Earlier text: The Positive Commands of ChristEXTRACTS OF LETTERS FROM THE MISSIONARY WORKER.
A LETTER from the secretary of the V. M. Society of Washington, N. H., reads as follows:— “I have never had the privilege of hearing one of your papers read, therefore do not know upon what subjects you write; but I judge from the name that you write of something pertaining to the missionary work. I thought I would let you know what we are trying to do, and perhaps say an encouraging word to missionary workers. “A little company of us was organized last winter into a Vigilant Missionary Society. We had never tried it before, because we felt we were weak and few, and we did not know how to commence; but Bro. Haskell came and soon told us. Since that time we have been trying, by the help of the Lord, to do what we could. There are now about six or seven who meet together, and we send off about thirty copies of the SIGNS weekly. We have received some very encouraging letters; perhaps some extracts from them would be interesting to those who are engaged in the same work. “A lady in Minnesota writes that she would like some tracts on the seventh-day question, says she feels no prejudice, but wants to know the truth as contained in God’s word. She sends the name of one of her neighbors who would like Sabbath tracts. We have sent quite a number among the poor people in the Southern States, and have found several who liked the paper very much, and who are willing to read, and distribute, but are too poor to subscribe for it. “One man from North Carolina writes, ‘You don’t know how much good you are doing by sending papers and tracts here. They are flying from house to house, and people are beginning to study their Bibles as never before.’ Another writes that he cannot keep the papers and tracts we send them, the people are so anxious to get them. “A lady in Westfield, Mass., writes a very good letter. She is a first-day Adventist, one who has recently embraced the doctrine, but says she sometimes gets disgusted with the church to which she belongs, there is so much confusion. We have sent her tracts and papers. She says she is becoming convinced that the command for the observance of the seventh day has never been changed. She likes the SIGNS and would take it, but she is out of health, and poor. Being a widow, she is dependent upon her own efforts. “A minister in New Hampshire writes that he is thankful for the reading matter sent him and is willing to read more. He said he thought it the height of presumption to try to prove from the Bible that the command for the Sabbath had been abolished, but it had certainly been changed to Sunday, and whether by divine or human command he was unable to tell. If by human, he could not see how the churches could be so prospered unless God had accepted the change; he did not understand it, and would like more light. We then sent him Ten Sermons on the Sabbath, by J. N. Andrews, and have since received another letter from him saying he had been studying them carefully, and should not be honest did he not say he considered them able and argumentative. He said he was surprised, upon examining the subject, at the lack of Bible proof for the change. He would like to study a little more, said he felt no prejudice, but wanted the truth no matter how unpopular it might be. If the whole world was against it, and he became convinced that the seventh day was the Sabbath, he could not rest day nor night till he proclaimed it from the housetops. Said he thought the coming of the Lord was near, and closed by thanking us for our efforts to convert him to what we believe to be truth, and if it was the will of God he hoped we should succeed. “Since commencing this we have received a letter from a lady in Pennsylvania. We learned of her as one who had been healed in answer to prayer. We sent her reading matter, and then wrote her. She replied that she liked the paper much, but could not think the seventh day was the Sabbath; for the old law had been done away, and we were not under the law but under grace, &c. She mentioned several texts, each referring to the ceremonial law, and wished us to tell her what we thought of them. We did so, and sent the tract entitled, Two Laws. In the letter just received she says, ‘I am glad you wrote so plainly on the Sabbath question.’ ‘I believe the light has now been given me as it looks to you. And those good papers, THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, I see a great deal of light in, and think the Lord put it into your heart to send them to me.’ “I might tell of others received, but will only say, ‘We do not feel discouraged.’ If sometimes we do not see the result we would like to, we know the work is in the Lord’s hands, and we feel, too, that it is a help to us; for we cannot work for others without drawing near to God ourselves. If at last we are so happy as to have a seat in the kingdom, and see even one there as the result of our labors, it will repay us. MARY MARTIN
By Mary Martin
The following are letters received by the So. Lancaster V. M. Society. A gentleman from Clemmonsville, N. C., writes: “You wish to know how I like your paper. I am very much pleased with it. I would like to have it, and also some of your tracts. I think I can get subscribers for it. We have a large Sabbath-school, and would like a large assortment of tracts.” Another, writing from Monroe Co., Georgia, says: “Your books and papers are most gratefully accepted. The sermons in those tracts are well worth any one’s reading. They have informed me upon subjects which I never thought of before, and I thank you for it. If I can, I will send some subscribers for your paper. I am much interested in the subject you speak of, and will give it my prayerful attention. Will in the future ask you some questions concerning your doctrine.” The following is from Monroe Co., N. C., written by a presiding elder over twenty-two churches: “Such reading matter as you have sent me and as is contained in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, I deem highly instructive. I read it all myself, and then hand the papers to the subordinate preachers in my district. Upon every subject discussed I have had my eyes opened, and received much help and instruction. Will the society and secretary accept my most sincere gratitude for their favor to me? The subjects discussed and comments appearing in the SIGNS are grand. The Origin and Destiny of Satan, and Three Messages of Rev. 14, are of inestimable value to us. May we have more for our use and distribution? If so, we will be thankful. The YOUTH’S INSTRUCTOR, ADVENT REVIEW, &c., are all full of wholesome reading.” Letter to District No. 3 on Tract Work
By M. H. Brown
To Dist. No. 3, New York.
Dear Brethren and Sisters: Again the time for more active service in the tract and missionary work has arrived. Every year's experience in this glorious cause ought to make us more efficient laborers. Have we done what we could in the past? Then certainly our hearts and hands will cheerfully engage in sowing the seeds of truth whenever we can. Do we regret our former unfaithfulness and lack of interest in this branch of the work? Then let us redeem the time, remembering that soon, very soon, the harvest will be past and the summer ended. If we expect to enter into the rest of God's people, we must share in the labor and sacrifice. We hope that all the members will avail themselves of every opportunity to become acquainted with the practical workings of the society, such as the time and manner of reporting, and how to put forth judicious labor, and we strongly urge them to do so. Each member should attend every meeting, not only to get instructions, but to encourage the director by his presence and prayers. We trust that Dist. No. 3 will not only retain its position among the working districts of the State, but that it will take the lead in every respect. Let us not sleep as do others, but may the Lord help us to work while the day lasts. Michigan Church News: Colon and Lakeview Reports
Sabbath, Oct. 13, I was with the church in Colon. We celebrated the ordinances. Bro. Schellhous had been their elder from the time of their organization, but he now sleeps in Jesus. Bro. Quimby was chosen elder at this meeting by the unanimous vote of the church. I was glad of the privilege of meeting with this church once more, though poor health, by reason of a hard cold, rendered me unfit for much labor. The storm and poor health prevented my being at Convis last Sabbath, the 20th. J. Byington. I returned here from Howard, Oct. 16, and found the brethren of good courage, though meeting strong and determined opposition, which had set in since the tent was taken away. As some seemed interested, we held evening meetings through the week, while laying plans, and getting ready to build a house of worship. On the Sabbath, the Lord moved upon the hearts of the people, and three more made a start to obey the truth. On first-day, four were baptized, after which we celebrated the ordinances for the first time with this new church. To-day, Oct. 23, we commence laying the foundation of the meeting-house, intending to push ahead, and complete it as soon as possible. A. O. Burrill. Our meetings closed here last night. Two more have united with the church since my last report, making six in all. Several others are keeping the Sabbath, and will unite soon. This church was organized last spring, with seven members. It now numbers twenty, and I see no reason why it may not become one of the strongest churches in the Conference if the members live out the truths they profess. J. N. Ayers. Sedgwick and Butler Counties.
I have recently held three meetings, and obtained thirteen names for our periodicals, in the vicinity of Bro. H. C. Main's, in Sedgwick County. The people appeared willing to hear and to receive tracts. On Friday nine of us came about twenty-seven miles to attend quarterly meeting. Arriving at Bro. Hiram Rousseau's, Pontiac, Butler Co., we met Eld. N. W. Allee, who had come forty miles from the tent at Twin Falls. After Bible-class, Eld. Allee preached to us contrasting the light afflictions of this life with the eternal weight of glory in Christ's kingdom. After this, four were baptized. While celebrating the ordinances we had a precious season. N. W. Vincent. Our last report was made while at Morton, where there are twenty Sabbath-keepers. We have established Sabbath meetings and a Bible-class. We then came to this place and have held thirteen meetings. Six have taken hold of the truth here, and others are convinced. Bro. Cook has gone to Arkansas, and I am left to carry on the work alone—yet not alone; for God is with me, and his Spirit dwelling in me strengthens me in my weakness, and gives me hope. Oh, for that devotedness to the work that I shall go forth weeping, as I sow precious seed, that in the harvest I may rejoice amid my gathered sheaves. L. D. Santee. PEORIA, TEXAS.
By R. M. Kilgore
Since our last report our meetings have been interrupted on account of bad weather. We have had nearly a week of rain, closing up with what is termed here, a “Norther,” a cold north wind. Yesterday being more favorable, the people were treated to a discourse from Eld. Hamilton (Presbyterian) in which he attempted a review of three of our subjects—Matt. 24, the Sabbath and the immortality question. A personal attack on me and a warning to the people to keep clear of these “Northern Michigan fox hunters,” was his strong hold. In attempting to strike a death blow at me, in the eyes of most of the large audience who heard him he killed himself. Another review is announced by a lawyer from Hillsboro, for next Saturday at 10 A. M. The excitement is intense. The deputy sheriff tendered his services to me yesterday. Another man swore that “the first man that lays his hands on Kilgore is my meat.” I spoke to a large audience at 3 P. M., in review, and at night on the seven last plagues. Now as the weather has settled, we hope for prosperity and advancement in our work here. We crave the prayers of the people of God. R. M. Kilgore. BANGOR, ME.
By James Sawyer
On my arrival at Bangor, I found Swedes who attended my school in New Sweden last winter. They invited me to make my home with them, which I did. The first evening I attended a Swedish prayer-meeting. At the close an invitation was given me to address them the next evening. This I did, and another appointment was given out. At the close of the second meeting it was not considered best to continue the meetings. As many had manifested a good interest, and as God had given me freedom in presenting the truth, I was not willing to leave without knowing the cause of this decision; so I began to visit from house to house, where I was invited and welcomed. It seemed that a few considered a knowledge of the prophetic word not necessary to salvation. Such, of course, are ignorant, and when they understand may be ready to hear. Some had become interested, and I found them searching the Scriptures to see whether these things are so. We had the pleasure of answering them many times of the reason of our hope. I also visited the Danes, and obtained two trial subscribers to the TIDENDE. I found two families of Seventh-day Adventists in Brewer, only three miles from Bangor. We learned that there was another Sabbath-keeper in the city, and Bro. Field and myself found sister McAllister. We introduced these Seventh-day Adventists to our Swedish friends, and a mutual feeling of interest seems to be springing up. We have had prayer-meetings with them, and our hearts seem to be very closely united. Several of the Swedes talk freely of the importance of the Lord’s Sabbath. We expect some will embrace the whole truth. As there were Swedes in Kingman, about eighty-five miles from Bangor, I thought best to visit them on my way to New Sweden. And here God has blessed us. We will speak of the interesting meetings hereafter. JAMES SAWYER. Kingman, Me., Oct. 21, 1877. KANSAS AND ARKANSAS.
By J. H. Cook
Since my last report, I have visited the churches at Sackett, Limestone, and Amity, Kan. These meetings were seasons of encouragement. The truth appears to be settling down into hearts. None had fallen away, though these were all new churches. These meetings were followed by a general quarterly meeting with the Oswego church, at which all the above-named churches were represented. Of this meeting I can safely say, it was a season of refreshing, and also of deep searching of heart. It closed on first-day evening with an ordinance meeting, commencing at six o’clock, and continuing till twelve. Some of our new members who came from the M. E. church said they never had attended such a meeting before. I left my wife at the hospitable home of Bro. Joseph Stovers, and in company with Bro. A. J. Stover and wife came to Elm Springs, Arkansas. Here we were happy to meet with Bro. and sister Oliver, formerly of Kansas, and Bro. and sister Eastman, who had embraced the Sabbath since they came here. We remained over Sabbath, and had a pleasant meeting with them. Sunday morning we started for Bro. J. D. Powers’, who lives about sixteen miles from Elm Springs. We reached our destination about two o’clock, having been six hours traveling sixteen miles. Here we found six Sabbath-keepers. These had all commenced Sabbath observance by reading, which had caused the usual stir. A few say it is right to keep the seventh day. Others are bitter, and threaten the law. In this respect our coming seems timely. Court was just sitting; so with Bro. Powers we went to Fayetteville, and saw the commonwealth attorney, and laid the facts before him, so that if the matter came before the grand jury he might know how to instruct them. Here we obtained fair promises for all conscientious observers of the seventh day. The laws here are about the same as in Missouri, requiring Sabbath observers to be members of a Sabbath-keeping church. We shall give them a temporary organization as soon as we think consistent. We have held four meetings. So far, the interest is about the same as we have been accustomed to see in Kansas. We hope to hear from all the scattered Sabbath-keepers in Arkansas. We expect to remain at least two or three months. Our address, for the present, is Fayetteville, Washington Co., Arkansas. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NEW ENGLAND TRACT AND MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
By S. N. Haskell; Maria L. Huntley
The New England Tract and Missionary Society met at South Lancaster, Mass., Oct. 21, 1877. Meeting opened with prayer by Eld. D. M. Canright. Report of the last meeting read and approved; after which the report of labor performed since the last quarterly meeting, and also during the year, was read. The annual report was as follows:— Reports returned during the year, 306; families visited, 1,106; letters written, 1,648;143 subscribers obtained for periodicals, 1,405; periodicals distributed, 10,525; almanacs, 10,000; tracts and pamphlets, 337,925 pages. The financial report showed that the receipts during the year were nearly $900 less than the expenditures of the society, notwithstanding there had been donations in addition to the one-third. The Tract Society in New England was organized in November, 1870. The first year the expenses were about $700, which is only about one-third the amount of systematic benevolence paid in the Conference at the present time. The expenses of the society have increased yearly, until last year they were about $2,000, and this year they have exceeded $2,500, which is several hundred dollars more than the S. B. raised in this Conference; and double this sum could be used to advantage. The question naturally arose, whether the tract and missionary effort should be reduced to correspond with the income arising from the one-third, or whether the brethren would supply the lack by donations. The latter course was decided upon in a practical manner, nearly $500 being pledged to the Tract Society at this meeting, of which $350 were paid down. This was done without any public appeal for means in this department, but not until after various other calls for means had been considered, and it had been voted to raise a reserve fund to be loaned to various enterprises, such as building meeting-houses, &c., until pledges on the same could be paid. This fund is to be under the control of the Conference Committee, and is to prevent any delay in carrying forward enterprises that may demand immediate attention. Over $1,600 were pledged for this purpose, which, in addition to means arising from sale of the camp-ground, gives a cash capital, for this reserve fund, of about $2,300, of which $1,800 is on hand. In addition to this, $410 were pledged directly to the meeting-houses in Danvers and Lancaster. The annual report of the Vigilant Missionary Society showed that the number of letters written by its members during the year was, 1,113; received, 547; families visited, 331; subscribers obtained for periodicals, 309; periodicals distributed, 4,280; also 19,709 pages of tracts and pamphlets have been distributed; 225 copies of the SIGNS have been taken by this society, which have been sent to about a thousand different individuals. As usual, the Missionary Worker was filled with interesting matter which had been prepared by the editor, Miss Mary Martin. It was moved that the Chair appoint a committee of three to nominate officers for the ensuing year, whereupon C. W. Comings, C. K. Farnsworth, and J. Crandall were named as said committee. Meeting adjourned to call of Chair. Meeting opened with prayer by Eld. U. Smith. It was voted to adopt the constitution as amended, combining the offices of secretary and treasurer. Committee on Nominations reported the following persons for officers the coming year. President, S. N. Haskell; Vice-president, D. A. Robinson; Secretary, Maria L. Huntley; Assistant Secretary, E. Thayer, South Lancaster, Mass. For directors: Dist. No. 1, J. C. Tucker, Kingston, R. I.; Dist. No. 2, M. Wood, South Boston, Mass.; No. 3, S. Martin, West Rindge, N. H.; No. 4, H. P. Wakefield, Newport, N. H.; No. 5, S. J. Twing, Montville, Mass.; No. 6, E. G. Bolter, So. Amherst, Mass.; No. 7, J. R. Israel, Ipswich, Mass.; No. 8, N. Orcutt, So. Vineland, N. J. The meeting was favored with the presence of Elds. Smith, Canright, and Cottrell, who added much to the interest. Although late in the season, the meeting was held under canvas, the chapel at this place being much too small to accommodate those who attended. THE WAITING TIME.
By Eliza H. Morton
No work may now seem ready,
No harvest be in view,
No sphere of useful action
Open itself to you. My brother, God is calling,
Your work may lie within;
Your powers must be ripened,
That work at once begin. Prepare for something higher,
Do not despair or fail;
Soon you will hear the summons,
Forward will be the call. The waiting time, my brother,
Will soon be in the past:
Strive hard for self-improvement,
The call will come at last. NEAR WATSON, MO.
By George I. Butler
After camp-meeting, I went to Watson, to see Bro. Eyerly, the Baptist minister of whom Bro. Battin wrote recently in the REVIEW, who had come out to keep the Sabbath from reading the Bible. I was there over a week, taking Bro. Battin’s place lecturing. Several have commenced to keep the Sabbath as the result of Bro. Battin’s lectures. Bro. Eyerly has taken a very firm stand on the Sabbath question, and is investigating all the points of truth held by our people, with deep interest. We formed a very pleasant acquaintance, and I firmly believe he will be very useful in the Lord’s vineyard. He was educated in the Methodist University at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, for a Methodist minister; but he became perplexed over the Greek word baptizo, and after much study became a Baptist. He taught school considerably, was elected county superintendent of common schools in North-western Missouri, lectured on education all through that section, and was secretary of the Baptist Association, but he has recently given his full time to the ministry. When he became convinced, after much study of the Sabbath question, of his duty to keep the Sabbath, he stated his convictions to his church, and was turned out with no chance to make a defense. His case has made a great stir in the denomination, and many are the regrets that he has “thrown himself away.” He has been astonished to see the hatred which some bear against that honorable institution, the Lord’s Sabbath. He was hardly prepared to see the hatred with which near friends seem to regard it. But none of these things move him. “I shall keep the holy Sabbath,” he says, “if it takes friends or life itself.” I expect to see Bro. Eyerly an ardent worker in the great cause of Sabbath reform. He is diligently preparing himself, by study, to throw himself into the work with all his heart. He is only thirty-three years of age, and not so deep in the modes and ruts of popular theology but that he can readily adapt himself to the work. Bro. Eyerly is a man who loves God, a man of prayer and devotion. We expect to hear good news from him. He earnestly desires the prayers of our people in his behalf, as he has been passing through the deep waters of trial. How wonderfully the Lord is working here and there upon the hearts of the honest. May the good work go on till every jewel is gathered. I shall be at home a few weeks, preparing for winter, and shall then return to Missouri for the season. Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Oct. 24. In company with Brn. Nicola and Washburn, I came from the Nebraska camp-meeting directly to Smithland. We commenced meetings Oct. 11, and continued till the 17th, with but short intermissions. This church has formerly been greatly prospered; but for a few months past, the tattling tongue and a disrespectful spirit, on the part of some, had wrought discord and discouragement. And what made the case more sad, many good Sabbath-keepers were kept out of the church by this unhallowed influence. We labored hard, and with a good degree of success, to show where the wrong lay. The Spirit of the Lord helped us, and there was a unanimous agreement in the decisions rendered. Some good confessions were made, and union and harmony, to quite an extent, were restored. Some of the members of this church must learn, it may be by a bitter experience, that to “render honor to whom honor is due,” and “to know them which labor among you and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake,” are principles of the gospel which can no more be disregarded than the commands, “Honor thy father and thy mother,” and “Thou shalt not steal.” Our meetings closed up well. Four good souls united with the church. The blessing of God was there to heal the wounds that had been made; and we left this company strengthened to go on in the way of life. Sabbath and Sunday, Oct. 20 and 21, with Bro. Bartlett, I met with the Sabbath-keepers at Logan, where Brn. Washburn and Bartlett labored with the tent this summer. We organized a church of eleven members. On account of rain some could not get there, but will unite soon. Three were baptized. The Lord has blessed the labors of these brethren this summer, and we think the Sabbath-keepers here will not only stand, but have a gathering influence. I now go to Dakota for a few weeks. GROTON, N. Y.
By S. B. Whitney
Commenced labor in this place last Sunday evening, Oct. 21, and have had three meetings. We are occupying a good-sized hall, which is well filled with very attentive listeners. The interest is such as seemingly to warrant the expectation of good results. A recent letter from Pulaski informs me that three more have taken their stand on the Sabbath there, two of whom have been baptized. S. B. WHITNEY. [Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES] NINETEEN lectures have been given at this place. The advent and immortality questions have been presented. Bro. B. A. Stephens reports considerable opposition; nevertheless, several have expressed themselves as “Adventized” as far as they have heard. BURNSIDE, WIS.
By J. D. Mulhollen
WE held our quarterly meeting, Oct. 6. The Spirit of the Lord was present. Eld. Downer was with us, and expounded to us the word of truth, which encouraged us, and caused our hearts to rejoice. Sunday, after the forenoon exercises, two presented themselves for baptism. These young persons went down into the water to be buried in the likeness of Christ’s death, and to arise to newness of life. God bless the young who are willing to break away from the allurements of this world and follow the Lamb of God. We hope this meeting may be lasting in its results; and that we may be perfected in love, established in the faith, strengthened of God to endure hardness as good soldiers of Christ; and that when Jesus shall come to gather his guests to the marriage supper, we may there meet the ancient worthies and the people of God, and realize that this glad meeting will never be broken up. We ask the prayers of God’s people for our growth in grace. MICH. T. AND M. SOCIETY.
By E. H. Root; Mrs. S. H. Lane
At a meeting of the directors, held at Lansing, on the camp-ground, on the morning of Sept. 30, 1877, it was decided to do the business of the next State quarterly meeting, as it was to convene in two or three weeks. The secretary’s report is as follows:— No. of families visited, 161; No. of letters written, 251; No. of periodicals distributed, 4,291; No. of pages of tracts and pamphlets distributed, 147,152; No. of new subscribers obtained for REVIEW, on trial, 4; REFORMER, 4; INSTRUCTOR, 4; SIGNS, 26. Rec’d on membership, $ 27.00 The directors decided to take, for the present use of the society, 14,000 Health Annuals. It was voted to carry out, in all the churches of each district, the resolution of the General Conference in regard to the addition of the one-third to the S. B. for the support of the Tract Society. Voted, That we request the Michigan Conference Committee to furnish ministerial aid at the quarterly meetings of the T. and M. Society after the redivision of the State. Voted, That we request the ministers of the Conference to introduce to the churches of each district the propriety of paying the expenses of the directors to the State quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society, in case the director is not able to defray his own expenses. Voted, To revive the widow and orphan fund, and to encourage donations to the same. Adjourned to call of Chair. E. H. Root, Pres. pro tem. OUR SECRET SINS.
By C. Lawton
DAVID, in Ps. 90:8, says, “Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.” Also in Ps. 19:12, “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults.” David, like ourselves, was mortal, and had a fallen nature to contend with; and while contrasting his life with the perfect law of God, he no doubt saw many imperfections, and may have felt, as many of us do at the present time, that the work of overcoming is a great and difficult work. But now we have added to the weaknesses and infirmities of human nature, the power and malice of Satan, who is at war with the remnant of God’s people, and will take advantage of every weak point in our characters, and contest every inch of ground gained; and who, knowing that his time is short, will work with greater power than ever to deceive, and cast darkness and confusion over the minds of those who are trying to form a pure character, which will stand the test of the Judgment. Then, all the strength we can get from above, and all the efforts we can put forth ourselves, will fortify us none too strongly against the enemy. Do we consider as we should that the solemn work of the Judgment is now going forward, and that the characters of all must soon pass the inspection of the Judge of all the earth? Then how appropriate and important is self-examination! We cannot too carefully inspect our hearts and motives; we should compare them closely with the great detector, God’s word, and see if we cannot find some secret sin lurking within, or some selfish motive, some impure desire, some unsanctified affection for the world or for some object displeasing to God. If we have a true sense of the perfection of character we must have, in order to meet the demands of God’s holy law by which we must be judged, we shall cry out as David did, “Search me, O Lord, and try me; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.” I would hereby express my gratitude to God that this is the language of my own heart. May God send deep conviction into the hearts of all his people, to stir them up to close examination of their hearts and works, that when compared with his law, they may have the assurance that they will stand the examination in the Judgment. TRIAL OF FAITH.
By H. F. Phelps
Peter speaks thus: “The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth.” Gold is the most precious of all earth’s metals, yet the trial of faith as much exceeds that of gold as Heaven is higher than earth. The golden sand must be submitted to be purified by fire. Every stone from the quarry, every stick from the forest, must be prepared by the tool of the workman before it is fit for a place in the building. Every ship must be tried to the utmost before it can be put to the task of carrying the precious treasures of earth. We are not gold, but rough stones from the quarry, crooked sticks from the forest; and if we are ever granted a place in the Master’s building, we must be tried, and tried according to our needs, and according to the position we are to fill. We pray for more confidence and faith in God. We ask for humility of spirit. We desire that our hearts may be softened, and made susceptible to the gentle influences of the Spirit of God. Well, how do these things come but by trial? Our earthly props are removed, so that we may trust in God more and more. He reaches out the rod and afflicts us sorely, to humble our proud hearts and subdue our stubborn spirits before him. And when we meekly bow to the affliction, and can in love kiss the rod, it is then we can feel the blessing of God in the trial, and learn to love the hand that deals the blow. But of this we may be assured, God loves us, else we should not be tried. Indeed, Paul says, “But if ye be without chastisement, then are ye bastards and not sons;” and “If ye endure chastening God dealeth with you as with sons.” David says, “The Lord trieth the righteous.” But are the wicked never tried? Yes. “Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire, and brimstone, and an horrible tempest. This shall be the portion of their cup.” May we be saved from their fate. Better bear patiently the trials God allows to come upon us here, than to rebel and suffer with the wicked. As trials come according to our needs, and according to duties that may be before us, all will not be tried alike. Look for one moment at the noble Bible examples. Abel was tried, and resisted unto blood. Enoch, though subjected to trials for over three hundred years, was at last translated. Noah was tried for one hundred and twenty years, while building the ark, in the midst of an opposing, mocking people. Look at Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, at the prophets, and the apostles of Jesus, also at the myriads of martyrs who have resisted unto blood striving against sin. These did not sink down under discouragement and despair. No, no. They had respect to the recompense of reward. These pressed on. They counted not their lives dear unto them. They tired not in their long watchings, but pressed on, and they now rest in hope. Blessed rest! “Oh, how sweet! to be for such a slumber meet.” And shall we who are blessed with the truths of the last message, we who have such noble examples before us, shall we do less than they? Shall we think our trials hard? Shall we sink down just in sight of the prize? No. If we stumble and fall, let us rise again, and in the strength of Him who tempers the winds to the shorn lamb, go forward, remembering and believing “that all things work together for good to them that love God.” H. F. PHELPS. SELF-BROUGHT BURDENS.
By L. E. Orton
A pious lady over eighty years of age was telling me of a recent journey she had made, and congratulating herself on performing it safely. I said to her, “I suppose you trusted in the Lord, and went right ahead?” “Oh! yes,” said she, “I used judgment too. Folks need common sense in this world, as well as trust!” She now sleeps in the grave; but how often her words have been verified before my eyes. When we blunder, and when our “best laid plans aft gang a-gley,” we have a comfortable way of calling it the Lord’s discipline, instead of rightly attributing it to our own lack of ability and perseverance. WHAT I SEE AND BELIEVE.
By J. B. Fisher
I see and believe the Bible true; and that it is the only infallible guide from this world to the next. I believe Seventh-day Adventists are the only people in the world that are trying to get ready in good earnest to meet the Lord at his coming, by keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. J. B. FISHER. ON THE CAMP-GROUND.
By S. M. Spicer
Upon my first day at the camp-ground, before quarters were assigned us, I seated myself apart from the busy throng, and gazed more than gladly into the thick, silent forest. So long had I been deprived of the privilege of thus communing with nature, whose scenes were fondly loved in my childhood, that I now feasted upon the beauties spread out before me. So dense was the foliage that only here and there a sunbeam found its way through the treetops, and the earth beneath them was wrapped in shadow. But as I glanced upward, my eye following the trunk of a lofty tree, I saw that each successive branch received a greater share of sunshine, till at last the shadows all disappeared in the bright golden sunshine and the cloudless azure. This upward path from darkness to light seemed to me something like Jacob's ladder, reaching to Heaven, and I longed to see the angels descending to shed blessings on the needy soul. Oh the contrast between the cold, dark clods of earth, and the warm, cheering light of heaven! How significant! the closer to earth we cling, the darker, more deathlike our life; but the higher we climb heavenward, the more light and warmth, the more life and joy. I wonder not that the happy birds seek the high, sunny branches, and pour out their glad anthems to Him who gave life and sunshine, while the moles and the bats cling to the dark ground for their groveling career. Strange that many of God's more intelligent creatures fail to look up to the Sun of Righteousness, and finally perish in the death-damps of sin and darkness. Here, just before me, is another symbol: Beside that living, majestic tree, which lifts its head rejoicing in the genial sunbeams, lies prostrate a crooked tree, shorn of its beauty and already in decay. Never again will it seek the sunlight of heaven, or rejoice in the vernal bloom of springtime. How came it thus? It died not of age, having reached its perfect stature; some disease or accident must have brought premature death. We see it has a crooked trunk; doubtless from impressions received when a tender twig, which grew stronger and may have hindered it from reaching toward heaven for vitality. Perhaps some noxious insect has long, though unseen, worked within, till the heart is all corruption, leaving only the outward appearance of life. Perhaps, without fruit or sightly grace beside its stately, towering mates, it was removed as a cumberer of the ground. Whatever the facts in the case, it has a good lesson for the child of humanity. It warns against the early bias of sin, the covert growth of corrupt habits and passions, and the inner death of hollow-hearted hypocrisy, which will deform, defile, and undermine the once noble and upright character, till it shall crash, with its weight of corruption, to the depth of utter darkness. A good man in affliction, who was asked how he bore his sorrows so well, replied, “It lightens the stroke to draw near to Him who handles the rod.” DIVINE COMPASSION.]
By Cowper
I was a stricken deer that left the herd
Long since; with many an arrow deep infixed
My panting side was charged, when I withdrew
To seek a tranquil death in distant shades.
There was I found by One who had himself
Been hurt by archers; in his side he bore,
And in his hands and feet, the cruel scars.
With gentle force soliciting the darts,
He drew them forth, and healed, and bade me live.
—Cowper.