“I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.”
Martha believed present truth. She believed that the Christ that had been promised had come, and that Jesus was the person. The Jews of that time, whom we now call unbelieving, would have claimed to believe the promises of a Christ to come. They would have been offended, had they been charged with unbelief. Their language would doubtless have been, “We believe in the promised Christ as much as any one; but we have some unanswerable objections to the claims of Jesus, the Nazarene. The Christ should come from Bethlehem, and not from Nazareth; and he should appear in a different way altogether.”
Certain things have come in our own day, claiming to be the promised heralds of the second advent. They were promised, and they are here. To accept and embrace them is to believe present truth. But there are thousands bearing the Christian name who see no necessity of taking any position in regard to these things. They tell us they believe the prophecies as strongly as we do. They believe in the second coming of Christ, and some of them say it is near; yes, that it may come immediately. They do not see that such a faith is absurd. The warnings promised must come before the event. But while they have no faith in the warnings that are being given, still they say the event may be at hand. Is this faith in prophecy?! Faith must have a position. The second advent is being heralded in the promised way, or it is not. If it is not, the advent is not so near. If it is, it is present truth and demands our belief. The want of a position denotes unbelief.
R. F. COTTRELL.
ELIZA J. BURNHAM
By Eliza J. Burnham
Obedience.
On Horeb, the grand and gloomy mount of God, the prophet Elijah found a hiding-place from the wrath of Israel’s wicked queen. His past life and his present circumstances harmonized well with the wild and solemn beauty of the scene around him. He had been faithful to God as few are faithful, and, during his eventful, worldly life and by its triumphant close, he was highly honored of God. Now, he who had been the chosen champion of true religion, while the whole land of Israel seemed given up to idolatry, was called to “stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle,” for he knew that God spake.
That still small voice, who shall describe it? or the nature of the message it bore? “Go,” was the command, “return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus.” Not yet could the weary prophet lay his burdens down. By-and-by “the chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof” should convey him to the gates of the golden city. By-and-by he should enjoy an eternity of rest on the banks of the beautiful river. But first there was work to do for the Master. He must honor God a little longer here upon earth. And how sweetly reproof was blended with encouragement. Sad, almost murmuring, Elijah, know thou art not alone in thy worship of the true God. “I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.”
“And so he departed thence,” says the sacred record. No hesitancy—no doubts—no lingering delay—God had spoken, and his servant obeyed. He knew that the wicked, cruel Jezebel, sought his life; but he could go on his way trusting in the mighty God of Israel. In a season of sore trial, David said: “I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.” Such faith had Elijah.
God speaks to us whose lot it is to live in the last days. He speaks to us by the Bible and the testimonies. He has given us conscience, too, to be the umpire of our daily acts. If this eye of the soul is enlightened by the truth, if it is kept ever clear and bright, undimmed by the mists of passion and sense, by worldly wisdom and the love of gain, it will be a safe guide, and we shall do well to heed its warnings. God demands zeal and earnestness of us, and we cannot plead ignorance as an excuse for the neglect of duty. If we fail of gaining eternal life, we shall merit the punishment of that servant who knew his lord’s will, yet did it not.
Elijah set us an example. God said, “Go,” and the prophet went forward. He did not wait to see just how God would deliver him from the hand of his enemies. He knew that God would sustain him while he walked in the path of duty; and he leaned on that mighty arm. “The arm of the Lord is not shortened that he cannot save,” therefore we should imitate the ready obedience and child-like trust of Elijah. “If thine eye be single,” says Christ, “thy whole body shall be full of light.” Then let us have an eye single to the glory of God. Those who hope to escape death as Elijah escaped it—those who have the last message of mercy—should be faithful and self-denying in the cause of their Master. “So an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
ELIZA J. BURNHAM
Prayer and Scripture: God Speaking and Listening
WHEN we pray, we speak to God; when we read the Scriptures, God speaks to us.
Woodland, Cal.
By M. E. Cornell
The interest in Woodland is still good. I have baptized ten more since last report, thirty in all, this spring. The social meetings, Bible class, and Sabbath-school, are starting off well. The cause here seems now to be established upon a firmer basis, and the prospect is bright.
One of the greatest drawbacks here has been the prevailing idea that women ought not to speak in social meetings. Many seem more than willing to have it so—to believe the sentiment. Being unused to speaking, they regard it as a great cross. But the Scriptures seem clear on the point. Not one word in the whole Bible is ever found with which to oppose it, except in the writings of the apostle Paul. And a careful comparison of all Paul’s statements on the subject shows that he had reference only to unbecoming conduct of women in the public assembly, such as contradicting, altercating, and assuming authority over men in business meetings of the church. But in social and prayer meetings, Paul gives explicit direction in reference to how women shall dress and appear in a becoming manner in the congregation while engaged in prayer or speaking. See 1 Cor. 11:1–18.
In another place the apostle exhorts that believers should not forsake the assembling of themselves together, but should exhort one another, and so much the more as they see the day approaching. Now if the duty to assemble together applies to the sisters, I see not how we can avoid the conclusion that the “exhorting one another,” applies to them also. We must not wrest the words of Paul, for we read that some will do so to their own destruction. See 2 Pet. 3:15, 16.
The evident meaning of the apostle is well expressed by Dr. Adam Clarke. He says:—
“It is evident from the context that the apostle refers here to asking questions, and what we call dictating in the assemblies. It was permitted to any man to ask questions, to object, altercate, attempt to refute, &c., in the synagogue; but this liberty was not allowed to any woman. St Paul confirms this in reference also to the Christian church; he orders them to keep silence; and if they wished to learn anything, let them inquire of their husbands at home; because it was perfectly indecorous for women to be contending with men, in public assemblies on points of doctrine, cases of conscience, &c. But this by no means intimated that when a woman received any particular influence from God to enable her to teach, she was not to obey that influence; on the contrary, she was to obey it; and the apostle lays down directions in chap. 11, for regulating her personal appearance when thus employed. All that the apostle opposes here is their questioning, finding fault, disputing, &c., in the Christian church, as the Jewish men were permitted to do in their synagogues; together with the attempts to usurp any authority over the men, by setting up their judgment in opposition to them; for the apostle has in view, especially, acts of disobedience, arrogance, &c., of which no woman would be guilty who was under the influence of the Spirit of God.” On the words, “It is a shame for women to speak in the church,” he says, “The apostle refers to irregular conduct, such conduct as proved that they were not under obedience.”
Paul speaks of the “whole church,” being assembled in one place and says, “Ye may all prophesy, one by one, &c.” Now if the “whole church” embraces the sisters, then “Ye may all speak,” means the sisters also. But they should all speak in a becoming way, one by one, not as had been the case in some places, three or four talking at the same time, in perfect confusion.
“They that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened and heard it.” Mal. 3:16. Do these timid, trembling sisters fear the Lord? Then may they speak often, and the Lord will hearken and bless them. Come right along, ye trembling souls; take up this cross also. Your feeble testimony may seem poor to you, but it will do good, however short and broken it may be. Even though you should feel that you cannot speak to edification, you can speak to mortification, and that will do you good. But I notice that those who speak so tremblingly often edify the most. Fear not, go forward, and not be found among the “fearful” at last. “With the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.” God will strengthen and help you.
M. E. CORNELL.
Winstonville, Mo., May 20, 1873
By L. R. Long; J. H. Rogers
Missouri.
In company with J. H. Rogers, I have again visited the friends south of Hamilton, in Caldwell Co., Mo. We found those who took hold of the truth, during our labors last winter, who had determined to endure trials and difficulties, yet holding on, endeavoring to keep up their Sabbath meetings. Held two meetings with them. Had a pleasant baptism between two showers of rain, after which we had a free business meeting. Six covenanted together to live in harmony with the light they have received. There are others who are keeping the Sabbath, who will no doubt soon sign the covenant accepted by the few there.
We had pleasant and solemn interviews with several persons there of good standing and influence, who are searching the word of truth. These kind friends we remember, and pray that they may soon see their way clear to take part with us in the proclamation of this glorious truth.
Bro. Wm. Evans was appointed leader of the little band there. We feel confident that this brother’s good judgment and exemplary life, with the influence of our faithful sister Van Slyke will be the means, in the hand of God, of gathering other souls. We had strong invitations to return soon and labor more at length, which we promised to comply with as circumstances permitted.
L. R. LONG,
J. H. ROGERS.
Winstonville, Mo., May 20, 1873
He Will Sustain Thee.
By F. M. Palmiter
WHILE spending the Sabbath at home, which I am obliged to do most of the time, my heart is led out in strongest sympathy with the dear, lone ones throughout the land. And I feel many times that I want to say to each and every one of you, Be not discouraged; for “thy work shall be rewarded.” It is a work, a life-work, and a work for life, even eternal life in the kingdom, compared with which this life is but a shadow, quickly passing. And, though we are led with weeping and supplication all along the way, yet the way is short. And we have the truth so plain that it must meet the approbation of candid, thinking minds, especially of those who are inquiring, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And may it be our own most earnest inquiry.
The field is ripening, and though many of us are confined to a small sphere, and that is called home, yet it wants attention and careful culture just as much as the larger field; and the garden of our hearts must have thorough cultivation, lest noxious weeds shall be found there.
When we feel the most assurance of forgiveness and acceptance with God, we may look for greater trials and temptations; for in this the adversary of all righteousness delights. It is a work of unceasing watchfulness and carefulness to pursue the narrow way; and, being narrow, how easily we step off, unless on our guard. I sometimes feel to say, Who is sufficient for these things? But we have the promise of grace sufficient for our day, and we may cast all our burdens upon him who careth for the least of us. Like as a Father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him, and, blessed be his name, this promise is to you, lone and tried ones, and to me. We are children of the same family, and heirs of the inheritance, if we abide in him, which is our duty and an exceeding precious privilege.
F. M. PALMITER.
Oneida Co., N. Y.
Tract and Missionary Department.
By H. B. Stratton; M. L. Huntley
Quarterly Meeting of the New England T. and M. Society.
AGREEABLY to appointment in REVIEW, the New England Tract and Missionary Society met at Amherst, N. H., April 27, 1873. The President being absent, the Vice President presided. The meeting was opened with prayer by Bro. C. K. Farnsworth. After a short session of the Tract and Missionary Society of District No. 4, the report of the last general quarterly meeting was read and accepted. A report of missionary labor for the past quarter was also read. The amount reported in the several districts is as follows:—
Dist. No. 1. Number of subscribers obtained for the REVIEW, 18; Instructor, 8; Reformer, 4. Distribution of publications, 15,151 pages.
Dist. No. 2. Subscribers obtained for the REVIEW, 19; Instructor, 9; Reformer, 18. Distribution of publications, 56,599 pages.
Dist. No. 3. Subscribers obtained for the REVIEW, 11; Instructor, 1; Reformer, 4. Distribution of publications, 6090 pages.
Dist. No. 4. Subscribers obtained for the REVIEW, 1; Instructor, 2; Reformer, 4. Distribution of publications, 3211 pages.
Total number of subscribers obtained for the REVIEW, 49; Instructor, 20; Reformer, 30. Total distribution of periodicals, 433. Total distribution of publications, including bound books, 86,224 pages. Number of letters written, 211; visits made, 186. Bound books presented to libraries and individuals, 27. Agreeably with what was recommended at the last quarterly meeting, J. W. Morton's work on the Sabbath and an “Address to the Baptists” have been presented to two hundred and fifty-eight ministers of other denominations, during this quarter.
The report of the Vigilant Missionary Society showed the number of letters written by the members of that society to be 100; members received, 65; subscribers obtained for periodicals, 63; number of periodicals distributed, 55; publications, 37,902 pages. Visits made, 17.
Financial standing of T. and M. Society:
Cash on hand Feb. 2, $220.29
Received for membership, 3.00
Received on donations, 232.45
“ “ sale of books, 11.03
Total, $466.77
Paid for publications, $ 39.00
“ on periodicals, 38.66
“ “ W. and O. Fund, 17.00
Incidental expenses, 25.31
Cash on hand, 346.80
Total, $466.77
After some remarks, attention was called to the delinquency on periodicals within this Conference, and it was recommended that money be raised to pay what was due. Owing to the bad traveling, but few were able to attend this meeting, as has also been the case at the time of the district quarterly199meetings, several having walked nine and twelve miles over roads impassable with teams, thus showing the deep interest they felt in the work. Remarks were then made by Bro. Stratton and others, after which, the meeting adjourned for fifteen minutes.
SECOND SESSION.
Meeting called to order by the Chair. Prayer by Bro. Stratton. This being the time appointed for a session of the Reform Association, the minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted. Several essays were then read and listened to with apparent interest. Subjects: Obedience, Diet, Importance of Learning to Cook Healthfully, Taste, &c. Many remarks were made evincing a deepening interest in the cause of reform, and also showing much gratitude to God for the light given on this subject. Some especially felt that it had been the means of lengthening their lives. A committee of three, sisters C. K. Farnsworth, F. W. Mace, and M. L. Huntley, was appointed to experiment in cooking hygienically. All the sisters were invited to unite in this work, and it is expected that they will report to one or more of the committee in season for them to report at the next quarterly meeting. Closed with prayer.
H. B. Stratton, Vice. Pres.
M. L. Huntley, Sec.
MY MOTHER'S BIBLE.
By D. A. Murphy
My mother's Book!
My Shepherd's crook,
Volume with love replete;
Its study yields,
Like harvest fields,
The finest of the wheat!
My mother's faith!
Whate'er it saith
Shall earth nor hell defeat;
Its seed will keep;
Who sows shall reap
The finest of the wheat!
My mother's stay!
Strength for each day,
Links of a chain complete;
No rust receives—
All precious sheaves,
The finest of the wheat!
My mother's hope!
Faith's telescope—
What visions so entreat?
On ev'ry plain
Waves golden grain,
The finest of the wheat!
My mother's rest!
Its pages prest
By flowers rare and sweet;
All seekers find,
With joy they bind
The finest of the wheat!
My mother's love!
Angels above
And saints below shall meet;
Where Christ shall come
To harvest home
The finest of the wheat!
O matchless Book!
Our Shepherd's crook—
His throne, the mercy-seat;
There gleam and laugh,
Truth free from chaff,
The finest of the wheat!
—D. A. Murphy.
Illinois Sabbath-Keepers and Church Efforts Report
By G. W. Colcord
Illinois.
ALTHOUGH I have been silent for some time in the past, I have endeavored to labor on in this good cause. Some success has attended the efforts put forth for the spread of the truth in south-eastern Illinois. Besides scattered ones in Crawford, Richland, Coles, and other counties, we have two united bands of Sabbath-keepers in this part of the State; one, only partially organized, in Wayne Co.; the other, more fully, in Clark Co.
“Clark Center” was constituted a church in the spring of 1872, with a membership of sixteen; now it numbers more than thirty. Brethren and sisters here are engaged this summer in the good work of erecting a house for the public worship of God. May the Lord help them to make thorough work in their efforts to prepare for the soon-coming, solemn Judgment of God—passing its test! may they, may we all, be saved.
After an absence of twenty months, I returned home on the 14th of February last. Found Bro. Andrews sorely afflicted with granulated eyelids. Tried to aid him in the meetings held in our home neighborhood, in Erie, and Aledo, from Feb. 15 to March 9.
March 10 to May 6, labored in Macoupin and Madison Counties. Spoke forty-four times, besides attending other meetings. Two were funeral sermons, preached on two successive days; one, to mourning friends gathered, beneath a sunny sky, around the coffined remains of a wife and mother as she lay beside her open grave. Spoke one half-hour from 1 Thess. 4:18.
Sold some publications, gave away others; received names of several subscribers for our periodicals; renewed acquaintance with old and young friends of the cause of God, and witnessed the declaration of their increased determination to go forward. Five were brought into church fellowship by baptism, one reclaimed; and for others we’ll hope and pray.
Attended the T. and M. Society meeting at Aledo, May 10 and 11, where I received valuable information in reference to this important branch of the work.
Am again home for a few days, after which I expect to go out for a summer tour. Our once lively and comparatively strong church at Clyde, Ill., is now quite small and feeble, nevertheless, if the brethren and sisters who moved to Iowa, Missouri, and elsewhere, together with those who remain at this place, will be earnest and faithful, we may all at last meet in the city of God,
To live, but sorrow never;
Thus live, and live forever—
Yes, we who now have started,
If there will ne’er be parted—
All will be well.
G. W. Colcord.
Coleta, Ill., May 21, 1873.
Thankfulness to God.
By August Rasmussen
I wish to express the gratitude of my heart for the privilege of attending the Conference of S. D. Adventists, held in Battle Creek, last March. I feel thankful to God for the kind counsels of older brethren; also much encouraged and cheered by the sympathy and help extended to us, and by the deep interest manifested by our American brethren in the Scandinavian Mission. My heart beats in union with theirs, desiring above all that God may be glorified and many dear souls out of every nation prepared to meet our Lord with joy.
It cheered my heart much to attend so many good meetings, and to hear so many good prayers and testimonies. It was indeed gratifying to see, and hear from, Bro. and sister White, J. N. Andrews, D. M. Canright, and many others. God bless them all, for his name’s sake.
I feel in my heart stirred up to a candid and prayerful examination of the truths we present. God grant me energy and devotion to help bear the light to sinners. Truly, God is fitting up a people for translation into the everlasting kingdom of Jesus. Dear brethren, I ask your watchcare and prayers for the future. I desire to share with you in the trials by the way, as well as the blessings of God. May the Lord help me.
Your Danish brother,
AUGUST RASMUSSEN,
Gowen, Montcalm Co., Mich.
A Thank-Offering.
By Nancy Knight
ONE year ago to-day, being sixty-eight years of age, I commenced to read the Bible through with my second eyesight, without the aid of glasses, to which I had been confined for over twenty years. I praise the Lord that through his great goodness I have been enabled to read it through by course, the New Testament twice, besides REVIEW, weekly, Health Reformer, Youth’s Instructor, and several of the Testimonies, all with my natural sight, and with only one eye. Now we are commanded to offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name. This I would do, and know of no better way than to write a few lines to the REVIEW Office and send with it a thank-offering, to do a little good wherever it is the most needed.
Your unworthy sister,
NANCY KNIGHT.
Jackson, Mich., May 5, 1873.
A Confession.
By John A. Luke
I THINK it duty to make an acknowledgment to you through the REVIEW. I have been in a cold and backslidden state for some time, and on a careful self-examination, I find it in a great measure owing to my having neglected to live out the warnings and precious light given through the “Testimonies;” especially on health reform. At our last camp-meeting, near KNOXVILLE, Bro. White was pleased to present me with Testimonies 1-19, Life Incidents, How to Live, and other books highly prized, for which he and sister White have the warmest gratitude of my heart. I have been reading up, and trying to practice the heavenly truths they contain.
Bro. Nicola held a series of very searching meetings with us at Knoxville, in which I tried to confess my sins and repent of my backslidings, and I believe our Heavenly Father has given me evidence of his acceptance of my repentance. I have sought his forgiveness carefully with tears, and am determined to live humbly before him daily, re-double my diligence, let my light shine on health reform and kindred truths, and make preparation for the coming of our blessed Saviour, which I believe is near at hand, even at the doors. I also intend, the Lord helping me, to improve my gift in the great harvest field. I humbly ask an interest in the prayers of all God’s faithful people.
JOHN A. LUKE.
The Youth's Instructor.
By Y. N.
Well do I remember how our childish hearts bounded at the thought that we were to have a paper of our own. Eagerly was it looked for, and my love for it has never grown cold.
One evening, as mother stood at the ironing table, father came from town, bringing our paper. We gathered round the table and read, “This Little Hand never Struck Me.” At the close of the story, no comment was made—our hearts were too full for utterance. And never can I forget, while memory lasts, the story, “What One Lie Did.” The sweet poetry of Annie R. Smith I committed to memory whenever it appeared. In looking back to those sunny days of childhood, the skies seem bluer, and the flowers brighter, than now. But, oh! the changes passing years have wrought. Long have summer grasses waved and snow wreaths formed above the sleeping forms of Anna White and Annie R. Smith, and while they await the dawning of “the last lovely morning,” other hearts and hands labor for the dear children and youth.
And parents, what are you doing? It looks strange that professed Sabbath-keepers should think it necessary to have the REVIEW AND HERALD for their own perusal while they do not take the Instructor for their children who are old enough to read and understand it.
I remember hearing of a woman who, when her husband lay on a sick bed, tossed him a Bible, saying, as she did so, “If you die unprepared, I shall not be responsible.” Are there none who read these lines who think that when the Sabbath comes, if they give their children each a Bible, and see that they sit as nearly immovable as possible, with grave faces, their duty as parents is done for the day? or, perhaps, without the sacred volume, they occupy the time as they please. Those little, active minds are hungry. The world invites them to partake of its trashy literature, which leads the mind from God to fashion and folly, and the probabilities are that the little ones will be subjects of mental starvation, or partake of such food as will poison their now pure, innocent minds.
In this time, when darkness is covering earth and people, and you, with years of experience, feel that all the light you can get to walk in, only keeps you from falling, how can you expect one, a child in years and experience, to thread life's dark, intricate mazes safely, with scarcely a tithe of the light requisite for you?
Would you take the atlas and, pointing to London or Liverpool, say, There is where your uncle lives in elegance, and wishes you to come, and then send your child of ten years from you to perform the journey alone? Yet, upon the ocean of life, how many frail barks, richly freighted, are engulfed, when a judicious guiding hand might have steered them safely past the whirlpool that carried them down.
Do you mention the cost of the Youth's Instructor? How long would your child be permitted to go with frost-bitten fingers for want of a pair of mittens? Would you not, even if in extreme poverty, try to find a piece of cloth which ingenuity might fashion for the comfort of your child? Were sickness to come, would you think of closing your eyes in sleep while the little form was tossing in agony? But were it not infinitely better that physical discomfort or suffering be experienced, or even your loved one be consigned to the silent grave with a mind pure and unsullied, than live, and for want of proper mental food and discipline, seek the pleasures of the world and lose eternal life? Should all your efforts prove unsuccessful, could you hope for reward in Heaven if your earthly duties had not been performed?
You may deem the matter of which I am writing a small one, but slender are the threads upon which all our life destinies hang. The performance or nonperformance of a small duty may lead us in the path to eternal life, or into darkness, where we cannot tell which path is the right one. Little things may make the religion of the Bible look beautiful and much to be desired, even by a child. Professing, as we do, that Jesus' coming is near, should we not heed the injunction, “Feed my lambs?” The storm will soon burst; then, while the fold-bells are ringing, let your voices blend with the Great Shepherd's, saying, “Suffer little children to come unto me . . . for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.”
Let the Instructor visit every family of Sabbath-keepers, and as many more as wish it. To the worthy poor, it is free. Then let not pride or the love of twenty five cents deprive your children of this. There are many good books, if you can get them; but the paper, all can have. And while there is no danger of keeping the Sabbath too well, and conversation which would not be improper upon other days should be refrained from on this, God has given a world full of beauty, trees, mountains, and rivers, from which useful lessons may be gleaned. The unfolding leaves and flowers, snowflakes and dewdrops, tell many a story, delightful to age as well as youth. Our Saviour, with eloquence never possessed by man, yet, simplicity that reached the children, often alluded to the works of nature to illustrate his teachings. Religion is “a thing of beauty” when rightly understood and practiced, and a “joy forever,” for it yields present peace, and leads to “the rest that remaineth,” where are “fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.” Y. N.
The Scandinavian Element in Chicago.
[Extracts from Chicago Tribune, March 30, 1873.]
The Scandinavian is, next to the German and Irish, the most important foreign element in this city. The country from which they hail, and which is generally known as Scandinavia, is composed of the three petty kingdoms of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Sweden and Norway are ruled by the same king, but have different Constitutions and Legislatures—the two sections speaking even different languages. Denmark has a potentate of its own, and its laws are considered more liberal, and its population better educated, than those of the former countries. Sweden covers about 8,000 square geographical miles; Norway, 5,000; and Denmark, only 700—300 square miles having been taken from it, a few years ago, by Germany; and, united, they have a population of nearly 6,000,000 of inhabitants.
EMIGRATION NOTES.
The first Norwegian emigrants arrived in America about the year 1825, and in 1840, the first Norwegian emigrants settled in Chicago. Swedes and Danes did not make this city their home until the year 1850. Since that time, from 18,000 to 20,000 Scandinavian emigrants have arrived in this country yearly. Very few of them remain East—most of them going West, making this city their base of operations—and at the present day it is calculated that there are no less than 300,000 Scandinavians living in the States of Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and Kansas. Of this number, about 45,000 Scandinavians have made this city their permanent home, and they are divided among the three nationalities as follows:—
Norwegians, 20,000
Swedes, 20,000
Danes, 5,000
As it will be observed by the above figures, there are very few Danes residing in this city, when compared with the Norwegians and Swedes. This is accounted for by the fact that Denmark is by far the smallest of the three North States, and, having a warmer climate and more fertile plains than its more northern sisters, so many of its sons are not induced to emigrate to another more fertile and favorably situated country. Swedish and Norwegian emigrants making this city their home are usually poor, but, being excellent mechanics and steady, strong-limbed workmen, soon save enough money to buy a home of their own. Some of our
MOST SKILLFUL MECHANICS
and best laborers come from these countries, and Chicago owes them a debt of gratitude for their aid in rebuilding our noble phoenix city in so short a space of time. But where Scandinavians mostly excel is as navigators. Most of the sailors of our “Chicago Marine” belong to that nationality. The Scandinavians have been
FAMOUS SEAMEN
as far back as 1000 years ago, when, under the name of Vikings, they commanded and swept both the Baltic and North Seas, penetrating into France and England, and conquering those countries. It is even said that a Scandinavian was the first to discover America. For over 300 years the Scandinavians, or Vikings as they were then called, continued to travel to and from this country, until at last they abandoned it, leaving it to Columbus to retrace the old paths and receive all the credit thereof.
THE LANGUAGE
spoken by Scandinavians is not uniform. The dialect of Norway and Denmark is nearly identical, and is, therefore, called the Norwegian-Danish. The Swedes speak a language of their own, which somewhat resembles the Norwegian-Danish.
CHARACTERISTICS.
Scandinavians are generally a very temperate and sober people, few of them being addicted to the use of intoxicating liquors, and very few saloons in this city are kept by members of that nationality. They, unlike the Germans, do not congregate in saloons, nor are they very fond of lager-beer, preferring to spend their evenings at home, surrounded by their offspring, smoking with great relish the worst kind of tobacco from a long-stemmed clay pipe. They are a law-and-order-loving people, and on the Sunday question are decidedly on the side of Mayor Medill, all their papers advocating the closing of saloons on Sundays.
AS CITIZENS,
none of our foreign inhabitants make better American citizens than Scandinavians, most of whom come to this country thoroughly imbued with republican ideas and principles, fully determined to become true American citizens, and forever to renounce their mother country with its monarchical and aristocratic institutions, and its cold, rough, and icy climate.
RELIGIOUS NOTES.
The prominent religion among the Scandinavians, is the Evangelical Lutheran, but there are also some Episcopalians, Methodists, Baptists, and Swedenborgians, but no, or very few, Catholics. Of Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran churches, there are ten in this city, of which the Norwegians have five, the Swedes, four, and the Danes, one. Of Scandinavian Methodist churches, there are three, Baptist, three, Episcopal, one. There is also a Norwegian Congregational and a Norwegian Adventist congregation, and several other religious societies in this city.
Obituary Notices.
By M. Smith
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
DIED, in White House, Ohio, of inflammation of liver and diaphragm, Bro. Geo. Smith, in the seventy second year of his age. He made a profession of religion in early life, and has ever been a consistent Christian, always ready to take hold of moral or religious reform. His brother, Charles Smith, of Pleasantville, Ill., gave him some information on present truth in the fall of 1871. He afterward married a Sabbath-keeper, the widow Calkins, of White House, for his second wife, when he embraced the Advent doctrine with all his heart. Funeral discourse was preached by a Methodist minister from the words of David: “Mark the perfect man,” &c. We deeply mourn our loss, but not without the blessed hope.
M. Smith.
THE SABBATH.
By Sel.
“Apart from vanity and sin,
How calm the Sabbath stands,
As if our Father held it in
The hollow of his hands.
How calm! a vestibule before
Of work-days and of care,—
Oh! let us ope’ its golden door
Upon the hinge of prayer.”
—Sel.
THE TRUTH PROGRESSES.
From a Norwegian lady, who taught school in Norway for many years, and is now teaching a large Norwegian school in Iowa.
I have for many years studied on the Sabbath question—how it was changed—and on the prophecies. How astonished and glad I was when I read Bro. Morton's treatise on the Sabbath in Advent Tidende, and thus obtained light on this subject. I have studied much on the prophecies, and often prayed to God for light. How wonderfully he can answer our prayers. Here I received instruction and comfort. When I formerly asked the priests and others about these things, I always received this reply: We cannot know the day nor the hour when the Saviour comes. This I knew very well, but it was no comfort for a longing heart. But when I was pointed to the signs of the times and the testimony of the prophetic word, which shows that our Lord and Master is near—yes, standeth at the door—this is meat in due season. There are several here who wish to take the paper. May the Lord strengthen all the dear friends who look for his glorious appearing.
LABOR IN THE HARVEST.
Poy Sippi, Wis. I am very thankful to God who has opened my eyes for the precious truths which so long were hidden from me. Through ignorance, I fought them long and looked upon them as falsehood and deceit. Although I did this with the intention of defending that which I considered truth, yet this is no sufficient excuse for me. I therefore humbly ask forgiveness from those who read these lines if I have misjudged or injured them on account of the truth. I have a desire to spread these truths if God can use so poor an instrument. I realize that we need to exercise self-denial and obtain much of the love of Christ to be sufficient for these things. My prayer is that the will of the Lord may be done.
Time is short. Probation will soon end. We have no time to heap up earthly treasures, add field to field, or move to new places except for the purpose of helping forward the cause of God. It is not enough superficially to admit the possibility of the coming of Christ. Our actions must show that we believe from the heart what we teach. Noah preached to the world, but he did also build the ark that he might be saved—all by faith. I admire the faith of Noah. He went into the ark before the rain commenced. I suppose the world mocked and pitied the old fanatic. To be prepared for the day of the Lord is the all-important work assigned to us. As all might hear and see that Noah prepared the ark, so our lives should also be so consistent that all can hear and see that our citizenship is in Heaven, from whence we look for the Lord Jesus.
God has done much for us and given us greater privileges than our countrymen of other denominations in America. We have many tracts in our own language, and a better paper than those denominations who are much older than we are. It is only a few years since the Lord raised up a man among us to preach the third angel’s message, and now we number twelve churches that hold the same precious faith. Let this all encourage us and urge us on to renew our efforts.
I thought it would be well this year to send as many as possible to the Conference to partake with our American brethren in trying to advance the cause. Let us gather all our strength to promote the cause, and not feel that our American brethren should bear the burden alone. Let us with thankful hearts receive the help which they so kindly offer, and in turn do our duty toward them, uniting together as much as possible, that we may return their brotherly love.
Our paper has now commenced to advocate the Sabbath of the Lord, and spreads light on the law of God and the prophecies, not only in America, but also in Denmark and Norway. Fruit of this has already been seen in those who through reading the paper accept the truth; and other journals testify that they are hit in a weak spot as they turn and attack us. Yet every such attack is for the advancement of the truth. The fields are white for the harvest. Let us pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers. J. C. NELSON.