p. 16 | Review and Herald, Vol. 22, No. 1. (6/23/1868)

Earlier text: REPORT FROM BRO. LOUGHBOROUGH

WHY NOT DISCOVERED BEFORE?

By Roswell F. Cottrell

It is often asked, If these things are so, why has it not been discovered before? If the seventh day is the only weekly Sabbath of the Bible, and the Man of Sin, the Roman Papacy, is the author of the change, why have not learned Protestants found it out before?

I will ask you one question, and answer me, and that may give us the clue to yours. Why are not you and thousands of others willing to keep the Sabbath, now that you have found it out?

Oh! it is a cross, and almost the whole Christian world are against it.

Just so it has been for centuries in the past. Thousands have seen the want of Bible proof for the first-day Sabbath, and have been more or less guilty for not stepping out upon it, and taking up the cross; but they quieted their consciences in one way or another, thinking perhaps that so many good and learned Christians could not all be wrong; that if these things were so, it would have been discovered before; our learned ministers ought to know, &c.

God has suffered evil to exist, the Papacy to bear rule, and persecute his people, and pervert his law; and the reason it has not been discovered before, is the slowness of man to engage in the work of reform of popular errors. But God has prepared the way by giving the Bible to the world in their different languages, and by his Spirit led a people to proclaim a message which he had promised in his word, to restore the truth to his people preparatory to the second advent. Now is just the time which he has chosen for his people to discover these great truths.

Now, my friend, do not stand questioning why these sacred truths have been so long hidden, but readily and gladly embrace the light, now that it has come.

R. F. COTTRELL.

To the Churches in Ohio.

By John H. Waggoner

DEAR BRETHREN: According to present arrangements I shall remain here till near the time of your annual State Conference. At this time Bro. and Sr. White expect to visit Ohio; it is their intention to have a general gathering in the tent. They will have one or two meetings as circumstances demand. On this point I would be pleased if the Committee would immediately correspond with me at this place, that such matters may be decided in time to give good notice.

In the meantime let the elders of the churches renew their diligence in their respective charges. Read prayerfully Acts xx, 28; 1 Tim. iii; Titus i., &c.

Be acquainted with the spiritual condition of every member of the church.

Do not think an elder's duties can be discharged in leading meetings. Count this a small part of your labor.

Have an especial care for the young; try to keep yourselves informed of the state of their minds, their trials, &c., that you may be ready to counsel them as they need.

Ascertain who is interested in the truth; cultivate a missionary spirit; read 2 Tim. ii, 25.

And may all among you who have named the name of Jesus consider well his words: “Ye are the light of the world.” Let us all pray that the Lord will revive his work, and teach us to feel our responsibility in this last great work for fallen humanity. “Time is short.” J. H. WAGGONER.

Battle Creek, Mich., June 12.

BUSINESS AND PERSONAL.

By M. H. Brown

A limited space will be given under this head for Business Notices from the brethren, at 20 cents per line for each insertion. Parties must give good reference as to their standing and responsibility.

WANTED.—A good Sabbath-keeper to work on a farm by the month. Inquire of, or address M. H. Brown, 8 miles north-east of Rochester, Min., on Greenwood Prairie. A health reformer is desired.

M. H. BROWN.

Quarterly Meeting at Mackford

By Rufus Baker

THE next Quarterly Meeting of the churches of Mackford and Marquette, Wis., will be held at Mackford, July 4th. Those of our scattered brethren and sisters who are behind on Systematic Benevolence, will remember that our Systematic year commences July 1st; therefore it is hoped that they will come prepared to settle up their past indebtedness. A general gathering is expected.

By order of the churches. RUFUS BAKER.

Monthly Meeting in Eastern Maine

The next Monthly Meeting in the Eastern District in Maine, will be held with the church in Hartland, in Stephen Goodrich's barn, where it was held last, to commence on the evening of July 3, at 7 o'clock, and hold over the 4th and 5th. Come to work for the Lord that good may be done.

By order of committee.

Monthly Meeting at Lisbon

By T. D. TYSON

The next Monthly Meeting of the Marion, Anamosa, and Lisbon churches will be held at Lisbon, Iowa, on the first Sabbath in July. Come, brethren, in the fear of the Lord, praying that the Lord will meet with us. T. D. TYSON, Clerk.