Friday noon we found ourselves on the Illinois Camp-ground, about three miles east of Kankakee. The brethren had hired the Methodist Camp-ground. It was, for warm weather, a fine location, being situated upon the east bank of the Kankakee River and in a beautiful grove of small trees. But the weather was very cold all the time, so that we needed fire more than shade, and warm houses more than the cold wind from off the river. Fortunately, there were several houses on the ground, so that, with good fires, most of the people were comfortable.
But the cold weather kept the crowds away, so that the outside attendance was very small. Every reasonable effort should be made to have our camp-meetings near the railroad and within walking distance of the city. Then we can always have a crowd. The brethren find it much the cheapest to hire a ground all fitted up like this one. It saves money and hard labor. Another good thing Eld. Colcord did here. He hired an excursion car to come to the ground on Thursday and return on Tuesday. By so doing most of the brethren came to the ground early and remained till the close of the meeting; and it reduced their fare from nearly $10 to $4—less than half fare. I have seen this tried before with the best success.
There was a good turnout of our people,—larger than ever before. All seemed to be of good courage. Several new churches were added to the Conference; and many scattered Sabbath-keepers attended who had only kept the Sabbath a few weeks or months. This is always cheering. There was also a large attendance of the French brethren. Bro. Morin held special meetings in the French tongue for them. At this meeting this dear brother was solemnly ordained to the work of the ministry. Then he baptized several of his French people. Probably he will soon return to Europe to aid in the mission there.
Bro. B. F. Merrit was also ordained at this meeting. For a few years past he had been in some trial of mind and had not thrown himself fully into the work; but now this is all removed and he takes hold earnestly to lift with the rest in this closing work. All were rejoiced at this.
Considerable improvement has been made in the Conference the last year both financially and otherwise. The officers of the Conference are fully determined to bring things up still further this year. A lack of coming up financially is what has crippled and dwarfed this Conference in the past. There are wealthy men here who do next to nothing for the cause. God cannot prosper such a course.
Our social meetings were good. The time was always well filled up. Sabbath afternoon, when Sr. White invited the people to come and seek God, some seventy-five came forward for prayers. Bro. White spoke several times with specially good freedom. These worn laborers have now attended every camp-meeting this year, fourteen in succession. When we consider the amount of anxiety, hurry, and wearing labor this has called for, we feel sure that God has helped them, and we are grateful that they come through it all so strong and well and cheerful in God. May the angel of the Lord go with them still.
Our indispensable reporter, Miss Mary Clough, was also on hand with her genial good nature and ready pen, keeping a half-dozen copyists busy sending the reports of our meetings to papers in all parts of the State. If any one in the Northern States doesn’t know who Seventh-day Adventists are by this time, it is not because the papers haven’t done their duty in the case!
So closes another camp-meeting season, by far the best we have ever had. A new impetus has been given to the work, a much larger attention to this solemn message has been secured from the public. In all this we recognize the opening providence of God; and our hearts are filled with gratitude, and our souls with new courage.
D. M. Canright.
St. Louis, Mo.
A WORD TO THE TRACT SOCIETIES.
By S. N. Haskell
We have now reached the autumn season, and the long winter evenings are before us. There is no time in the year when missionary effort can be more effectively put forth than during the fall and winter months. The hurry of the summer is past, and intelligent families fix upon some course of reading for the winter season; while many others would direct their minds to some particular course of reading if they had their attention called to it.
Then the reports of the camp-meetings during the past season have produced an effect. These reports have been read by hundreds of thousands of people, and have been the means of largely increasing the circulation of some of the papers publishing them. One agent remarked, at the New England camp-meeting, “I have obtained two hundred subscribers already; and had your meeting held one week longer, I would have been satisfied; for then I should have obtained as many more.” The paper for which he was agent had a circulation of 112,600. The universal testimony of newspaper men was, that there had been an unusual demand for the paper since the reporting commenced.
It is therefore evident that the public have read these reports with interest. Hence there never was a more important time. There never was a wider door open for the Tract Societies. Shall we take advantage of these circumstances, and obtain readers for our publications and subscribers for our periodicals? Now is the golden moment, and we should not let the present opportunity slip. The work should be entered upon at once. Each Tract Society should be in haste to lay plans wisely. Do not do it hesitatingly, as though there was an uncertainty in the matter. The cloud has arisen, and the providence of God says, Move forward. That pioneer paper, THE SIGNS, should not be neglected. In all the Conferences, especially in New York and New England, money has been raised to relieve the various Tract Societies from their embarrassment, and to obtain subscribers for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. It was not the object at that time to have a separate fund for the SIGNS or REFORMER, but to so help the Tract Societies that a special move might be made with the SIGNS.
Efforts should be made to circulate all our periodicals. Not one of them should be neglected. Then, too, the Health Almanac, our health tracts, and denominational works, demand attention. All should move together; for they are all specialties in the Tract and Missionary work. This is the season of the year in which the most can be accomplished, and it is especially the time for distributing the almanacs. And inasmuch as the providence of God has thus opened the way before us, such a move should be made in the missionary work this fall as never before.
All along the line from Maine to California, one general cry should be raised, Forward march! Let drowsiness and stupidity be shaken off, and let there be a general coming up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. The certainty of the success of our cause is expressed in Isa. 55:10, 11: “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
S. N. Haskell.
If only Prepared.
By R. F. C.
THAT it makes no difference to us when the Lord comes, if we are only prepared, is a quirk appearing so perfectly logical that it is always presented with an air of triumph, as if to say, There is no use of talking of the signs of his coming. But the Lord gave signs, and when they shall have appeared, he bids his people know his coming is near, even at the doors. Matt. 24. Shall we be prepared without doing what he commands us to do?—without faith, and without obedience? R. F. C.
IN THE FIELD.
Had an interesting meeting with the church at Olcott, Sabbath, Sept. 23. Four were baptized and united with the church. Am now at Great Valley, Catt. Co., N. Y. Am to begin a series of meetings to-morrow evening, Sept. 29. Would be glad to have correspondents address me here. R. F. Cottrell.
VERMONT.
Since our camp-meeting I have baptized five, four of whom were added to the Irasburgh and Charleston church, giving an addition to this church of ten (with those added previously by baptism) within eleven months.
We have held some very encouraging meetings in Orleans Co. The visits of Bro. C. L. Boyd and the meetings which he held in this county last summer while visiting his widowed mother and other friends, were a help to the church. The brother who embraced the Sabbath when he was here, is strong, and rejoices in the increase of light and of spiritual blessings. Truth is onward. A. S. Hutchins.
A brother writes from Gallatin, Mo.:— “We have Sabbath-school, and prayer and social meetings weekly. Four have taken a stand with us from reading tracts and papers. Others are interested.”
DUPLAIN, MICH.
By urgent request, I spent Sabbath and first-day after our camp-meeting with the church in Duplain. I spoke four times and attended the ordinances. Our social meetings were good. Quite a number came from Ovid to this meeting. First-day evening I came six miles to Ovid, and with an hour’s notice we had a good-sized room well filled with attentive hearers, mostly outsiders, who listened with interest while we spoke to them an hour from Acts 1:11. I have never felt the truth of greater importance than at these meetings. Brethren are urgent in every direction, saying, “Come and help us.” I feel like trusting in God and moving forward. J. Byrington.
Oct. 4, 1876.
WINSLOW, MO.
I have been holding a tent meeting in this place a little over four weeks. The interest and attendance have been good throughout. A large majority of the people in this vicinity for miles around are convinced that we have the truth. Some have decided to obey, and we hope for others to take a stand with us. The Disciples pressed us for a discussion, but when their man came he had many excuses to make and finally backed out, after writing me that he came well endorsed both as to character and ability. I have faith in God to believe the truth will triumph. I ask the prayers of God’s people that the truth may prosper in our hands. J. G. Wood.
THE SUFFERINGS OF JESUS.
By N. W. Vincent
Dear brother or sister in tribulation, are you weary from exhaustive toil, heavy through manifold temptations, suffering bodily pain or mental anguish? Think of the weariness of Jesus as he went about doing good. Think how he was tempted in all points like as we are, “yet without sin.” Recall his anguish in Gethsemane, his agony on the cross. Truly, he can sympathize with you in your pain and grief. Be faithful, endure to the end, and you shall receive the crown of life, the crown of righteousness and glory.
Returning wanderer, do you doubt your Father’s tender love, your blessed Saviour’s heart-yearning for your victory over sin, your triumph in glory? Repair to the cross. Think what love and pity were Christ’s, as he volunteered to forego the blest enjoyments of Heaven, to be without place to lay his head, to be called Beelzebub, to weep with “strong crying and tears,” to hunger and thirst, to sweat great drops of blood, to be crowned with thorns, spit upon, smitten, buffeted, scourged, to die—and all for you. If you would not crucify him afresh, do not longer doubt his love. With sweet, confiding faith rely on his promises. “Return unto me, and I will return unto you.” Return to your first love. Walk henceforth in Christ’s footsteps, with unwavering faith. Endure, as seeing him that is invisible.
Dear fellow-wanderers, let us grieve God’s Holy Spirit and his faithful servants no longer, but become co-workers with Christ. How slight the comforts and the sinful pleasures of which we are to deny ourselves for him, compared with what he gave up for us! How light our load of grief and agony compared with his!
Oh! let us prove our heirship by sharing henceforth meekly, patiently, yes, joyfully, his sufferings; and at his blessed appearing we shall share his joy and glory, the delightful company and sweet fellowship of each other, of all the redeemed saints and holy angels, forever.
N. W. VINCENT.
IMPORTANCE OF WATCHING.
By R. S. Owen
Do we realize that we are daily drawing nearer to the closing scenes of this world's history? that the day of the Lord cometh, and it is nigh at hand? Alas! how many are closing their eyes to the signs of our times, and to the fulfilling prophecies, which show with certainty that we are living amid the perils of the last days. God has revealed his will unto us, and if we take the trouble to examine his word for ourselves, we shall not be left in darkness. If we are overtaken as by a thief in the night, we shall be without excuse; for the sure word of prophecy is to us line upon line, line upon line, bringing us down through the succeeding ages of the history of this world until the present time, clearly showing that the next great event is the dashing in pieces of all earthly governments, and the setting up of God's everlasting kingdom. This is so clearly portrayed in some nine or ten different chains of prophecy that the careful observer needs only to examine them to become impressed with the same conclusion.
Again: we need only to open our eyes to see events of frequent occurrence which are as much the precursors of the coming judgments of God, as the vivid lightning and the roaring thunder are indications of an approaching storm. The earth reeling to and fro; the frequent earthquakes, which are increasing to an alarming extent; the sea and the waves roaring; the remarkable tidal disturbances, causing the destruction of hundreds of vessels yearly; waterspouts and whirlpools on the sea, and unprecedented storms, both on sea and land; the bright glare of the aurora borealis,—a wonder only of late occurrence; the earth waxing old, like a garment, so that in many places it will not produce a tithe of the product of former years; the great army of destructive insects attacking almost every variety of the product of the soil,—these are but a few of the many signs that God has sent to warn the world of its approaching crisis.
Many of the most thoughtful and active of the age are watching these phenomena, and tremble for fear of those things which are coming upon the earth. Yet in the face of all this, while many of God's servants are giving meat in due season to the household of faith, how many, alas! lulled into a state of carnal security, are passing the warnings by, unheeded. The siren song of peace and safety is sent out far and wide upon the breeze. It is heralded from the pulpit and the press. But what has the Lord to say of them? “For when they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them.”
Nearly forty years have passed away since the proclamation was heralded to the world, “Fear God, and give glory to him;” for the hour of his Judgment is come.” There was not a nation nor a missionary station on the earth that did not hear the sound of its warning voice, and thousands responded to the call. But was that to be the last message, the closing scene? No; for there followed another angel. Rev. 14:8. Another proclamation was made, showing that God's professed people were not in a condition to meet the great decisions of eternity; that the confused state of Christianity was far below the requirements of the great Judge of the earth. “Babylon is fallen, is fallen.” This message followed in quick succession. There was a general lament throughout all Christendom, by the true minister and the sincere Christian, over “the sad state of the churches.” Is the harvest ready for the Reaper, and does he then thrust in his sharp sickle? No; mercy still lingers. God, in his unbounded love for poor, fallen man, sends forth another note of warning. A more solemn proclamation is not to be found in the word of God than the third angel's message. The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus are held up as the great standard around which the people of God are to rally, where they will be shielded from the unmingled wrath of God, which is to be poured upon the shelterless heads of the wicked.
This solemn message is now going forth to the world. The next scene brings to view, not an angel of mercy, but the great Harvester, coming to reap the harvest of the earth. We are in the day of God's preparation. The closing scenes of earth are transpiring, the warning voice is sounding; and how will it be with the great mass of mankind? Our Saviour, speaking of our time, said it would be as in the days of Noah. As Noah went out to proclaim the truth relative to the flood, the world and its allurements attracted the attention of the people, and they put off the approaching deluge, or denied it altogether, until they were swept away with inevitable destruction.
In this preparatory hour the solemn question is asked, “But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth?” Mal. 3:2. Shall we be able to stand in that great day that is just before us? Do we believe it is near? Are we preparing? or shall we put off this important work as did the antediluvians, and the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah, until the day of destruction? Delay is dangerous; but nothing is more common in this world. Felix was only expressing the sentiments of humanity in general when he said, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” “Procrastination is the thief of time.” How often man is brought to the point where death is staring him in the face, and he laments and mourns because he has put off the needful preparation until he hardly dares to ask for pardon. “I will give all I am worth for ten minutes longer to live,” said a dying man who had spent his whole life in the accumulation of wealth, but had no treasure laid up in Heaven.
Many are saying, “My Lord delayeth his coming,” and are becoming drunken with the cares of this world. To such, the Lord says he will come in a day when they look not for him.
The reckless course of the present world is forcibly illustrated by a company of happy youths who started for a boat ride upon the Niagara, some distance above the falls. The day was uncommonly pleasant, the air was refreshing, and they were all buoyant in spirits as they launched out on the stream. To them the scenery was charming. The sweet melody of the birds singing upon the shore unites with the merry songs and hearty laughter of the company, until they think this the happiest time of their lives. The floating bark takes its own course, while the oarsman joins with the rest in the pleasures of the ride. All at once they are startled by a voice from the shore: “Hallo! friends! this way! The rapids are before you!” Quickly they look around to see where they are. No rapids are in sight. Their fears quickly vanish, and they begin to laugh at the one who would seek to deprive them of their pleasure. They answer, “We will take care of ourselves. When we see there is danger we will pull to shore; but we are going to enjoy this ride awhile yet.” “Let to-morrow take care of itself; sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Thus they pass on, engaging as heartily as ever in the pleasure of the ride, until again they are warned by a man who sees their danger, and rushes down to rescue them, crying, “Young friends, ahoy! This way; the rapids are before you!”119“Don't be alarmed,” they reply; “no one knows just how far off they are; we can't see anything of them yet, and we are going to stop before there is any danger. We can take care of ourselves.” They glide swiftly along, and are just striking up a pleasure song, as they are seen by another man in the distance, who, running toward them, swinging his arms, cries out at the top of his voice, “Young friends, ahoy! The rapids are before you!” They raise a loud laugh at him and pass on. But soon they see their danger. As they look at the objects on the shore they see they are going at a rapid rate. Turn the rudder! Pull at the oars! Quick! Quick! to shore! to shore! But, ah! it is too late! They cannot cross the current. On they are carried, faster and faster, until, amid shrieks, and cries, and groans, they are carried over the precipice, and dashed in pieces upon the rocks below.
Thus many to-day, while the warning voice is sounding, are saying, “Peace and safety.” “All things continue as they were from the beginning.” The world and its allurements engross their attention. “Come ye,” say they; “I will bring wine, and we will fill ourselves, . . . and to-morrow will be as this day, and much more abundant.” And thus they will continue until the last warning has sounded, probation has closed; and their voices will close with the last sad lament, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” R. S. OWEN.
WORK FOR JESUS.
By M. J. Bahler
I ask but to work for the Master;
’Tis this, only this, I implore;
And I’ll choose not the service—contented,
Be it only to wait at the door.
But oh! let me work for the Master,
I love him and this is my meed
For all the rich mercies he showered
On me in my darkness and need.
’Tis all I can do for his goodness,
That has followed me all of my days.
He has led me, and succored and chastened;
And forever I’d bow and give praise.
Then oh! let me work for the Master,
I care not though menial the toil.
There is naught in his service but honor;
And ’tis work, that the dark foe will foil.
Let me work, let me work, for the Master,
The service time soon will be gone,
The sunlight seems now to be waning,
Soon the sheaves will be all garnered home.
And oh! what a glad shout will echo
Creation’s vast arches all through,
When the Master shall call home the workers—
Will he call, then, my brother, for you?
Oh! swiftly the time fleeth onward,
And would we then join the glad throng
Who will sing to the praise of King Jesus,
We must here learn the key to their song.
And oh! as those white-robed, bright harpers
Shall then their Redeemer behold,
Methinks as each sweet strain floats upward,
And each hand sweeps those harp strings of gold,
That each voice that shall rise in the chorus
Will seem to re-echo the words:
“It was living and doing for others,
That taught us the key to these chords.”
Then oh! let us work for the Master,
Ne’er choosing the labor or field,
Content if at last our poor service
Some fruit for his garner may yield.
M. J. BAHLER.
NORTH-EASTERN MISSOURI.
By H. Wren
The tent labors in this part of the State were brought to a close at Bible Grove on last Sunday night with the largest congregation of the season. During the season the tent has been pitched three times, and more than a hundred discourses delivered, and a large quantity of reading matter sold and given away, until this whole region has either heard or read of the Advent and Sabbath, and a great number are convinced on both subjects; many of whom will yet act, as they have assured us. Eighteen have taken stand with us, and there are now thirty-five Sabbath-keepers, where, last March, there was only one, and last July, only seventeen.
At Bible Grove there is a real revolution wrought in the minds of the people. The opposition here has been general and somewhat bitter. But the tide is turned, and the better part of the community are with us in faith, and soon will be, in practice, we believe. A minister’s labors could not well be more efficient and acceptable than Bro. Long’s were here. He did most of the preaching, Bro. Rogers having been called away, to the sorrow of his many friends in this country. May the Lord be praised and thanked for all his mercies.
Bro. Long left with the tent yesterday to hold a general rally meeting in Daviess Co., in company with the other ministers of the Conference.
H. WREN.
Bible Grove, Mo., Sept. 27, 1876.
MORRIS CO., KANSAS.
By J. Lamont
We closed our series of meetings at Elm Creek Sunday night, Oct. 1. Sabbath meetings and a Sabbath-school are established at this place. There had been no S. D. Adventist preaching here until this summer; and there was but one Sabbath-keeper in the county—sister Keifer, from Alma, Mich. There are now about forty who honor God’s holy day. Thirty-five of these have covenanted to “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”
J. LAMONT.
Oct. 3, 1876.
MO. T. & M. SOCIETY.
By P. R. DeFord; H. M. Van Slyke
Quarterly meeting of Dist. No. 1 convened at Prairie Valley, Oct. 1, 1876. Called to order by the President. Opened with prayer by L. R. Long. Report of previous quarter read and accepted. Reports from the several societies read, which showed the following results:—
Number of families visited, 63; letters written, 34. No. of new subscribers: INSTRUCTOR, 6; REFORMER, 3. Copies sent to friends on trial: REVIEWS, 2; SIGNS OF THE TIMES, 2. Periodicals distributed, 359. Tracts and pamphlets distributed, 41,760 pages.
Recd for membership, $2.00
“ by donations, 11.11
“ from book sales, 4.00
“ for widows and orphans, .25
Total, $17.36
Remarks on reporting were made by Brn. Evans and Long. President spoke of the need of a new tent. Interesting remarks were made by Brn. Mallory and Long. A call was made for those who were willing to pledge $10 each, to be paid by the first of April next. Ten immediately responded. A brother came forward and offered to pay five dollars, which was received.
The president presented the necessity of each family’s having the periodicals, especially the REVIEW, REFORMER, and INSTRUCTOR. A call was made for funds to pay for such, to those not able to provide them. Eleven dollars pledged and one dollar paid. Five new members were added to the Society. Meeting adjourned.
P. R. DeFord, Director.
H. M. Van Slyke, Sec.
GIVING
By M. J. Bahler
At our late camp-meeting, among the younger members of our tent’s company the subject of visiting cards came up, and several kinds were shown and exchanged. The extreme low figures at which they could be procured in the city near by, received no small attention, and finally an arrangement was made to walk to town the next forenoon (Monday), and have some printed. I said, “Perhaps you will have no time to leave the meetings,” and I thought, “It will be too bad to go away from this solemn place and lose any of the meetings for so small an object as getting a few visiting cards printed.” However, I considered it no part of my business to interfere. Monday came, and, as I had hoped, there was no chance to leave the meetings. One followed another in such close succession as to occupy all the time.
The subject of giving toward the new tent came up, and, walking to our tent after the 5:30 morning meeting, one sister came to my side and said, “I signed $5.00.” I knew this sister was not yet a member of the church, though she became such at the beautiful baptismal waters that afternoon, and was keeping the Sabbath alone, living among unbelievers, working at house-work; and knowing all this, tears came into my eyes, and I exclaimed, “God bless you, F.” “I have not got the money,” she replied, “but I have health and strength and I can earn it.” Entering the tent, I told the rest what F. had pledged. Some said they wanted to join, but knew not how to get the money. “We can go without some things,” replied F., “our cards, for instance.” Oh, how my heart warmed toward this young disciple! Yes, go without some things; our cards for one, 25 cts.; a glass of lemonade for another, 5 cts.; that 10 cent package of candy for another; those new-fashioned sleeve buttons for another, the old ones are just as good; get along with two or three yards less of embroidery; with one or two neck-ties, instead of four; and if we study every day, we shall be surprised to find how much we can get along comfortably without, and in this way we shall be able to send some treasure ahead, and get our names enrolled among those who have stock in Heaven. And may not the little fives we thus make out, from saving here and denying there, count as much as the twenties and fifties of him who owns his many thousands in land or cattle, gold or silver?
The young are too apt to discount on the endowment of health and strength God has given them. But shall not we who have this blessing have an account to render of how it is used? whether for God’s glory and the salvation of souls, or for our own pleasure and self-gratification in the things which only please for a few short hours and then perish? Does ours seem a small responsibility, because God has not given into our hands wealth? Nay; he has given wealth to every one who enjoys health. Wealth of time, precious time, is also ours. Let us carefully gather up the moments and the pennies, and soon we shall be able to give to God’s holy cause hours and dollars. M. J. BAHLER.
HAVE FAITH IN GOD.
By Hannah M. Rogers
Dear Readers of the Review: It is with a heart filled with love and gratitude to the Giver of every good and perfect gift, that I take my pen to recount some of the dealings of God with me, hoping thereby to encourage some poor, weary, suffering one to cast his cares more fully upon the Lord. I know how to sympathize with such, having myself been bound upon a bed of languishing for over two years, and at last delivered by the power of God. I feel it my duty, as well as happy privilege, to recount the goodness and great mercy of God to me.
On the 17th of Feb., 1874, the withering hand of disease fastened upon me; and, after vainly struggling against it for about four weeks, I was compelled to give up, and take my bed, to which I was constantly confined until the 17th of July this past summer. My disease was of the spinal cord. My case had been pronounced hopeless by several different physicians, beyond the reach of human skill. Remedy after remedy had been tried, but all to no avail. Month after month rolled away, and each found me still lying upon the bed, tortured in every part of my frail system by cruel pain. Hope began to sink within me. My confidence in human means was wholly destroyed, and I became settled in the conviction which had long been forming, that nothing short of the power of God would ever raise me to health. I resolved to cast myself upon his mercy, and trust alone in him to restore me to health, if in accordance with his divine will; and on the evening of that same day (the 17th of July last), it pleased God to send one of his servants here filled with faith and confidence in God, and endowed with his Holy Spirit.
He was moved to present my case before the throne of grace, and supplicate the God of Heaven in my behalf; and while engaged in earnest prayer he was moved by the Spirit to lay hands on my head, and entreat the Lord for Jesus’ sake to heal me at that time. Nor was it in vain; for scarcely had we presented our humble petitions, ere the power of God descended upon me, penetrating every nerve of my system, and banishing every pain. Praise the Lord forever. I lay helpless and weak for a few minutes, but as it were in the very presence of my Saviour, when I was moved to arise and try my strength, that faith might be made perfect by works; and no sooner had I made the attempt than I felt strengthened so that I arose from my bed and walked for the first time for over two years. From that time until the present, I have been rapidly recovering, and am now quite well. To God be all the praise.
Thus has the word of God been fulfilled which says, “The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” Jas. 5:15. Yes, thank the Lord, I can feel that though my sins were many they have all been forgiven for Jesus’ sake. Praise his ever-blessed name. And if faithful I hope in a little from this to be gathered with all the ransomed ones, to enjoy the rest which remaineth to the people of God. I can truly say with the psalmist, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn the statutes of the Lord;” for while lying upon a bed of affliction, I have been brought to see the importance of keeping all of God’s commandments, including the holy Sabbath, which is the seventh day, that I may have right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city.
O let us be faithful, dear brethren and sisters, and strive to know and do the whole will of God, that we may be accounted worthy to escape all the things that are coming upon the earth, and to stand before the Son of man. And I would say to the dear suffering ones, Have faith in God. Place not your confidence in man, but flee to the God of Israel for aid, who is ever ready and willing to attend unto the cry of the helpless. O claim his promises as your own, and cast yourselves upon his mercy; and you will surely find him a very present help in trouble. His promises are all yea and amen, and his word standeth sure forever. In him we may find a refuge in every storm, a friend in every time of need. Then, O ye sick and needy ones, no longer doubt his word; no longer lean upon a broken reed; but hasten to apply to the mighty Physician whose skill was never baffled, and whose ear was never closed to the cry of the distressed. For, “all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matt. 21:22.
HANNAH M. ROGERS.
Eaton, P. O., Sept. 15, 1876.
OUR CALLING.
By Trench
How important is the truth which we express in the naming of our work in this world our “vocation,” or, which is the same, finding utterance in homelier Anglo Saxon, our “calling.” What a calming, elevating, ennobling view of the tasks which we find ourselves set in this world to do, this word would give us, if we did but realize it to the full. We did not come to our work by accident; we did not choose it for ourselves; but under much which may wear the appearance of accident and self-choosing, came to it by God’s leading and appointment.
What a help is this thought to enable us to appreciate justly the dignity of our work, though it were far humbler work, even in the eyes of men, than that of any one of us. What an assistance in calming unsettled thoughts and desires, such as would make us wish to be something else than that which we are! What a source of confidence, when we are tempted to lose heart, and to doubt whether we shall be able to carry through our work with any blessing or profit to ourselves or to others! It is our “vocation,” our “calling;” and He who “called” us to it, will fit us for it, and strengthen us in it.—Trench.
HE GIVETH MORE GRACE.
If we have ever so little sincere desire to serve God and to be his, is it not absolutely certain, from the whole tenor of his words and deeds, that he will meet us more than half way, and bring us on in the right path with more than a mother's tenderness? He requires from us a very arduous standard of sentiment and duty. Granted. But does he demand anything which he is not ready to supply? Is he a Pharaoh, who, while he requires us to build a pyramid, bids us get straw where we can find it? Truly, no. For every responsibility which we have to meet, he offers to qualify us. For every height which we have to climb, he furnishes an inward strength. So that whatever be our faithless forecastings before we fairly come up with our burdens, it is extremely questionable whether, while we are bearing them, the heavier seems more oppressive than the lighter. For the feeling of a burden's oppressiveness must of course, be proportioned to our strength. And if with a double burden the Lord supplies a double strength, it is exactly the same to our experience as if with half a burden he had left us half the strength. Isaac leads a quiet life; and it is not recorded that any great revelation was made to him. Jacob is tossed with troubles; and in the midst of them he dreams of the great, bright ladder which spanned the distance between heaven and earth. The same is the law of the Christian life; an easy pilgrimage, and no extraordinary support; a tempest-tossed career, and a strong consolation. We need not faint, then, at any prospect before us. Progress in grace may be arduous, difficult, impossible to flesh and blood—out of the question, it may be said, while living in the old world—but to all alleged difficulties there is one simple answer, “He giveth more grace.”—Church Union.
LATE AT MEETING.
A bad practice of coming late to divine service prevails more or less in some congregations. It is a practice that ought to be abandoned, as it is attended with evil consequences. It disturbs the minds of devout worshippers who do not indulge in it. It detracts the attention of persons previously assembled from the solemnities in which they are engaged. It tends to cause the services of the sanctuary to be held in low repute. It promotes the spread of slack views as to the proper nature of public worship. It seems to suggest a performance to be witnessed, rather than a solemn exercise to be participated in, or a recreation to be engaged in, in whole or in part, as inclination may dictate, rather than a duty which men are under a strong obligation faithfully to perform. Its effects upon the mind of those who habitually indulge in it must be detrimental. It is incompatible with the cultivation of that devoutness of thought and feeling, in the absence of which worship in any form is but a profitless exercise. Where it does not spring from want of punctuality, promptitude, and forethought, it is probably mostly caused by utterly inadequate views of the true character of the service of the sanctuary which we are required to render to the Most High. It is to be feared that such views obtain to an extent truly lamentable even among professed Christians of an average degree of piety. Much would be accomplished in the way of rectifying such views, were all accustomed to attend divine worship, punctual in their attendance, and earnest in their endeavors to derive the largest possible degree of benefit from use of this precious means of grace.—Sel.
MOURN FOR THE MOURNER.
By S. M. S.
“Mourn for the Mourner and not for the Dead.”—Hemans.
JOIN not to sigh with the weeping willow,
Bend not in grief o'er the loved one's grave;
For the departed has left time's billow,
No more to be tossed on life's dark wave.
Mourn not that the aged have ended all sorrow
In sweet rest, untroubled with pains or with fears;
Haste to the mourner who waits for the morrow
With heart-breaking grief and comfortless tears.
Grieve not that the youth's fair hopes were blighted,
And earth's bright visions were never met,
On a soon-coming morn will the tomb be lighted
With a blest life immortal whose sun will ne'er set.
But have you the tears for life's woes flowing,
Shed them no more o'er the homes of the dead;
But with kind words in sympathy glowing,
To the stricken household, thy footsteps be led.
There has death struck the keen blow of anguish,
And affliction rules with sad, bitter sway,
And there o'er their loss fond hearts will languish,
While peacefully sleeps the one in clay.
In that lonely household where fond ties, all broken,
Are wringing the hearts whence peace has fled;
Go, strengthen the links of hope near broken;
“Mourn for the mourner and not for the dead.”