THIS was the injunction written by the apostle Paul, and he faithfully carried it out in his own ministry. Luke affirmed that he “reasoned with them out of the Scriptures, opening and alleging [proving by citations, see Greenfield], that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is the Christ.” Acts 17:2, 3. The sermon of Stephen, though cut short by the rage of his enemies, is another specimen of preaching the word of God.
We were led to remark not long since that the majority of sermons, so called, are not sermons at all. Many of them are well written and well read essays, on topics political, moral, general, or even religious; but they are not sermons; the writing and reading of them is not preaching. Strike off the texts and they would make good leading editorials for a high-toned secular newspaper. This is as highly as we could possibly recommend them. The following extract is from a notice of a discourse by Dr. Parker of London :381
“The sermon was one of a series of Sunday evening discourses, in which he was expounding the book of Nehemiah. The expository style being so much more commonly used in Great Britain than by American preachers, this seemed a peculiarly favorable time to study it at its best. Especially were we glad to hear him in it, as Dr. Parker himself spoke with much enthusiasm of the necessity of feeding the people with ‘great masses of Scripture,’ and with some contempt of the opposite method of taking a mere pinch of Scripture words with which to flavor a very copious dilution of human speculation. Solid gospel meat seemed to him much better than the poor water-gruel some ministers offer, on whose surface a text may float which has no vital connection with it.”
That is an excellent picture of the modern essay style, which is called sermonizing. “A mere pinch of Scripture words with which to flavor a very copious dilution of human speculation.” Dr. Chalmers, in his book entitled The Ministry of the Gospel, thus deals with the modern sermon :
“It is not preaching the gospel to select a phrase of really no moral significance, or the relation of some incidental event, and make this the basis of what we call a sermon. For instance, suppose we take for our text Luke 24:13: ‘And behold two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about three-score furlongs.’
“We might begin by a learned discussion on the length of a Jewish furlong; we might compare it with the Roman measures of distance, with the Persian parasang, with the furlong in use among us; and thus determine, with apparent accuracy in miles, rods, and yards, how far Emmaus was from Jerusalem. We might then inquire where this village stood, whether east, west, north, or south from Jerusalem, and inform our audience of all the places now existing which have been taken for this locality, with the reasons which have been adduced in favor of each. If, as might be the case, the preacher himself had visited Jerusalem, he might tell us of the labor he had spent in the personal investigation of this subject; how carefully he had paced the distance between Jerusalem and the various localities which claimed to be the village of Emmaus. He might describe the nature of the soil; the loveliness of a summer morning in Judea; the face of the country; the conversation of his Arab guides, and their incessant call at every turn of the road for additional bucksheesh. Finally, he might return to the point whence he commenced, by confessing that, with all his laborious inquiry, he had been unable to ascertain the locality of Emmaus, and that probably the very foundation of the little village had been erased from the face of the earth.
“He might close by inquiring who the two disciples were to whom reference is made in the text; imagine their feelings as they ascended the hill that gave them a full view of Jerusalem, and their feelings as they descended it, and the wicked city was hidden from their sight. He might commence the service with a solemn prayer that the truth of God might be made effectual to the conversion of sinners and the edification of saints; the music might be performed with artistic skill; all things be done decently and in order, and the audience dismissed with the apostolic benediction; but, I ask, is not all this trifling with the souls of men? It may all be very proper for an antiquarian lecture; but is it the work of an ambassador of God to men dying in sin, and who must soon, with their preacher, stand before the judgment-seat of Christ ?”
We have often been pained to hear those who truly preach the word—who give plain, practical expositions of the Scriptures, announce their discourses as “Bible Lectures,” or as “Lectures on the Bible.” This is only aiding a certain class of ministers to mislead the minds of the people, causing them to consider an essay, a pathetic story, or a few anecdotes, a gospel sermon, and pass the preaching of the word as lecturing merely. There is something in a name, and we should recognize it.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable.” Jesus Christ is the centre and substance of all revelation since the fall of man. Expositions of prophecy and vindications of the moral principles of God’s government may all be made practical as gospel subjects by pointing out the relation of Christ to each. The name and person and work of Jesus should be in every discourse.
The truth of God and the Son of God should always be presented together. Any amount of truth, without the presence of Christ, cannot have saving power; it is not the gospel of salvation. Some make a great mistake in going to the other extreme; they dwell continuously upon the name of Jesus, and yet disparage the truth of God which Jesus came to ratify—to make effectual to the conversion of the soul. “To this end was I born,” said he, “and for this cause came I into the world that I should bear witness unto the truth.” “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” The word of God is the truth which we should preach. The words of man—human reasonings and speculations and essays—are but chaff.
Italy.
By Editor
We this week publish another interesting letter from Dr. Ribton, of Italy, to Elder J. N. Andrews. This was accompanied with several letters from Africa. In the first number of the next volume we shall publish an Appeal from Mrs. E. G. White in behalf of missions. Our missionary work in Europe and Africa is increasing in interest as it enlarges in its operations. Let all pray, and work for the object of their prayers, that this message of warning and duty may soon reach the “many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings” to whom it is destined to be preached.
New Year's.
By Editor
HUMILIATION, FASTING, CONFESSION OF SINS, AND PRAYER.
We, the committee of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, appoint January 1, 1879, as a day of humiliation, confession of sins, fasting, and prayer. We have abundant cause, as a people, to humble ourselves before God in view of his manifest forbearance, love, and great goodness toward us.
Notwithstanding our unfaithfulness, he has, for his truth's sake, prospered our institutions, and also our more general work in the advancement and growth of the cause in a good degree. While we have cause for devout gratitude that our Lord still loves us and sends from heaven warnings and rebukes, we see cause for confession of our sins before him, humiliation and prayer for pardon for the past, and grace to help in time to come. "The Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save; neither is his ear heavy that he cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." Isa. 59:1, 2. Seventh-day Adventists throughout the length and breadth of the land are requested to assemble at their usual places of worship January 1, 1879, at 10:30 A. M., for the special worship of God. At 1:30 P. M. of that day let there be a business meeting.
One of the duties of that meeting day will be the consideration of heavy debts upon the houses of worship at both Oakland, Cal., and Battle Creek, Mich., and the plans to lift them, set forth in the supplement which accompanies this week's issue of the SIGNS. May God look down upon our efforts to return to him, and may his Spirit impress all with a deep sense of their duty to act their part in lifting the debt from these two houses of worship, and thus "Hold the Fort."
Gen. Conf. Com.
Wanted.
By Editor
WE want some copies of numbers 9 and 14, volume 4 (present volume), of the SIGNS. Will those having them to spare please send them to this office ?
Change for District No. 2.
By Editor
In the list of quarterly meetings that of district No. 2 is appointed at Fairview. It will be held at Lemoore. Let all interested notice this change.
It is a great mistake to suppose that a word in the Scriptures is necessarily redundant, and to be rejected, because it is in italics. Some think that all such are additions made to the text by the translators. This is not always the case. They indicate that there is no exact equivalent for them in the original. But it very often happens that these words are necessary to give the idea of the original. Because of the difference of construction of different languages a word for word translation amounts to no translation at all. A correct translation is that which gives the precise idea of the words of one language in the words of another. To do this words must frequently be inserted for which no verbal equivalent is found in the first language. For this reason, many of the words in italics in the received version of the Bible as truly belong to the translation as other words in the text not in italics. To be assured of this the reader has only to open his Bible and read a chapter leaving out all words in italics. He will soon find he is not reading good English.
But there are many cases in which the words supplied are not necessary to give the meaning of the original, and sometimes the text is marred by the addition. Such a case is Ps. 33:9. It reads, “For he spake, and it was done.”
Here the word done appears to be quite innocent, and, at first view, to serve a good purpose in bringing out the language of the text. But in reality it conceals a great truth stated by the inspired writer, and robs the text of its original grandeur and majesty.
What is the subject of this Psalm? It is an exhortation to rejoice in Jehovah and to praise him for his wonderful works—for his creative power. “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made.” Verse 6. In verse 9 the words “he spake” are causative to “was done,” in the common version. All will admit this.
That is, that something was done as the effect of his speaking, which was not done before he spake. Now drop the word done, which is clearly an addition to the text, and the force of the expression is perceived in harmony with its context. “He spake, and it was.” That is, according to the construction before noticed, something was, or existed, after he spake, or as the result of his speaking, which was not before he spake. We think our reasoning is correct; from it there can be no dissent.
And if this be so this text is in close harmony with many other scriptures which teach the creative power of Jehovah. It is a direct contradiction of the theory which endeavors to maintain the “eternity of matter” outside of the will and action of the Supreme One. That theory assumes that God did not create the world over which he has a (nominal) jurisdiction. That those texts which speak of creation are to be received in an accommodated sense.
“Through faith,” says the apostle, “we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Heb. 11:3. And again, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead.” Rom. 1:20. To deprive Jehovah of his power and action of creation, is to deprive him of his characteristic attribute—of “his eternal power and Godhead.”
We invite the calm consideration of the reader to the evidence of Psalm 33 as written by its inspired author. “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was.” There is a sublimity in this expression equal to that of the record in Gen. 1. “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.”
Letter from Italy.
By H. P. Ribton
VERY DEAR BROTHER ANDREWS: Your letter of October 21st, received yesterday, filled my soul with gloom. Since receiving your last letter, we have never ceased to pray for your daughter Mary, and the brethren in Egypt have joined with us in doing so. Too truly I recognized the gravity of the symptoms when first you wrote from Bale, and I may add from what you said of your health I was much alarmed for you also. Still, although humanly speaking there seems so little hope, our God may hear the prayer of faith. Oh! when will our Saviour come and crush the serpent's head? And when shall we have reunion in the kingdom with our loved ones that are now sleeping?
To you dear brother, I can give strong consolation which the world has not. Our life belongs to our Lord; but if he takes from us our loved ones, he does it in love, for some reason that we cannot see. "No man maketh known the day;" but there are passages in the word that lead me to think we are within hearing of the voice that follows the third angel. Already we feel the breath of the four winds that are ready to break forth upon the earth, and I sometimes shudder when I look upon my cherished ones and think what is coming upon the world. The time is near when we may be exposed to horrible trials for our testimony for Jesus. We have had evidence of what Satan would seek to do to us, both in Switzerland and Italy; how much better that those we love should be sleeping safe with Jesus in that dreadful hour. These are the days when the soldier must buckle on his armor, leave all thought of the domestic hearth, and concentrate all his energies to the great battle for the restoration of his King. And then, when the victory is gained, how sweet it will be to return home and see all those we loved once more about us, in the time when warfare shall be no more. A little longer, and we shall see all this. The trial for the present is grievous; but One is with us who is afflicted with all our afflictions, who "comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them who are in any trouble;" and he recognizes our patience and submission. This stroke of Satan is not only against you but against Him. Then, dear brother, cheer up; think not of the evil that is past, but look forward into the glory that is coming, and let us now have but one thought,—that of combating the serpent and hastening the coming of our King. If it pleases Christ to take your Mary for a while out of the way of evil, leave her with him; she will be safer than either at Bale or at Battle Creek; and think also of your own health and economize your strength.
Please present from my wife warmest thanks to the dear sisters for their kind present, which will help where it is much needed. Many thanks, too, for the $100. With regard to the work in Egypt, may the Lord direct; for I fear making a wrong step and also having to account for souls lost at the last day through my neglect of duty. As things now are, I feel almost certain I ought to be there. I await the answer of the brethren at Battle Creek, to the letter I wrote about it. I now send a translation of the letters I have received from Egypt during the last month, that you may see exactly how things are there.
You will see by Brother Bertola's letter of October 14, that he has advanced altogether a sum of 500 francs ($100) for the hall; for, having a spare room attached to it, they judged it fit to furnish it up for the future minister (by whom, for the present, they mean me), so as not to oblige him to rent a room in the town. This certainly is an economical step, though it has involved more outlay in the beginning than I expected. And this money, as he states, must be paid to his employer on December 15 at latest. I was perplexed by this, but while thinking what I should say about it I saw in a copy of the Signs of the Times that a friend in California, apparently with an Italian name, had subscribed $100 to the Italian mission, the very identical sum laid out, and almost on the same day on which the baptism took place. Then I said, The hand of the Lord is in it. I told Brother Bertola, however, not to lay out any more money until I saw you. We have remained without a hall here and have stopped all expense in favor of Egypt, until I hear from you.
Going to Egypt, and traveling, would involve much expense, even with the strictest economy. The fare to Alexandria, second class, is 200 francs. As we live, living would not probably cost as much in Alexandria as Brother Bertola said; but it is more expensive than here. There is now a great work open in Alexandria, and there is much to be done in Italy too, if we had the means. Brother Volpi has had much domestic trial. He is coming here this month on a visit. It is evident that at present I am greatly needed in Alexandria; but it is most essential that I should confer with you here before going there.
My wife and family, and the brethren here, send much Christian love and their fervent sympathy in this great affliction. We pray always for you. Salute also Brother and Sister White, and all the brethren at Battle Creek.
My dear wife is a little better now, though not cured yet.
Believe me yours in much love and hope of the kingdom,
H. P. RIBTON.
Naples, November 8.
Cyprus.
An interest is naturally awakened in regard to the island of Cyprus, because it has lately passed from the hands of the Turks to those of the English. It was an English possession from 1191 to 1480. After this it belonged to the Venetians until taken by the Turks in 1571. They have held it three hundred years.
It lies in the N. E. angle of the Mediterranean, and is about 150 miles long. It has an interesting New Testament history.
The gospel was first preached in Cyprus by some who were "scattered abroad" after the death of Stephen. Acts 11:19. It was the native country of Barnabas, who had possessions there, which he sold, and devoted the proceeds to the cause of God, when he was converted to Christianity. Acts 4:36, 37. Afterwards he and Paul visited the land together. In giving a history of this visit, Acts 13, Luke mentions that Saul was also called Paul. Some think his name was changed in Cyprus. Saul was a name common among the Hebrews. Paul is probably of Latin origin. It was here that Elymas the sorcerer was smitten with blindness. The governor of Cyprus, Sergius Paulus, was the first ruler who embraced the doctrine of Christ.
When Paul and Barnabas separated because they did not agree about taking Mark with them, Barnabas and Mark returned to Cyprus, where the history left him. Acts 15. Luke only mentions it further that twice with Paul he sailed near to it.
Among the Swedes.
By J. P. Jasperson
At Lake City, Minn., is a little company of Swedish Sabbath-keepers. They were raised up in 1874, and have had but little preaching in their own language since. They were made very glad by my visit. I was with them three weeks, and spoke twenty-two times. They expressed themselves much encouraged, and said the truth and our good cause seemed more dear to them than ever before. The outside interest was not very great, though from thirty to fifty were out, and we have a little hope of some of them. There are many things for them to overcome, but we know that there is power in the truth to overcome even tobacco—one of the worst enemies of true religion.
They are poor, but they love one another, and that is more than rich brethren sometimes do. I did not hear one unkind word said against any one, brother or sister, while among them. They have always been liberal, and I suppose that is one reason why they are so united. They donated to me, to help the Swedish cause, $20.48.
J. P. JASPERSON.
November 25, 1878.
Systematic Benevolence.
By James White
AT the General Conference held at Battle Creek, Mich., October, 1878, it was recommended that our brethren pledge to God one-tenth of all their income for the support of the ministry; this one-tenth to be laid aside weekly as fast as received, and paid to the systematic benevolence treasurer at least once a quarter.
It was further recommended that this be done, instead of pledging a definite amount each week, as heretofore.
We are fully satisfied that this is the scriptural plan, and that no Christian can fail to see it so. If the Lord blesses us with but little, we have but little to give. If he gives us abundantly, we have the more to give. We are alarmed to find that quite a share of our brethren are withholding the Lord's tithe. Particularly is this true of the scattered Sabbath-keepers, who do not live near a church. We are fearful that the curse of God will rest upon them for this. Brethren and sisters, if we fear God and believe his word, let us act like honest men.
It was recommended that the several States pay to the General Conference one-tenth of all their receipts. Also that our Publishing House, Sanitarium, and College, and all those brethren who are not connected with some State conference, pay a tenth to the General Conference. Therefore we recommend that, commencing with the first week of 1879, all our brethren throughout the world subscribe to the following pledge:
"We, the undersigned, believing that the Holy Scriptures require each person to give for the support of the ministry one-tenth of all that the Lord shall give him or her, do hereby solemnly pledge ourselves in the sight of God, and in the presence of each other, to faithfully set apart each week one-tenth of all that the Lord shall give us, this tenth to be paid into the systematic benevolence treasury at least once a quarter."
The treasurer in every church in each conference should visit every Sabbath-keeper in his section, whether he belongs to the church or not, men, women, and children, and induce them to sign this pledge. The president of each conference should look after this matter, and particularly those who belong to no church organization.
And we appeal to our scattered brethren and sisters who do not live in the vicinity of any church, to come up and lift with their brethren in this sacred work. You cannot expect the blessing of God when you bear no burdens in the cause. Those who live where there is no State organization should send their pledges to the General Conference treasurer, Mrs. M. J. Chapman, Battle Creek, Mich.
Let our institutions above mentioned commence with the first of January, 1879, and carry out this plan. Our General Conference treasury is greatly in debt, and in need of means. We recommend that at the quarterly meeting each State treasurer send one-tenth of his receipts to the General Conference treasurer at Battle Creek, and not wait until the end of the year or until the camp-meeting, as heretofore.
JAMES WHITE,
D. M. CANRIGHT,
S. N. HASKELL,
General Conference Committee.
Rocklin and Sacramento.
By E. R. Gillett
THESE are unorganized bodies. The first composed of nine or ten members, and the latter from ten to fifteen. Rocklin is a united little band, and are letting their light shine. They are preparing to build themselves a house of worship, although they are poor in this world's goods. The citizens are friendly, and offer them pecuniary aid, one man giving them a lot. I met with them Thursday evening, December 12, and organized a Vigilant Missionary Society with a club of thirty-two subscribers for the SIGNS.
At Sacramento I formed a V. M. Society, and obtained a club of twenty for the SIGNS.
Dec. 17, 1878. E. R. GILLETT
A Few Words to Parents.
By MRS. E. G. WHITE
The position of a parent is one of the most responsible on earth, yet it is far too lightly regarded by the majority of the world. The things which are perishable receive their time, labor, and money, while the work which will be enduring as eternity is made a secondary matter. The future of the rising generation is in the hands of parents; for, in a great measure, they hold within their control the destiny of their children both for time and for eternity. The salvation of the young depends almost wholly upon the training they receive in childhood. Christian parents, who believe the sacred truth of God, are required to regulate their own conduct by the sanctifying influence of that truth, and, by precept and example, impress lessons of morality and religion upon their children. Line upon line, precept upon precept they should be taught concerning the precious love of Jesus for man, and the virtue of his atonement. That love should be blended with all their studies and duties.
The love of Jesus won the hearts of children, and when the disciples would have sent away the mothers with their children, through mistaken zeal to preserve the dignity of their Master, Jesus rebuked them, saying: "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Parents, it is your sacred privilege to bring your children to Jesus, and receive his blessing upon them. Bring your children to the loving Jesus, and then teach them the love and fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. Impress upon them the sense of sacred things, and their own responsibility to God, and that no evil passion, selfishness, or pride will be excused by God, or will find entrance into the kingdom of heaven.
Children should be taught that simplicity of dress is to be preferred to gaudy display. They should learn that dress is a small matter in comparison with the acts of their daily life, and the character they are forming for eternity; that beauty of soul, the virtues and graces of a true Christian, are pearls of inestimable price, before which costly apparel and jewels sink into insignificance. They should be guarded against pride in their beauty of form or features. No idle words of praise of these attractions should ever fall upon their ears. Such seeds, dropped into the ready soil of the heart, are speedily nourished by Satan, and soon spring forth into vigorous growth, bearing the bitter fruit of vanity, selfishness and folly.
Tell your children how little the Saviour values the vain things of earth; that he has said: "Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin, and yet I say unto you that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Thus Christ exalts natural simplicity above artificial adornment, and counts the flowers growing in beauty in the valley as more attractive than all the glory of Solomon upon his throne. The devoted mother will not rob her children of the time that should be spent in their instruction, in preparing fine clothes for them, and in arraying them with garments that would tend to excite their vanity. She will rather impress upon their minds the fact that purity of heart and beauty of character are the only ornaments necessary for them to wear in order to enter the heavenly courts.
Love of the world is one of the leading temptations of youth, and one that our Saviour repeatedly warned his disciples against. Parents, however, frequently encourage in their children the desire to seek happiness in gratifying the outward senses, and in frequenting scenes of gayety and frivolous amusements. By teaching them to avoid these things, you prepare them to cherish elevated thoughts, fit them to occupy positions of trust and importance in this life, and to receive the reward of the faithful in the future immortal life.
In accepting the truth of God the minds of the young become strengthened to attain to greater intelligence. The dormant energies of the mind are, as it were, electrified, new powers seem to spring into life. The understanding, in striving to comprehend the hights and depths of the plan of salvation, becomes strong and grasping, and the whole being is illuminated by the brightness and glory of the infinite God. What a contrast is such a one with the youth who devotes his time and energies to the vain pleasures of the day, drifting into dissipation and folly, as surely dwarfing and enfeebling his mind as he is destroying his physical powers.
Children, as a rule, are allowed to gratify their appetite to a decidedly injurious extent. Their tastes are perverted by the use of coffee, tea, rich pastry, condiments, and sweetmeats. These indulgences lay the foundation for various diseases of the body, irritability, nervousness, and mental imbecility. Health, happiness, and life itself is too often sacrificed on the altar of appetite. The mother therefore cannot be too careful of her children in the matter of their eating and drinking. Their food should be simple, healthful, and well prepared; Nothing should pass their lips between meals, and then they should not be allowed to contract the habit of eating to excess. Your hired helpers should understand that they are not at liberty to infringe upon any of your rules in regard to the management of your children. If they fail to comply with this requirement, and secretly indulge your children in that which you have forbidden, discharge them at once. Let nothing interfere with your family government. Remember that hurtful indulgence of appetite renders the physical, mental, and moral faculties weak, and opens the way to temptations of various kinds, into which the victim of perverted appetite drifts almost unconsciously.
If parents seek to obey the word of God, in bringing their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, they find a work before them requiring thought, resolution, and trust in God. Difficulties will arise on every hand which seem almost impossible to be overcome; but the parents must have continual communion with God in their trials and efforts, and have their souls stayed on him. He will not turn a deaf ear to their prayers, but will impart to them wisdom and strength.
Mothers, you have no time for vain display or idle gossip. Your precious moments should be employed in teaching your children, instilling into their minds godly principles, that will become a part of their very nature, and rule their lives; which will be them firm as a rock when temptations assail them, and true to God through weal and woe. Mothers, God will work with your efforts. If you plead the name of Jesus before the Father, that name will not be presented in vain. The Saviour has linked man with God, and earth with heaven. Be patient; work is faith. Believe yourself to be in the presence of Jesus. Anticipate the crown, the robe, the harp, for your dear children, the "Well done, good and faithful servant," the rest, the peace, and joy of heaven, with those loved ones for whom you have prayed and striven on earth.
MRS. E. G. WHITE
Holiday Gormandizing.
THE day after Christmas will be a busy day for the doctors. We expect to have an unusual number of calls on that day; nevertheless, at the risk of losing some business by so doing we cannot let this opportunity pass without giving a fair warning to all who may come within the circle of our influence that if they transgress the laws of health on Christmas, New Year's, or other holidays, they will as certainly suffer as though the violation was committed on other days of the year. Nature's laws are never suspended for our convenience. They are always operating. If we transgress, we must suffer. There is no escape from the penalty.
How often have we seen a person suffer for months in consequence of one single imprudent indulgence at the dinner table on a holiday, or at the sumptuous table spread to tempt the guest to commit voluntary suicide at some fashionable evening party. In more than one instance death has been the speedy result of holiday gormandizing.
There are other means of enjoyment far superior and vastly more in accordance with Nature's laws which may be resorted to as a means of celebrating our national days of thanksgiving and recreation. How much better to leave gormandizing for epicures and gluttons! Let sensible people treat their stomachs reasonably on Christmas and New Year's as well as on other days. Be temperate in all things at all times. —Health Reformer.
Lord Bacon on Philosophy and Religion
Lord Bacon, toward the latter end of his life, said that a little smattering of philosophy would lead a man to atheism; but that a thorough knowledge of it would lead a man back again to a first cause, and that the first principle of right reason is religion. "After all my studies and inquiries," he seriously professes, "I dare not die with any other thoughts than those taught by the Christian faith."
THE HOME CIRCLE.
The One True Way.
WE scatter seeds with careless hands,
And dream we ne'er shall see them more;
But in coming years
Their fruit appears,
In weeds that mar the land,
Or healthful store.
The deeds we do, the words we say—
Into still air they seem to fleet.
We count them ever past;
But they shall last—
In the dread judgment they
And we shall meet!
I charge thee by the years gone by,
For the love's sake of brethren dear,
Keep thou the one true way,
In work and play,
Lest in that world we cry
Of woe we hear.
Vacaville and Woodland.
By E. R. Gillett
I MET with the Sabbath-keepers of Vacaville, December 7. They have no organization, but are a faithful little band. There are about twenty-two keeping the Sabbath here and in the country round about. They were all out to this meeting except two or three, detained on account of sickness. The meeting was good.
At seven in the evening we held a missionary meeting. In few words I presented the wants of the cause, and what is necessary to be done. Without an exception, all enlisted in the work. Several spoke of having been impressed for some time that they were not doing all they ought to do in the missionary work, and had even talked of trying to get up another club for the Signs. I was rebuked for the fears I had before leaving home to come to this place. I started with great reluctance, for fear that my effort would be a failure. But God had gone out before me. The work was prepared ready to my hand. How good God is. To him be all the glory.
Eight dollars and forty cents were pledged monthly. This pays for sixty-nine copies of the Signs. This added to the club they had before I came here, makes seventy-seven papers taken weekly in clubs. They wish to be organized into a church. A vote was passed requesting the Conference Committee to send Elder Healey or some other minister as soon as possible to organize. They desire to have this done before the next quarterly meeting. Money was raised to purchase a library for their Sabbath-school.
Brother Saunders of Woodland, director of the district, was with me, and rendered efficient help.
On Tuesday evening, December 11th, I met with the church in Woodland. Owing to a north wind which blew almost a gale, very few outside of the village attended. Those who did attend took hold well. We had a profitable meeting. A vigilant missionary society was formed. On Wednesday I visited from house to house. The work accomplished in Woodland is much better than I had expected. A club of one hundred and twelve for the Signs was taken. I go to Rocklin to-night. E. R. GILLETT.
December 13, 1878.
Santa Rosa, Cal.
By W. M. Healey
OUR meetings here closed for the present last night, although we hope to be able to occasionally meet with the church here, as there is quite a good interest manifested by some who have not yet identified themselves with us.
The labor here has resulted in fifty-three persons signing the covenant; eighteen have been baptized, and several others have united with the church. Although most of these persons are poor, they have pledged over one hundred dollars systematic benevolence for 1879.
The recent discussion here has given us many friends, and while I am of the opinion that discussions should be avoided rather than sought after, yet I feel that the truth often gains a glorious victory when forced to meet error in public debate. Such was the case here.
I feel the need of a few days' rest before entering a new field. I came here quite unwell, but God has been good and given me strength, so that I have averaged a sermon a day for about seventy days, and then held a two weeks' discussion, besides being able to visit much of the time from house to house.
December 16, 1878. W. M. HEALEY.
Napa and St. Helena.
By M. C. Israel
ON Sabbath, the 7th, we had a good meeting in Napa. After speaking to them awhile we had a good social meeting. On Sunday held a missionary meeting when a club of twenty-three was raised for the SIGNS; also a vigilant missionary society was organized.
After this was held a meeting of business for the church, attended with good results. A state of harmony now exists which this church has not seen before in a long time.
Tuesday, the 10th, I came to St. Helena. Held a missionary meeting the 11th; a club of fifty was raised for the SIGNS. Also a vigilant missionary society was organized. All are in harmony here, and all entered into the work heartily. From here I go to Santa Rosa.