THE SABBATH is a day of rest after six days of labor; but the six days of labor are those days of the divinely-appointed weekly cycle on which God labored in the work of creation, and the day of rest is the one of the series on which he rested. That day is the Sabbath day (rest day) of the Lord God. No other can be his rest day, because he rested on no other.
When God gave Israel, in the desert, food from Heaven, he chose to give it in such a way that they should have the labor of gathering it on six days, from which labor they should rest on the Sabbath. This he did to prove them, whether they would walk in his law. The law existed before a test of obedience to it was prepared. Ex. 16: 4: “Behold, I will rain bread from Heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.” This was done before the annunciation of the law at Sinai. Hence the Sabbath law existed before Israel came to Sinai; and not only so, it existed before the first fall of manna; for the manna was not given to institute the law, but to test the people, whether they would obey it.
The Sabbath was not consequent to the falling of the manna on six days, but the reason why a double portion was given on the sixth day was because the Sabbath had been given before. It is not, The Lord is about to give you a Sabbath on the seventh day, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days. But Moses did say, “The Lord HATH GIVEN you the Sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days.” Ex. 16: 29. An effect cannot exist before its cause. Therefore the seventh-day Sabbath existed before the bread of two days was given. And if it existed a week before, it must have existed from the creation; for Gen. 2 contains the only revelation of it previous to the giving of the manna.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Signs of the End.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
STORMS on the sea, scores of vessels wrecked; storms on the land, villages destroyed, hundreds of lives lost; unnatural and fearful fires devouring whole cities and villages and devastating the country; what next? A whole county is swallowed up in the bowels of the earth. Who cannot see in all this, omens of the end? God help us to be awake.
WONDERFUL PHENOMENON—THE FOUNTAINS OF THE GREAT DEEP BROKEN UP—TOWNS, TREES, MEN AND ANIMALS INGULPHED,
Special Dispatch to the Inquirer.]
NEW YORK, September 18, 1871.
The following extraordinary dispatch has been received here from Savannah, Georgia: “A startling phenomenon has just occurred in Florida. A large portion of Orange County has been changed to a lake, and trees, houses and people ingulphed. There were many witnesses of the phenomenon. They say the first thing that attracted attention was trees moving first in gyratory motion, some sinking gradually out of sight, the tops receding more and more rapidly as they sank and disappeared, others following, and, as they fell, revolving and describing arcs of a circle against the sky; then the whole earth, as far as the eye could reach, sinking, and its place supplied by a sea of water, rushing, seething, boiling, with a noise as of mighty cataracts, and ever and anon casting to the surface roots and tops of bodies of mighty pines and oaks. The country in every direction is entirely submerged, and is now one vast lake. It is rumored that the town of Orlando is entirely swallowed up, and the whole chain of lakes from Apaka to Lake Conway are now united and form an immense inland sea. The people are flying, terror-stricken, from the scene of disaster.”
D. M. CANRIGHT.
The Testimonies of the Early Fathers.
By S. N. Haskell
COULD we bring vividly before our minds the true state of things as they existed in the days of the apostles, and the days immediately following, we should have no confidence in appealing to the early fathers to sustain any doctrine which is not fully established in the inspired word of God. When we step outside of the books that are inspired, to prove a doctrine, we are at the mercy of every dreamer.
The apostle warns the church concerning days which should follow his departure. “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” Acts 20:29, 30. Hence right in their midst they would find men “speaking perverse things,” that they, with feigned words, might make merchandise of them. He furthermore states concerning the rise of the papacy that “the mystery of iniquity doth already work.” 2 Thess. 2:7.
There were many vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision, subverting whole houses, and teaching things which they ought not. They were not sound in the faith. Titus 1:10–14. The result of this state of things was, that there were divisions among them. And the apostle declares, “There must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest.” 1 Cor. 11:19.
Unless God had seen fit in his all-wise providence to give an inspired history of the church for a certain length of time, as he has in the book of Acts, and a history of Christ, as he has by the four evangelists, and a system of doctrine, as he has by the epistles, we should be left wholly in the dark as far as arriving at any direct conclusions concerning the truth in these times is concerned.
Perhaps were we to imagine a history of the doctrine of the fathers of the nineteenth century handed down to future generations, we might from this standpoint form an idea how it was in the early history of the church. There would be an awful mixture. There are some hundreds of different denominational sects, while contradictory doctrines are as numerous as the locusts of Egypt. And all believe they have the truth. Who from this heterogeneous mass of error could tell what was truth? It is equally inconsistent to suppose we can learn the truth from any doctrine by appealing to the early Christian fathers as given in profane history.
It was in view of this state of affairs that Mr. Bower wrote: “To avoid being imposed upon, we ought to treat tradition as we do a notorious and known liar, to whom we give no credit unless what he says is confirmed to us by some person of undoubted veracity.” Hist. of Popes, Vol. I., p. 1.
Men appeal to the fathers for the first-day Sabbath; and why? Simply because the Bible does not furnish proof. This is very unwise. These fathers God would have us believe he has inspired to write, and their testimony has come to us uncorrupted with error, and we call it the Bible. To this we appeal. If it is truth we want, then let us go to those fathers whom God inspired to write. But if it is simply testimony in favor of the first-day Sabbath that is wanted, ten thousand living fathers can be brought forward without delay that will testify to that. But what will their testimony amount to in the day of Judgment if not found in harmony with the law of God.
The papists in the days of the Reformation cried, “The fathers, the fathers.” Luther cried, “The Bible, the Bible.” To this we say, Amen.
S. N. HASKELL.
South Boston, Oct. 24, 1871.
Dress.
FEMALE loveliness never appears to so good advantage as when set off with simplicity of dress. No artist ever decks his angels with towering feathers and gaudy jewelry; and our dear human angels, if they would make good their title to that name, should carefully avoid ornaments, which properly belong to Indian squaws and African princesses. These tinselries may serve to give effect on the stage or the ballroom, but in daily life there is no substitute for the charm of simplicity. A vulgar taste is not to be disguised by gold or diamonds. The absence of a true taste and refinement of delicacy cannot be compensated for by the possession of the most princely fortune. Mind measures gold, but gold cannot measure mind.
Through dress the mind may be read, as through the delicate tissues of the lettered page. A modest woman will dress modestly; a really refined and intellectual woman will bear the marks of careful selection and faultless taste.
D. T. BOURDEAU
By D. T. Bourdeau
Vermont.
LAST week, feeling extremely exhausted in consequence of extra exertion in new fields for upwards of five months, I resolved to come home by way of West Bolton and Jericho to rest awhile. I called on most of the friends of West Bolton and Jericho, and was encouraged by seeing progress in nearly all of them. I attended one of their prayer-meetings, spoke to a few at Jericho Corners last Friday evening, and Sabbath held two meetings with Eld. Stone at West Bolton, he speaking on the love of Christ, and I dwelling on all the Christian ordinances. The attendance was good, there being about fifty persons present.
As I reached home three days since, my prospects for life seemed dark; but as I commence to rest, my courage and hope revive, and I hope to be able to labor moderately after resting a short time. I greatly erred in not taking time to rest after returning from California, and last summer, during the early part of the tent season, I was not provided with sufficient help. The fields are white, and there are numerous calls for labor from every quarter. The laborers are few, and may God help those who have a call to preach to take the real burden of souls upon them, and work for the salvation of their fellow-men. In view of the great amount to be done, we are liable to overdo. Our recent experience in new fields has confirmed us in the opinion that Vermont is a good field of labor. We have seen as many souls receive the truth this summer, as we did in any one tent season in California. Though we have to labor harder in this State than in some other fields, yet we have reason for encouragement.
Dear brethren and sister in Vermont, let us come up to the duties of our high calling and profession. Why not strike for at least one hundred additions to our numbers the present year? This is a small number if all will go to work. What we want is more of the spirit that David had when he struck for one hundred of his enemies, the Philistines. God gave them to him. We admit that the testimony to us is close and humiliating, but know of no other way to improve upon it than to work it out. It will do us no good to watch others with jealousy. We may err through weakness, but God will be merciful unto us if he sees in us a principle of reform. I view Bro. White’s plan for organizing missionary societies as an omen of good. Let us take hold of it at once, and go to work.
D. T. BOURDEAU
West Enosburgh, Vt., Nov. 10, 1871.
Michigan Church Visits After Camp-Meeting
By R. J. Lawrence
Michigan.
SINCE camp-meeting, I have visited the churches as follows: Spring Brook, Ithica, Williamstown, Tittabawassee, Edenville, St. Charles, Chesaning, and Holly. I cannot report as favorable as I could wish, yet there are some tokens of good. A few in most of the churches are striving for the victory, while others appear inactive and lukewarm.
In Spring Brook, I found them in trouble. After visiting all the members, and inquiring into all the causes of their trouble, and then getting the parties together, I found that mole hills had been magnified into mountains, and gnats into camels; and also that the accused party was ready to do anything that was right to settle the matter, while some of the accusers were not. If the enemy can succeed in getting a division among this people, he can work more successfully in destroying their influence. How guarded we should be in this respect. I left them in a more hopeful condition.
The meeting in Ithica was very good. The Lord helped to give the straight testimony, and by the testimonies borne, I judge that the truth reached the hearts of many.
The church in Williamstown were in trouble. I bore my testimony, but did not succeed in bringing about a reconciliation. I gave them advice, with the hope that after further consideration they would accept it and become reconciled.
At Tittabawassee, I spent a Sabbath and first-day. Spoke four times. Had but little freedom.
From here, I went to Edenville. Found the members holding on well considering that they are but seldom visited by our preachers. I spoke three times, seemingly much to their encouragement.
I then came to St. Charles, and spent Sabbath and first-day. Met Bro. Strong here on his way up to Tusca. He took part in the labors of the meeting much to the interest of the church.
Some in this church are striving for the victory.
Monday evening we spent with the few brethren in Fremont, seven miles from St. Charles.
Tuesday and Wednesday spent in Chesaning. They have been in some trial, but full and hearty confessions showed a disposition to remove every obstacle, and restore full confidence. May the Lord bless them.
At Holly, our meetings were excellent. The church was much revived, and the hearts of some of the unconverted were moved. Some spoke for the first time.
Our meeting at Oakland was very good. A few from Holly met with us, and some from without.
I feel more than ever the necessity of perfect holiness, and of girding on the armor more firmly. The scourge that has passed over the land is another evidence that the perils of the last days are upon us. Oh! that the people would take warning and make good their escape by obeying the word of the Lord.
R. J. LAWRENCE.
Adams Center, N. Y.
By R. O. Damon
The monthly meeting, Oct. 7 and 8, 1871, in Adams Center, was the best we ever enjoyed. We were highly favored with the labors of Bro. A. Ross and wife, and Brn. Taylor and Wilcox. We had looked forward to this gathering of God's people with solicitude, desiring to have the church take advance steps, as well as to be individually blessed. The Lord was ready to meet with, and to bless, us by his Holy Spirit, as those were able to testify who attended the prayer-meeting Sabbath evening. Sabbath morning, from nine o'clock till eleven, was very profitably spent in prayer and conference meeting. The brethren and sisters were of one mind. Our hearts were made glad to see in our midst some of the lonely ones. One sister had come fifty miles alone, strong in the Lord and the love of the truth to meet with those of like precious faith. May she retain all the good she received and be preserved unto Christ's coming. Another sister was present who for a long time lived out the truth alone; but praise the Lord, two had embraced the truth by reading the tracts she had given them, never having had the privilege of attending an Adventist meeting before. A load of new converts to the present truth came from Orwell, and a fair delegation from our sister church in Mannsville.
Bro. Ross at eleven o'clock spoke on the work of overcoming, from that blessed promise, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit down with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” In the evening an attentive congregation listened to a very interesting sermon from sister Ross, from Matt. 24. The Lord enabled her to do the subject justice. Her closing remarks were solemn and touching as we were brought down to the closing events of this world, and shown that it only remains for the powers of the heavens to be shaken and the sign of the Son of Man to appear in the heavens. Sunday, at eleven, Bro. Taylor spoke to us from the 25th of Matt., on the parable of the virgins, much to our edification, after which the Tract Society was called to order by the president, Eld. C. O. Taylor. Some very cheering reports of labor were given in, quite a number of subscriptions for the Reformer had been obtained. Truly the harvest is great and the laborers few. Verily the hearts of the people are being turned toward this truth. It was remarked that two or three years ago, people could not be reached who now are anxious to hear, and read our publications. It is the Lord's doings, and marvelous in our eyes. These silent preachers, the books, are doing a great work. Let each one be encouraged to do all he can in circulating tracts, knowing that his labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Sister Ross spoke in the evening from Rev. first, second, and third chapters, a very comprehensive and interesting sermon. Thus closed another precious meeting. The fruit of the labor bestowed, the day of the Lord will alone reveal.
R. O. DAMON.
Adams Center, Jeff. Co., N. Y.
Report of the N. E. Missionary Tract Society.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell; Frank Buzzell
The N. E. Tract Society met at the time of the quarterly meeting in New Ipswich, Oct. 29, 1871. The president in the chair. Prayer at the opening of the meeting by Eld. Rodman. Previous to Tract Society business, Eld. Haskell presented the following reports:
1. Camp-meeting report.
Amount pledged for camp-meeting, $602.35
” paid on pledges, 579.15
Received on sales of camp-meeting property purchased last year, 141.31
Property on hand purchased this year, 75.00
Camp-meeting expenses, 379.51
Receipts on sales at camp-ground, 172.82
Balance between receipts and expenses, in cash, 493.17
2. Report on delinquent subscribers.
Receipts by personal donations to pay arrearages, and for REVIEW to the poor, $87.20
Sum paid out on the same, 152.64
Balance now due, 65.44
3. Report of the financial standing of the widows’ fund.
Receipt by personal donations, $85.68
Money paid out, 32.29
On motion, a committee of three was appointed by the Chair to make a disposition of the surplus camp-meeting fund.
Missionary Society then organized. Report of the last meeting was read and accepted. Reports of individuals were then called for, and read, which showed that quite a list of subscribers have been obtained for the REVIEW, Instructor, and Reformer. Also quite a number had been furnished, at the expense of individuals, to their friends. Total distribution of tracts, pamphlets, and bound books, stood about as follows: Fifty bound books, two hundred and thirteen pamphlets, twelve hundred and sixteen tracts at a value of fifty-eight dollars and eighty-five cents. Fifteen libraries have been furnished with three of our best bound books. These figures fall far below the real numbers as circumstances prevented the reception of many reports.
This being an annual meeting, the annual report showed that nearly four thousand individuals have been induced to read on present truth since the formation of this society. Some have embraced the Sabbath, many sick have been visited and prayed with. Prejudice has been removed, and God has blessed the enterprise.
Amount received on donations and memberships, $566.88
Number of members, 104
Value of publications distributed to churches and individuals at reduced prices, 577.22
Quite a degree of interest was manifested in obtaining subscribers. An effort will be made the coming quarter to increase the list of subscribers to our periodicals at least five hundred; which can be done if all take a lively interest in the work. Proposed amendments to the constitution were then offered and adopted as follows:
Article 1 was changed so as to read—This society shall be called the Christian Philanthropic Missionary Society of the Seventh-day Adventists of the New England Conference.
Article 4 was altered so as to read—Any person may become a member of this society who comes recommended by any church of Seventh-day Adventists, by the payment of one dollar.
To article 7 was added this clause: “And shall act as agents in collecting funds for this society.”
Voted, That article 8 should become article 9 and that article 8 should read as follows: This society shall take the responsibility of collecting arrearages on the periodicals of the S. D. A. publications, within the limits of this Conference, by means of duly appointed agents who shall be appointed annually and shall report to the Executive Committee as they may require.
At this point, Bro. Haskell stated the plan he had already adopted, which met the minds of the brethren present. The plan was this: twelve agents for the ensuing year have been appointed, whose business was as follows: 1. To notify all in their respective sections when the pay on their subscriptions becomes due, and remind them of the amount due for a year in advance; to receive the same, and forward it to the Office. 2. At the expiration of the quarter, each agent shall report to Eld. S. N. Haskell, South Lancaster, Mass., every one who has paid, and how much; also each one that has not paid. Therefore no agent is to stop any paper, or to pay any arrearages in behalf of the Conference, but report the same, with any suggestions they wish to make, and the Executive Committee will do what in their judgment is thought best.
It was voted that the Vigilant Missionary Society of South Lancaster, Mass., become an183auxiliary to this society, in laboring by correspondence and otherwise, for the encouragement and help of scattered ones of like precious faith, for those who are falling back from discouragement, and to interest all within the reach of our influence in the great truths connected with the last message of mercy to the world.
It was voted and carried that the Chair appoint a committee to nominate officers for the ensuing year, who, after a recess of one half an hour, reported as follows:
President, Eld. S. N. Haskell, South Lancaster, Mass., Secretary, M. L. Huntley, South Lancaster, Mass., Treasurer, Josiah Webber, New Ipswich, N. H., Executive Committee, S. N. Haskell, South Lancaster, Mass., H. B. Stratton, Boston, Mass., C. K. Farnsworth, Washington, N. H., A. P. Green, Shannock, R. I., Frank Buzzell, New Ipswich, N. H.
Committee on appropriation of camp-meeting fund reported, which report was ratified as follows:
Donated to Book Fund at Battle Creek, $200.00
For past arrearages on periodicals, 65.44
Missionary and Tract Society, 50.00
REVIEW to worthy poor, 60.00
Widows’ fund, 67.00
The balance to be kept for a reserve fund.
S. N. HASKELL, President,
F. BUZZELL, Secretary.
“THY WILL BE DONE.”
When your life is full of trials,
And your heart wild with despair,
When your burden seems as heavy
As your weary soul can bear;
When your hopes are all departing,
And you watch them one by one,
When your heart with care is breaking,
Can you say, “Thy will be done?”
When your path is steep and rugged,
All the weary journey through,
When your neighbors gather roses,
While the thorns are left for you;
Though you’ve fought your battles bravely,
Fought so hard, yet never won,
When the world is all against you,
Can you say, “Thy will be done?”
When your dearest friend is dying,
One your heart has loved the best,
Yes, the darling whom you worship,
Can your soul then stand the test?
Can you close those eyes forever
That have been your light and sun?
Can you bow in resignation,
Meekly say, “Thy will be done?”
How your arms will cling around them:
Oh! you cannot have it so;
But death is waiting for your darling,
Can you let the loved one go?
You know their journey’s nearly ended,
And their race is almost run;
Can you kneel to God the Father,
Can you say, “Thy will be done?”
When the heart has ceased its beating
That was all the world to you,
And you take the farewell pressure
Of those lips so cold and blue,
Then where will you look for comfort,
For your heart there seemeth none—
Can your heart with anguish breaking,
Say, O God! “Thy will be done?”
Death has darkened all your household,
Filled your heart with deepest gloom,
Robbed your life of all its sweetness,
All its beauty, and its bloom.
But religion, pure and holy,
Shines out brighter than the sun;
Even then, the Christian murmurs,
Not my will, but Thine be done.
—Sel.
New York.
By S. B. Whitney
SINCE Conference, I have spent one Sabbath each at Buck’s Bridge and Chase’s Mills, two in Vermontville, where I found the friends still firm and apparently prospering, and three in Keene, where I was detained longer than I designed by some special matters that seemed to demand my attention.
Oct. 4, started for Indian Lake, where I had been invited to come by some who had become interested in some points of the Advent doctrine. Spent several days there, to profit I trust, both to myself and others; but Providence indicating quite clearly that it was not duty to commence a protracted effort at present, and an invitation being given me to come to this place, I left them with an urgent request that I should return at a more favorable time, and commenced meetings here the 19th, which are still in progress.
The attendance has been generally small, but most of those who have attended are regular and attentive. One family has already commenced keeping the Sabbath, and others are deeply interested. A Catholic has attended the meetings quite steadily and is much interested. He has repeatedly invited me to his house, and treats me with as much courtesy and kindness as a brother could show, and last first-day, at the close of the meeting, he arose of his own accord, and proposed a collection for my benefit, and as the result, between nine and ten dollars were immediately raised.
I am endeavoring to consecrate myself anew to the Lord and his work and take the burden of it more fully upon me. The Lord grants his blessing and freedom in speaking the word, for which I try to be thankful. At an adjoining neighborhood, where I have held meetings on vacant evenings, several have risen for prayers and some have expressed their purpose to serve the Lord, whom I hope to see converted to the truth.
S. B. WHITNEY.
No. Creek, Warren Co., N. Y., Nov. 7, 1871.
Granville, Vt.
By A. S. Hutchins
Agreeably to appointment, I met with the friends in Granville last Sabbath and first-day. Our meetings were very encouraging. All the brethren and sisters seemed strengthened to press forward for eternal life.
Three were baptized. Eight united in church fellowship as a branch of the Roxbury church, and Systematic Benevolence was established. Other brethren not present will probably unite with them soon. May the cause of the Lord prosper with this little company of believers. May they all live near to the blessed Saviour, and have their hearts cheered by seeing others turn fully to the pathway of obedience.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Nov. 7, 1871.
Maro, Maine.
By J. B. Goodrich
Our meetings here have been very well attended. There has been considerable rainy weather and muddy roads most of the time. A number have commenced to keep the Sabbath and walk in the ways of the Lord. We have organized a Bible-class, and established a Sabbath meeting and chosen a leader. Seventeen are now trying to keep all the commandments of God in this place. How many will succeed in overcoming yet remains to be seen. May the Lord give them strength and courage to live out all the truth and have eternal life when Jesus comes. Pray for us. J. B. GOODRICH.
Adel, Iowa.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
AFTER the Monroe meeting, I remained at home another week and prepared things for the comfort of my family during the winter. Two more came out upon the truth during our meetings. This encourages us to work on here and hope for others.
Thursday, Nov. 2, I came and spoke one evening in Bro. Harvey’s neighborhood near Des Moines. Here are several families keeping the Sabbath who ought to have regular meetings and take a firm hold of the work. We hope they will now. Friday, Bro. Harvey brought me thirty miles to Adel. I preached four times in the court-house to good audiences, larger, I am told, than any other denomination can get in the city. This indicates a good interest here still. Two have taken a decided stand for the truth and united with the church since I was here last, in January. Another family has moved here. Tobacco is entirely expelled from the company, and other advancements have been made.
Sunday, we enjoyed a pleasant season in baptizing five souls. We were compelled to put under censure two, who united with the church, for neglecting to attend meetings and other indications of a loss of love for the cause. We hope and pray for them still, but fear for their final salvation. Excepting this, all are united, earnest, and zealous in the work. This little company seems very near to us and we pray for the blessing of God to continue with them.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Adel, Nov. 6.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
Died, at our residence in Clinton, Henry Co., Mo., Sept. 28, 1871, of congestion of the brain, our dear little May Belle, aged precisely six years. She was beloved by all who knew her because of her inoffensive and harmless disposition; and it was a severe stroke, and an intense struggle with us to give her up. But we trust that this affliction may not lead us to turn from the Lord and his truth, but that it may be sanctified to the end that we may be more holy, more fully resigned to do the will of the Master, and withal be strongly animated with the hope of those who rely upon the promise that their children shall come again from the land of the enemy at the sound of the last trump. T. E. Morey. M. A. Morey.
Died, in Oronoco, Olmstead Co., Minn., Oct. 26, 1871, Martha A., wife of Bro. Ira Warner, aged forty-five years and nine months. She embraced the Sabbath about thirteen years ago, under the labors of Eld. J. H. Waggoner in Ohio. She leaves a husband and ten children, the youngest but two years old, to mourn her loss. But they mourn not without hope. Words of comfort by J. H. Ellis. H. F. Phelps.
Died, in Greenwood, St. Clair Co., Michigan, Oct. 14, 1871, Sarah Catherine, infant daughter of Bro. Reuben, and sister Rachel Oatman, aged two years. Discourse by the writer, from 1 Pet. 1:24. D. H. Lamson.
Died, of consumption, Sept. 7, 1871, in Bushnell, Mich., sister Rachel Lane, aged twenty-five years. Services by the writer. P. Strong.
Died, in Saginaw Co., Mich., Sept. 30, 1871, of lingering consumption, Gillman E. Merrick, aged twenty-eight years and one month. Gillman contracted his disease while in the army, and for nearly ten years has been a great sufferer, though bearing his afflictions with Christian patience and fortitude. Funeral services by father Woolsey, Methodist, from Rev. 14:13. We buried him in hope. D. W. Milk.
To What Are we Coming?
By H. F. Phelps
This is a question of no small importance. Wickedness is on the increase. Men are looking forward with but indefinite ideas as to the future. And what we are coming to, none but the student of prophecy can tell. All are willing to admit that we are on the eve of a great crisis. Great events are daily transpiring, but what they mean, is the great question. All perhaps, with more or less solicitude, are asking the question, “What shall be the end of these things?” There has never been a time, when such great achievements were accomplished in so short a time. There never was a time when such great events were startling the minds of the thoughtful. And there never has been the time when such great and terrible disasters were suddenly overtaking the fallen race of mankind. We pick up the daily papers but to read of wonders. Nay, perhaps the greater wonder would be to read a paper that had not some terrible tale of horror. In a late paper we read the following, we give them without classifying as they were recorded:
“Riots and revolts in different places. Fires in Russia—also in Canada. Six incendiary fires in Syracuse, N. Y. Great disasters in China, 1000 Chinese drowned, 10,000 square miles under water, 3000 lives lost. Incendiary attempts to burn the city of Rome, N. Y. Great storm in Maine extending to Nova Scotia. Thirty vessels driven ashore at Halifax, wharfs much damaged, houses blown down, trees uprooted. A gale doing much damage at Montreal. Difficulties among the Indians. A description of the great fires of Chicago, of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Kansas.”
And we add, the fires in Minnesota. And of the loss of property and of lives, who can make an estimate? Some may attempt it; but the misery, sorrow, and suffering, who can tell it? We venture the assertion that if taken in the aggregate, no such fire, producing such direful results, and so disastrous to life and property, has ever fallen to the lot of human to experience since it was first created as one of the elements for the use of man. Add to these disasters the vexed questions among the nations, which cause them to prepare for war on a grand scale, troubles in our own country, difficulties with the Mormons, KuKlux outrages which baffle description, the full account of which will never be known until the great day.
Then there is the increase of the social evil, the mere reference of which brings to one’s mind thoughts of broken hearts, ruined reputation, scattered families, &c., &c. Then again the great Sunday or Sabbath question which is destined to shake the world to the very heart, and I ask again, To what are we coming? The student of prophecy may be able to tell. To those who turn to God’s word, there is light, yes, light beyond all these things, even light in these things; for they are convincing proofs that the day of redemption is at hand; yes, redemption to God’s people, to those who flee for refuge to, and hide in the merits of, our blest Redeemer. But the ungodly, where, oh! where shall they be found in that day?
Brethren, shall we awake to our duty and sin not? Oh! shall we discharge aright the duties laid upon us, as a people to whom great light is given? And shall we heed the light already given, that more may be granted to us? May the Lord help us to so improve our opportunities, that we may at last receive the reward of the faithful.
H. F. PHELPS.
“Cheer Him.”
IN one of our cities a fire occurred in a dwelling. It was near midnight, and the flames had made headway before they were discovered. The fire companies rallied; the inmates escaped in affright, and the firemen worked with a will to subdue the flames. The smoke had become so thick that the outlines of the house were scarcely visible, and the fiery element was raging with fearful power, when a piercing cry thrilled all hearts, as they learned that there was one person yet unsaved within the building.
In a moment a ladder was swung through the flames and planted against the heated walls, and a brave fireman rushed up its rounds to the rescue.
Overcome by the smoke, and perhaps daunted by the hissing flames before him, he halted, and seemed to hesitate. It was an awful scene. A life hung in the balance, and each moment was an age.
“Cheer him!” shouted a voice from the crowd, and a wild “Hurrah!” burst like a tempest from the beholding multitude. That cheer did the work, and the brave fireman went upward amid smoke and flame, and in a moment descended with the rescued one in his arms.
Friend, brother, when you see a brave soul battling with temptation, struggling under the cross, rushing forward to rescue dying men, and yet faltering in an hour of weakness or a moment of peril, then cheer him! And as a pebble’s fall may change a river’s course, so your words of sympathetic kindness may uplift a drooping heart and fix its faltering purpose for a noble life.—Good Words.
Lonely Sabbath-Keeper in Adams County, Iowa
Bro. L. M. Showers writes from Adams Co., Iowa: My heart is cheered from week to week as the dear REVIEW comes to me and I hasten to read its columns. I am the only Sabbath-keeper in this neighborhood; and there are no Sabbath meetings in this vicinity where I can attend. I long for a preacher of the Lord’s Sabbath to come here and preach to this people. I long to see my dear, Sunday-keeping neighbors convinced of the truth, and to have those that are near and dear to me take up their cross and keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I have never heard an Adventist sermon except through the REVIEW; but I hope that God will yet give me an opportunity to enjoy some of such good meetings as I read of in the paper. Dear brethren and sisters, pray for me.
Sister Hayward Looks for the Blessed Hope
By M. A. Hayward
SISTER M. A. HAYWARD writes from Vt.: I am looking for the blessed hope, the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. It appears to me that everything in this wicked world indicates the near approach of the end, and that we should be sober and watch unto prayer. I want to be found with God's chosen and faithful people when he comes.
Bigots and Their Willful Misjudgments of Others
Bigots ever think others most perversely and willfully wrong-headed.
Warnings to Watchful Sabbath Keepers
Bro. A. H. Barnes writes from Vermont: Are we not in great danger of feeling secure because we keep the Sabbath and have a name and place with the people of God? A mere profession will not save us. We have a work to do that no one can do for us. Oh! that we could feel this, and realize how short a time we have in which to work. We have line upon line, precept upon precept; yet how little we heed the warnings. Will nothing rouse us? Shall we go on in this manner till the wailing cry is forced from our lips, The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. Jer. 8:20. Alas! with many it will be even so. They will cleave to their idols and the love of the world till the Lord can bear with them no longer. Dear reader, will it be you, and will it be me? Let us awake and work out our salvation with fear and trembling. May past examples and warnings cause us to take heed lest we fall.