Earlier text: EXAMINATION OF T. M. PREBLE'S FIRST-DAY SABBATHWORLD, awake!
From the dust your garments shake,
Look on Him who once was slain;
Lo! he comes, the “great and glorious,
Over death and hell victorious,”
Comes upon the earth to reign. Dare we wait?
Soon, alas! ’t will be too late;
The wicked shall be wicked still,
But those who love the Lord shall stand
’Mid the happy, blood-washed band,
That soon shall rest on Zion’s hill. Soon life’s night
Shall be lost in endless light;
All earth’s gloom shall roll away;
Sun, thy liquid gold shall fail,
Moon and stars, your splendor pale,
In the glory of that day. Even now,
On the mountain’s rugged brow,
We discern the morning star;
Mourner, dry your bitter tears,
Lo! a golden gleam appears,
Streaming o’er the heavens afar. Soon its light,
Scattering every trace of night,
Shall be seen on land and wave;
And from Heaven the wondrous sign
Of the Son of God shall shine,
Telling that he comes to save. We can see
All the lines of prophecy
Swiftly drawing to a close;
World, thy triumph soon shall end;
Christian, lo! your dearest friend
Comes in Sharon’s deathless rose. C. A. K., in World’s Crisis. The Lawlessness of the Land.
OUR secular and religious press has much to say about the growing lawlessness of our people, and the reckless disregard of human life, evidently increasing at a most fearful rate in every part of the land, especially in our large cities. Why should we be surprised at it? Strong governments, in a great measure, keep this lawless spirit in check; but when there is no restraint upon individual freedom, where men grow up without parental restraint, or the more wholesome restraint of God’s law, and every man, because he is a man, without regard to his fitness, is permitted to have a voice in the government, and, from his very infancy, is reminded by the demagogue, who governs the land, of his “God-like privileges,” this lawless and reckless spirit must of necessity be generated. Nothing but Christian culture can keep it in check. And where is this wholesome Christian culture to be had? A very large proportion of the working people of our land have no Christian training at all, and in most instances where they have any, it is most defective. Even the very literature of our Sunday-schools is poisoned with this idea of every man’s “glorious right as a free citizen of the greatest of nations.” Instead of teaching the boy “to do his duty in the sphere of life in which it pleases God to call him,” his Sunday-school book tells him to do right, and he may become President or Senator. The French revolution which to-day tears down and destroys everything that is hallowed and sacred, and would rob every prosperous individual of his rights, clearly shows what may always be expected, where unrestrained freedom exists, without Christian culture. Is there not much reason to fear that we are rapidly drifting into the same current, and that fearful revolutions may be in store for us? Like causes may be expected to produce like results. Even now we are beginning to hear in our midst the vandal cry of the communist and the agrarian, “Down with the rich, down with corporations, down with churches.” None can deny the fact that the vulgar crowd now governs the land. Men of the highest character are now rarely selected to office. It is well known that the man who controls the most money and distributes it the most freely is the man who gets the office, without regard to his fitness for it. Bribery and corruption are fearfully on the increase. Though it is not yet true, it is a common saying that “every man in office has his price.” Questions of the deepest interest, connected with the constitutional law, and vitally affecting the welfare of States and individuals, are now constantly settled according to the numerical strength of the party, whose prosperity is to be promoted or insured by its settlement. Solemn compacts, justice, truth, and everything else that is sacred and holy, are now trodden under foot, where the interests of party demand it. Men in high places violate their oaths of office, and shamelessly say, “We cannot afford to go against our party.” Thus we see everything like Christian principle disappearing from among our rulers, and a very large proportion of the worst elements of our population turned aside from honorable pursuits, and absorbed in an everlasting “hunt for the spoils of office.”—N. Y. Times. Correction Regarding the Fifteenth of Abib Sentence
By John Nevins Andrews
CORRECTION. In the first paragraph of my article in the REVIEW of Nov. 7, for this sentence: “But when God made the fifteenth of Abib memorable by the exodus, then, ‘by divine appointment,’ says Eld. P., he made the Sabbath to coincide with that day,” etc., read, “But when God made the fifteenth of Abib memorable by the exodus, then, ‘by divine appointment,’ says Dr. Akers, as quoted and endorsed by Eld. P., he made the Sabbath to coincide with that day,” etc. J. N. A. Unsatisfied Longings.
By R. C. B.
We may be surrounded by earthly blessings, and have cause for grateful thanksgiving every day of our lives, still there is an aching void in the heart which this world can never fill. While some declare themselves satisfied with the present state, all of the pious and good of all ages have longed for a better country. Abraham was a man of wealth and prominence in the fruitful land of Canaan; but we read that “he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” The host of worthies who died in faith, had their eyes upon the heavenly inheritance and confessed that they were pilgrims and strangers on the earth. David says, “I shall be satisfied when I awake in thy likeness.” Not till this mortal is changed to immortality, and death is swallowed up in victory; not till every vestige of the curse is removed from this once lovely sphere, will the longing heart of the Christian be satisfied. Then shall we dwell in an atmosphere of unclouded delight. Then shall we feast our eyes upon unfading beauty—flowers that never wither—glories that never die. Then will our souls be ravished with sweeter sounds than ever fell on a mortal ear. Then we shall be permitted to join the angelic choir in their rapturous strains. But earth’s most hideous deformity—that which was the first cause of every other evil, and that from which we most long to be delivered—is sin. This, too, shall be blotted out, when the King of Righteousness shall reign and put all enemies under his feet. The time hastens on. The agonized creation is groaning for redemption. Calamities unprecedented appall us. God help us to be ready for the final consummation. R. C. B. Improve the Time.
By F. M. Bragg
A WHOLE lifetime is none too long for the grand work of overcoming, that we may become, in all respects, unselfish, noble, generous and elevated in mind and soul. Then why should so many of us pass a lifetime ere a knowledge of self is gained, and consequently we be through life unfitted to rightly direct our efforts in making ready for the world to come. The atonement of the Saviour can reach the ignorant where light is not given. But to us, any means that discovers our true condition should be “very highly esteemed,” and with what alacrity should we receive and follow out the light given to show our deficiencies and departures from the right. Truly we have no time to longer waste in needless mourning over the failures of the past. The eleventh hour is fraught with the deepest interest. In this we must redeem the errors of past life and secure the best possible condition, that the remnant of time, left to us, in the present and future, may tell in bringing forth good fruit, and in living to Him who died for us. The Work to Be Done.
By H. S. Zollinger
God has not given us present truth to be hidden from our neighbors and friends. He designs to have it communicated and distributed until it reaches the last one who will receive it. And when there is no one left but those who spurn it, the harvest of the earth will be fully ripe. Then, though we have been brought in from the “highways and hedges,” in the very place where we live, God has a special work to be done. Our work may not be, in many respects, like that of another, but to each one will he appoint our work, if we render ourselves willing agents to do his will. Of this let us be assured, that wherever God permits any of his children to dwell, there is something for them to do. And let us remember this, that, if nothing more, we must let our light so shine that others, seeing our good works, may glorify our Father which is in Heaven. “Endless Wars.”
By Uriah Smith
As FACE answers to face in a perfect mirror, so the general aspect of our times, answers to the delineations of the prophetic pencil, which describe the state the world will be in when the Son of Man shall come. The political situation of Europe is well set forth in the following paragraph from the Christian Union:— “Looking at Europe, the horizon appears dark with the threat of endless wars still to come. Between the different peoples there is hate and jealousy and dread. On every government the question of national armament presses as of first consequence. If France ever grows strong, she has a debt of vengeance to pay to Germany. The neighbors of the new Empire are full of suspicion as to her intentions. She may prove moderate and forbearing, but no nation dares trust to that. Men do not believe that Russia ever gives up the hope of winning Constantinople. England is sensitive and sore at her loss of influence on the Continent. Italy does not feel secure against an attempt to re-instate the pope should a turn of the wheel establish a French government under clerical influence. The great wars of the last decade have made an appeal to the sword a familiar idea to all. Perhaps at the present moment the best guarantee of peace181 is the general fear of Germany’s strength. To light the flames again it is not even necessary for Germany to be aggressive. Let her neighbors believe that she is so, and combine against her, or let Russia and Germany jostle, and the crash would come. No one of these events appears improbable.” There were to be wars and rumors of wars, and angry nations, and political perplexity, in the last days, according to the Bible. There are, as the leading papers of to-day testify, “threats of endless wars still to come;” “hate and jealousy and dread,” among the nations; “national armament” the first question with every government; “vengeance” the first debt which some desire to pay; one government “full of suspicion;” another “sensitive and sore;” another pervaded with a sense of insecurity; and all wrought up to such a sensitive point, that let two of them “jostle, and the crash would come.” And the crash will come, a different crash from that which many expect, and sooner than many think. “He whose right it is” is soon to take the kingdom, and dash to atoms those who have so long held it under usurped control. Let the church of Christ now robe herself for the marriage supper of the Lamb. U. S. We enjoyed an excellent visit with the family of Eld. S. N. Haskell at South Lancaster, Mass., from whom we learned much in relation to the missionary movements and tract distribution of our people of the New England Conference, and what they are doing to extend the circulation of our periodicals, and to collect and settle arrearages. We also found a good place there to do writing that we could not do at Battle Creek, because of interruptions and many cares. We are really enjoying this change, and decide to give others at Battle Creek a chance to develop financial ability, while we have the benefits of more of the blessed relief we are now experiencing. Our plans are laid, embracing the idea of making Battle Creek simply a station at which we will call as often as actually necessary to counsel with brethren relative to the interests located there of vast importance to the cause. We have done our share of the work there. Now let others work there as we have worked, and if our experience and counsel are of any worth to them, we will most gladly serve them in this way. But we are done standing beneath the load of perpetual care and toil at headquarters, growing rapidly old, and gathering that sadness of spirit which results from mental wear. It is not alone the bracing air of New England that has driven away our gloom and made us free and hopeful. The exhilarating influence of change, of meeting friends, old and new, of seeing many new faces, has done us much good. And the hope of better health, freedom from double care, and the prospect of being able to fill calls to different parts of the wide field, where we can now and then stop and find retirement to write for a few weeks, makes us feel that we are almost in a new world. Fourth-day, the 8th, came to Boston, and found Bro. Stratton waiting to take us to his ample home, where we spent several days very pleasantly with his dear family. Our meeting on the Sabbath was larger than we expected. The hall was nearly full. Here we met old friends, and many we had not seen before. Some were from Maine, others from Rhode Island; but most belonged to Boston and the immediate vicinity. We were free in speaking to this dear people. First-day afternoon, while speaking with unusual freedom we observed an earnest listener in the back part of the hall. At the close of the service he came to the stand and gave us his hand and his name, Otis Pease of Exeter, Maine. Twenty-eight years since we held meetings with this man in Maine. He deeply felt the force of the truth he heard yesterday. We feel stirred in spirit relative to proclaiming the message in New England, especially in Maine, our native State, and the field where God gave us many souls in 1843-4. We left Mrs. W. and sister Hall in Boston, while we, as we write, are on our way to New York to meet Dr. Trall and others. We have been with Eld. Haskell most of the time since we came to Massachusetts. He is a practical man. We need such in all parts of the field. We hope his remarks in this number upon “The Tract Society” will provoke our brethren in other Conferences to love and to good works. Our people everywhere can go to work, see the fruits of their labor, and grow stronger, and still stronger. Or they can do nothing, grow weak, and die out. God save us. “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man [not the minister only; but every man] according as his work shall be.” Rev. 22:12. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Rev. 20:12. Men and women are wanted who will bear the cross of work, that they may wear the crown as the reward of their labor. These will not stand in that crowd of idlers who will hear the terrible order to “depart,” but they will stand with that happy company of workers who will hear the glad words, “Well done.” The United States in the Light of Prophecy.
By Uriah Smith
CHARACTER OF THE GOVERNMENT REPRESENTED BY THE TWO-HORNED BEAST.
Having given us data by which we determine the location, chronology, and rapid rise of this power, John now proceeds to describe the appearance of the two-horned beast, and speak of his acts in such a manner as to clearly indicate his character both apparent and real. Every specification thus far examined, has held the application imperatively to the United States. We shall find this one no less strong in the same direction. This symbol has “two horns like a lamb.” To those who have studied the prophecies of Daniel and John, horns upon a beast are no unfamiliar features. The ram, Dan. 8:3, had two horns. The he goat that came against him had, at first, one notable horn between his eyes. This was broken and four came up in its place toward the four winds of heaven. From one of these came forth another horn, which waxed exceeding great. The fourth beast of Daniel 7 had ten horns. Among these, a little horn with eyes and mouth, far-seeing, crafty, and blasphemous, arose. The dragon and leopard beast of Rev. 12 and 13, denoting the same as the fourth beast of Dan. 7, in its two phases, have each the same number of horns signifying the same thing. And the symbol under consideration has two horns like a lamb. From the use of the horns on the other symbols, some facts are apparent which may guide us to an understanding of their use on this last one. A horn is used in the Scriptures as a symbol of strength and power, as in Deut. 33:17, and glory and honor, as in Job 16:15. A horn is sometimes used to denote a nation as a whole, as the four horns of the goat, the little horn of Dan. 8, and the ten horns of the fourth beast of Dan. 7; and sometimes some particular feature of the government, as the first horn of the goat, which denoted not the nation as a whole, but the civil power as centered in the first king, Alexander the Great. Horns do not always denote division, as in the case of the four horns of the goat, &c.; for the two horns of the ram denote the union of Media and Persia in one government. A horn is not used exclusively to represent civil power; for the little horn of Daniel’s fourth beast, the papacy, was a horn when it plucked up three other horns, and established itself in 538. But it was then purely an ecclesiastical power, and so remained for two hundred and seventeen years from that time, Pepin in the year 755, making the Roman pontiff a grant of some rich provinces in Italy which first constituted him a temporal monarch. (Goodrich’s Hist. of the Church, p. 98. Bowers Hist. of the Popes. Vol. 2, p. 108.) With these facts before us, we are prepared to examine into the significance of the two horns which pertain to this beast. Why does John say that he has two horns like a lamb? Why not simply two horns? It must be because these horns possess peculiarities which indicate the character of the power to which they belong. The horns of a lamb indicate, first, youthfulness, and secondly, innocence and gentleness. As a power which has but recently arisen, the United States answer to the symbol admirably in this respect; while no other power, as has already abundantly been proved, can be found to do this. And considered as an index of power and character, it can be decided what constitutes the two horns of the government, if it can be ascertained what is the secret of its strength and power, and what reveals its apparent character, or constitutes its outward profession. The Hon. J. A. Bingham gives us the clue to the whole matter when he states that the object of those who first sought these shores was to found “what the world had not seen for ages, viz.,—a church without a pope, and a State without a king.” Expressed in other words, this would be a government in which the church should be free from the civil power, and civil and religious liberty reign supreme. And what is the profession of this government in these respects? That great instrument which our forefathers set forth as their bill of rights, the Declaration of Independence, contains these words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” And in Article IV, Sec. 4, of the Constitution of the United States, we find these words: “The United States shall guaranty to every State in this Union a republican form of government.” A republican form of government is one in which the power rests with the people, and the whole machinery of government is worked by representatives elected by them. And here, again, we see the fitness between the symbol and the government which is symbolized; for the horns of the two-horned beast have no crowns upon them as do the horns of the dragon and leopard beast, showing that the government which it represents cannot be monarchical, but is one in which the power is vested in the hands of the people. This is a sufficient guarantee of civil liberty. What is said respecting religious freedom? In Art. VI of the Constitution we read: “No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” In Art. I of Amendments of the Constitution, we read: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” In reply to questions as to the design of the Constitution from the committee of a Baptist society in Virginia, Geo. Washington wrote, Aug. 4, 1789, as follows:— “If I had the least idea of any difficulty resulting from the Constitution adopted by the Convention, of which I had the honor to be President when it was formed, so as to endanger the rights of any religious denomination, then I never should have attached my name to that instrument. If I had any idea that the general government was so administered that liberty of conscience was endangered, I pray you be assured that no man would be more willing than myself to revise and alter that part of it, so as to avoid all religious persecutions. You can, without doubt, remember that I have often expressed my opinion, that every man who conducts himself as a good citizen is accountable alone to God for his religious faith, and should be protected in worshiping God, according to the dictates of his own conscience.” In 1830 certain memorials for prohibiting the transportation of mails and the opening of post-offices on Sunday were referred to the Congressional Committee on Post-offices and Post Roads. The committee reported unfavorably to the prayer of the memorialists. Their report was adopted and printed by order of the Senate of United States, and the committee discharged from the further consideration of the subject. Of the constitution they say:— “We look in vain to that instrument for authority to say whether the first day, or seventh day, or whether any day has been made holy by the Almighty.” “The Constitution regards the conscience of the Jew as sacred as that of the Christian, and gives no more authority to adopt a measure affecting the conscience of a solitary individual, than of a whole community. That representative who would violate this principle, would lose his delegated character, and forfeit the confidence of his constituents. If Congress should declare the first day of the week holy, it would not convince the Jew nor the Sabbatarian. It would dissatisfy both and consequently convert neither. . . . If a solemn act of legislation shall in one point define the law of God, or point out to the citizen one religious duty, it may with equal propriety define every part of revelation, and enforce every religious obligation, even to the forms and ceremonies of worship, the endowments of the church and support of the clergy.” “The framers of the Constitution recognized the eternal principle that man’s relation to his God is above human legislation, and his right of conscience inalienable. Reasoning was not necessary to establish this truth, we are conscious of it in our own bosoms. It is this consciousness which in defiance of human laws, has sustained so many martyrs in tortures and flames. They felt that their duty to God was superior to human enactments, and that man could exercise no authority over their consciences. It is an inborn principle which nothing can eradicate.” “It is also a fact that counter memorials, equally respectable, oppose the interference of Congress on the ground that it would be legislating upon a religious subject, and therefore unconstitutional.” Hon. A. H. Cragin, of New Hampshire, in a speech in the House of Representatives, said:— “When our forefathers reared the magnificent structure of a free Republic in this western land, they laid its foundations broad and deep in the eternal principles of right. Its materials were all quarried from the mountain of truth; and as it rose majestically before an astonished world, it rejoiced the hearts and hopes of mankind. Tyrants only cursed the workmen and their workmanship. Its architecture was new. It had no model in Grecian or Roman history. It seemed a paragon let down from Heaven to inspire the hopes of men, and to demonstrate God’s favor to the people of the new world. The builders recognized the rights of human nature as universal. Liberty, the great first right of man, they claimed for ‘all men,’ and claimed it from ‘God himself.’ Upon this foundation they erected the temple, and dedicated it to Liberty, Humanity, Justice, and Equality. Washington was crowned its patron saint. Liberty was then the national goddess, worshiped by all the people. They sang of liberty, they harangued for liberty, they prayed for liberty. Slavery was then hateful. It was denounced by all. The British king was condemned for foisting it upon the colonies. Southern men were foremost in entering their protest against it. It was then everywhere regarded as an evil, and a crime against humanity.” The Bible and the Bible alone is the Protestant rule of faith; and liberty to worship God according to the dictates of one’s own conscience is the standard of religious freedom in this land. And from the quotations herewith presented, it is evident that while the government pledges to all its citizens the largest amount of civil freedom, outside of license, it has determined to lay upon the people no religious restrictions, but to guarantee to all, liberty to worship God according to the Protestant principle. Here, then, are two great principles standing prominently before the people: Republicanism and Protestantism. And what can be more just, and innocent, and lamblike, than these? And here also is the secret of our strength and power. Had some Caligula or Nero ruled this land, we should look in vain for what we behold to-day. Immigration would not have flowed to our shores, and this country would never have presented to the world so unparalleled an example of national growth. One of these horns may therefore represent the civil republican power of this government, and the other, the Protestant ecclesiastical. This application is warranted by the facts already set forth respecting the horns of the other powers. For (1) the two horns may belong to one beast, and denote union instead of division, as in the case of the ram, Daniel 8; and (2) a horn may denote a purely ecclesiastical element, as the little horn of Daniel’s fourth beast; and (3) a horn may denote the civil power alone, as in the case of the first horn of the Grecian goat. On the basis of these facts, we have these two elements, Republicanism and Protestantism here united in one government, and represented by two horns like the horns of a lamb. And these are nowhere else to be found. Nor have they appeared since the time when we could consistently look for the rise of the two-horned beast, in any nation upon the face of the earth except our own. And with these horns there is no objection to be found. They are like those of a lamb, the Bible symbol of purity and innocence. The principles are all right. The outward appearance is unqualifiedly good. But, alas for our country! its acts are to give the lie to its profession. The lamblike features are first developed; but the dragon voice is to be heard hereafter. No Fear of God in the Land.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
The following, from the Christian Statesman, is just, and gives a fair idea of how little God is recognized or feared among men any more. Will not God visit for these things? “But the moral lessons of this terrible visitation demand our special attention. ‘Is there evil in the city and the Lord hath not done it?’ Can we read the story of Sodom and see no moral element in the fate of Chicago? No other American city was given up so entirely to the greed of gain. The marvelous accumulation of wealth by which even poor men in a few years had become the owners of millions, intoxicated the inhabitants with prospects of unbounded prosperity. Above all others it was a boastful city. Its pride and pretensions were fully equal to its energy and success. This sin which the word of God censures as bitterly in communities as in individual men, was a special characteristic of this fated city. Her spirit was that of the proud Eastern monarch who said, ‘Is not this great Babylon which I have built?’ She said in her heart, ‘I sit a queen, and shall see no sorrow; therefore, her plagues have come in one day; she is utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.’ Rev. 18:7, 8. Licentiousness held its filthy revel there as in other cities. Sabbath-breaking was grosser and more general than in many others. It is practical atheism to deny the connection between these public sins and the awful judgment which has fallen upon the city. One of the most painful aspects of the whole scene is the failure of the burned city and of the rest of the country to perceive the hand of God in the affliction at all. The newspaper dispatches and the utterances of the Chicago authorities, have utterly lacked any religious or moral sentiment such as ought to be suggested by the calamity. Discussions of the subject have been confined to the physical circumstances that promoted the conflagration, to the amount of property destroyed and the sufferings of the people, and to the prospect of the speedy restoration of the city on a scale of greater magnificence than ever. Without the confession of a fault or a single purpose of amendment, without the slightest public acknowledgment of Him without whose aid and protection men build and watch in vain, the proud purpose has been announced that Chicago shall rise again. When the conflagration was at its height, such remarks as these were heard: ‘We never do things on a small scale.’ ‘It is the grandest thing of the kind on record.’ ‘St. Louis can’t equal it.’ ‘It beats the tunnel under the lake, and all other great projects.’ ‘Won’t Cincinnati be envious?’ ‘We are burning down our surplus houses and wealth, just to start even again with St. Louis.’ ‘These,’ says a correspondent, ‘were some of the remarks uttered half exultingly, but with compressed lips and pale faces, by merchant princes and financial kings as they felt beggary creeping over them. They manifested, even in the throes of this living death, the ruling spirit of this people, the utter worship of their city that transformed its faults into virtues, its punishments into glory.’” “In calling attention thus to the moral significance of this awful calamity, we do not intimate that it is for her pre-eminent wickedness that Chicago has suffered so terribly. The eighteen on whom the tower of Siloam fell were not sinners above all the Galileans. The voice of this providence to other cities is, ‘Except ye repent, ye shall likewise perish.’” “This reverent recognition of the hand of God and the righteous methods of his government in this dispensation does not tend to check the flow of charitable contributions toward the scene of the great disaster. No hearts will be so open to the cry for relief which comes from one hundred thousand shelterless and penniless people as those in which there is the clearest sense of the retributive element in such calamities.” Our Influence.
By S. H. Lane
“He that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matt. 12:30. Could we, upon each and every occasion, realize the truthfulness of the above statement, how careful we should be concerning our conduct. We all exert an influence. It matters not what our station may be in life, some one is affected by our course of action. Our influence often lives long after we are removed from our station, and affects those with whom we may never meet in this world. This is true of all, but especially of those who profess to be keeping the commandments of God, and are looking for the speedy return of our Saviour from Heaven. If our influence is good in the community in which we live, it often causes our friends and neighbors to investigate the truth, and thereby embrace it; thus we are gathering with Christ. If our influence is not as it should be, we bring the truth into disrepute; thus scattering abroad. This was not long since forcibly illustrated: While trying to speak the truth in N., a very urgent call for a course of lectures was sent in from G. It was thought proper to go to see if a house could be procured in which to speak. A prominent citizen of N. kindly offered to convey us to G. and use his influence to procure the M. E. church for us. We introduced our errand to the trustee. After learning what denomination we represented, he stated that we could not have the church to lecture in; giving as a reason, that a year or two since a man lived in the place, who professed to belong to the Seventh-day Adventists, who had conversed with him concerning our faith; but he set such a bad example for one who made such a high profession, that he thought the subject unworthy of attention. It can hardly be considered just in the trustee to judge a denomination by the wrong course of one individual; but the circumstance shows what a powerful influence one can exert against the truth, and thus scatter abroad. A short time since, while pitching the tent in B. G., a gentlemanly appearing man who owned a fine residence near by came upon the ground and requested us to make our home with him when convenient to do so. We thought it a little singular that a stranger should be so friendly and courteous to us. This was explained when he added that there formerly lived in the place a lady who belongs to the Adventists; and, although she was opposed by her husband, and surrounding circumstances made it difficult for her to live out her profession, yet he believed her sincere and trying to live the life of a Christian. We found many who spoke of the sister and her belief in the highest terms. The good impression made in favor of the truth by this lone individual aided in presenting the truth. We thought, Truly this is gathering with Christ. Brethren and sisters, what is our influence in this direction? Are we living out the truth in our various vicinities, or are we living in open violation of our profession? How important that we live out the truth. Especially is this true of those who live isolated from those of like precious faith. The truths of the third angel’s message will sooner or later be proclaimed in your community, and when in the providence of God that time shall come, the influence you have exerted in its favor will give it force; and if faithful, you will at last be numbered among those who have gathered with Christ. S. H. LANE. The sunshine of life is made up of very little beams that are bright all the time. In the nursery, on the playground, and in the school-room, there is room all the time for little acts of kindness that cost nothing, but are worth more than gold or silver. To give up something, where giving up would prevent unhappiness; to yield, when persisting will chafe and fret others; to go a little around, rather than come against another; to take an ill word or cross look, rather than resent or return it; these are the ways in which clouds and storms are kept off, and a pleasant, smiling sunshine secured even in the humble home among very poor people, as in families of higher stations. Much that we term the miseries of life would be avoided by adopting this rule of conduct. The Tract Society
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
OF THE NEW ENGLAND CONFERENCE. The circulation of tracts, and the obtaining of subscribers for our periodicals has been a subject of interest with us for the past year. And the success that has attended our efforts is evidence that God has approved the movement. Therefore we have no reason to be discouraged. And when we consider the magnitude of the work, and what must be done to warn the world, we can readily see that we have but just commenced. Five hundred subscribers for our periodicals should at least be obtained each quarter. This can be done if we energetically take hold of this work. The Health Reformer should be in every reading room within the limits of this Conference. Also the Review, as far as they will receive it. The next six months will complete the furnishing of all the principal public libraries in New England with our bound books. There is another work about to be published which should go into the hands of every first-day Adventist family and all others who are interested enough in the Sabbath question to raise an objection. I refer to Eld. Andrews' Review of T. M. Preble. We speak for two thousand copies for general distribution in this Conference. It is time that every individual that would read on the Sabbath question should have the privilege. We have no reason to be discouraged, but every reason to be encouraged from the fact that God's hand is in the work. It is his will that the truth should spread; therefore it will spread, and God would have us instruments in his hands in the carrying out his purpose in this respect. But it requires consecration on our part, and a humble devoted spirit that God can fully approve. Then with a united effort much can be accomplished. Were each member of this society to obtain but five subscribers in a quarter it would amount to nearly twenty-four hundred a year. After receiving a little tract containing an appeal in behalf of the Health Reformer, Bro. Wood, of Boston, right in his store obtained five subscribers for the Reformer in one day. Many here in New England (and this only illustrates how it is elsewhere), after reading a few tracts, the Health Reformer, or the REVIEW, without ever hearing a sermon, have embraced the Sabbath. We know not what we can do until we try. But we do know that if we try in the fear of God, we shall succeed. Let none from a delicacy, or neglect, refrain from returning the blank reports properly filled out which they may receive near the close of each quarter, to the secretary. We invite others to join us in this work, so as to work systematically.