antioch, and there opened a school of his own. It is probable that it was during this connection that he formed a friendship with Pamphilus, a Christian martyr of extensive learning, who was at that time at the head of an ecclesiastical school in Cæsarea, and who had gathered many books illustrative of Scripture and theology, especially the writings of Origen. To this library Eusebius had free access, and soon devoted himself to its collection and care. He also aided Pamphilus in rendering a correct and complete copy of the Old Testament, which had suffered greatly from the ignorance or negligence of other transcribers.
At the beginning of the fourth century, while the Diocletian persecution of the Christians was at its height, Pamphilus was imprisoned and finally beheaded by order of Urban, the pagan governor of Palestine. After his death, Eusebius, who had distinguished himself by his assiduous devotion to his friend during the latter’s imprisonment, as a token of respect took the name of Pamphilus in addition to his own, and was thereafter known as Eusebius Pamphili. Eusebius himself was soon after subjected to persecution, and was obliged to seek refuge in Egypt. Here he was imprisoned until the abdication of Diocletian in favor of Constantine set him free, and permitted him to return to Cæsarea, where he was made bishop in 315. He then resumed his former labors, and wrote many theological works, embracing commentaries, concordances, histories, treatises, and defenses. These, of course, were all written in the Greek language, but have passed through many translations. Perhaps his most valued work is his “Ecclesiastical History,” but it owes its pre-eminence more to its being a repository of the opinions of the earliest Christian writers, whose works must have otherwise perished, than to any original power of its own. Eusebius also took a most prominent part in all the questions of that age involving the church. The leading topic of discussion during his time, seems to have been the opinions advanced by the Arians, or followers of Arius, and which caused great dissension among the Christians. The original church, headed by Alexander, the chief bishop, held in their belief the Father and Son as co-equals, while the creed of the Arians gave the Father pre-eminence. That Eusebius leaned toward the latter sentiment, though he never withdrew from the mother church, is shown by his calling councils to reconcile the conflicting parties, and by his great influence and friendship with Constantine, procuring the recall of Arius, who had previously been banished. But it is this friendship with Constantine that of all the life of Eusebius concerns us most deeply; for by this means he left an emblem of his great power and a legacy of usurpation to all subsequent generations. It is probable, as will be shown, that mainly at his instigation the Sabbath was changed from the seventh to the first day of the week. It is well known that Constantine was by birth and education a pagan; but afterward professing Christianity, on his accession he put an end to the persecution which had been carried on with great severity against the church for some years. The hearts of all Christians were therefore filled with gratitude toward him, and none entertained the sentiment more fervently than Eusebius, who had by this means been rescued from a seemingly hopeless imprisonment and exile. His ability and learning soon raised him to imperial favor, and while he had influence with Constantine, this very favor influenced him in turn, tempting him to please, and even to flatter at the expense of his faith. Besides bringing himself over to the church as a relic of paganism, Constantine brought another more lasting relic,—the keeping of Sunday as a holiday, as was the custom among the pagans or sun-worshipers. This Eusebius sanctioned, according to his own testimony, and soon after, probably thinking to please Constantine still more, perhaps to gain some higher favor, suggested and recommended the transfer of the Sabbath to Sunday. The proof of his authorship is especially convincing from the fact that he does not claim Scriptural or any previous ecclesiastical authority for so doing, but plainly states that “all things whatsoever that it was duty to do on the Sabbath, these we have transferred to the Lord’s day;” and then gives as conclusive reasons for so doing, “because it has a precedence, and is first in rank and more honorable than the Jewish Sabbath.” But these reasons will not avail him when brought into account in that “great day” by the One whose power to sanctify he tried to usurp. Eusebius died about 340, leaving the observance of Sunday as a universal monument of his selfish desires in courting the favor of an earthly king. S. ISADORE MINER. A BETTER WAY.
By J. E. Swift
EVIDENTLY the churches are in trouble about their Sunday, and something should be done to help them. The Christian Statesman of April 16 copies from the Watchman an article upon “A Standard of Sabbath Observance,” from which we take the following: “The enforcement of Sunday laws, for which appeals are frequently made, is rendered in many cases difficult, if not impracticable, by the fact that among those who believe the observance of the Lord’s day to be obligatory and important, there is no agreement as to the standard of observance.” And he might just as truthfully have added that there is no agreement as to the reasons why it should be observed. In fact, the very reason why there is no “standard of observance” is because there is no reason why any should observe the Sunday.
After lamenting the fact that Christians travel upon Sunday trains, and Sunday papers are read by Christians, he tries to adjust the difficulty in this way: “The churches have need, if they would rescue the Lord’s day for its appointed uses, to set up for themselves, their members, and their families, a standard of proper observance, and live up to it.” Have the Watchman and Statesman drifted so far from the underlying principle of Protestantism, that God’s holy word furnishes them no standard for religious practice? Or are they so wedded to their man-made Sunday Sabbath, that they entirely ignore God’s claims upon them? Do they not know that they must soon stand before God’s holy law in the Judgment, and meet the fourth commandment which tells them that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord their God? If they will stop their vain and God-dishonoring business of “setting up for themselves, their members, and their families, standards” of right and wrong, and turn reverently and submissively to their Bibles, they will find that the proper way to observe Sunday is to use it as God and Christ and the prophets and apostles have used it, as a common laboring day. Then if they wish to really honor God by keeping his sanctified rest day (the seventh day), they will find already set up a standard so plain and so reliable that no one need be mistaken in regard to God’s claims. See Ex. 20:8–11; Isa. 58:13, 14. In the great decisive day which is just before us, instead of being like the foolish man that built his house upon the sand (Matt. 7:26, 27), they will then be granted a home in the city of God. Rev. 22:14. Which is the better way? J. E. Swift. NATIONAL REFORM CONVENTION.
By H. E. Rogers
The annual convention of friends and delegates of the National Reform Association was held at First Presbyterian church at Pittsburg, Pa., April 22. The attendance was not large, averaging two hundred, but this was not looked upon by leaders as indicating any diminution in numbers; but because no special effort had been made to bring out a large gathering, they preferring local and frequent conventions in the different States. Any lack in numbers, however, was more than balanced by the enthusiasm and determination manifested. Although the aims and objects of this movement are well known to Seventh-day Adventists, it is possible to receive from a printed report some impression of the nature of the coming struggle; but it can only be clearly seen by one coming in actual contact with the spirit and apparent motives of the leaders. Their reasoning from their stand-point is logical, and presented with such force and apparent candor as must have a powerful effect on the minds of the majority of Christian people who virtually base their faith on the same premises as are maintained by them. The reports of the various officers show a rapid increase of strength and popular favor. They propose to more fully unite with other reform movements, present a solid front to the enemy, which is represented by the Liberal element, liquor traffic, etc., and one of the speakers said, “Show them that Christian men know their rights and intend to maintain them.” Addresses were made by representatives as follows: Hon. Felix R. Brunot, “The Bible in Public Schools;” Rev. Wm. Weir, “The Rights of Christian Citizens,” in which “the strong, defiant attitude taken” was warmly commended by several; Prof. D. McAllister, “Social Compact Theory,” in which he argued to show that the State is amenable to moral law the same as individuals; Rev. J. W. Coleman, “Necessity of Christian Amendment,” in which, after asserting that Jesus Christ is now invested with kingly authority over the earth, he logically reasoned that it is the duty of the people to acknowledge their King in the national Constitution; Rev. F. M. Spencer, “State and Lord’s Day,” in which the continued open violation of the Sunday Sabbath was portrayed; Dr. J. N. Hays, “U. S. Mail Service and the Sabbath,” a powerful appeal to the Christian people to take a decided stand against this work; Rev. R. J. George, “Our Duty to the Ruler of Nations,” an effort to prove the position assumed by Mr. Coleman, in which texts referring to the future reign and kingdom of Christ were used as applying to the present time; Rev. J. W. Dyke, “Divorce Reform.” A very interesting temperance lecture was given by Mrs. M. W. Woodbridge, and stirring remarks were made by the editor of the Christian Statesman and other workers in the movement. The constitution of the association was amended in various ways, making its demands stronger and more specific. Strong resolutions were passed, pledging themselves to increased activity, especially with regard to the Sunday mail service, Sunday trains, Sunday newspapers, etc. Of all the subjects discussed, the Sabbath question received the most attention and kindled the most fervent zeal, they recognizing the fact that Sabbath observance is the foundation of moral government. Pres. [name illegible] hoped the next Congress could be so flooded with petitions that it would be glad to grant all that was demanded. I came home thankful for the truth regarding the closing scenes of this earth’s history, and determined to “cry aloud and spare not,” till the great victory for the right is won. H. E. Rogers. Since my last report, Feb. 1, I have visited and held meetings at the following places: Des Moines, Winterset, Adel, Knoxville, Monroe, New Sharon, Sandyville, Woodburn, Osceola, Afton, Creston, Fontanelle, Prescott, Riverton, Sharp, Delphos, Silome, Kellerton, and Davis City. At Knoxville and Monroe, Elds. Olsen, Tenney, and others did the preaching. At Des Moines and Sandyville I shared the labors with Bro. Farnsworth; and at the last six places named, with Bro. R. C. Porter. Bro. Wilson and Larsen attended part of the meetings at Riverton, and assisted in the labors. In this time I have delivered fifty-four discourses, and attended forty-six other meetings. A tract society of twelve members was organized, thirteen members were added to the churches, two elders and one deacon were ordained, and the ordinances celebrated three times. At Fontanelle the entire book on tithing, by Bro. Butler, was read, after which all the members attached their names to the pledge to pay all their tithes. At Riverton a church difficulty was settled so satisfactorily, and such hearty confessions were made, that our last meeting with them was one of the best we ever enjoyed. At every place I have labored, we have had some of God's blessing, and I am encouraged to press on. H. Nicola. MONROE, DES MOINES, AND POLK CITY.—April 10, began meetings at Monroe, remaining until the 20th. This church is making better progress than previously, and will have some additions soon. Held two meetings with the company in Des Moines, and was pressed to remain longer. There is a good opening there, I believe. Held a three days' meeting at Polk City. The new converts there are doing well. They have some opposition and persecution, but this will do them good and help to establish them. The Christian church was closed against us, although they had contracted the use of it for our meetings. In a former report I gave the impression that these were partly old Adventists, which was a mistake; all are new converts. L. McCoy. LA GRANGE.—April 17-20, in company with Eld. W. J. Stone, I visited the new company of Sabbath-keepers at La Grange. We were pleased to find that, though they had been walking in the light but a few weeks, tobacco, tea, coffee, and pork were among the things of the past. It does one good to see persons thus thoroughly brought into the truth. Seven were baptized, and these, with fourteen who had previously been baptized, were organized into a church. Several more will soon go forward in the ordinance of baptism and unite with the church. We organized a tract society of sixteen members. All take the Review, and all signed the tithing pledge. They have sent for fifteen copies of Eld. Butler's late work on tithing. A committee was elected to raise funds and purchase, if thought practicable, the building now occupied by our people for meetings. The outside attendance was good, although the mud was very deep. This church is the fruit of the labors of Bro. Stone and Mason the past winter.
R. A. UNDERWOOD. BELLVILLE.—After our good quarterly meeting held at this place April 10-14, it was decided that I should remain to follow up the interest. I continued meetings until the 20th, with a good attendance. A few meetings, however, were thinly attended owing to the inclement weather, or other gatherings in town. The last evening, our house was well filled and the best of attention was given to remarks on the three angels of Rev. 14. The Lord blessed in the meetings. Six united with the church; one of whom had formerly been a member in Tennessee. Two others fully decided to keep the Sabbath. One, a brother whose wife has been a member of the church for a number of years, has served five terms as mayor of the place. He states that he will soon unite with the church. The other had been a constant tobacco smoker. He at once abandoned the habit, and says the Lord has taken away his appetite for it. Others are almost persuaded to embrace the truth. I will labor a few weeks in Hardin county before tent season.
VICTOR THOMPSON. PLACERVILLE,—Feb. 26 we began meetings here, which continued for three weeks; and as the result nine persons promised to walk in harmony with all points of our faith, and six adults were baptized. Meetings were held during the day to strengthen and encourage those already in the faith. Much time was spent in giving instruction in the missionary work. Thirty-six yearly subscriptions were added to their club of Signs. All pledged to faithfully pay the Lord’s tenth. Five subscriptions were taken for Good Health and three for the REVIEW. Over $25 worth of Bibles and other books were sold, and $25 were donated to the work. We left the friends greatly encouraged. Wm. Ings. E. A. Briggs. FERNDALE,—We have just closed a series of meetings on Dow’s Prairie, Humboldt Co., resulting in seventeen’s signing the covenant to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Some others are keeping the Sabbath, who we trust will soon fully take their stand. We also organized a Sabbath-school of twenty-nine members, and established regular Sabbath meetings. Forty-five signed the anti-whisky and tobacco pledge, a number signing the teetotal pledge also. April 13. N. C. McClure. F. L. McClure. JUST FOR TO-DAY.
By J. M. Hopkins
Just for to-day! I pray not, Lord,
For future years; they are not mine.
Just for to-day oh, let me share
Thy tender love and grace divine. Just for to-day; why should I fear
The evils I may never see?
Just for to-day help me, O Lord,
To consecrate myself to thee. Just for to-day give strength to bear
Whatever trials earth may bring;
Just for to-day, Lord, tune my heart
Thy matchless grace and love to sing. Just for to-day help me to do
Whate’er may be thy righteous will;
Just for to-day. Be this my prayer,
That I thy purpose may fulfill. QUICKSBURG, MARKSVILLE, AND CEDAR POINT.—Since my last report I have held meetings at the above-named places. At Quicksburg we continued one week to a good degree of interest manifested. Several are almost persuaded to obey the whole truth; we trust it will not be long till they come out upon the side of the Lord. All seemed to be of good courage. Marksville also, our meetings continued one week. The interest seemed good. One was added to the church. Others expect to unite with us in the future. Bro. G. A. Stillwell assisted in the services at this place. Eld. A. C. Neff attended the meetings at both of these places, and his presence and labors were of much encouragement to all present. The plans were laid for the coming summer’s labor. Hope to be able to start out with the tent early in Our meetings at Cedar Point were also very encouraging to the little company at that place. Quite a number not of our faith were in attendance. At each of the above places the ordinances were celebrated in a solemn and impressive manner. May the Lord greatly bless these efforts for the interest of his cause. DENMARK
By John G. Matteson
COPENHAGEN.—After I left Örebro, I was in Christiania one week, and held one meeting on the Sabbath, which was well attended. Sunday I went to Drammen, according to the urgent request of Bro. Olsen. He is having a good interest there, and some souls have been gained for the Lord. The priests as well as teachers had attacked us so bitterly in meetings and through the press, that it was thought best to reply. Bro. Olsen obtained a large hall for the purpose. Three times it had been refused, but he went the fourth time and finally got a favorable answer. Five hundred hearers were in attendance. They seemed to receive a good impression, as the Lord blessed our efforts, and one after another of the objections brought against the truth was overthrown. The reply was taken down in shorthand, and will appear in print. Monday morning I came to Copenhagen. Here I found Bro. Bronson and Bro. Johansen from Christiania. The last-named brother has been canvassing Denmark—a work which on account of stringent laws is very difficult. He has, nevertheless, had some success, and is now working in this city. This is the third week I am here. We have delivered six lectures and held two prayer-meetings. From fifty to three hundred people have attended. We have hired halls, both situated in the center of the city, one which we can use only twice a week and the other three times. One will seat more than one thousand people, the other nearly three hundred. The first we pay about $2 a meeting, for the second 50 cents. Copenhagen is the largest city in the Scandinavian kingdom, and has the liveliest trade. It has 329,000 inhabitants. The people are strongly given to pleasure-seeking, vanity, and gaming. They are also notorious for infidelity. Religious topics have but little attraction for them. Besides this, the government and the people are in opposition, and there is danger of internal [unrest]. Strong divisions of the army are constantly under arms ready to attack the citizens if necessary; cannons are mounted and ready for immediate use, and a man-of-war is stationed near the harbor. We have some large posters printed, but the mayor forbade posting them; so we distribute handbills. The feeling in this country is very unfriendly to all religious efforts outside of the State church. These circumstances are not favorable to our efforts; but the Lord can work for us, and we trust he will. Bro. Bronson had labored some here before I came. Seven persons have commenced to obey the truth, and two Sabbath-keepers have moved in from the country. Several are quite interested. Pray for us that the Lord may bless our efforts. April 10. JOHN G. MATTESON, MISSOURI
By E. G. Blackmon
POOL'S PRAIRIE, NEWTON CO.—Our quarterly meeting was postponed to the second Sunday in April in order that we might secure a suitable place to hold it. We had an excellent meeting. Spoke Sabbath on the necessity of church organization. Nearly all voted to be organized into a church. I believe the interest is as good here as it ever was, as the house was crowded at this meeting, and many could not gain admittance. One young lady will canvass for Signs and “Sunshine.” The brethren feel greatly encouraged. E. G. BLACKMON. Reno and St. Clair Church Labors in Nevada
By Wm. Ings.
RENO AND ST. CLAIR.—In company with Eld. Briggs, I spent March 24-30 with the church at Reno. No special effort was made to create an outside interest, although some interested listeners were present. Some practical duties were set before this church, and there was quite a willingness to act in harmony with the instructions given. All the company present vowed to hereafter deal honestly with the Lord, and return to him his due in tithes and offerings. Thirty-four Signs were added to their club, and sufficient means was pledged to carry on the missionary work for the present year. From March 30 to April 7, we labored in the interest of the St. Clair church. Here we found an outside interest, every seat being filled. Instruction was given in missionary work. Thirty-four Signs were added to their club, and some other subscriptions were taken. After a Bible reading on tithing, every one pledged to faithfully pay the tenth to the Lord. As the outside interest continued, it was thought best for Eld. Briggs to continue the meetings for a few days longer, while I returned to Reno to finish the work there. Wm. Ings. WASHINGTON TERRITORY.
By John Norton Loughborough
Since my last report I have visited Colfax, Garfield, Farmington, Medical Lake, Plaza, and Dayton. At Colfax, where the tent was pitched last summer, I found a few obeying the truth. I held two evening meetings, and visited among the interested ones in the day time. Sabbath and first day, March 21, 22, I was at Garfield, where the third tent-meeting of last season was held, and gave four discourses. I was pleased to find the few already in the faith maintaining their Sabbath-school and Sabbath meetings. On first-day evening I spoke at Farmington, eight miles from Garfield. Many of the members of this church live quite a distance from the place of meeting, and so are deprived of the privilege of regular services; but those who are near by are faithful in maintaining the meeting and Sabbath-school. Leaving Farmington I drove on to Medical Lake, calling on several scattered Sabbath-keepers on the way; and at the Lake found a number of believers in the message. Some of these who have been so situated that they did not strictly observe the Sabbath, are now released from these hindrances, and promise to fully obey the truth. While in the place, I gave one discourse in the Baptist meeting-house. I had a full attendance. The resident minister took part in conducting the services. Sabbath, March 28, I spent with a family of our people near the old Plaza post-office. On the next first day I gave a discourse to a full house in their district school-house. The week following I drove over one hundred miles to Dayton. I attended the quarterly meeting with the Dayton church April 4; and while there I gave two evening discourses to attentive audiences. April 5 I came to Walla Walla, thus completing my carriage ride of six hundred miles. By traveling in this manner I have been enabled to call upon many of our scattered members that I could not have reached by public conveyance. April 7. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. Knowledge and Talent Under the Control of Grace
—Knowledge and talent, managed by grace, are, like the rod in Moses’ hand, wonder-workers, but turn to serpents when they are cast upon the ground, and employed in promoting earthly designs. THE WORK IN MINNESOTA.
By Ole Andres Olsen
The workers in Minnesota have not been inactive during the past winter, nor is the work here stationary. The labor that has been put forth has been blessed in the conversion of souls and the building up of the work. Members have been added to our churches, the cause has been strengthened, and interests awakened in new places afford encouraging reports. The efforts that have been made in canvassing and colporting have also met with encouraging success. Our greatest difficulty is to supply the great demands for labor in all directions. As is generally known, the tract society headquarters have been moved to Minneapolis. It was evident that this location would better meet the minds of all our people in the State than any other. We have been putting up a small building for the depository, which is now nearly completed; and in a few days we shall have our books arranged therein. This building is located at 2,820 Nicollet avenue. We shall be glad to have our brethren, when passing through the city, stop and see our location; and as we shall keep on hand a full assortment of all our publications, also stationery and Sabbath-school supplies, we hope our brethren who may call on us, will come prepared to take supplies back to their churches and their homes. We are glad to report encouragement in the work at Minneapolis. The Sabbath meetings and Sabbath-school are seasons of interest. The canvassers who have labored in the city during the past winter have had much encouragement; and it is evident that many people here are deeply interested in the investigation of the truth. Almost every Sabbath, some new faces are seen in our meeting. As before intimated, the greatest difficulty we see is to follow up the interest and the work which opens in every direction. Laborers are called for in every branch of the cause; but in order to sustain these laborers, there must be a corresponding amount of means brought into God’s treasury. This is a most serious matter, and should be carefully considered by every lover of present truth. I was thankful for the book on the tithing system that has recently been sent to all our churches. We now have this book on hand at the depository. If all those who have not received it will please write to us, we will supply them with the work at ten cents per copy. Address Mary Heileson, Box 1,076, Minneapolis, Minn. We urge every one to get this book and study it carefully. There never was a period in the history of the work in this State when we were so much in need of the special blessing of God. And I most sincerely believe that it is not only by praying for the blessing that we shall obtain it, but by bringing our tithes into God’s store-house, thus proving the Lord; and we shall surely find him true to his word. Mal. 3: 10, 11. The Macedonian cry is coming from every direction. Dear brethren and sisters, shall we respond to these earnest calls by consecrating ourselves and our means to the cause of God as never before? Not only should our tithe be conscientiously paid, but we should not be forgetful of our offerings. The tract and missionary work calls upon your liberalities. In investigating the labor and the accounts of the different districts and societies, we see many things that are encouraging and commendable. But much missionary work cannot be done without means. Clubs of papers are indispensable to this work; but of course the publishing houses cannot produce them except they are paid for. Of books and tracts the same is true. That this good work may be encouraged and prospered, it is absolutely necessary that donations be made to the society. We are sometimes almost tired at the idea that the cause of truth needs so much means. But if we look at the matter from the stand-point of the salvation of souls, and the Judgment, it is one of the greatest privileges offered to us in life, to contribute of our means to this glorious work. We believe that time is short. In the light of this fact, for what purpose are our means or earthly possessions, only as they can be used in the service of God to the salvation of souls? What a privilege, then, that we may use our means for such objects, rather than to gather them up and have them on hand only to be burned in the great conflagration of the day of God? We hope that every one will feel an individual responsibility in these matters. Do not think it means somebody else. It means you, dear reader. Let us pray, and labor as we pray, for the advancement of the precious cause of God in our State; and the Lord will be glorified in our salvation. O. A. OLSEN. THE PHILADELPHIA MISSION.
By D. B. O'Neill
In my recent visit to the mission in Philadelphia, I noted some features in the work that will be of interest to our missionary workers. This mission was opened August 1, 1884, and since that time there have been from one to four persons laboring in connection with it constantly. Several have accepted the truth and are regular attendants at the Sabbath services. Others are somewhat interested. During the winter season, from four to six times each week Eld. Fero has preached in the lecture room to ordinary congregations. The principal difficulty he has found has been that of securing regular attendance. People induced to come by advertisement or invitation are not likely to be present more than once or twice; so on the whole we are inclined to think that ministerial labor in Philadelphia is not as profitable as it can be made in the country or in smaller cities. The canvassing work has been more successful. Over eight hundred subscriptions have been taken for our different periodicals, mostly for the Signs. In re-canvassing they have found that quite a number, after reading the papers themselves, are sending them to friends in other States and also in other countries. It is remarkable that people who have not yet learned to love the truth, should assist in disseminating it. The percentage of renewals taken is indeed flattering; hence we consider this part of the work encouraging. A number of Bible readings have been held, and openings are being found for as many as the workers can find time to give. Bro. Kutz has done quite an amount of ship work. He places packages of periodicals on the vessels, and sells books and tracts as way opens. We are impressed, so far as the great city of Philadelphia is concerned, that it will take hard labor from house to house to get the truth to the hundreds of thousands who reside in the place. Our reading-room has accomplished absolutely nothing thus far. The only real interest gained has been by actual work. We think of changing our location, renting at a more reasonable rate, and carrying forward the work through the summer without ministerial assistance.
D. B. O'Neill. ALBANY MISSION.
By A. E. Place
Soon after the establishing of the mission in Buffalo, some of our brethren began anxiously to look forward to the time when a like work should be started in this city; but owing to the lack of means and laborers to carry on the work as we felt it should be carried on, it continued a matter of anticipation. Last summer steps were taken to start the missionary work at this place, by sending Bro. Stureman and Hicks here from Boston, who, in company with Bro. Crockett, who resided here, began canvassing for and distributing periodicals. Last December Bro. Wild was sent to take the place of Bro. Stureman and Hicks. He has had excellent success with “Sunshine” and Signs, having taken to present date 213 subscriptions, besides selling 10,609 pages of tracts, pamphlets, etc. Bro. Crockett has also done good work. One feature of the labor which I am especially pleased to report is the children’s work. The daughters of a couple of our brethren here, though only twelve years of age, have taken our periodicals, and, with the spirit of the message warm in their hearts, have entered the homes of rich as well as poor, and accomplished what older heads do not accomplish. One little boy, one day, in about three hours sold twenty-two copies of Sabbath Sentinel. This is additional proof that the third message, like the first, can be helped by the children. They may be an important factor in the cause of the work. The following is a general summary of the work done here during the past year:— Subscriptions to Signs ........................................
Periodicals sold (by children) .................................
“ distributed ......................................................... 5,
Pages books and tracts sold .................................... 38,8 Last autumn a brother and his wife of Rensselaer County felt the importance of the work and need of help to that extent that they sold their pleasant home in Keene, and began to make preparations to come here and devote themselves with all they had to the cause of God. During the winter a very desirable location for reading and lecture rooms was secured at low rent, and in March this brother and his family came to arrange for opening the mission, and I joined them in April. Although some things have hindered the speedy prosecution of this work, yet we expect to have the rooms open to the public by the time this is in print. They have been fitted up at a cost below our expectations. Nearly all parties with whom we have had deal have been very generous in the terms given to the society. Bro. Whitney, although severely pressed by the work in other places, has lent efficient help here. Several came in to our meeting last Sabbath and seemed to enjoy the service. The blessing of the Lord has been felt among us from the beginning, which has caused unity and love to triumph. We trust that all through this large State there will be Aarons and Hurs who will stay up the hands of those who labor here, that as the work in the capital city opens in a more public way, we may see of the salvation of the Lord, and victory on Israel’s side. A. E. Place.
Albany, N. Y., April 23. Habit As a Cable: Horace Mann Quotation
—Habit is a cable. We weave a thread of every day, and at last we cannot break it.—Horace Mann. After closing our meetings at New Jerusalem, I went six miles west of that place, where I found one family of S. D. Adventists. In a school-house there I preached six evenings to a large congregation, and held a debate with a minister who had opposed us at New Jerusalem. He endeavored to do away with the ten commandments, but his effort proved a failure. Several here who are investigating the truth, have expressed their determination to be at the meeting appointed by Eld. Cudney at Kirkwood. I next went twenty miles north-west, where I found three families of S. D. Adventists. They have had a Sabbath-school for a year. One of the families was brought to the light through reading, Bible readings, and Sabbath-school lessons. I preached twice at this place to a congregation of about thirty. The people are very anxious to hear, and urge me to continue meetings, which I hope to do soon. There are Sabbath-keepers scattered all through these new Territories, and one is amply rewarded for the trouble of looking them up. E. O. Parker. RED CLOUD.—Since my last report five have begun to keep the Sabbath, making fifteen adults, besides several children, who are observing the Sabbath at this place. Three decided to keep the commandments as a result of the discussion held here in the winter by Eld. Cudney. It has led others to investigate. The previous efforts of a lay member in visiting and circulating reading matter had already done much to prepare the minds of the people; so when the meetings began they were ready to take hold of the truth. One of the most encouraging features in those that have already started, is that they all take the REVIEW or have access to it. One of our brethren has sold in this vicinity sixteen copies of “Thoughts,” eleven of “Sunshine,” and taken four short-term subscriptions for the Signs. He has also assisted much in holding Bible readings, and in general colporter work. About two dollars’ worth of tracts and pamphlets have been sold, and 7,238 pages loaned and given away. The good seed has been sown, and we have no reason to doubt that a standard of present truth will be erected here. L. A. Hoopes. COMFORT ONE ANOTHER.
By Margaret E. Sangster
Comfort one another;
For the way is growing dreary,
The feet are often weary,
And the heart is very sad.
There is heavy burden-bearing,
When it seems that none are caring,
And we half forget that ever we were glad. Comfort one another,
With the hand-clasp close and tender,
With the sweetest love can render,
And the looks of friendly eyes.
Do not wait with grace unspoken,
While life's daily bread is broken;
Gentle speech is oft like manna from the skies. Comfort one another,
By the hope of Him who sought us
In our peril—Him who bought us,
Paying with his precious blood;
By the faith that will not alter;
Trusting strength that shall not falter,
Leaning on the One divinely good. Comfort one another;
Let the grave gloom lie behind you,
While the Spirit's words remind you
Of the home beyond the tomb,
Where no more is pain or parting,
Fever's flush or tear-drop starting,
But the presence of the Lord, and for all his
people room.