The trade circular recently issued from the State Department to our diplomatic and consular officers has had considerable effect in causing those officers to make renewed efforts for the enlargement of our commerce in their several districts. The consul at Liverpool writes to the Department that he thinks that, besides the trade in American beef, a large trade could be done in American poultry, by exporting it to England either alive or dead. He gives the prices of turkeys, at wholesale, at fifteen cents per pound, and chickens at sixteen cents. He states that the American poultry is far superior to the English, and would therefore sell readily.
The consul at Amsterdam sends an interesting report on the leather manufacture of his district, in which he states that, instead of being exporters to America, as formerly, one of the largest of the leather houses now imports American goods into Holland. He also states that not content with importing leather, the same house had also begun to import New England shoes, for the European manufacturers cannot compete with the New Englanders either in price or quality; and that besides sending large orders for shoes, the junior partner of the firm referred to was about leaving for the United States to perfect and enlarge their business relations with American manufacturers.
In response to the same circular, an interesting report has been received from the United States consul at Frankfort-on-the-Main, on the prospects for an extension of American trade in Eastern, Central, and Southern Germany. He appears to be of opinion that the present time is peculiarly favorable for the introduction and sale of American productions in that part of Germany; that although the people are disinclined to accept innovations, yet this obstacle will readily yield to the great law of profit and pecuniary interest which governs commerce; and that the existing plethora of grain, the languishing state of skilled productions, and the low rates of duty prevailing, especially invite our producers and manufacturers to find a profitable market there.
The consul at Havre reports, in reply to the same circular, that he has continually endeavored to induce shipments of our products, such as hides, pork, bacon, corn, &c., into his district. As an example of what a consul can do in forwarding the commerce of the country he represents, he states that, by inducing a few of the people of his district to feed Indian corn to the cattle in lieu of the small native grains, the trade in that article to Havre rose from a few samples in 1875 to 46,278 bushels in 1876, and for the first seven months of this year to over half a million of bushels; some of which was raised in the Mississippi valley, floated down that river to New Orleans, and shipped from thence direct to Havre. If this course was followed by the majority of our consuls, our trade with foreign countries would increase to such proportions as to soon cause us to bid farewell to “hard times,” especially if their efforts were seconded by corresponding attempts of our manufacturers and merchants to follow out their suggestions.
The fact that Congress failed to make any provision looking to the participation of the United States in the French Exhibition has given rise to considerable apprehension lest those Americans who were desirous of exhibiting should be deprived of this pleasure and its anticipated profit; but it seems that a way has been opened by which applications for space at the Exhibition can be made and granted without waiting for the action of Congress, which may not be taken until after the opening of the regular session in December. It is stated that about one thousand applications have been sent to our legation in Paris, which the French Government have heretofore refused to consider because they had no official indorsement by our government, but the authorities have now consented to waive this formality, and these applications and all others received through the legation will be received and acted upon. This seems to be as effective, in opening the doors of the Exhibition to our inventors and manufacturers, as a formal acceptance by our government of the invitation of the French Government would be. There is plenty of time for such formal acceptance hereafter.
BABYLON HAS FALLEN.
By A. O. Burrill
This truth has been fully illustrated since we have been in Howard City, Mich. A few evenings ago, while speaking in the tent, a boy went through the streets ringing a bell and crying, “Fresh, warm oyster supper, only twenty-five cents; for the benefit of the M. E. Church.” We did not think any of the other churches would stoop to such things; but, to our surprise, the Baptists, only a few evenings later, if anything surpassed the Methodists; for they went to the deacon’s house (and with the rest, several reverends), and after the oyster supper engaged in the amusements of the occasion, playing “needle-eye,” &c.; and while I am writing, although it is nearly 11 P. M., we can distinctly hear the voice of mirth from another church, where they are having another oyster supper.
Who ever heard, during all the preaching of the apostles, of a boy’s ringing a bell in the streets of any city or village where they had founded churches, saying, “Fresh, warm oyster supper, only twenty-five cents; for the benefit of Paul’s” or “Peter’s church”? Truly, we have reached the time when there are those “having a form of godliness,” who are “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God,” and is it any wonder that the apostle should say, “From such turn away.”
A. O. BURRILL.
AN ADMONITION.
By Mrs. Wm. H. Brown
Many times since my return from our annual gathering at Carthage, N. Y., have I been deeply impressed with one remark made by sister White. It was that not more than one-tenth of those present at that meeting had any connection with God and Heaven. Awful and solemn thought! Professing to be God’s children, but denying the power of godliness! My dear brethren and sisters, I felt to examine myself in the light of this admonition, and to determine whether I was classed with the nine-tenths, or the one-tenth. I most earnestly desire to be found with the latter, and by God’s grace assisting me, I am resolved that I will.
We are assured in the word of God that if we perform faithfully all on our part, the Lord will on his. If we would gain the approbation of Heaven, we must be obedient, living, active workers in the cause of truth. A mere profession in the day of Judgment will avail us nothing; far better for us had we never made any. It becomes us to examine ourselves, and see whether we are in the faith, to prove our own selves. God forbid that any of us should be deceived. The day is coming when “every man’s work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.”
I feel for one very desirous of performing my work in such a manner that it shall stand the test of the Judgment. That day is fast approaching, and may the Lord help us all to realize its solemnity and importance. Oh that we could feel the responsibility under which we are placed! When God caused this great truth to be brought to our knowledge, he made us debtors to those within our reach and influence, to make known to them what he had given to us; and it can be accomplished only by faithful, self-sacrificing labor. Let us set ourselves to the work in earnest, and go no more back, but bear in mind the solemn vow we made in the congregation of the people before the Lord, that we would draw near “to him, and seek him until we found him.” Daily, yes, hourly, am I reminded of this promise, and I pray earnestly that the Lord will aid me to make a full surrender, and not feel satisfied with anything short of an entire consecration. The following words express the language of my heart:—
“Quick as the apple of an eye,O God, my conscience make;Awake my soul when sin is nighAnd keep it still awake.”
MRS. WM. H. BROWN.
Jefferson Co., N. Y.
Indian Delegation Seeks Aid for Civilization Progress
There has been in this city for the past week a large delegation of Indians, who came to hold one of their semi-occasional “pow-wows” with their “Great Father,” to protest against being removed from their reservations, and to request aid toward the civilization of their race. Some of the Indians had never come in contact with civilization before, and consequently made their wants known in rather peculiar demands; but there appears to be no doubt as to the genuineness of the wishes of some of them for the benefits of civilization. That some of the Indians are improving very fast in this direction is very evident from a recent report of the Board of Indian Commissioners, that is quite gratifying to the friends of the red men, for it shows that in 1868 the houses occupied by Indians numbered but 7,467, while in 1876 they numbered 54,717. There were then on the reservations but 111 schools; there are now 344. There were then 4,718 pupils attending school; there are now no less than 27,215 native scholars. Out of about 266,000 Indians, the Board estimates that over 100,000 wear citizen’s dress. The Indians raised then 126,117 bushels of wheat and 467,363 bushels of corn; in 1876 they raised 463,054 bushels of wheat and 2,229,463 bushels of corn. They owned in 1868 but 2,683 sheep and 20,890 swine; in 1876 they owned 417,295 sheep and 214,076 hogs. All this is certainly very encouraging, and proves that under a proper policy, which shall hold out some inducements to them to follow peaceful pursuits, a large per cent of the red men may be saved to civilization.—Washington Correspondence of the Scientific American.
Poor Girls.
The poorest girls in the world are those who have never been taught to work. There are thousands of them. Rich parents have petted them; they have been taught to despise labor, and depend upon others for a living, and are perfectly helpless. If misfortune comes upon their friends, as it often does, their case is hopeless. The most forlorn and miserable women upon earth belong to this class. It is the duty of parents to protect their daughters from this deplorable condition. They do them a great wrong if they neglect it. Every daughter should be taught to earn her own living. The rich as well as the poor require this training. The wheel of fortune rolls swiftly round—the rich are very likely to become poor, and the poor, rich. Skill to labor is no disadvantage to the rich, and is indispensable to the poor. Well-to-do parents must educate their children to work. No reform is more imperative than this.—Sel.
Walking the Right Path Over Reaching Our End
We ought to think much more of walking in the right path than of reaching our end. We should desire virtue more than success. If by one wrong deed we could accomplish the liberation of millions, and in no other way, we ought to feel that this good, for which, perhaps, we had prayed with an agony of desire, was denied us by God, was reserved for other times and other hands.
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
The importance of placing our publications before the public in a systematic manner cannot be overestimated. We say systematic, that the money used may be expended in a manner that will accomplish the most good. This is a work that must increase until the Lord comes, and the time of saving men is over. As the autumnal winds strew the decayed leaves all over the face of the earth, so must our tract workers judiciously place our reading matter before the people. The effort which was commenced last winter by taking the SIGNS in clubs and sending it out to individuals whose address had been procured in various ways, has awakened an interest in hundreds of cases which have come to our knowledge, and has led many to embrace the truth.
You may have no immediate evidence that those to whom the publications have been sent have been benefited thereby, yet months afterward, and sometimes years, it is seen that that labor was not in vain. The following is an extract from a letter from an entire stranger, in response to a letter written by a tract worker. The letter is finely written, and shows culture and refinement. It has reference to the VOICE OF TRUTH:—
“Sir, I once took your paper for a year, and I can conscientiously say that the reading is without exception the nearest to my entire satisfaction of any I have ever found. I read the papers almost daily, notwithstanding they are two years old. I wish to know if the paper is still published. If so, please send me a specimen copy, with terms, &c.”
There is no limit to the influence of this work. Often through one individual you will reach a hundred. The following is a sample of many letters which we receive from preachers and presiding elders in Georgia, North and South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, in fact, all the Southern States, to say nothing of the many received from other parts of the world: “It affords me much pleasure to say that I have examined your valuable paper (the SIGNS), and I am very much pleased with it. I will become one of your subscribers after our annual Conference in December next. I will do all I can to circulate it among my preachers and friends; I wish also to show the paper to my Sabbath-schools. I am a presiding elder over fifty-two churches. I am very glad to see the SIGNS visiting me down here, and will be glad of its company.”
It is in response to such calls as this, when we have failed to procure a sufficient quantity of SIGNS, that we use old REVIEWS, SIGNS, INSTRUCTORS, and REFORMERS.
The following is from a correspondent in West Virginia: “I am sure your tracts never go to persons who appreciate them more highly than I do. I read them every opportunity I have, and my wife sits up half the night to read them. Mrs. Carey is now a missionary as well as myself, and reading matter of this kind helps both of us much. I intended, should tracts come to my address, to distribute them to my Sabbath-school; but after reading them myself and after Mrs. C. had read them, I decided that the tracts were too valuable to be put into the hands of those whom I know cannot appreciate them.”
These Southern Sunday-schools afford a field for the YOUTH'S INSTRUCTOR, and we hope that not less than five thousand copies will, within one year, be taken by paying subscribers in the South. If we had one hundred old papers where we now have one, we could place them in the hands of individuals who are constantly receiving letters like the above. And there is not a Seventh-day Adventist church in the country that might not weekly receive such letters were they taking the proper steps. Do you live alone? Then organize yourself into a Vigilant Missionary Society. We appeal to all companies of Seventh-day Adventists throughout the world to take hold of this work at once. Let no one say, I cannot do anything; but say, I will try. If you do not know how to take hold, then read what has been written and may be written upon this subject. I have yet to find the church of Seventh-day Adventists where there was not talent, and a disposition to do something, when the members were properly instructed.
Annuals, health publications, everything, old or new, can be made of use here if it contains the truth of God. Then there are the Danes, Swedes, Germans, French, and Norwegians. In our efforts to warn the world, there should be a blending of influence, a concentration of action. Shall this autumn pass without a greater move than we have ever made before? The long evenings are upon us: there is not a moment to spare. Now is the time to enter the harvest field and gather golden sheaves to life eternal. S. N. HASKELL.
GENERAL TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY, ITS NATURE AND OBJECT.
By Stephen N. Haskell
Pope once said, “Order is Heaven’s first law.” Everything in nature which bears the impress of Deity is stamped with the divine mark of order. A well-directed effort will accomplish a hundredfold more than the same effort where no definite object is before the mind, or where there is no plan to accomplish that object. Nineteen-twentieths of our efforts are fruitless unless well directed. S. D. Adventists are a power in the land, and dreaded by their opponents everywhere, because they are united in their efforts. Every blow they strike is not the blow of one man, but of a thousand; and in the ranks of their enemies it brings confusion. Some restless spirits, from time to time, get tired of waiting for the united judgment of the body, and the folly of their moves is manifest in the results. We might spend $100,000 in missions without accomplishing anything. But with system, which concentrates, gathers the forces, directs the strength, a few hundred dollars will accomplish a work, with God’s blessing, that defies all the artillery of the devil. At times the work seems to move slowly, but the apparent tardiness is made up in the maturing of plans which give efficiency to the moves.
That the labor of our brethren might be more efficient in the advancement of the truth, and that there might be no confusion, a system has been devised called the Tract and Missionary Society, the object of which is a judicious distribution of our publications among the millions of people inhabiting about 40,000,000 square miles of territory. This is a work of no small moment, and successfully to accomplish it the different Tract Societies have been organized. Each Conference Tract Society is molded after the same system, adopting the same constitution. This is as it should be. These Conference organizations are becoming large and numerous. More fully to consolidate the strength of our missionary effort, and to make it available in all parts of the world at the same time, a general organization has been effected, which takes a general oversight of all the Tract Societies, and makes such suggestions, and imparts such counsel, as the varied circumstances may require. This organization renders harmonious the workings of this important branch of our cause, the influence of which is being felt in every portion of the civilized world.
Through the State secretaries of the different Tract Societies, its officers will acquaint themselves with the circumstances and wants of each society. This is one object of the General Tract and Missionary Society. The General Conference Committee has the supervision of this work, in common with every other branch of this cause, and this Committee, among S. D. Adventists, is the highest authority under God upon earth.
There are individuals and small companies of Adventists in every Southern State, and in the Territories of this country, also in the different countries of Europe, and in Asia and Africa. These should be looked after, and should be instructed to co-operate with us in the spread of those truths that apply to the time in which we live.
Then there are sea-ports trading with every nation bordering on the sea, and with numerous islands, in many of which places our publications would be gladly received. These should all be supplied. We have hitherto lacked a method whereby this could be done, and the means with which to do it. The burden of this should not come upon one society, but the expense of entering these unexplored fields, outside the limits of any Conference tract organization, should be supported by the various Tract Societies in the same manner that the General Conference is sustained by the various State Conferences.
To illustrate more fully what we have said in the preceding paragraph, and that our brethren may more fully understand some of the ways that the funds of this society will be used, we mention the necessity of putting our publications into more than one thousand reading rooms in foreign countries and islands of the sea.
There are one hundred and sixty-three whaling vessels in the United States, having only eleven ports. All of these ships have their regular points which they make. We are in possession of weekly news, giving the name of each vessel, the date of its sailing, where bound, and the points it designs to make, with the names of masters and agents. Now, through proper brethren to act as agents to visit these different vessels at the time of sailing, and make arrangements with the proper officers, packages of our publications can, without any expense of transportation, be sent to all of these different places. The general secretary can notify the agents when these vessels sail, and give the names of their officers. Each vessel should also be furnished with a small library for its own use. The utility of this work’s being done under the direction of one general head cannot fail to be seen; for what is everybody’s business is nobody’s, and many vessels would receive no publications whatever. The advantage of sending by ships to these points, instead of by mail, is very great. We have furnished very many vessels, and have found, thus far, that the officers have taken an interest to assist us. The cost of mailing a single letter to some of these places is twenty-six cents.
What is true of these whaling ships is also true of the merchant vessels, and in this manner every sea-port in the world may be furnished with reading matter on present truth, with only the cost of the publications. Thousands of copies of our periodicals could thus be used weekly, to say nothing of other publications. This will be thought by some to be a wild statement; but I know whereof I speak, and what I am talking about in this matter. Imagine my feelings when I have seen old REVIEWS, REFORMERS, INSTRUCTORS, and SIGNS cast aside as waste paper. We appeal to our brethren and sisters everywhere: save all your old periodicals on present truth, box them, place them in the hands of your State secretary or president (if you have no use for them yourselves); and in due time we will find a place for every one of them, where they will be read and re-read.
Our soul is stirred while we write, as the magnitude of the work comes up before our mind, and we see the different means for accomplishing it which the providence of God has made available to us. We are pained at the lack of a realizing sense of these things by our brethren and sisters. Then, where are the means to accomplish this work? We appeal, in behalf of the cause of present truth, to those who have an abundance of this world’s goods, for one-hundred-dollar men, five-hundred-dollar men, and even one-thousand-dollar men. Such can here make an investment that will place stars in their crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord, representing souls saved from many nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples.
S. N. HASKELL.
THE BACKSLIDER.
By Albert Stone
The backslider needs the pity and earnest prayers of the people of God. Gradually and imperceptibly to himself, he has departed from God, until he is as one who is without God and without hope in the world. In time past he has borne fruit; but now he is a withered branch, and it is uncertain how long he will be permitted to cumber the ground. God pities him and says, “Return unto me, and I will return unto you.” The Lord Jesus loves him, and includes him in that kind declaration, “Whosoever cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out.” The Holy Spirit, though often slighted and resisted, still whispers kindly in his ear, inviting him to return to his Father's133house, and make peace with an offended God. Guardian angels look pensively on, and then consult together how they may help him.
Alas, dear guilty one! what of all these surroundings, added to which, perhaps, are the prayers and tears of a beloved mother, who now sleeps in death, and who died in the fond hope that she should meet her child on the evergreen shore in the glorious morning of an eternal day? Shall she be disappointed? Shall that fond hope never be realized? What caused your faith to flag and your feet to stumble? Were you interested in the advent doctrine, and disappointed because the Lord did not come in “’44”? So was I. But I did not see in that any reason why I should fall into feebleness, and die spiritually, as some seemed to do.
The disappointment was a severe test to the waiting people of God, as was the crucifixion of Christ to the disciples. Nothing was plainer than that Christ should die and rise again; but the disciples did not thus understand it. And what is more certain than that the vision should tarry? Yet the Adventists overlooked that plainly revealed truth, and, as a consequence, were disappointed. All received a shock. Some recovered sooner, some later, and some are yet living among the pots with the accumulated rust of a quarter of a century upon them. Some took their own way to get out of the difficulty, and their troubles increased. Others sought the way pointed out in the word of God, and their difficulties vanished.
In all these apparently mysterious things, important points in the word of God were being fulfilled; and when this is seen the way is plain. The third angel's message is what clears up all the apparent mysteries connected with the passing of the time. Like the rising sun this now began to reflect rays of light to cheer the hearts of the desponding ones. The third angel is doing his work in exact accordance with the word of prophecy. A gradually increasing light has marked his pathway. To-day, thousands are rejoicing in this light, and the number is daily increasing. This truth is meat in season. This is the polar star that invites the attention of all at this time. This is the lighthouse at the port of entry of the heavenly city.
The work of this angel is now fully inaugurated; and a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. Truth and error are in deadly conflict, in mortal combat, on a scale unparalleled in the past. On every continent, in every country, the roll-call of God's last message is heard, and responded to. The Lord's messengers are on the alert, and the enemy's camp is stirred.
Old and young, male and female, volunteer as helpers in this work, and the light of truth is being borne in every direction. And it is not borne in vain: it is responded to from every quarter of the earth. All Christendom is stirred as never before. God is preparing the hearts of the people everywhere to hear and decide on this truth.
God is hearing the prayer of his people to raise up and send forth laborers into his harvest. Young men, strong in the faith, are coming into the King's ranks, to bear the sword of truth against the common enemy. Young women, too, by scores, are going forth into the moral darkness of the world, bearing the light of truth, as missionaries of the tract enterprise. Men and women grow pale with labor, and presses groan night and day as they throw off countless sheets laden with just what the people need and call for.
Now, my backsliding friend, by whatever means you have been induced to leave the narrow way, or however long or short may have been the period of your wanderings, you are earnestly invited to consider your ways. Can you afford to miss Heaven? I repeat, Can you afford it? Are you proof against the artillery of Heaven? or have you power to beat back the plagues of the Almighty? Hear the voice of entreaty before it is too late. Break up the fallow ground of your heart. Rend your heart, and return unto the Lord with weeping and bitter lamentation. ALBERT STONE.
A WORD IN GENERAL.
By Uriah Smith
Worcester, Mass., Oct. 19. We left Battle Creek the morning of the 18th, to assist in the Biblical Institute which commences in South Lancaster, Mass., the 20th. That place we reach this afternoon, nothing preventing.
To meet this appointment we were obliged to leave the Office, without making any special provision for the paper, further than is guaranteed by the faithfulness of those left in charge. But they do not consider it their special province to write, and we shall be able to do but little in this direction while the Institute continues. Therefore, if those who are accustomed to write for the Review, especially for the editorial columns, will do a little extra duty in this line, just at this time, it will be considered a special favor.
Our cause has reached so interesting a stage in its progress, there is so much to be reported of what the message is accomplishing through the different agencies already in the field, so much to show the clearness and power of the truth, so much to stir us in the movements of the nations, and the general aspect of the world in this closing prophetic era, that there is not much danger that any number of the Review will in these times be dull and uninteresting. But where by special effort additional vigor, and freshness, and strength, and power to impress, can be worked in, that we want, so that the whole paper may bristle in every line with sharp points for the truth, and glitter like a casket of pearls, with its record of stirring facts, and words of good cheer.
It may not be out of place in this connection to caution some who write for the Progress Department, not to be too lengthy. We do not mean this for those who already write brief reports, but for those who do not. There is power in condensation. Look at that volume of steam which has just issued from the engine. It fills a large space and makes a great show, but it has no power. The wind blows upon it, and it vanishes. But where was it a moment before? Compressed in a little cylinder which one might clasp in his arms. And whereas when expanded in the open air, it has no power, before it was doing the work of a hundred giants.
And when we say, Be brief, we only mean, do not use any unnecessary verbiage to state the facts to be presented. If you have separate interesting facts enough when stated in the most concise and telling manner to fill a column, state them all and fill the column. That report is not half so lengthy as another which uses a quarter of a column of words, and says nothing.
We anticipate an interesting Institute at South Lancaster.
The cause is onward, and is destined to triumph gloriously.
“How vain is all beneath the skies”—that attempts to oppose it. U. S.
FREDERIKSHAVN, DENMARK.
By John G. Matterson
It is two weeks since I wrote last. Our meetings in Saltum on Sunday were well attended. In the afternoon I preached a thanksgiving sermon for the harvest-home. About three hundred persons met, and as the house was not large enough to accommodate all these, I went out into the open air, and spoke. But the weather was chilly, and I contracted a severe cold, from which I have not yet rallied.
Tuesday and Wednesday evenings I preached in Ø. Hjermeslev, and Thursday evening in Stenum. In the former place many were obliged to stand outside both evenings, as there was no room inside the house. I believe that the Lord will bless the word spoken, and not let it return empty. It will rejoice my heart, if the seed which has been sown with weeping and under many difficulties, accomplish the good pleasure of the Lord.
I have visited some friends in Frederikshavn, and Elling parish, who have read our paper. Yesterday I held a meeting in Strandby, and am now in Jerup, where I also intend to hold a few meetings, and then return to Alstrup. I attended the confirmation exercises in the church yesterday. The minister delivered a very able sermon on the law and the gospel. I have received six subscribers for the TIDENDE.
There are many difficulties in connection with our labor here; but I feel willing to leave myself in the hands of the Lord and labor as long as he gives grace and strength for the work. In a strange land, among strangers, far away from the loved ones at home, and deprived of the comforts and blessings accustomed there to enjoy, we have realized more than ever before that we are pilgrims and strangers on the earth. The only article of fuel used in this part of the country is turf. Wood is not to be seen. And a great deal of the turf is under water in the moor, so that it cannot be gotten up. Although the weather is very cold and damp, we have not yet been able to obtain a room with a fire-place or a stove in it. Many of the people are, because of their poverty, obliged to suffer a great deal from cold and dampness, while others prefer to do this rather than burn their fuel.
But the Lord be praised that he gives grace to be exercised in patience; and the desire and prayer of my heart is that all these things may serve to make us more spiritually minded, and prepare us to be better able to work in harmony with our dear brethren in other countries, to the glory of God, and to prepare the Lord's people who shall walk in the footsteps of Jesus and await his glorious appearing.
JOHN G. MATTERSON.
LAW, GRACE, AND TRUTH.
By John G. Matteson
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17.
Many interpret this text in this manner: Moses and those living in his time knew nothing of grace and truth, while Christ and his followers have nothing to do with the law.
That such an interpretation is faulty, is evident from the following considerations:—
1. Moses followed the Lord; this was faith. He drank of the spiritual Rock, which was Christ. 1 Cor. 10:4. “By faith Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.” Yea, he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible. This, certainly, was God’s grace and truth that sustained and guided him; and this was the same grace and truth which were revealed by Jesus Christ. Christ, the true light, not only reveals sin, but also shines even unto the North, East, and West. His light shines, not alone from Bethlehem and Calvary into the future, but also back into the past.
2. God’s grace and mercy were announced to Israel, and Moses, and indeed all God’s servants, obtained mercy from the Lord. “And it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious.” Ex. 22:27. “And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken; for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. And he said, I beseech thee, show me thy glory. And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.” Ex. 33:17–19. And again it is said: “And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Ex. 34:6, 7.
The blessings of the Lord were proclaimed to Israel as well as the curses. “On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.” Num. 6:23–27. The blessing belonged to the believer and the curse to the unbeliever and ungodly, just the same as they do in our days under the new covenant. God is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever, the Father of light, who changeth not. “God is no respecter of persons; but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted of him.” Acts 10:34, 35.
3. Moses wrote concerning Christ: “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken.” The Lord said unto Moses: “I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.” Deut. 18:15, 18, 19.
4. Christ did not abolish the law, but established it. Matt. 5:17–19.
5. Christ explained to his disciples what was written concerning him in the Scriptures, by Moses and the prophets. Luke 24:27.
6. Christ and Moses are not opposed to each other. They were seen, also Elias, on the mount of transfiguration, and conversed in perfect harmony. Yea; they held sweet counsel together, and talked of Jesus’ departure from the earth, which he was to fulfill at Jerusalem. Luke 9:30, 31. The above-mentioned text simply denotes that the law was given by Moses. He was the instrument which God used among men to proclaim his law. But grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. If he had not come to this earth, then no man could have been saved. Then could neither Moses or any other have found grace in the sight of the Lord.
So, then, this is a sound and good doctrine that grace shines from the cross of Christ to all nations, both to them that lived before he came in the flesh, and to those who have lived since. “Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.
JOHN G. MATTESON.
SWEDES IN BOSTON.
By James Sawyer
I LEFT Lansing, Mich., after the camp-meeting, and arrived in Boston, Tuesday evening. On Wednesday I found Bro. Wood, from whom I obtained English, Danish, and Swedish publications. A respectable-looking Swedish family gave me a cordial welcome, and were thankful for tracts and papers. I sent the TIDENDE to a Dane of whom I learned. One man decided to take the SVENSK HAROLD a while, and said if he was pleased with it he would pay for it.
They thought it singular that a Yankee should learn to speak their language. They said they knew of but one who had done so before. These Swedes had been long in Boston, and usually conversed in English; probably out of curiosity they urged me to converse in the Swedish. The gentleman who carried on the conversation was the superintendent of the “Leather Exchange.” He had lived in Boston thirteen years. He said there were over two thousand Swedes in the city.
I took the steamer for Bangor, Me., but we had gone only three hours on our passage when a storm came on, which compelled the captain to return to Boston harbor to anchor. As we were to remain in Boston another day, I took tracts and books and called upon the shipowners and business men along the wharf. The first one I met laid aside his paper and examined “Plain Facts,” and then purchased it. In conversation, the word Sabbath drew his attention, and he remarked, “We are not keeping the day the Bible enjoins.” He also said that the pope was the means of the change. I was surprised to hear him express these ideas, and I asked him if he would like to read on this subject. He said he would. I gave him the tract, “Who Changed the Sabbath?”
I again visited the Swedish friends on Hanover St. I saw the superintendent of the Leather Exchange, who, when he heard that I sometimes spoke in public, offered me the hall in the Exchange building if I would speak in Swedish. He also introduced me to a Swede from East Boston, where are about five hundred Swedes. This gentleman said he owned a hall there which I could have any time to speak on any subject. Another hall on Hanover St. was offered me. I had my ticket for Bangor, and could not accept any of these invitations; but I hope some one may hereafter improve these openings, and that the truth may be proclaimed in that place. JAMES SAWYER.