Earlier text: Breakers ahead in the Construction of the Kingdoms of Papal EuropeUniversality of Moral Obligation.
By D. T. Bourdeau
SABBATH-KEEPERS are said to be great sticklers on moral duties being binding on all mankind, wherever they may be situated. It is right that we should be thus particular, not only in regard to keeping the Sabbath, but in regard to all those obligations whereby we show our love to God and man. And prominent among these is the duty of giving of our means to advance the cause of truth. The course of some in not paying up their dues on Systematic Benevolence because they have moved away from the churches to which they belong, indicates that one important duty, at least, is not binding on all and in every place, and that there are some localities where we may be excused for not loving God with all the heart, and our neighbor as ourselves. We have known of individuals who have gone from one place to another to avoid paying lawful debts; but let none of us be guilty of pursuing this course to rob God of his just due. There are laws in different countries by which certain debts after being due for a given period become outlawed, and cannot be collected unless those who have contracted them are willing to pay them. This period varies in length in different countries. In Vermont it is six years. While this law is designed to favor the poor, yet it is taken advantage of by many, both poor and rich, to avoid paying just debts. This is right down robbery. In the eyes of God no debts are outlawed except in cases where mercy is extended, and even in such cases gratitude and an effort to pay, should be shown in honor of justice and of those who forgive, by the ones who are the objects of mercy. Now I have thought that those who, simply through negligence, let their dues on S. B. run for years without being paid, are somewhat tinctured with the idea that the debts we owe to God can be outlawed. Horrible thought! Can such meet God with this excuse in the Judgment? Says the unerring word of God, “Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully,” margin, “negligently.” Jer. 48:10. To Correspondents.
By Uriah Smith
R. F. COTTRELL: We have seen none of the books sold by C. K. Whipple, but would be pleased to. J. T. L.: A person believing and practicing present truth, becomes a member of a church on a unanimous vote of the members of that church, to receive him. H. W. DECKER: We think the word “judge” in Rom. 2:27, means to condemn. W. H. KYNETT: We have heard it suggested that Isa. 3:12, has reference to the headstrong and domineering course of children in these days, which is so marked as to constitute a sign of the times. Whether the allusion to women in this verse, and in chapter 4:1, are meeting any fulfillment in the “Woman’s Rights” movements of these days, we are not able to say. We understand Matt. 11:12 to be a declaration that it is perfectly proper to be apparently violent, that is, to manifest great earnestness and zeal, in the matter of our salvation. The kingdom of Heaven, meaning in this case the work of grace in the gospel, suffers, or permits, a person to press his claims for the forgiveness of sin and the blessings of the gospel, with all that vehemence that he would manifest if he were taking a place by storm. We understand the kingdom spoken of in verses 11 and 12 to be the same, and that the word “least” in verse 11, which is in the original in the comparative degree, and should be translated “lesser,” introduces a comparison between Christ and John the Baptist. John, at first took the lead in the proclamation of the gospel, going before the Lord to prepare the way for him. But when the Lord appeared, John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John did not decrease only as the Lord rose above him in his greater manifestations as the Son of God. John was the greatest of any born of women, up to his day; but when John was in the zenith of his work, there was One coming upon the stage of action, who, though apparently less at that time, was nevertheless greater than he. A. S. H.: An explanation of Rom. 5:14, showing how Adam can, since the fall, be taken as a figure of Christ, but could not before, may be found in REVIEW, Vol. 31, p. 120. W. C. BROLLEAR: You will find an explanation of Matt. 24-28 in “Answers to Objections against the Visions,” pp. 57-68. J. MATTESON: Matthew gives the genealogy of Joseph, Luke that of Mary; the father of Mary being called the father of Joseph, because Joseph was the husband of Mary. More names are found in the line of Mary than in that of Joseph. This accounts for the difference in the number of the generations, as given by Matthew and Luke. See a diagram of the generations from Adam to Christ, on the one side according to Chronicles and Matthew, through Joseph, and on the other according to Luke, through Mary, in the Religious Encyclopedia, p. 904. MARY J. STEWARD: An exposition of 2 Cor. 5:1–9, will appear in the REVIEW soon. E. L. B.: The articles which we publish from time to time concerning the violence and corruption that is in the world at this time, are not published for political or partisan purposes. If they pertained to the republican party, we should give them all the same. It is the facts we are after, which show the fulfillment of the predictions that just such things should occur in the last days. J. M. ADAMS: The Pharisees were to receive, as we understand Luke 20:47, greater damnation, or more severe punishment, on account of their great show of piety. Their pompous outward forms of religion, so far from rendering them more acceptable to God, only made them more abominable in his sight; for he abhors hypocrisy; and so far from securing them a place in Heaven, they would only sink them deeper in perdition. We do not remember whether the article on the Sabbath question was received or not. We presume, however, it was, as a great many articles are set aside as not suitable for publication, and then pass from the mind. A person just commencing to write would be far less likely to succeed on a subject so largely treated of as the Sabbath has been, than upon some subject which is fresher, and better adapted to a few short and spirited thoughts. U. S. Brief Practical Thoughts.
By John Nevins Andrews
THE END OF LABOR AND TOIL.
Sometimes it seems that this will never come. Yet, all the time it is approaching as with swiftness almost inconceivable. It is not only sure to come, but it is certain to come in a brief period. Time flies swiftly. The Judgment is hastening. Ere long, the work will close up forever. It is no time to stand idle in the vineyard. It is an act of folly to sit down and complain of our toil. Work while the day lasts. The night cometh in which no man can work. Rest will come soon enough, and will never end. Courage in the Lord. Our toil shall end. Yet let it last as long as our Master wills. It is his to assign our work and fix its duration. It is ours to do the work well. The reward is infinite, and the time of its bestowal will not delay. God forbid that we murmur. Christ is formed within when the Holy Spirit has wrought in us all the excellent graces of his character. Our evil natures being put away by genuine conversion, and every wrong being taken from us by the successive steps or acts of conversion, in their place the excellent graces of the Spirit of God one by one are formed in us. These make us like Christ. When the whole work is wrought in us, we are then wholly like him. And those who in character are thus like him, shall certainly be with him in due season. And thus being received into his presence, we shall bear his image in our outward being, as well as in our inner man. For Christ, beholding in us his own character, shall give us his own immortal life. It is all wicked and inexcusable to murmur against God. 1. Because God has the right to chasten us, and because our sins richly deserve and even demand such chastening. 2. Because in all our afflictions God designs our good. He is at work for our salvation. It is then foolish and ungrateful in us to utter one word of complaint. Certainly God is good, and every feeling of our hearts should be mingled with deep gratitude to him for his infinite goodness. Let us forever desist from complaints and murmurings. It is all wicked and unjust and ungrateful. It is a very short and direct way to God when we come to him through Christ. He is the way. We can make him our means of access if we will leave our sins. We need not wander long in sorrow and darkness if we will only take this direct way to the light. It is our own fault alone if we do not find the blessing of God. Generally it is caused by an unwillingness on our part to give up all our sins, or if we give them up, to do it with the idea that we are never under any circumstances to return to them again. But we must perish if we do not do this. Why not then all of us, at once and forever, give up our sins and make Christ our portion? We can come to God at once for help if we will do it thus. WHAT SHALL WE DO TO BE SAVED?
Two things must be effected for us: 1. We must have our sins removed from us. 2. We must have all the graces of the Holy Spirit perfected in our characters. This two-fold work is of infinite consequence to us. We cannot dispense with it if we hope for everlasting life. We cannot enter the kingdom of God till we have been effectually cleansed from our sins. We cannot enter it without also partaking of the divine nature, so that we shall be completely the subjects of the grace of God. This great work of the Holy Spirit is also our own work. We cannot accomplish it without the aid of the Lord. But he will not do this work without our active co-operation. The work is not wrought in a moment. We add to our graces by being brought into those circumstances which make them a necessity on our part to stand the power of the devil. If we do then reach out after help from God it will certainly be granted. And the very things in which we are most lacking will be the ones wherein we shall be compelled to seek after God in agonizing prayer. We shall thus grow strong in the very things in which we are weakest and most deficient. Our sins must be all repented of and pardoned. Our lives must show the genuineness of our repentance. In truth, it will be our work for all our future lives to show that we are changed in principle and in conduct. This work of putting away sin and of establishing in ourselves the excellent graces of the Spirit of God is wrought by the gracious help of the Lord, and by our active co-operation with him. Thus uniting our free will to God’s free grace, we carry the work to perfection. It is time that we were in earnest in this business. We can never be saved till this work is fully wrought in our own souls. Let us be diligent in its accomplishment, if we would be found of him in peace. J. N. ANDREWS. The Health Reformer.
By R. F. Cottrell
In view of the benefits of health reform to all who have been instructed in its principles, and have reduced them to practice, we cannot be indifferent to the interests of this paper; but should do all in our power to make it what it should be, and to extend its circulation. All our people should receive its benefits, which are by no means small. The health of the body, considered by itself alone, is worthy of our earnest efforts, and of all the self-denial that is necessary to make the change from the false to the true and healthful mode of living. But the benefit does not stop here. The mind is so dependent upon the body, that the spiritual blessings flowing from health reform are of even greater importance. Those who would be fitted to stand the trial of our faith when trouble and persecution shall arise, as they surely will, will need the priceless benefits now offered us in the health reform. And not acting selfishly in this matter, we wish all to have the same benefits, both physical and spiritual, and therefore must be interested that the light of this reform should be placed in the reach of all. Many will be the persons saved by the last message, who will be brought to the light by first becoming interested in the teachings of the Health Reformer. Therefore I would counsel our people to take the Health Reformer, read it, practice its teachings, encourage it in every sense, and extend its circulation by soliciting others to subscribe. If we act in unison with its editor, we shall have the best health journal in the land, and do a great amount of good to others. Which Is the Most Valuable?
By John Nevins Andrews
“For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” John 12:43. For this reason, many of the chief rulers did not confess their faith in Christ. For the same reason, in all ages the greater part of all who have had knowledge of Christ have failed to confess him in their lives. One of two things must be true: Either the religion of Christ is over-estimated; or these persons make a fatal mistake. Christ has promised that those who serve him shall be honored by his Father. John 12:26. But he has also informed us that, if we serve him, we shall have our names cast out as evil, and shall suffer shame for his sake, even as he suffered it for us. Matt. 10:25. Those who seek the honor that comes from God, must be willing to have their names lightly esteemed by men. Those who seek the honor that comes from men, must expect at the last day to come short of that honor which God shall bestow upon those that honor the Saviour. We cannot have the praise of men, and that which comes from God also. We must choose which we will have. What are the grounds of choice? 1. The praise that comes from men is often bestowed upon those whose conduct is prompted by motives that are base, unworthy, and selfish; while actions that are truly generous, noble, and self-sacrificing, are only derided and despised. Moreover the praise of men is only fleeting, and may at any time turn to reproach and scorn. 2. But the praise that comes from God is given only to those who are worthy in his pure and all-discerning sight. The honor that God bestows will elevate those who receive it to the throne of Christ, and will endure forever. Surely there can be no question that this is of infinite value. Now God tests us by giving us to suffer reproach for his truth. But he promises that this reproach shall turn to glory and honor when he vindicates his cause and manifests his people, as he will at the last day. It is best to believe God. And if it be necessary to have our names cast out as evil, let us only be anxious to know that they are in the book of life, and we may leave all the rest to him. J. N. A. Our Periodicals.
By John Norton Loughborough
As we are making exertions to increase interest in our periodicals, and to collect indebtedness on them, a little systematic effort on the part of all will help materially, especially in the matter of collection. I will simply make a few suggestions, and these occurred to mind on setting about the work of clearing up our list in this State. There are many papers coming to the State outside of the special interest that has been awakened by the preaching here. I presume many of these are papers that have been sent to friends by their friends in other States, the same as many here have sent to their friends in the Atlantic States. There are persons taking the paper over one hundred miles from where we are called by the present field of labor in the State. They are strangers to us. We have no way of ascertaining whether they still wish the papers only by addressing them. This we will do when it becomes necessary. But before this, would it not be well for all, in every State, who have sent papers to their friends in other States, to ascertain if those papers are still continued; if so, if those to whom they are sent are interested in them. If not interested enough to pay for them, to see themselves that they are paid for. If not wanted, and doing no good, have them discontinued. We will take measures here to look after what papers we have ordered to other States; that will help your lists in several States. If each State and individual who have sent papers will do the same, we can help one another, and in the most cases render a very material aid in this matter. With systematic effort and a little care on the part of all, it seems to me that we can place our publishing house where there will be no three or five thousand dollars due it from delinquent subscribers, but where all can be very nearly, at least, on the advance-pay system. It is a little care, a little calculation for each one, but it is these littles that tell on the great lever of life. And so these little thoughtful steps, I have thought, might help many, and help the Association to its just dues, that it may prosecute its noble work of publishing to the world the last notes of warning. Brethren and sisters, you are all aware that the Publishing interest is the property of no one man, but of the church, or rather, it is means devoted to the Lord to be cared for by his stewards, the church. Shall we not all take an interest in sustaining it, and freeing it from embarrassment, that this mightiest preacher we have among us—the press—may still speak to millions? May the Lord help us all to do what we can. God Values Goodness Above Influence
God thinks more of the good than of the influential. The Surprising Result of Diligent Effort
Do but the half of what you can, and you will be surprised at the result of your diligence. Church Visits in Illinois and Minnesota
According to appointment, met with the church at Rockton, Ill., April 22 and 23. The brethren seemed strengthened and encouraged. We were cheered with the presence of brethren from Avon and Clinton, Wis. Bro. John Logan was unanimously chosen to fill the office of deacon, and was duly set apart to that important work. God After leaving St. Cloud, I had a safe and pleasant journey by R. R. to St. Paul, and then by steamer on the Mississippi, down to Maiden Rock, Wis. Here I filled my appointment the second Sabbath and Sunday in May, as given in the Review. I gave five discourses, had one social meeting and two business meetings. I found some of them backslidden, though not so far as to give up the truth. Others were in deep trial. We were not able to settle all the difficulties, and therefore had to leave them in an unorganized condition. Selfishness, with an unconsecrated tongue, is a great sin, and makes terrible work. What deep sorrow and untold anguish will fill the hearts of those who, when they come down to the great day of God, shall find that others have stumbled into eternal ruin over their wickedness and selfish acts. May all such awake to a sense of their terrible condition before it is too late for wrongs to be righted. Our meetings resulted in some good, but there is a great deal more to be done here before all can enjoy the blessing of God. On Monday, the 15th, I left this place and went down the river to Winona. The next day I took the cars to Winona Junction, where, about midnight, I met my wife, who was on her way to Minnesota for the benefit of her health. We journeyed next day to Rochester, where we found Bro. Gibson waiting with his team to take us to his home. On Friday, the 19th, we rode, in company with Bro. Gibson, twenty-five miles, to Concord. Brethren and sisters came from the Deerfield church, and also from Greenwood Prairie. The Pine Island quarterly meeting was changed to this place. On the Sabbath, we enjoyed two good, devotional meetings. We had evidence that the Lord approved of our meeting. On Sunday, we had one public meeting and two business meetings. The people of the place turned out well, and seemed to have an ear to hear the truth. Good impressions were made on the minds of some. Our business meetings were conducted in an orderly manner. The Pine Island church granted letters to a few of their members who lived in the vicinity of Concord. This was done that a church might be formed at C., which was the main object of the meeting. We succeeded in organizing a church of seventeen members. Bro. L. H. Ells was chosen and ordained their elder. They unanimously and heartily adopted the plan of Systematic Benevolence. It is to be hoped that this little band of Sabbath-keepers will walk in all the light of present truth, that they may exert a good influence in the community where they live. May the Lord add his blessing, and may this little company prove faithful to the end. grant that he may so fill his office that he may “purchase to” himself “a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” As we celebrated the death of our dear Redeemer, we felt that Jesus was indeed precious. The 24th, rode to Crane’s Grove with Bro. Newton. Visited the families of Bro. Newton and Bro. B. Berry the 25th, and in the evening spoke at Bro. N.’s to their friends and neighbors, from the words of the Saviour, Matt. 16:26, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” May the Lord help us all to faithfully consider these important questions of Jesus. The 26th, went to Lena. Bro. Brown met me and took me to his hospitable home. The 27th and 28th, in company with Bro. B., visited brethren at Nora and Greenvale. Our meeting was held at Winslow. There was quite a good attendance considering the short notice and scattered condition of the brethren. A goodly number were present also from Monroe, Wis., which added greatly to the interest of the meeting. Two received baptism. I trust that they may walk in newness of life. The brethren were much cheered and encouraged. May 1, returned home, and visited some among the brethren. Sabbath, May 6, held meeting with the few that are left at Clyde. Also held business meeting evening after the Sabbath. I pray that the Lord may help the few that are left at Clyde to awake and bestir themselves, and see that no man take their crown. Left home for Aledo, Ill., the 7th. Visited the family of Bro. W. Matthews on our way. Though nearly alone, they still love the truth and are striving to obey it. May the Lord help them to be faithful till Jesus comes. Arrived at Aledo on the 9th. Found the brethren all loving the truth, and striving to overcome. The Lord has done a great work for this people. Praise his holy name. Held eight meetings with them, and baptized ten, making twenty baptized in all. Thirty-five signed the covenant. Organized Systematic Benevolence, amounting to $365.04 yearly. These dear brethren are determined not to be idlers in their Master’s cause. May we all heed the exhortation of Paul: “Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” May the Lord help us so to walk. St. Clair Co., Mich.
By H. L. M.
A SERIES of very interesting meetings have just closed at this place. Although they have continued only for a short time, yet much good has been done. Members from other churches have been plentifully watered, “in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11. Some have embraced the whole truth, and have decided henceforth to be commandment-keeping Christians, and many more have been almost persuaded, and I trust and hope that they will not be almost but altogether such Christians as was the apostle Paul, and not turn away from too close a pressure of the truth. H. L. M. Letter from Maine Endorsing the Present Truth
BRO. W. B. PATTERSON writes from Maine: I heartily indorse the present truth, as advocated by the REVIEW and other works from the same Office, and I believe that I do most heartily sympathize with all God's faithful and tried soldiers, west or east, who willingly leave all ease and comfort behind to go forth to sound the last notes of warning to an ungodly world. I thank God with all my heart that Bro. Cornell and White were directed to Richmond last summer, and that I had the privilege with others of hearing and embracing these precious truths; and I intend, by God's grace assisting me, to live them out, as well as talk them out. I feel very much gratified in respect to the present appearance of the REVIEW, as well as for its high-toned and elevating teachings, and shall try to call the attention of others to it also, as I may have opportunity. Teach the Children.
By L. D. Santee
The old adage is undoubtedly true, “Just as the twig is bent, the tree’s inclined,” yet one would suppose from the conduct of many parents, that time spent in instructing children in the truth, before they come to years of maturity, is wasted. It is true that we meet with more success while teaching children than when teaching those of riper years. Their hearts are quick to receive impressions, and when the truth is presented in love, those whose hearts are not hardened by repeated refusals, and whose feelings are not calloused by sin, are the ones to embrace it. Parents; be sure and keep the love of your children. When your harshness or indifference has closed against you the heart of your little one, you have erected an adamantine barrier that even your tears can never melt down. On the other hand, if your teachings and examples199are holy and pure, your influence will act like chemical re-agents, bringing out colors rare and beautiful. Perhaps some would ask, How shall we teach them? I answer, Before they are able to read, procure pictures of sacred scenes, and prepare yourselves to answer, in a simple way, your child’s eager inquiries. A writer has justly said, “Good pictures are angels in the house.” When you walk with them, show them the beauty of surrounding objects, and impress upon their minds the kindness and love of the Great Being who has created so much to please the eye and delight the senses. In this way their thoughts are led upward. To them all nature, both animate and inanimate, is praising God. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork. This do, and while the years of eternity roll, the children shall rise up and call you blessed. One word to teachers: You have a solemn work to perform. You are molding and shaping characters for eternity. Watch carefully. Try earnestly to encourage the good, and repress the evil. I would earnestly advise you to procure a chart, containing the Ten Commandments, and hang it in your school-room. The expense is trifling, and the good is incalculable. Let your conduct show that you have a reverence for that law, law, and are trying to yield obedience to its just requirements. Get your scholars to love it and obey it. Thus you will sow precious seed that the tempests of earth will never wash away. Pray for your scholars, and for all the Israel of God. So shall you lay up treasure in Heaven. The look of sympathy, the gentle word,
Spoken so low that only angels heard;
The secret act of pure self-sacrifice,
Unseen by men, but marked by angels’ eyes—
These are not lost. The sacred music of a tender strain,
Wrung from a poet’s heart by grief and pain,
And chanted timidly, with doubt and fear,
To busy crowds who scarcely pause to hear,—
It is not lost. The silent tears that fall at dead of night,
Over soiled robes that once were pure and white;
The prayers that rise like incense from the soul,
Longing for Christ to make it clean and whole—
These are not lost. The happy dreams that gladdened all our youth,
When dreams had less of self and more of truth;
The childlike faith, so tranquil and so sweet
Which sat, like Mary, at the Master’s feet—
These are not lost. The kindly plans devised for others’ good,
So seldom guessed, so little understood;
The quiet steadfast love, that strove to win
Some wanderer from the woeful ways of sin—
These are not lost. Not lost, O Lord, for in thy city bright,
Our eyes shall see the past by clearer light;
And things long hidden from our gaze below,
Thou wilt reveal, and we shall surely know
They were not lost. Monroe, Iowa.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
COMING home, May 9, I staid there two Sabbaths. This is the first time I have been at home over the Sabbath for seven months. The church needs labor, which it should have had before; so we had meetings much of the time I was there. We felt to thank God for the results, which we think are good. All felt like making greater efforts to overcome, and to come up, and take hold of the whole truth. From the first there has been a reluctance with some to embrace the whole message; but I think they see the folly of this and feel the importance of obeying the whole truth. We enjoyed some good meetings. Confessions were made, and differences harmonized. Four were baptized and added to the church. I spoke twice in a school-house three miles from town. We have by the help of God entirely lived down the bitter opposition which was formerly felt here against this people. Many are now willing to hear, and seem anxious to learn more of the truth. I also worked a few hours each day among my small fruit. This privilege I enjoyed much, and felt greatly refreshed physically and mentally by such a recreation. But a little over a year ago there was not one tree or even a plant of any kind of fruit on my place. With but little expense and not much labor, I now have a few cherries, currants, gooseberries, blackberries, and grapes, besides many bushels each of both strawberries and raspberries. In another year we expect to have an abundance of all kinds. How much better this looks to me than to see the dirty swine running over the place! When such delicious fruit can be had so easily and so soon, it seems almost a sin for people to neglect raising it, as most of them do. All good health reformers should raise an abundance of fruit where they can. Report from Bro. Matteson.
By John Matteson
MEETINGS among the Danes in this place have now continued some over a week, and the interest to hear is good. The attendance has varied from forty to eighty. Considerable prejudice existed in the beginning, but much of it has been removed. Most of the Baptists attend, and are friendly to us. In their first prayer-meeting, they would not permit me to speak; but now they are willing that I should take the lead of their prayer-meeting. We occupy the same house, a convenient school-house. There is another religious society who meet twice a week in the same room; but they have kindly given up their meetings as long as I shall remain. There is no open opposition manifest. I believe there are some honest souls here, and pray that the Lord may give wisdom and grace to bring them into the truth. Neenah, Wis., May 29, 1871. Report from Bro. Kenyon.
By H. M. Kenyon
RETURNED home from Battle Creek, Feb. 23. March 1 and 2, was at Douglas, Mich., and attended the funeral of sister Reid. Held quarterly meeting at Monterey the 3d and 4th. This was a good meeting. These meetings should be a source of strength to the brethren in Allegan Co. All that can should come prepared to stay through the meeting. Attended the funeral of sister Dickens, at Allegan, the 8th. On the 24th and 27th, in company with Bro. Jones, was with the brethren at Gaines, Kent Co., Mich. Found them somewhat discouraged. Held meetings with them Sabbath and first-day. April 2, commenced meetings in Jamestown, Ottawa Co. Held, in all, twenty-five meetings. The people here had become somewhat disgusted with the name of Adventists, because of the contradictory positions of those that had preached among them what is termed the “Age-to-come.” These people appeared very friendly while listening to the lectures on the prophecies; but as soon as the Sabbath question was referred to, there was an apparent change in their feeling. The Disciple minister fearing their craft was in danger, endeavored to quiet the minds of the people by trying to show that the ten commandments were the old covenant, and that they were abolished. Some of his positions were somewhat ludicrous, and were responded to by quite hearty laughing at times, until he was reproved by one of his own congregation. I had the privilege of replying in the evening, to a crowded house. A good impression seemed to be left on the minds of the people. I met with them last Sabbath. One sister expressed her determination to keep the Sabbath, and there are others that I think will join here soon. Confess and Forsake.
By C. Byington
ONE writer says in the REVIEW, “We never can be too much in earnest in putting away our sins.” Another says, “Sin dies hard; it makes a hundred excuses for itself.” These are true sayings. A few feeble efforts, or a few faint desires, will never accomplish the work. Nothing short of giving heed to all the Lord has done and is doing will enable us to put away our sins. Nothing will prove more fatal than to try to cover our sins, or to charge them upon others. Eve tried to hide her sin. Adam charged his sin upon Eve, and so it has been ever since. Instead of saying, I have sinned, we try to find an excuse for our sins. Oh! may we confess and forsake all our sins before it is too late. Ceresco, Mich., May, 1871. Decline of the Romish Church in Europe.
THE attentive observer of events transpiring in Europe cannot fail to note the rapid decline of the papal hierarchy. Within the past year it has been driven from the exercise of temporal power. It yields sullenly and defiantly to what it can not resist. The old man, who is now a prisoner in the Vatican, no longer sends teachers to France; the Concordat between himself and the late occupant of the Tuilleries was abrogated by the German victories at Sedan. Spain, the most fanatical of all Roman Catholic countries, no longer turns to Rome with that deep regard and devotion which was her wont. The pontifical revenues have become lean where they were once fat. The most important departure was taken by Italy, when, in the face of anathemas, protests, and entreaties, the so-called vicar of Christ was made to yield obedience to the civil power. The German Jesuits, under the leadership of Dr. Dollinger, are making a vigorous fight against the dogma of infallibility. Only a few days ago, the cable brought us the intelligence that Austria was about to cast off the ecclesiastical yoke and emancipate herself from the bondage of a despotism which has been without an equal for fifteen hundred years. The Imperial parliament is now considering a measure in favor of the abolition of the Concordat of the Empire with the Church of Rome and investigating the practical consequences of the dogma of infallibility to the government and people. The provisions of this vicious and degrading document “gave to the pope the right of free and secret intercourse with all bishops and priests within the empire; it conferred upon him the power to appoint priests, vicars, and all ecclesiastical officers, to establish livings, and to supervise and control the whole theology of the people; it provided that no one should preach without his permission, and even placed the schools of the vast realm, with their books and teachers, absolutely in the hands of the infallible sinner of the Vatican. According to the Concordat, the church could acquire, but could not dispose of, property. All marriages were declared null and void if contracted outside of the Romish pale, and all children born under its ban were illegitimate. It was even provided that priests suspected of crime should be tried differently from the unconsecrate horde, and, if convicted, they were to be imprisoned—in a monastery!” Austria, sluggish, indifferent, and priest-ridden, as she is, has partially aroused herself to the shameful spoliation of her rights by the Romish Church. Wherever papal power exists it is constantly attempting to seize the functions of the State. It is our first duty to hold this power in check, to subdue it and compel it to conform to the civil authority. The insolent papal flag must never be permitted to float over a free nation. —Lafayette Weekly Courier. Sister Laura B. Starr Writes from Vermont
SISTER LAURA B. STARR, writes from Vermont: I do love the present truth, and am so glad the Lord gave me a heart to keep his commandments. I want to live so that I shall be an overcomer and receive an overcomer’s reward. Oh! how sweet it will be to hear the “well done, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. DIED, in Paris, Maine, Oct. 9, 1870, my esteemed aunt, Mrs. Anna Andrews, wife of John Andrews, in the seventy-third year of her age. She was deeply interested in the doctrine of the near advent of Christ for the last twenty-eight or thirty years of her life, and her works gave evidence that she was earnestly seeking a full preparation for the great day of final account. She embraced the Sabbath of the Lord about twenty-five years before her death, and was, from that time forward, a conscientious observer of that sacred day. For about half a century, she was a disciple of Christ, faithfully walking in his steps according to her best light. I know not the circumstances of her death, but from her Christian life, I cannot doubt that she sleeps in Christ. May the bereaved family follow her worthy example, and find in Christ their consolation and support.
J. N. ANDREWS. DIED near Sugar Grove, Howard Co., Ind., May 3, 1871, sister Nancy J., wife of Bro. Robert Niccum, aged twenty-three years, and ten months. She embraced the truths of the third angel’s message last August. During her sickness, her mind seemed to dwell much upon the blessed hope. She leaves a companion and daughter and a large circle of friends, who mourn her loss, though they are comforted with the thought of soon seeing her again in the morn of the resurrection.
S. H. LANE.