Earlier text: TEMPER AT HOMETHE CLOSE OF THE MEETINGS.
On Thursday, Nov. 20, just three weeks from the day of its commencement, closed the twenty-third annual session of the General Conference. This is the longest time ever before spent in our meetings of this nature; but during almost every moment some important proceeding was in progress. The brethren bestowed much prayerful consideration upon all the steps taken, and we confidently anticipate that the future will demonstrate the wisdom of the moves that have been made. One of our ministers well described the situation when he remarked that a wonderful amount of thought had been packed into that Tabernacle during the past three weeks. Eight organizations have held their anniversary meetings during this time; namely, the General Conference, Publishing Association, Health Institute, Educational Society, Sanitarium Improvement Company, International Tract Society, General S. S. Association, and the Health and Temperance Society. In each of these organizations there were from two to five standing committees, besides many special committees, making in all perhaps some thirty committees, who had their duties to attend to between the public meetings. From these facts the reader can gather something of an idea of the amount of work which has been done. But all have been cheerful and hopeful in their labors and harmony and brotherly love to an unwonted degree have prevailed. All have felt that they were engaged in a work which had the word of God for its basis, the testimony of passing events, backed up by all the history of the past, as the evidence of its truthfulness, and the salvation of souls in the soon-coming kingdom of God, as its object; and as the time for labor is short, all should make the utmost of their opportunities, their strength, and ability to be workers together in this great enterprise. The earnest efforts of Sr. White for the good of those present, fell behind in no degree her efforts on any other occasion. Her words of counsel, exhortation, and instruction have been esteemed of inestimable worth by those who have heard them. We trust they may yet be laid before the readers of the REVIEW. At this writing the brethren have largely departed to their various fields of labor, from which we trust they will keep our readers apprised of their movements and success, by frequent reports. The General Conference Committee still remain, and Eld. Haskell gave an earnest discourse last Sabbath on how to best improve our talents, that our work may be approved of the Master at the last. The discourses of leading brethren, of which we have not time to speak individually, have been able efforts, presenting truth in a very impressive manner. The question of holding property as a Conference, which has for years been seen to be very desirable, seems now to be in a fair way of solution in a very practical and simple manner, as will be seen in the report concerning this matter in the business proceedings, in another column. Brethren will be glad also to learn that the Year Book is to be continued in a form to be of more utility and practical convenience to the different Conferences than before. We trust the matter will be furnished for it in season that it may be issued without delay. We are glad Eld. Butler has spoken more at length of this good Conference, in this paper; and to his remarks for other particulars we take pleasure in referring the reader. GENERAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS.
By George I. Butler; Uriah Smith
THIRTEENTH MEETING, Nov. 18, 2:30 P. M.—Prayer by Eld. Van Horn. Minutes read and approved. The question pending being on the adoption of the motion to refer the matter of the Year Book to the committee on shareholders’ book, the motion was carried. It was also— Moved, That Eld. A. J. Breed take the position of President of the Wisconsin Tract Society, when Eld. Decker leaves the State. The Committee on Resolutions introduced the following:— 9. Resolved, That the urgent need of the publishing interests in Switzerland and Norway demands that special efforts be made to raise funds for their relief. And we urge upon the Presidents of the Conferences the duty of raising money on the pledges made in their respective fields, knowing that the cause must suffer in respect to their publishing work unless the buildings in Bâle and Christiana are soon erected. This resolution was adopted. The committee further recommended that the clause inclosed in brackets below be added to resolution 6, in reference to moving from Battle Creek, causing it to be read as follows:— 6. Resolved, That we request and urgently call upon those who are doing no work here [as well as those who are doing little compared with what they might do in other fields] to move to destitute fields where they may be of service to the Master. The committee on the preparation of a book containing lists of shareholders in our institutions, reported as follows:— 1. Revise the list in the book entitled, “Appeal to Working Men,” and make such corrections therein as may seem necessary by correspondence with them or otherwise. 2. Arrange the names alphabetically. 3. Leave out the addresses. Insert with the names only the number of shares owned by each person. 4. Each Association to prepare a list of its own shareholders. 5. Each Association to bear its proportion of the expense of publication. 6. Insert Constitutions and By-Laws if desired. 7. We recommend that A. R. Henry, W. H. Hall, and E. B. Miller be a committee to carry this into effect. The committee reported as follows in reference to the Year Book for 1885:— 1. We consider it important to continue the publication of the Year Book. 2. We recommend that each Conference furnish the proceedings of its Conference and its Associations, to be bound in those copies of the Year Book which are circulated within its own boundaries. 3. That it be printed to order, and furnished to Conferences at cost of manufacture. 4. That the Presidents of the Conferences furnish a revised list of the ministers, etc. 5. That the Year Book contain matter as follows:— (1). Ministers’ Directory. (2). General Directories. (3). General Conference Proceedings. (4). Table of S. D. A. Statistics. (5). International T. & M. Proceedings. (6). S. D. A. Publishing Association Proceedings. (7). Pacific S. D. A. P. A. Proceedings. (8). Educational Society, ditto, also of the Healdsburg College and South Lancaster Academy. (9). Health Reform Institute, ditto. (10). General Sabbath-school Association, ditto. (11). Health and Temperance Association, ditto. (12). General and State Conference Constitutions. (13). Statistics of our publishing work. (15). Preface, Contents, and Calendar. 6. That Geo. B. Starr, E. W. Whitney, and E. P. Daniels be a committee to canvass for orders, and secure lists of ministers, etc., to act immediately, before the officers and ministers leave. W. C. WHITE, J. H. WAGGONER, U. SMITH, } Committee. From the committee on resolutions:— Whereas, The question has been laid before this Conference as to whether our usages will permit licentiates to solemnize marriage; and we believe that such a course would bring reproach, inasmuch as many of the licentiates are persons of little experience and often of immature judgment; therefore— 10. Resolved, That we hereby declare that it is not our usage to permit our licentiates or local elders to solemnize marriage. The committee on improved form of ministers’ diary reported as follows:— We recommend that a diary be prepared for the use of ministers, licentiates, and others, arranged as follows: containing first, the usual annual calendar; second, 24 pages of blank prepared for daily report; one blank page prepared for quarterly and yearly summary; 365 days of diary, ten blank pages for general use; and 40 blank pages prepared for personal and general cash account. After some discussion, this matter was referred to the trustees of the Publishing Association. Eld. Waggoner reported in regard to the matter of an organization to hold church and other property in this and foreign lands, as chairman of the committee appointed for this purpose at the second meeting of this session. The committee took legal counsel, and learned that an Association, auxiliary to the General Conference, might be formed to hold and control all its property, adopting articles of association substantially as follows:— ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST GENERAL CONFERENCE ASSOCIATION.
STATE OF MICHIGAN, } ss:
COUNTY OF CALHOUN, } We, the undersigned, in pursuance of the Act of the People of the State of Michigan, numbered No. —, approved —, 1884, and entitled, “An Act to provide for the incorporation of Associations, Conventions, Conferences, or religious bodies, for literary, religious, or other benevolent purposes,” desiring to avail ourselves of the privileges and powers granted and conferred by said Act, and to become incorporated thereunder, do hereby associate ourselves together as a body Corporate under said Act, to be known by the name and style of “Seventh-day Adventist General Conference Association,” as follows, to-wit:— The purpose for which this Corporation is formed is the issuing and diffusing of Christian knowledge by means of publishing houses for such purpose and publications therefrom, and by the further means of missionaries, missionary agencies, and other instrumentalities. The temporal affairs of this corporation shall be managed by, and the real and personal property of this Corporation shall be in charge of ———, Trustees, who shall hold their offices one year, and until their successors shall be duly chosen. The Trustees of this Corporation shall choose one of their number President, and such other officers as their By-laws may require, which said officers shall hold their respective offices one year, or until others are chosen in their stead. The Trustees for the time being shall have power to fill any vacancy which shall happen in their Board by death, resignation or otherwise. The first Board of Trustees of this Corporation shall be the following: ———, ———, ———, ———, ———, who shall hold their offices until the first following regular annual meeting of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists, and until their successors shall be duly elected. This Corporation shall act as auxiliary to said General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists, and the entire Board of Trustees of this Corporation shall be duly elected by the legal voters of said General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists, according to the usages and customs thereof. This Corporation may use the general funds coming into its hands by the sale of certificates of membership for the following purposes, to wit: for the issuing and diffusion of Christian knowledge by means of establishing publishing houses and issuing publications therefrom, and by the further means of missionaries, missionary agencies, and other instrumentalities: and all such funds may, in the discretion of the Trustees, be so used in any and every country upon the globe. This Corporation may receive and hold real and personal property to an amount allowed by law, whether acquired by gift, purchase, devise, or bequest, and may receive and execute trusts for the following purposes: 1st, for its general purposes as specified in Section 6th of these Articles. 2nd, for the benefit of said General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists; but all such latter trusts shall be executed within the State of Michigan.745 The purposes and essence of this Corporation being purely of a benevolent, charitable, and philanthropic nature, no dividends shall be declared upon any funds, but the Trustees are authorized to use and expend the entire principal sum and all accumulations thereon, in such manner as shall to them seem most fit and proper, to carry into full effect the objects and aims of this Corporation. And if at the expiration of the statutory life of this Corporation, it, said Corporation, has in its hands any property, real or personal, in fee or in trust, unexpended or unapplied, then and in such case the majority of the then Trustees are authorized and empowered to duly transfer the title and ownership of said property to such Corporation as they may elect to carry on and continue the object and work of said first named Corporation. In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals this —— day of —— 188—. The foregoing report having been presented, it was voted to take immediate steps to form such an organization. Adjourned to call of chair. FOURTEENTH MEETING, Nov. 19, 2:30 P. M.—Prayer by Eld. Haskell. Minutes of last meeting approved. The statistics of the different Conferences were read for the purpose of correction. The committee on new hymn book reported as follows:— We, your committee to consider plans for the production of a new hymn book, would submit the following report:— 1. That a committee of twenty-five, of whom Eld. G. I. Butler shall be chairman and Eld. U. Smith secretary, shall be chosen to gather up both hymns and music, and each individual after due examination of what he collects, shall send it to the secretary of the committee. 2. That there be a central committee of seven, with the same president and secretary, who shall examine all hymns and tunes sent to them, and shall have power to call to their aid such musical talent as may be needed to help them in their work; and this committee shall make a report at the next session of the General Conference of the progress made toward a new hymn book. 3. We suggest the following names for the committee of twenty-five: G. I. Butler, S. N. Haskell, Uriah Smith, J. H. Waggoner, W. C. White, Charles Jones, S. Brownsberger, W. H. Littlejohn, J. E. White, C. C. Lewis, Prof. E. Barnes, Frank Belden, B. L. Whitney, O. A. Olsen, G. C. Tenney, E. W. Farnsworth, L. McCoy, R. M. Kilgore, E. W. Whitney, R. F. Cottrell, D. B. Oviatt, D. A. Robinson, A. J. Cudney, J. G. Matteson, M. O. Wilcox. 4. We suggest that the following persons be the central committee: G. I. Butler, W. H. Littlejohn, U. Smith, J. E. White, J. H. Waggoner, W. C. White, Prof. Barnes. I. D. VAN HORN, H. W. DECKER, R. F. ANDREWS, M. H. BROWN, WM. OSTRANDER. } Committee. The committee on credentials and licenses made further report, presenting the following additional names for credentials: D. T. Bourdeau, A. C. Bourdeau, Geo. B. Starr, Jas. Sawyer, and J. P. Rosqvist; which report was adopted. In view of the fact that Eld. Corliss is called to Australia, Eld. Steward to Ontario, and Eld. O. F. Guilford to Delaware and Maryland, it was voted that they also receive credentials from the General Conference. The committee on moving from Battle Creek reported progress, and hoped soon to be able to report action. Moved, That the Swedish church in the upper peninsula of Michigan, which has been considered a part of the Wisconsin Conference be transferred to Michigan. Fearing that the church would be neglected if this motion prevailed, some delegate moved that the motion be so amended as to transfer the whole of the upper peninsula to the Wisconsin Conference. After some spirited appeals on the part of some to the Michigan delegates, the amendment was lost. The original motion was then carried. The question of the continuance of the Bible-reading Gazette being introduced, it was voted, in view of the fact that its continuance for more than a year was not contemplated, and that it has well accomplished its object, that its publication cease with the present volume. The question of the continuance of the Sentinel being also called up, it was voted to continue it, and that the Chair appoint a committee of five to determine the method of its further publication and management, a change of its name, etc. The following persons were appointed as said committee: J. H. Waggoner, U. Smith, S. N. Haskell, W. C. White, A. R. Henry. It was moved, on the request of Eld. Ostrander that Bro. E. S. Griggs go to Colorado, to assist in the work there. This motion was referred to the next meeting of the Conference. Moved, by Eld. M. H. Brown, that Eld. Butler’s recent articles on inspiration be prepared for publication in pamphlet form. The matter was referred to the publishing committee of the Publishing Association. Adjourned to call of Chair. FIFTEENTH MEETING, Nov. 20, 10 A. M.—Prayer by Eld. D. B. Oviatt. The matter of E. S. Griggs going to the assistance of Eld. Ostrander in Colorado, was referred to the General Conference Committee. On motion of Eld. Waggoner, the President of the New England Conference was authorized to secure such interchange of laborers in Vermont, Maine, and New England, as may seem advisable to himself and other leading brethren there. From the committee on resolutions:— 11. Resolved, That we hail with great pleasure the publication of Vol. IV. of “The Great Controversy;” that, while we anxiously looked for it, expecting that it would give important information concerning the closing scenes of this world’s history, we can freely say that it more than meets our most sanguine expectations; and that we earnestly urge all our people to read it carefully and prayerfully, and to use all proper means to place it before the world. The following resolution was offered by Eld. Haskell, and adopted:— 12. Resolved, That we regard the pamphlet entitled, “Honor Due to God,” as one giving much light upon the Bible teaching on the subject of tithes and offerings, and that we recommend its careful study by all. On the strength of a suggestion received from Eld. M. C. Wilcox, it was voted that the “English Mission” be hereafter called the “British Mission.” On motion of W. C. Sisley, Bro. A. R. Henry was appointed our general agent to confer with railroads in regard to whatever courtesies they may see fit to extend to us. Eld. D. T. Jones offered the following:— 13. Resolved, That this Conference recognize the right of individuals to pay their tithes to the Conference where they reside. For this the following substitute was offered:— “That this Conference recognize the duty of individuals in changing their place of residence, to transfer their membership, and to pay their tithes to the churches with which they thus unite. This was accepted and adopted. On motion, the matter of the vacancy in the Conference committee of the Illinois Conference, occasioned by Eld. Andrews’ being called to a foreign field, was referred to the General Conference Committee, till Eld. Kilgore can take his position there. Eld. R. A. Underwood, member of the committee on moving from Battle Creek, having left for home, Eld. E. M. Kilgore was placed on the committee in his stead. The Conference then adjourned sine die. GEO. I. BUTLER, Pres.
U. SMITH, Sec. THE GENERAL CONFERENCE.
By George I. Butler
Our annual meetings have just closed, and we look back over the three weeks spent in busy care and perplexity concerning many important interests, with thankfulness to God for his love and mercy toward us as a people. It was stated many times before the Conference assembled that these meetings would be the most important ever held among Seventh-day Adventists. No one who has attended them and watched them carefully will question the truthfulness of this statement. We trust the readers of the REVIEW will read the proceedings of our business meetings carefully, and consider well the moves that have been made in the advancement of the cause. These will serve as pointers to show how rapidly the truth is spreading. The resolution to open a mission in Australia by sending a corps of laborers there with Eld. Haskell to superintend the opening of the work in that country and in the islands of the Pacific Ocean, is one of these. By this one step the advance post of present truth is moved thousands of miles westward in its progress around the globe. Doubtless, after a little, papers proclaiming present truth will be published in those countries. The sending of two of our leading laborers to England, Scotland, and Ireland to act a prominent part in spreading the truth in the British Isles is another very important movement. The vote of the Conference recommended Bro. W. C. White to go to Europe to aid in the equipment and establishment of two new printing houses, one at Bâle, Switzerland, another at Christiana, Norway, which will soon be ready for their important work. This is another forward move. We may say in this connection that it was earnestly hoped by all the delegates at the Conference that Sr. White would conclude to make this trip with him, and thus greatly help and strengthen the work in the Old World. This we know would be, at her age, and with her infirmities, a step which would seem like a great sacrifice; but God could strengthen her for it. The Conference also voted to establish a mission in Ontario, or Canada West, which has long been neglected. Eld. T. M. Steward, one of our oldest laborers, is recommended to go to that field, which he will do very soon. Eld. Guilford, of Ohio, another minister of experience, is to go to Delaware and Maryland to open another hitherto unoccupied mission. Never in the history of our people has there been such a changing of our ministering brethren from previous fields of labor to other more destitute fields as has been seen during the present Conference. No one who will carefully study the changes introduced in the report of the General Conference, can help being struck with the magnitude of these movements. This would not have been done had it not been felt that there was a great necessity for an advance movement all along the line. Burdens of responsibility are increasing. Our brethren who have labored long and gained experience in some fields are sent to others that need their help; while other rising men take their places in the fields they have left vacant, to grow up into greater responsibility and usefulness. Another important feature is the movement to increase the circulation of the Signs of the Times by means of the attractive book, “Sunshine at Home.” We expect to see at least fifty thousand copies of the Signs go out into new fields to persons who have never read it before, within the next few months. All these movements will be noticed hereafter more fully. God is moving at this place as never before. We shall see of his salvation, and the advancement of the truth such as has never before been witnessed in our history. Of this we feel sure. The time has come for our people to cast in as never before their influence, ability, and means to advance the work of God. Burdens which would seem almost crushing in their weight are dropped upon many laborers who need more than human strength in order to accomplish this work. Our Conference, though full of labor and great perplexity, was a pleasant one. The instruction given by Sr. White was excellent, and such a spirit of love and union prevailed in our midst as has seldom been seen before. Some whom we feared were lost to the cause have returned to help us in bearing the burdens of the work. Our delegates go home with courage and hope. We shall have much more to say in the near future about many matters of importance. G. I. B. Honor Compared to the Eye and a Precious Stone
By Bossuet
—Honor is like the eye, which cannot suffer the least impurity without damage; it is a precious stone, the price of which is lessened by the least flaw.—Bossuet. MINNESOTA TRACT SOCIETY.
By O. A. Olsen
The permanent location of the depository of the Minnesota Tract Society has been under consideration for some time. After carefully looking the matter over and weighing every interest of the cause, it has finally been decided to locate at Minneapolis. Mankato was favorably looked upon; but while it had some advantages, it was thought to be so far one side that it would not give general satisfaction. Minneapolis is a great railroad center, and while we encounter some disadvantages there, which would be the same in every large place, yet because of other advantages and its central location, we think the cause could be better served by locating here than at any other point. We would also call the attention of our brethren to the fact that the State depository has on hand a full stock of all our denominational books, also a choice selection of other publications; and we shall be glad to receive orders and fill them promptly. We call special attention to Vol. 4, “Spirit of Prophecy,” all orders for which we are now able to fill. Many of the churches have been canvassed for this important work; but to those who have not as yet ordered or subscribed for this book we would say, Send your orders at once, enclosing one dollar, to Mary Heileson, box 1076, Minneapolis, Minn. I would also mention that Sr. Heileson, our State Secretary, has been sick since the Sauk Center camp-meeting, but am glad to state that she is now recovering. During this time, the orders for books and periodicals have been filled by Bro. Fulton, but because of the Secretary’s sickness much correspondence has been delayed. We now hope by the blessing of God to promptly attend to every order, and to all our correspondence. We hope all will bear in mind that all correspondence to the Secretary of the Tract Society in Minnesota, and all orders for books, etc., should be addressed to Mary Heileson, box 1076, Minneapolis, Minn. O. A. OLSEN, Pres. THE TURNING POINT.
By R. F. Cottrell
In our experiences we meet with things which are adapted to test our characters; and the decision that we make may determine the whole course of our future life, and consequently may decide our future eternal destiny. I was forcibly struck with a remark of a brother recently. Speaking of raising means to extend the work of God in all the earth, and of appealing to our wealthy brethren and sisters to invest in the cause and so forward the work, he said it was not the money merely which was our object, but the best good of our brethren and sisters; “for,” said he, “the turning point in respect to the eternal salvation of many of them depends upon their sacrificing in the cause of God.” This I, verily, believe to be the truth. He made another remark of equal truth, which comes home to me with much force, and calls forth this writing. The remark was this: “God will hold ministers responsible for the instructions they give, or fail to give, to the brethren in regard to their duty in this respect.” The wants of the cause at the present time are urgent. They were never more so. Time is short; and the great mass of mankind is yet to be warned of the approaching crisis. Probation will soon close. Some souls may be saved through the use of the means now given to the cause. The question is, Will we have a part in the closing work? My brother, my sister, you who have your thousands, do you wish to know how you can get back so as to feel that lively interest in the cause of present truth which you did years ago? Begin to invest those thousands in the cause of human salvation, and your first love will be enkindled and burn in your heart anew. Jesus has given us the example of sacrifice. He gave all for us; and if we have not the spirit of sacrifice, we are not his followers. It is not merely for money, and it is not only for the salvation of those who sit in darkness; but for your own salvation as well, that I make this appeal. And it is to discharge a duty which I owe to God, to mankind at large, and to you, that I thus speak. Will you taste the joy and peace which come from following Christ in sacrificing in the cause for which he gave his life? I think I can truly say with an apostle, “I seek not yours, but you.” TO THE MISSIONARY WORKERS IN NEW YORK.
The general meeting at Rome has been appointed at the earliest possible date (Dec. 4-8) at which we can secure the help we need. It is so late, however, that but little time is left between its close and the holidays. This time will be, by far, the most favorable for some kinds of work that we shall have to do during the winter, and every hour of it ought to be improved by all who can, in any way, help to forward the work. Plans have been devised during the General Conference, which, if carried out with promptness and energy, will certainly result in getting the truth before many in an effectual manner, even in this short time. In order to accomplish this, it will be necessary for every worker to become thoroughly acquainted with the plans referred to, so as to avoid confusion and also to prepare himself to engage in the work without delay. For these reasons, as well as others which might be given, we urge every one who desires to help in the great work, and who can consistently do so, to attend the coming general meeting prepared to go directly from it to work wherever it may seem best. There is surely work enough for all; and but little time remains. Oh! how we ought to improve the present opportunities! We hope to see a large attendance from all parts of the State; especially do we desire that every tract society officer may be present. Come at the beginning of the meeting prepared to remain until the close. It will be well for those who can conveniently do so, to bring some bedding with them. MINNESOTA AND IOWA STATE MEETINGS.
By O. A. Olsen
We wish to call the special attention of our people to these meetings. The one for Minnesota will be held at Minneapolis, Dec. 12-17. Minneapolis is the most accessible by railroad of any place in the State, thus affording the best opportunity for all to attend. The presence and help of Bro. Butler and Canright cannot be overestimated. Plans of labor for the coming year, and measures adopted by the late session of the General Conference, will be taken up, and measures taken to advance the work in the State. We therefore request that all our ministers, licentiates, and colporters, also directors and all who intend to take a special part in the work, and all others as far as possible, attend this meeting. Every meeting of this kind becomes more and more important, and should be appreciated accordingly. In behalf of the church at Minneapolis, I would say that we extend a cheerful welcome to all. But I would further say that in view of the season of the year it would be well to bring bedding, straw-ticks, and other necessary things, as we expect a very large gathering. Later we shall give directions as to what part of the city the meeting will be held, etc. The Iowa meeting will be held at State Center, Dec. 19-24. What we have said of the importance of the meeting in Minnesota applies also to the meeting in Iowa. And we hope to meet all the ministers and workers, and a very large attendance of our people. We most earnestly desire that these meetings may be seasons of great blessing and profit to the cause in these States. The message is onward, and truly there never was a time when we should be more in deep earnest than now. LIVING FAITH GIVES THE VICTORY.
By R. F. Cottrell
The apostle John says, “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” It has ever been true that “the just shall live by faith;” but as we approach the end, when there will be but little faith on the earth, as Jesus inculcated, it will become more and more emphatically so; hence the prophet, followed by the apostle, speaking of the time when he that is to come is about to come, says, “Now the just shall live by faith.” And it is not a dead faith in past truth, but a living faith in present truth, that is necessary to assure the victory. The apostle continues: “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” In the days of the apostles this was the present truth. It was the great testing truth for that time. It was easy for the unbelieving at that time to say, “We know that God spake unto Moses.” It was no cross to profess faith in a truth so far in the past, and so generally admitted. But Jesus said to them, “If ye believed Moses, ye would believe me; for he wrote of me.” In those days it was as bold a stride of living faith to confess that Jesus was the Son of God, as it is now to believe that he is soon coming again according to his promise. It was a testing, separating truth, as is now the last message of the everlasting gospel. Says the apostle, “Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God; and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God.” That Jesus was the Son of God was a present, testing truth then; but it is not so now. Every member of a worldly church now is ready to confess his faith in a truth so far in the past, and so generally admitted as long-established truth. But when we come to speak of Jesus’ words of promise which are being fulfilled in our day, it is far otherwise. This involves a cross. It is as unpopular now to confess the fulfillment of the words of Jesus which show that his second coming is at the door, as it was at that time to confess that he was the Son of God. But will those who have no faith in the promise of Jesus be prepared to overcome the world amid the perils of these last days? Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that has implicit confidence in the promise of Jesus? But let us come home. Who is it among S. D. Adventists that excel in piety and spirituality, but those who have implicit confidence in the message as from Heaven, and in the testimonies of the Spirit of God which are connected with it? Who is he that overcometh—that holds control over his temper, appetites, and passions—but he who cordially embraces the whole truth, accepts and acts upon the testimonies in all points, not excepting the light upon health and temperance? “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” If we have not sufficient faith in the truth as a whole, to lead us to live it out in every particular, what will sustain us in the final trial which is just before us. If our faith is not strong enough to cause us to separate ourselves from an unbelieving and sinful world, what will we do when scoffs give place to scourgings, and imprisonment and death confront us to the face? May God increase our faith. Let the fearful and faltering put on courage, knowing that the believing alone will be victorious. It is safe to believe the work which God is doing in these last days in fulfillment of his promises. Half believing, half doubting, is misery. In venturing wholly there is peace. R. F. COTTRELL. —The talent of success is nothing more than doing what you can do well, without a thought of fame.—Longfellow.