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Review and Herald, Vol. 54, No. 16.

THE UTILITY OF COMMENTARIES
Earlier text: THE UTILITY OF COMMENTARIES

WHAT THE CATECHISM SAYS.

By H. W.

The following questions and answers are taken from “The Larger Catechism,” prepared by William Nast, with the “Official Sanction of the General Conference” of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of the German Edition. The work is written also in English, published by the “Book Concern” of the M. E. church, and highly recommended to the denomination by the official papers.
349. Will, then, the wicked be raised up again as well as the righteous?
Yes, verily; for there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.
350. When shall the dead arise?
When Jesus, who was seen of his disciples ascending into heaven, shall again be seen by all eyes, descending from heaven in glory to complete his work of redemption.
351. Has God revealed to us in his word the day of the second coming of Christ?
No; although various signs will precede his second advent, yet his day will come as a thief in the night.
352. Who will rise from the dead first?
They that are Christ’s.
353. But how will it be with those who shall then be alive?
They shall not die, but their bodies shall be changed.
354. What will take place after the resurrection of the dead?
The last and general Judgment upon all apostate angels and unrenewed men by the Lord Jesus Christ, who having come in the flesh to save the world, is ordained by the Father to judge the same.
355. Shall they that are Christ’s appear with the ungodly before the bar of God?
No; at their glorious resurrection, which precedes that of the wicked, they will be acknowledged by their Lord as his own, and themselves take a part in the Judgment.
356. Whom will the Lord use as ministers to execute judgment?
The holy angels.
361. What will be the closing act of the Judgment?
God will destroy with fire the world, polluted by the fall of men and angels, and create a new earth and a new heaven.
The author then quotes Peter, and John in Revelation, to show that the renewed earth will become “the eternal abode of redeemed and glorified humanity.”
Following each answer as given above are the scriptures from which the answers are deduced, but I have omitted them. H. W.

BIBLE HISTORY CONFIRMED.

The following is an extract from “Ancient Literature,” by J. D. Quackenbos, A. M., M. D., pp. 111, 112:—
“But the mounds that so long covered the site of Nineveh have recently surrendered their treasures. Clouds that environed the history of the past have been dissipated; ancient nations, for ages wrapped in obscurity, we no longer ‘see through a glass darkly;’ and the narrative of the inspired writers of the Bible has been in many places confirmed by the inscriptions disentombed in the East. Among the most interesting fragments found scattered through the ruined ‘Chambers of Records’ of the Assyrian palace, are the tablets relating to the creation, the fall of man, and the deluge, copied from Babylonian records hundreds of years older than the Pentateuch.”

DEBTS PAID.

By J. R. C.

I DESIRE to relate one of many incidents in my experience in answer to prayer. In September, 1871, my wife and myself were taken ill with fever, and brought near death’s door. Our sickness lasted more than two months. We have a family of eight; and during our long illness, became involved in a debt of about one hundred and seventy-five dollars, for the support of the family, doctor’s bill, and other expenses. On November 7, 1871, I wrote in my diary: “I am resolved by the grace of God to live differently than I have, and will try to keep my body under, and overcome appetite; will try to show more love and patience at home and everywhere, and endeavor to bear and hold up the cross of Christ before men, and to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. The late sickness of myself and wife has involved me in debt about one hundred and seventy-five dollars. I have commenced to-day to ask the Lord to give me this sum between this and March 1, 1872, that I may be free from debt.”
I continually brought this matter before the Lord in secret prayer. February 29, I was absent from home, and told a friend I expected some money the next day; and though nearly the last day had expired, and no money had come, yet I still expected the Lord would send it.
I went home the first day of March; and before I got into the house, my youngest boy came running out, and said to me, “Some money for you at the express office!” On getting the money, I found it was one hundred and eighty dollars. I paid the debts, and heartily thanked the Lord for so signally answering my prayers. The money was left me by a deceased relative, and it came just in time.—J. R. C., in the Christian.

“WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN AM I STRONG.”

By A. S. C.

This, as stating a fact in the Christian life, means that when I am conscious of my own want of strength for spiritual purposes, so as to feel compelled to rely upon the power of God, as put forth in the established modes of gospel influence, then am I strong, then through faith I feel confident of overcoming all hindrances to my spiritual life; and, again, I have all the strength that I need in my work. I can do nothing directly and of my own native energy to subdue my evil affections, but I can learn divine truth, meditate upon it, turn my thoughts to the person and work of Christ, pray and resort to all divine ordinances, and by such means secure the gracious helps promised in the use of the means appointed for the exercise of God’s power in the work of our redemption.
I can do nothing effectively for the conversion of men to Christ, or for their growth in grace; but I can proclaim the truths of the gospel, point out the way of everlasting life, bring men into the sphere of God’s grace, and thus really employ the very power that is wanted for the highest purposes of Christian activity. The result is as if I had in myself all the forces required for such operations. My weakness is thus replaced by God’s strength. In a sense of this I feel strong, and the work accomplished makes me appear really so. For practical purposes, it is as if I had in myself the power of doing all the great works proposed in the life of the disciple or minister of Christ,—A. S. C.

OPEN VISION.

By J. Clarke

It is said in 1 Sam. 3:1, that “the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision.”
We have fallen upon such highly favored times, it is claimed, that “open vision” is not now needed. But we find the world at the present time full of sin and crime, full of hypocrisy and deceit. The professed people of God are divided into hundreds of contending sects and factions; and of these each calls itself the true and genuine church. Amid all this confusion of sentiments, all or nearly all agree in this, that there is no need of “open vision,” as there was in the days of the prophet Samuel. No; all this is out of date, and passed away. We live in an age of such consummate wisdom (?) that the gift of “open vision” is not only not needed, but it is actually past. We have the word of God; that is sufficient. Does the present state of the world and the church favor the view which we have described as the common opinion? Do we not need the gift of open vision now as much as the church needed it in the days of Samuel? J. CLARKE.

The Two Strong Arms

A great scholar in Germany went one day to church. On his way he met a poor old man, to whom he wished “Good morning.” The poor man thanked him, but he added that he did not exactly remember ever having a bad one. “Well, then, I wish you much luck.”
“I thank you, sir; but, to tell the truth, I never yet have had bad luck. I have never had yet a sorrowful morning; for if I am hungry, I praise God; if I am cold, I praise God; if it rain or snow, thunder or lighten, I praise the Lord, and am always joyful. And I have never had a bad week. I resign myself to my dear Lord and Saviour, and am sure he does nothing wrong.”
The scholar was astonished at the faith of the poor man, and asked again what he would do if God should thrust him into hell at last. “Thrust me into hell? that he will never do,” answered the poor man; “but if he should, I have two arms—the arm of faith and the arm of love—with them I would hold him so fast that he must go with me; and where my Lord and my guide is, there is my heaven.”—Christian at Work.

Our Basket.

“A little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts and almonds.” Gen. 43:11.
—VENTURE not to the utmost bounds of even lawful pleasures; the limits of good and evil join.—Fuller.
—THE world honors a fearless and outspoken advocate of any cause. Let your light shine, throw away your bushel.
—THERE is a promise in the Bible for every want, and trial, and difficulty. God has no poor children; they are all rich. Any one of God’s promises is a rich inheritance.
—“LET us watch awhile the sowers, let us mark their tiny grain, Scattered oft in doubt and trembling, sown in weakness or in pain; Then let faith, with radiant finger, lift the veil from unseen things, Where the golden sheaves are bending, and the harvest anthem rings.”
—CHRIST looked upon the world as upon a mighty harvest, field after field ready for the sickle. He and his apostles seemed like a band of reapers; but what are they to such a harvest? There is a striking resemblance between this day and Christ’s day. Our cities and villages are crowded like those of Galilee, and the faithful ministers are indeed nothing to such a harvest. In most places the people are willing and eager to hear the words of eternal life, which shows the harvest to be indeed ripe.—R. M. M’Cheyne.
—SHORT as life is, it is the seed time for eternity. Whatsoever a man sows here, he shall reap to all eternity. If he sows to the wind, he shall reap the whirlwind. If he sows to the flesh, he shall reap corruption. If he sows in righteousness, he shall reap in mercy. If he sows to the Spirit, he shall reap life everlasting. This life is the day of grace, the season of mercy, when enduring riches may be secured. Many have seized the moments as they passed, and become immensely rich in faith, in good works, in bright hopes, and in a blessed inheritance beyond the skies.—New York Evangelist.
—THE trials which befall us are the very trials which we need. The little daily excoriations of temper speedily heal themselves; but when the pain lasts, they have an errand to accomplish, and they accomplish it. These as well as greater sufferings, are ordered. They must be submitted to with patience, resignation, and meekness; and if they enable us to see ourselves, and gain a victory over our pride, they are of great value. Instead of vain and impotent wishes to fly from them, or the circumstances which occasion them, it is the part of manly virtue to bear and forbear, and by grace to wax stronger and stronger.

LYONS CAMP-MEETING.

By James White

The Lyons camp-meeting was held near the village of Lyons, Michigan, Sept. 25–30. This was the third meeting in the State the present season. A large gathering was not expected, and preparations were made according to expectations. The center of the mammoth tent was left at Battle Creek, under the impression that it would not be needed.
The suffering endured by the congregation on Sunday, and the risk of life to the speaker in consequence of the intense heat in the crowded audience, may suggest to the minds of our good camp-meeting committee that great risks should not be run in the line of comfort to the people, and the life of those speakers attending their twelfth camp-meeting for the season. That portion of the tent on the ground was literally packed, and a dense wall of men stood around, excluding the least breath of pure air from without, shutting up both hearers and speaker to impure air, literally hot, which had been breathed over a hundred times. Mrs. W. risked her life to address the audience. We refused. With this exception, ample preparations were made for both speakers and hearers.
Sabbath was a good day on the Lyons camp-ground. At the close of Mrs. W.’s discourse in the afternoon, not less than four hundred came forward for prayers. It was an occasion of deep feeling. After prayers were offered, testimonies, brief and to the point, were given by those seeking the Lord. This service reached to nearly dark, when it was closed to spend an hour in the family tents where the same work of seeking God could be carried on in scores of distinct congregations. The results were excellent.
The preaching at the Lyons camp-meeting was generally practical and close, and the social exercises were free and spirited. As usual at such meetings in Michigan, harmony prevailed. The Sabbath-school, the temperance movement, and the tract and missionary work, received their proportion of attention, and moved off in an encouraging manner.
In the business reports, Michigan appears to great disadvantage. Michigan is really one of the most destitute fields in point of laborers. We read in the list of the preachers of the Michigan Conference the names of Waggoner, Byington, Van Horn, Burrill, Smith, Corliss, Sawyer, S. H. Lane, J. White, and Mrs. E. G. White.
But Eld. Waggoner has labored in California since the last General Conference. Eld. Van Horn is president of the Oregon Conference, and has not labored in Michigan for several years. Eld. S. H. Lane has labored in Indiana a number of years as president of that State Conference. Elds. Corliss and Burrill are laboring in Colorado, and have labored out of their Conference much of the time for several years. Eld. Sawyer labors among the Swedes from Maine to Kansas. Eld. Byington, at the age of eighty, does his work well, and counts one among the ministers of the Michigan Conference. Had Eld. Canright not been transferred to Ohio, he would count only one. Eld. Smith is nearly shut up to his labors in the REVIEW Office and at the College, and Eld. White and wife have spent only two Sabbaths in Michigan during the past Conference year.
Noble Michigan has parted with her most efficient ministers, and last year gave the General Conference the sum of $3,000 to support them in other fields. In this, Michigan has done well; but there is such a thing as doing wrong in loving neighbors better than self. The Michigan Conference is waking up to the importance of the State where most of our institutions are located, standing ahead in point of an able ministry and a devoted, thorough-going membership. In this respect the Michigan Conference should be a model for others.
This subject was quite thoroughly canvassed at the Lyons camp-meeting, and the wants of the cause were carefully considered. The subject of dividing the State into three Conferences received considerable attention. But it was finally decided to elect an executive committee of five, instead of three as is usual in our State Conferences, four of them ministers, three to preside over as many divisions of the State under the supervision of a president of the whole. It may be thought best, at the next annual Conference, to divide this large Conference of more than one hundred congregations of S. D. Adventists.
The auditing committee claimed much of our time; and we were glad to see that the following measures were regarded with favor by the several members of this committee:—
  1. That those ministers who are wearing out with successful labor should be well supported.
  2. That young men of promise should be encouraged by proper remuneration for what they do accomplish.
  3. That those ministers of ability belonging to the Conference, who are laboring in other Conferences, be encouraged to labor in Michigan so far as consistent.
  4. That if Michigan be drawn upon for ministerial help for less important fields than at home, where our institutions are located, if any are spared, it should be those who can leave with the least loss, and who are better adapted to posts of duty of less importance to the general cause than those at or near head-quarters.
Twenty-five were baptized, and Brn. Sisley and Wellman were set apart to the work of the gospel ministry at the closing morning meeting on third day. Thus closed the good camp-meeting at Lyons, Michigan. J. W.

THE TEMPERANCE WORK

By N. N. Andrews

AMONG THE S. D. ADVENTISTS OF AMERICA.

The Seventh-day Adventists believe that the advent of Christ will soon take place, and that all men should keep the commandments of God. Like Paul, they preach righteousness, temperance and the Judgment to come. Acts 24 : 25. Righteousness, according to St. John, is right doing. 1 John 2 : 29 ; 3 : 7. In the Judgment to come, God will decide on all human conduct, and on every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil. Eccl. 12 : 13, 14.
Temperance is a Christian virtue strongly insisted on in the New Testament. Paul calls it one of the fruits of the Spirit. Gal. 5 : 22. According to St. Peter it is one of the graces of the Spirit, which we are to use all diligence in acquiring. 2 Pet. 1 : 6. Temperance is well defined by St. Paul when he says, Whether ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Cor. 10 : 31 ; and again when he says, But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection ; lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 1 Cor. 9 : 27, and also when he says, They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Gal. 5 : 24.
These passages show that to be temperate men we must govern our appetites and passions by the principles of the New Testament. We must eat and drink to the glory of God. To do this we must use with moderation such things as are beneficial to man, and must abstain wholly from those things which are injurious to him. We cannot use to the glory of God any hurtful thing, and those things which God has designed for man’s good must be used within the limits of man’s wants. Christian temperance therefore consists in the moderate and reasonable use of that which is good, and in total abstinence from that which is injurious and evil.
We cannot be moderate in the use of evil things. It was intemperance, on the part of Eve, to even taste the forbidden fruit. To be temperate we must govern our appetites. These principles are sustained both by reason and by the Scriptures. But it is evident that many, who consider themselves patterns of temperance, have no just idea of what constitutes this excellent virtue.
The attention of the Seventh-day Adventists has in the providence of God been particularly called to this subject. Believing that the Judgment of the great day is at hand, they have felt it to be of the highest importance to study the Scriptures with respect to a preparation for that event. They have sought to take just and reasonable views of their teachings on this subject. They have not overlooked those passages which relate to the work of God’s grace in the heart, and they have also given attention to those passages which teach us the necessity of governing the appetites and passions. They have learned that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and that if any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy. 1 Cor. 3 : 16, 17 ; 6 : 19, 20.
They have clearly seen that men cannot use to the glory of God that which destroys the nervous system, and for this reason they have wholly discarded the use of tea and coffee. Many who used these things to relieve sick headache and nervous diseases, have been surprised to find that these difficulties disappeared soon after they had wholly ceased to use these stimulants, and thus they learned that the supposed remedy for these diseases was the real cause of their existence.
The Seventh-day Adventists believe the use of tobacco a great evil in the sight of God and man. They therefore bear an outspoken testimony against its use in any form. They also consider it a great wrong to use as beverages any liquor capable of producing intoxication. They understand that there is but one safe ground to occupy with respect to such things, and that is total abstinence. The great army of drunkards is recruited from the ranks of moderate drinkers, but never is a recruit drawn from the ranks of those who totally abstain. The entire denomination takes the highest temperance ground, and this has been their position always.
Recently a new interest has been awakened on this subject among our people at Battle Creek, Michigan. To extend these principles everywhere, a general temperance society has been formed, and agents have been appointed to carry forward this work in other countries. The members of this society solemnly pledge themselves before each other that they will abstain from the use of these hurtful things. Regular meetings of this society are held from time to time, and many persons are taking a deep interest in the temperance work.
The state of things on the continent of Europe calls loudly for earnest effort in behalf of temperance reform. Tobacco and wine or beer are used everywhere and by all classes. If any person thinks that God is glorified by these things, let him pass the drinking saloons and listen to the revelry of the drinkers. Those who resort to these evil places, contracted the appetite for strong drink at the table of their own parents.
It must be evident to any person who will consider these things that both by precept and example we should cast our influence against the use of spirituous liquors, and we earnestly invite the readers of this journal to unite with us in the effort to rescue our fellow-men from the evils of intemperance. N. N. ANDREWS.
Bâle, Suisse, Aug. 31, 1879.

BE CANDID.

A SKEPTICAL friend presents the following queries, which, as we give him credit for candor in asking, we are happy to answer, trusting that the answers will be candidly considered.
1. How do you reconcile the genealogical records concerning Christ, as given by Matthew and Luke?
ANS. Matthew gives us the genealogy of Christ through the line of Joseph, his reputed father, and Luke through the line of Mary, his mother. These lines come together twice, in Zorobabel and David, before reaching back to Abraham. The matter is explained and illustrated by a beautiful diagram in the Religious Encyclopedia. It is likewise fully explained in Dr. Clarke’s notes. See also the REVIEW, Vol. 51, No. 21.
2. How comes the account of the taking of the city of Jericho to be accredited to Moses, as he was then dead (or had been translated). What authority has the Bible writer for giving that account? If Moses did not give it, who did?
ANS. The account of the taking of Jericho is not accredited to Moses, but to Joshua. Moses was not translated. We had never supposed but that Joshua, the successor of Moses, was able to write. We fear our friend has not sufficiently informed himself in regard to the facts of the narrative.
3. What authority had Moses for giving an account of the fall of man, etc., since he lived about midway between Adam’s day and our day?
ANS. Inspiration.
4. If the gospel writers were inspired, why do they not agree regarding the writing above the cross? They all mention it, and no two agree.
ANS. Our friend again misapprehends the facts in the case; for they agree perfectly. Let us see how they each record it: Matthew: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Mark: “The King of the Jews.” Luke: “This is the King of the Jews.” John: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Constructing out of all these an inscription which shall embrace everything that any of them have mentioned, we have this: “This is Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” This is doubtless just what was written. Now mark: It was not necessary for each evangelist to give the entire title, unless he was moved to do so. But if he gives only a part, he does not contradict the fact that something more was written. For instance, Matthew omits the words, “of Nazareth,” which John uses, simply saying, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” What Matthew says was all there, was it not? Yes. And that is all that he affirms. He does not say that the words “of Nazareth,” which John uses, were not there. So there is no contradiction between him and John. On the other hand John omits the words “this is,” which Matthew uses, simply saying, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” But he does not say that the words of Matthew, “this is,” were not there? No. Then where is the contradiction? There is none. None of them affirm that what they present was the entire title, and they were not obliged to give that. But all which any one gives was in the title just as he says. So they are all absolutely correct, and there is no contradiction between them.
5. In reference to David’s act of numbering Israel, it is once said that he was influenced by God, and again that he was influenced by Satan. How are these statements reconciled?
ANS. A misapprehension again of the facts in the case; for God did not stir David up to number the people. This was Satan, as is plainly stated in 1 Chron. 21:1; but in the parallel passage in Kings it is simply the pronoun “he” that is used. And while, if we look at the apparent grammatical construction, the word “Lord” in the preceding clause would seem at first sight to be the antecedent of the pronoun he, it is not necessarily so; and when we look at the sense, we see at once that it cannot be so. For this act of numbering Israel was the very thing that caused the anger of the Lord to be kindled against David. But we cannot suppose that any writer who was capable of framing words into a correct sentence, would be guilty of saying in the same breath that God moved David to number Israel, and then was angry with him for so doing. We therefore, taking the account in Chronicles which admits of no ambiguity, conclude that Satan was the one who moved David to number Israel; and that consequently, the pronoun “he” in the account in Kings, refers to Satan, as an antecedent understood. To reason otherwise on this, would be to manifest a desire to find a contradiction in the Scriptures, and whoever cherishes such a desire, approaches them under the influence of a biaswhich will almost certainly prevent his arriving at the truth.
6. It is once said that after David had numbered the people, he paid fifty shekels of silver for the threshing-floor of Araunah, and in another place that he paid six hundred shekels of gold. How can these statements be harmonized?
ANS. It will be noticed that the expression in 1 Chron. 21 is much more comprehensive than that in 2 Sam. 24. In the latter place simply the threshing-floor proper and the oxen are spoken of, for which he paid fifty shekels of silver; but in 1 Chron. 21 everything is included, the threshing-floor, the oxen, the instruments of wood, the wheat for the meat offering, and “the place,” which is taken to mean quite a large extent of adjoining territory, for which he paid six hundred shekels of gold. And that this comprehensive view is taken in 1 Chron. 21, is evident from the first verses of the next chapter, which declare that David called that place the house of the Lord, and immediately commenced preparation for the building of the temple upon the ground which he had purchased, which would require much more ground than a mere threshing-floor. See Barrett’s Synopsis of Criticisms on 2 Sam. 24.

HOME AGAIN.

By James White

PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE.

We reached Battle Creek the night of the 6th, after being absent from Michigan one year, with the exception of two Sabbaths. Of our sojourn in Texas last winter we have reported through the REVIEW. We have also given brief statements of attending camp-meetings in Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Dakota, and of our brief sojourn and labors in Colorado. Returning, we have since labored in camp-meetings in Ohio, Massachusetts, Maine, two in New York, in Michigan, and Indiana.
We need not say that we are worn and weary. Mrs. W. feels the labors of the past year more than the writer. God has been very good in preserving us, and giving us a good degree of health and strength during the past year of care and toil. In many respects Mrs. W.'s general health is in advance of what it was a year ago, and the writer is able to report better health than for several years. God is good.
Of the future, in point of locality and labors, we are not prepared to speak definitely. Our friends will please address us at Battle Creek, Mich., until further notice is given.
The institutions we have labored to build up at Battle Creek are very dear to us, and they need the fostering care that we can give them when not called to other duties. We must give more time to writing for our periodicals, and we still have unfinished books to complete. We may remain in Michigan during the winter, excepting the few coldest weeks, when we may enter an opening made for us in central or southern Indiana. J. W.

EDUCATIONAL RELIEF FUND.

By James White

WE are happy to report that all our Conferences, from Maine to Minnesota, and from Michigan to California, are taking hold of the work in good earnest to raise for themselves a fund by loans and donations for the relief of those young men who wish to educate themselves for useful positions in the work of God.
Liberal pledges have been made by those who were accessible at our camp-meetings. But these include but a portion of the friends of education in the ranks of S. D. Adventists. All must have a chance to do what they can in this noble work. Therefore an appeal will be made to all our people, accompanied by pledge papers. These will be sent to every church with a request that they be circulated, and the entire field canvassed by the proper persons as solicitors of pledges and payments. J. W.

CHRISTIANA, NORWAY.

By John Gottlieb Matteson

Many countries of Europe seem to be almost forsaken by the Lord, and to have become the stronghold of evil spirits: yet the Lord has a people among the different nations, who must be called out by the message, and who will prepare to meet him. The Spirit of God is still working on hearts here as well as in America. For this we praise God and take courage.
We are deeply interested in Bro. Loughborough’s mission in England, and rejoice in the success which so far has attended the truth there. And our prayers ascend for our dear Bro. Andrews, as he has once more reached Switzerland. May the Lord comfort him in all his sorrows, and give new strength after so much sickness and affliction. It is wonderful to hear from the southern countries, of Italians and Greeks and Arabians who are stretching out their hands to the Lord, and studying the truth for our times. Soon the Lord will unite them and us (Scandinavians of the northern countries) with our dear American brethren, from whom the Lord has been pleased to cause the light to shine forth, and who are so faithfully planting the seeds of truth in the east and west, in the south and north.
Bro. Jasperson has returned from Denmark. He with another young brother, will enter a new field next week, the Lord willing. The mission here is onward, and the light goes out from here to many other places. Some more have been added to our numbers since last report.
The tract society is at work so successfully that we have reason to hope for like societies in other places as the truth shall spread. It is started on a cash basis. Tracts are bought at a low rate with all the means that are obtained by membership, donations and sales. The last three weeks they have sold tracts and papers for about 20 Kroner ($5.33) each week. Last Sabbath we rejoiced in greeting four new Sabbath-keepers gained directly by the tracts. One of them joined the society next evening, and is at work among his Christian friends. A number of tracts are sold to people on the steamers and ships in the harbor.
Last Sabbath our Sabbath-school numbered more than 120 members, 113 being present. The interest is increasing as well as the membership. This blessed interest is due, with the help of God, to the American Sabbath-school system. We have never before had suitable lessons in our language. In fact, we have never had any lesson books at all. For this reason the Sabbath-school work has moved languidly among the Scandinavians. The work of publishing such lessons in good shape has seemed too much for me. I did not venture to begin nor to propose it. Somehow circumstances have compelled me to undertake it now, and I see no other way than to work diligently and trust the Lord for strength.
We are now situated so that we can print our own tracts and papers; and although we have but an old, cheap hand press, and it takes more time, yet we can do the work ourselves without asking help from those outside.
After having tried for about eight months to get the truth published by unbelievers and handled by unsanctified hands and prayerless hearts, I consider it a very great favor of the Lord, that we now are able to send out tracts and papers from this office, and do all the work ourselves. We printed 3,000 small tracts (2 pp. with notice of our tracts and papers as well as meetings) three weeks ago. They are all sold. The next week we printed 2,000 four-page tracts. Of these we have 800 left. We send out and sell more than 800 copies of Tidernes Tegn every two weeks when it is published.
Now I desire to say that all these branches of the work are young and tender plants, and they must be carefully nourished. If left now, they will soon wither. The Lord has given us a wide missionary field in this city and vicinity. New souls are becoming interested every week. He has mercifully suffered our printing work to be located here. And he has taught our fingers to do even such work as we did not understand before, and has filled our hearts with love for the work. Pray for us, that his name may be glorified and many souls saved.
Sept. 9. J. G. MATTESON.

FIVE DOLLARS A MONTH.

By D. A. Robinson

For what? To liquidate the monthly tobacco bill of a young man only seventeen years of age. Not long since, as I was riding in a stage coach, a young man stepped aboard, who was well dressed, and looked and acted like a gentleman, only that he had in his mouth that intolerable nuisance—a cigar. He looked around, and seeing that there were no ladies aboard, went on with great satisfaction to enjoy his luxury. The wind for a time blew the smoke from me, so of course I made no complaint; but after riding a mile or two, our coach turned its course sufficiently to bring the cloud of poison squarely into my face. I dodged it as I would a bullet, and put my head outside the coach, thinking that the young man would take the hint and refrain. But no, not he. At last I became desperate, and finally remarked to him that one of three things would have to transpire immediately. He looked at me in astonishment, and asked what they were. “Well,” said I, “I shall become very sick, or I shall get out of this coach, or you will stop that smoking.” “Oh, excuse me, sir,” said he. “When I got in I saw there were no ladies, and I supposed a man coming from the town of ——— would of course be a smoker.” “Just a few puffs more,” said I, “and you will have a very sick man on your hands.” “I wish it would use me so,” was his reply, as he tossed his half-consumed idol out of the door.
After some further conversation on the filthiness and expensiveness of such a habit, I asked him what his tobacco cost him a year. “Well,” said he, “let us see,—four, twenty-eight, hundred and twelve,—well, about $5.50 a month, not over that. I don’t use half as much as some men I know.”
I began to reflect. Over $60.00 a year burned up by a youth who at the same time is trying to get an education. Let us see. There are about three million souls in the States included in this Conference. Allowing that one in every 500 is a tobacco devotee, and granting them just one-half as much as the above young man used, and we have $180,000.
It is distressing to hear some poor souls who profess to be S. D. Adventists try to belittle the temperance move that has been inaugurated among us. We should blush for shame when we find ourselves indifferent over this matter. Brethren and sisters, we may make our influence felt on this question of temperance if we will, and through it open a door for the last message of mercy. Oh, for eye-salve to see when good comes. May God help us to understand the nature of this great work.
D. A. ROBINSON.
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