WHEN HAVE INSPIRED MEN EXPECTED THE BLISS OF HEAVEN?
By R. F. Cottrell
THERE is no variance among the inspired writers of the Old Testament and the New, in respect to the time when they expected their reward. They expected no part of it before the resurrection of the dead. And there is no exception to this rule in any inspired writer. This is the most conclusive evidence that the dead sleep, and are not in conscious happiness or misery. We have no reason to say that the dying thief was an inspired man, yet he asked to be remembered at the151same time that inspired men expected to be remembered. "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." It is claimed that the Lord granted him more than he asked for—that instead of waiting for that day to arrive, he should enjoy the bliss of the paradise of God immediately. Paradise and the third heaven are the same, 2 Cor. 12 : 2-4. It would seem strange indeed, if the thief, who found pardoning mercy while dying, should be so distinguishably honored above such men of God as David. It was sometime after the thief died, and, as it is supposed, went to heaven, that Peter said, "For David is not ascended into the heavens." Acts 2 : 34. David then had not gone to paradise, when Peter, immersed with the Holy Spirit, preached to the people, on the day of pentecost. Did David, while living, look for his reward sooner? We will hear his testimony.
"As for me," says he, contrasting himself with "men of the world," "I will behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness." Ps. 71:15. The pure in heart shall see God. Matt. 5:8. David expected to see his face in righteousness; but not immediately. He expected to sleep; but he expected to awake with his Redeemer's likeness. Then he would be satisfied. How this testimony harmonizes with that of the apostle. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." 1 John 3:2. When shall the saints see the Lord and be like him! At death? No; but when he appears. At that time shall those that sleep awake with his likeness. "For the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible." 1 Cor. 15:52. Then all the saints shall be satisfied, shall see their Lord and be like him.
Said Job, "O that thou wouldst hide me in the grave, that thou wouldst keep me secret, till thy wrath be past, that thou wouldst appoint me a set time, and remember me! If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change come. Thou shalt call and I will answer thee." It is evident that Job expected to go into the grave and wait all the days of his appointed time—till his Redeemer should come to earth and his change—the resurrection—should come. Then he expected to respond to the voice of the archangel and the trump of God, "Thou shalt call and I will answer thee; thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands."
I have affirmed that no inspired man, as recorded in the Bible, ever expected the bliss of paradise, before the resurrection. Of course Enoch and Elijah who did not die, are exceptions. None that have died, as recorded in the Bible ever expressed a thought of entering into conscious joys, immediately at death. If there is a state of conscious happiness for the righteous between death and the resurrection, it is exceedingly strange that no inspired man ever mentioned it; and since it is not mentioned in all the inspired word, I am confident it does not exist. Perhaps the reader will say that what I affirm is false; that inspired men did look for immediate conscious happiness, in the presence of the Lord, at death. What inspired writer has recorded it? Perhaps you answer Paul; for he said he had a desire to depart and be with Christ. So he did; and he is not the one Christian that has such desire. The time which elapses between death and the resurrection is nothing to the unconscious. To the saint of God, the next moment after he closes his eyes in death he opens them in the resurrection. By faith he triumphs over death as he falls in his icy embrace, the next moment to him he leaves the grave, where he has slept centuries perhaps, and ascends to meet the coming Lord; and as he looks upon the empty grave and calls to mind his last thoughts while struggling with death, he cries out, "O death! where is thy sting? O grave! where is thy victory?"
But to the question. Did Paul say he expected to be with Christ immediately at death? No. Then this must not be made to contradict that we have already quoted from inspired men. We look for them all to agree. When did Paul expect to be with Christ? At his coming. When he came down to the time when he was to close his earthly career and seal his testimony with his blood, he says, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Tim. 4:6-8.
The apostle's work is now done. He is about to depart. And he tells when he expects to receive the crown of righteousness. It is at the advent and resurrection, the time when all who love Christ's appearing will also receive a crown. This perfectly agrees with what he says in 1 Thess. 4:13-18. "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope." The apostle would comfort his mourning brethren, and to this end he would not have them ignorant concerning them that are asleep. Then if our departed loved ones are now with Christ, he will certainly tell us so. He will not withhold any consolation he can give in truth. If they are now in conscious happiness he will make it known.
But all he says of their present state is, they are asleep; and the first and only consolatory words he has to offer relate to the resurrection of the sleeping saints at the coming of Christ, when the living will be changed, and all, the dead and the living, be forever with the Lord. He has not one word to say of their present bliss in the "spirit world," or anywhere else. This is altogether unaccountable upon the supposition that he believed that those for whom they mourned were in conscious bliss. It is certain from his silence concerning this upon such an occasion, when this information was so much needed, and when he still proposed on the outset to dispel their ignorance concerning those who were asleep, that he did not believe in such a state for the dead, and the doctrine is entirely fabulous. The hope of bliss in a disembodied state is no part of the Christian hope. In fact, such a thing as disembodied men is unknown, unrecorded, and unrecognized, throughout all the Book of God. But how sweet the true consolation and hope as expressed by the apostle:
"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
Yes! Amen! Comfort one another with these words of the Bible believer's consolation. And let all the people say, Amen. And let all ministers of the present day comfort their bereaved hearers with these words! the coming of Christ and the resurrection! But they will not do it, because they suppose they have something better.
UNITY AND GIFTS OF THE CHURCH.
By James White
“And he gave some, apostles, and some, prophets; and some, evangelists, and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Eph. 4:11–13.
It may be thought, by reading the caption of this article, that we have undertaken two subjects at once. But we regard the unity and the gifts of the church as being so closely connected, one dependent on the other, that we introduce them as one subject.
Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are given “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come in the unity of the faith,” etc. The object of these callings and gifts, is here most plainly stated. And not until the object for which they were given shall be fully accomplished, will they be laid aside. While conversing with a certain minister on this subject some time since, he stated that the gift of prophecy was not in the church, that it ceased about 1800 years ago. We then quoted the above words of Paul to the Ephesians, to which he replied, that these were fulfilled, and that the gifts ceased with the apostles. “But sir, you profess to be an evangelist, a pastor, or a teacher, do you not?” “Certainly,” was the reply. “Then, according to your view of this subject, your calling ran out about 1800 years since.” He was silent, because he had nothing to say. Nothing is plainer from the sacred page than that these callings of God, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit run parallel.
Read the following list, and if any have ceased, please tell us which. “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” 1 Cor. 12:28. Have all ceased? Then our religious teachers are not moving under the authority of Heaven. Their commission run out eighteen centuries ago. But if these teachers of God’s word are moving out under the high commission given by the Head of the church, “Go teach,” etc., then why not expect the manifestation of all the gifts when the church shall stand forth in the order of God?
It is the opinion of some that the working of miracles, signs and wonders, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, were designed only for the week (seven years) of confirming the covenant, by the ministry of Christ, three and a half years, and by his apostles three and a half years. This view makes all the gifts cease at the close of that week, A. D. 34. But we hear Paul, A. D. 59, twenty-five years later, saying, “Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? have all the gift of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts.” 1 Cor. 12:29–31.
Were these gifts needed in Paul’s day? they are needed now. Were they necessary to guide and sustain the early church? how much more necessary in the perilous times of the last days. Were the gifts necessary to preserve the unity and purity of that church, which had received the pure doctrines of the gospel from Christ, and had been baptized with the Holy Spirit on the day of pentecost? how much more are they needed in the work of bringing out a people onto holy, apostolic ground, and of preparing them for a home in Heaven. J. W.
THE SUN IS SETTING.
By John G. Matteson
The sun of mercy is setting. The time of probation is fast closing. If we desire to do anything in the service of God, it must be done soon. The night comes when no man can work. It approaches more swiftly than we are aware. Our life also hangs by a brittle thread. Our existence is one of uncertainty. The gates of hades are wide open. Every hour carries thirty-six hundred human beings to the tomb. We must not marvel if the angel of death should knock at our door next.
Wonderful events are transpiring around us in nature, among the kingdoms and nations of this world, and among the people of God. The prophetic chains are being completed, link after link. The signs of the times illuminate the pathway of the saints. The warning voice of God is sounding with solemnity. The last message of mercy calls for earnestness and uncommon diligence. The remnant of God's people have slumbered too long on the enchanted ground. The sun of mercy is fast sinking. The night of sorrow—the day of Judgment—approaches with giant-steps. The lukewarm will soon be spewed out of the mouth of the Lord.
Awake, awake! If you want to serve God, serve him now. If you intend to suffer with Christ, do it now. If you mean to gain the victory over the corrupt desires and habits of the old man, make a full surrender now. Make no delay. Take hold of this matter in earnest. Be honest before God and to yourself. Otherwise you may soon be placed on the left hand, and be compelled to listen to those terrible words: "Depart from me, ye cursed!"
Satan is often moderate when he can advance his own devices. He does not ask for the whole heart, only a small corner—a little room for a small throne. His request does not appear so unreasonable. You sympathize also some with him on account of old acquaintance. How long shall this continue? You undertake a dangerous work. You are in danger of losing the crown of glory.
Are you prepared for the coming of our Lord? Answer the question, yes or no. If you are not prepared, how long will you wait before you wash your robe in the blood of the Lamb, and cleanse your character from the stains of sin? How long before you will fill your soul with heavenly love, so that you can rejoice to meet the coming King? What will you do when your lamp goes out? What will you all your prayers and sacrifices amount to when at last you sink into the lake of fire?
Do you say that you can do no more than you do? Consider this seriously. Your Saviour tells you to resist unto blood, striving against sin. Remember what he has done for you? Behold his sacred head, crowned with thorns. Behold him in the agony of death, groaning under the burden of your sins. Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away (or beareth) the sins of the world. Listen to his last agonizing cry: "My God, my God! why hast thou forsaken me?" Do you think Jesus had to put forth strong efforts to bear your sins? Then you must also make strong efforts to overcome them.
Consider how you can toil and endure to advance your temporal interests. Do you show as much diligence in spiritual things? Are you more interested in preparing to meet your God than to attend to your earthly affairs? Then you can labor for the Lord, and you can pray in earnest. Then you can break through all darkness and hindrances. Then you will not rest before rays of precious light from the sanctuary illuminate your mind. Then you can suffer with Christ and labor for him, when the heart is warmed up with his infinite love. Then you can subdue self and glorify God in trying to save sinners.
Dear reader, the sun of mercy is setting. If you mean to do anything for Jesus do it now before it is too late. May God sanctify you wholly, and "your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. JOHN G. MATTESON.
THE TWO WAYS.
By Mrs. E. G. White
"STRIVE to enter in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." These roads are distinct, separate, and in opposite directions. One leads to eternal life, the other to death, eternal death. There is a distinction between these roads, also between the companies traveling in them. One road is broad and smooth, the other is narrow and rugged. So the parties that travel in them are opposite in character, life, dress, and conversation.
Those traveling in the narrow way are talking of the joy and happiness at the end of the journey.
Their countenances are often sad, yet beam with holy, sacred joy. A man of sorrow and acquainted with grief opened that road for them, and traveled it himself. His followers see his footsteps, and are comforted. He went through safely; so can they if they follow him. In the broad road all are occupied with their dress and the pleasures in the way. They freely indulge in hilarity and glee, and think not of their journey's end, of the certain destruction that awaits them there. Every day they approach nearer their destination; yet they madly rush on faster and faster.
Why is it so hard to lead a self-denying, humble life? Because professed Christians are not dead to the world. It is easier living for Christ after dying to the world. They desire to be as much like the world as possible, and yet be considered Christians. Such seek to climb up some other way. They do not strive to enter through the narrow way and strait gate. Earth attracts them. Its treasures seem of worth to them.152They find enough to engross the mind, and have no time to prepare for Heaven. Satan is ever ready to plunge them deeper and deeper into difficulty; and as one perplexity and trouble is removed from the mind, he begets within them an unholy desire for more of the things of earth. Thus time passes, and when it is too late they find they have nothing substantial. They have grasped at shadows, and lost eternal life.
If the Christian would have a true and saving influence, let him show his faith by righteous works, and make the distinction great between himself and the world. The words, the dress, the actions, all should tell for God. Then a holy influence will be shed upon all. God hates pride. "And all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly will be stubble; and the day that cometh will burn them up." Religion will work like leaven upon hearts that embrace it, and purge away pride, selfishness, covetousness, and love of the world.
In these days childlike simplicity is rarely seen. The approbation of man is more thought of than fear to displease God. Some spend time that is worse than thrown away in studying how to decorate their person, forgetting that the same body may in a few days be food for worms.
Mothers frequently set the example of pride to their children, sowing seed that will spring up and bear fruit. The harvest will be plenteous and sure. It is much easier to teach a child a lesson of pride than of humility. If in after years they would counteract the influence of such a lesson, they find it impossible to do so. Pride early fostered in the heart remains there; and nothing but the Spirit of God can eradicate it.
Both young and old neglect the study of the Bible, and do not make it their rule of life. That important book by which they are to be judged is scarcely studied at all. Idle stories have been attentively read, while the Bible has been passed by, neglected. A day is coming when all will wish to be thoroughly furnished by the plain truths of the word of God.
It would be an act of mercy to children if parents would burn the idle story books and novels as they come into the house. The reading of them bewilders and poisons the mind. Unless parents awake to the eternal interests of their children, they will surely be lost. They should be exemplary, and rebuke pride in their children, as they value their eternal interests.
The Master's sacred head was decorated with a crown of thorns. "He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed." Many who profess to be his followers decorate themselves with needless ornaments and costly array.
The ax must be laid at the root of the tree. Pride must not be suffered to exist in the heart. It is this that separates God from his people. When Bible truths affect the heart, they cause a desire to be separate from the world, like the Master. Those who acquaint themselves with the meek and lowly Jesus will walk worthy of him. MRS. E. G. WHITE.
PREACHING THE BIBLE.
By Editor
In Chancellor Crosby's lectures on preaching, before the Yale Theological Seminary, we find the following excellent remarks on the necessity of "acuteness of perception," on the part of the preacher; of his recognizing the fitness of things; of his depending solely on the Bible, and taking just views of its doctrines. Without this he well remarks that his capacity for doing harm is immense:—
"A preacher with this defect is apt to take a text without any regard to its context, or the conditions under which it was written, and will use it as a motto to his preconceived notions. He is readily deceived by a word. He regards hell as hell, whether it be gehenna or hades. He never discriminates between the Holy Spirit and the human spirit, between salvation in its sense of rescue from sin and death, and salvation in its sense of completed redemption. Wherever he sees the word "soul," he has only one idea regarding it. Everywhere his want of critical acumen confounds things that differ, and by his clumsiness he often, instead of implanting truth, sows the seeds of doubt in the minds of discriminating hearers.
"We hold that the preacher is the interpreter of God's word; that he has the divine teaching first to gather and then to distribute; and that he has no other source of instruction than the revelation God has made by prophets and apostles, in using which he has the guidance of the Holy Spirit, through the ordinary faculties of his mind. All other knowledge that he may possess is of avail to him as preacher only as it is subservient to the illustration of the divine revelation. In this we take direct issue with those who would make the preacher the general instructor of his people in philosophy, who could as well take his text from the Vendidad, or the works of Confucius, or the dialogues of Plato as from the Bible. If the preacher is to hold this relation to his people, for Christianity is substituted culture, and for the church, civilization. It is not what man can develop out of himself; it is not what science and philosophy can teach; but it is what God has revealed, over and above all that man could otherwise know, with which the preacher has to deal. The Bible, therefore, is his one treasury from which he is ever to draw."
THE GENERAL CONFERENCE.
AT the special session of the General Conference held at Battle Creek, Mich., March 11-15, 1880, twenty-eight delegates were present, representing fifteen different States. Committees were appointed on the following subjects: Resolutions, Tract and Missionary Institutes, Camp-meetings, Tent-meetings, Tithing, Proper Qualifications of Ministers, and the Length of Time Church Elders and Deacons should hold their Office without a re-election.
In view of the fact that our experience as a people is demonstrating more and more the vast importance of the tract and missionary work, the committee appointed to consider that branch of the work recommended
1. That one or more general Tract and Missionary Institutes be held in each Conference, as the circumstances may seem to demand, and that especial efforts be made to secure the attendance of all ministers and tract and missionary officers.
2. That in each Conference one or more persons be qualified to conduct similar classes, and thus extend the system to every local society.
3. That as many Institutes be held the present spring as practicable without interfering with tent-labor.
4. That as Eld. B. I. Whitney, of New York, has successfully taught several Institutes, introducing an efficient system of tract and missionary accounts and labor, we recommend the adoption of these methods, and that, as far as possible, his services as teacher be secured by those Conferences where tract and missionary Institutes may be held.
5. That a manual of instruction be published, embodying the system of instruction relative to the tract and missionary work.
The Committee on Resolutions among other things recommended,
1. That those who conduct camp-meetings, acting with the State Conference committees, prepare a programme of business at the opening of the meeting, in order to expedite the transaction of business; also that they divide the camp into sections, and appoint laborers to hold meetings in those sections and work for the spiritual interests of the people.
2. That our ministers act as agents for the T. and M. society in the sale of all books and publications, the society furnishing the publications, and receiving the profits thereon.
3. That our State Conferences employ judicious persons to act as colporters, who shall receive a license from the State Conference committees to labor in that capacity; and all such persons will be expected to give quarterly reports of their labors to the Conference; it was further recommended that the auditing committees be empowered to consider such cases; and when, in their judgment, such labor has benefited the cause, to give a reasonable remuneration for the same.
At a succeeding session it was recommended, in view of the foregoing action, that the tract societies furnish our ministers with such tracts as they need for judicious distribution.
A resolution was also offered, recommending that the local elders and deacons in our churches should be elected annually, such election to occur in each church at a time set by each State Conference, except in churches where dissatisfaction with the incumbent has been expressed by at least a respectable minority of the church. In such cases it shall be the duty of the church clerk to notify the Conference committee of such fact; and elections in such churches shall be deferred till proper help is provided by the committee.
All the meetings were opened by singing and prayer. At each meeting the minutes of the preceding were read and approved. Subjects were more fully discussed, pro and con, than at any previous Conference, yet with the utmost cordiality of feeling, and with unanimity of action at the last in every case. It was throughout a most pleasant as well as important and profitable meeting.
The Missionary.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
The Master's loving eye doth see
Each earnest effort in His name,
Though shrouded in obscurity
And all unknown to worldly fame.
Upon each brow His hand shall set
A glittering, fadeless coronet;
Then who would faint, or fear, or stay
From harvest toil? "Go, work to-day!"
A MISSIONARY SPIRIT.
WEBSTER defines a missionary as "one who is sent upon a mission." But this does not carry the full idea of the term as it is used when applied to the work of God. A more full definition would be, "One sent upon a mission to save souls." It is not necessary to go into a far country to be a true missionary, but wherever there are souls to save, there men and women should manifest a missionary spirit. It should commence in our own hearts, and its fruit be manifest in our lives, and be felt in our own families and neighborhoods.153Love is the motive from which the action springs. Love is an active principle, and cannot live without works. Its life consists in performing acts of disinterested benevolence. Love is a heavenly plant, and flourishes, not in the soil of the natural heart, but only in a heart renewed by the grace of God. It never becomes weary in doing good to others, for "it suffers long and is kind." Christ was the great exemplar of this principle. And just in proportion to the amount of his spirit which we possess, will we labor for the upbuilding of the cause for which he shed his blood.
The heart will be drawn out after souls for whom Christ died. It will feel the misery of others, and cannot be at ease at the sight of suffering. Christ was rich, but he became poor that we through his poverty might become rich. To bear the burden of others, to alleviate their sorrows and sufferings without having in view a reward in this life, is an important feature of the Christian religion. "When thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and thou shalt be blessed." For what reason? "For they cannot recompense thee." Now the time is mentioned when the reward is given, "But thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just."
To be a successful missionary requires true wisdom. "He that winneth souls is wise." The apostle concluded he had run in vain unless success attended his labors. He exhorts the Philippians to "do all things without murmurings and disputings," "holding forth the word of life," that he might rejoice in the day of Christ that he had not run in vain, neither labored in vain. Phil. 2: 14-16. The consequences are too serious to enter upon the work of the Lord in a reckless manner. Eternal results rest upon present moves. If selfish motives prompt to action, even if it be to give all our goods to feed the poor, God does not accept it.
Christ, in the person of his unfortunate people, is often passed by unnoticed, because it requires patient sacrificing labor to care for them. To take an interest in such cases is the true missionary spirit exemplified. It reaches out for the salvation of others, and manifests itself in placing before others those blessings which God has bestowed upon us. We cannot enjoy these things alone. The exclusive "me and mine" feeling is no part of the Christian religion. Exclusiveness is a trait of the carnal heart, and belongs to the sinner. No comparison can be drawn between temporal things, and the worth of souls.
The precious blood of the Son of God which was shed for the salvation of mankind, tells the worth of the soul. And he who for the sake of sordid gain or personal ease, will neglect to labor for the salvation of others, and will let worldly interests come in between him and such labor, deceives himself if he thinks he possesses the Christian religion. Christ left riches, honor, and glory, and took upon himself poverty in the extreme. He had not where to lay his head. He came to his own, and his own received him not. Yea, we did esteem him stricken of God and afflicted. He was despised by men, yet he went about imparting life to the dead, health to the sick, and joy to the sorrowing. This was the missionary spirit as exemplified in the Son of God. And if we have not the spirit of Christ we are none of his.
S. N. HASKELL.
MEETING AT WOODLAND.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
Our meeting at this place was of an encouraging nature. The friends of the cause were present from Vaccaville, Dixon, and Arbuckle. They brought encouraging reports from their respective churches. Through the Sabbath-school work and missionary effort, an interest had been awakened in some of these places for miles around. In Woodland also the Sabbath-school interest is good.
Our meetings commenced Friday night. Sister White's testimony was no less appreciated here than elsewhere. The friends showed their interest in the prospect of laborers coming from the East, by donating liberally towards the tent fund. They also voted to use the twelve-page edition of the Signs for missionary work. They now receive one hundred and thirteen copies of the eight-page edition. The twelve-page at $1.50 would add $56.50 to their expense for the year, but one quarter of the year being gone the additional expense for the remaining nine months would only be $42.38. One-half of this the Association proposes to give them, which would reduce their additional expense this year to $21.19. This they cheerfully raise that they may have the twelve-page edition for their missionary work.
On Sunday, Sr. White spoke to an interested audience composed largely of those not of our faith; and at 7:30 P. M. to a full house on the subject of Christian Temperance. At the close of her address the temperance pledges were circulated and sixteen names were secured to the Teetotal Pledge, nine to the Anti-Rum and Tobacco Pledge, and seven to the Anti-Whisky Pledge.
Our brethren seemed much encouraged by the meeting, especially at the results of the temperance effort. A number of teams leave this morning for Arbuckle where we hold meeting this evening and to-morrow.
S. N. HASKELL.
March 29, 1880.
TEMPERANCE WORK IN PETALUMA.
By L. M. Hall
Two societies of temperance workers besides the juveniles, have been formed in Petaluma, the Ladies' Christian Temperance Union, and the Reform Club. By special invitation of the Ladies' Union, Mrs. E. G. White spoke to a good audience in the M. E. church the evening of March 20, and at the Theater Sunday afternoon, March 21. The meeting at the church was opened with prayer by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Dille, who, after an appropriate piece was sung from a collection prepared by the Reform Club, introduced Mrs. White to the audience.
The standpoint from which the subject was taken up, and the manner in which it was treated being so different from that generally adopted by temperance lecturers, commanded more than usual attention and interest. The audience at the Theater was still larger than at the church the previous evening, although the appointed hour was too early in the afternoon to secure the attendance of those connected with the Sunday-schools.
Many were the expressions of appreciation for the new impetus given to the work here. And it was remarked by an active member of the society, at the close of Mrs. W.'s first lecture, that the keynote had been struck. Another, a lady on a visit from the East, in speaking of the wonderful things she had seen and heard since coming to California, stated that what she had heard at these temperance meetings was the climax. May the good cause of temperance prosper in Petaluma.
L. M. HALL.
PETALUMA AND HEALDSBURG.
By Mrs. L. M. Hall
Leaving Oakland for Petaluma, Friday P. M., March 19, we arrived just before the commencement of the Sabbath, at the good home of Brother and Sister Chapman, whose doors and hearts are always open to receive those striving to advance the cause of truth. Sabbath morning Sister White spoke to the church assembled at their place of worship, from the words of Christ, Matt. 5 : 13: “Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” Her remarks were impressive, showing the fearful consequence of encouraging a spirit of questioning, of doubt, and unbelief. Following her discourse was an interesting social meeting. The Stony Point Church was well represented, and several were in from other places. It was stated that the largest number were present that had met together in their church for two years. In the evening Sister White spoke in the M. E. Church on the subject of temperance, also Sunday afternoon at the Theater.
Sunday at 5 P. M., took the cars for Healdsburg, where Sister White had an appointment for the same evening, at 7:30. Before the hour for service had arrived, the house was well filled with an intelligent audience, who listened to her discourse with manifest interest. Through the occasional labors of Eld. Healey, since the camp-meeting, the work here has been moving on and some precious souls are taking their stand for the truth. It is deeply regretted that Eld. Healey's health will not permit continued efforts in the field. MRS. L. M. HALL.
SANTA ROSA, CAL.
By W. C. Grainger; J. G. Hurley
WE have closed our meeting at Pleasant Hill. Three took their stand for the truth. Yesterday we organized a Sabbath-school of fourteen members, with Bro. John Bean, superintendent, and Sr. M. A. Beaty, secretary.
March 22, 1880. W. C. GRAINGER. J. G. HURLEY.
Temperance
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
TEMPERANCE MOVE IN CALIFORNIA.
In looking over the records of the Health and Temperance Society, which was organized in this State less than a year since, we are much cheered with the success it has had and the prospect before us.
We have thirteen regularly organized temperance clubs with three hundred and seven full teetotal members, and one hundred and eleven pledge teetotal members. We have nine anti-rum and tobacco full members, seven anti-whisky full members, and thirty-seven pledge members to both. This makes four hundred and seventy-one members in our clubs. These have their monthly or semi-monthly meetings. Many of our largest clubs are composed almost entirely of those who have signed the teetotal pledge and are full members. This speaks well for the clubs.
There are also in the State one hundred and forty-four full teetotal members, and thirty-nine pledge teetotal members who are not connected with any club, and eighteen anti-rum and tobacco, and anti-whisky full and pledge members; making an aggregate of six hundred and seventy-two members in the State, of which six hundred and one have signed the teetotal pledge.
Some of these were not habitually using those things prohibited by the pledges; others were in constant use of tea, coffee, tobacco, and alcoholic drinks up to the time of their signing the pledge. In order to ascertain just what has been accomplished in the direction of reform and the benefits derived from signing these pledges, the State Secretary will send blanks to clubs, and scattered individuals, which they will please fill out and return to Miss B. C. Stickney, Oakland, Cal.
In accomplishing what has been done thus far the Society has incurred considerable expense for postage, blanks, etc.; and the only provision made in the constitution to meet this is by donations and annual dues, as the initiation fees are sent to the General Association at Battle Creek, Mich., from which we receive the certificates.
We hope therefore that all, whether they belong to clubs or not, will send in their annual dues, which are only ten cents each, or a donation as a thank-offering for the benefits they have received, which donation may be anywhere from ten cents to ten dollars, just in proportion to the largeness of their heart and their ability to donate.
Those connected with clubs can send through their secretary. Small amounts may be sent in postage stamps; any sum will be acceptable.
It will be noticed that this call is not for any services rendered, but only to meet incidental expenses. The officers and those engaged in this temperance movement have thus far labored with unselfishness, cheerfulness, and devotion to the cause of reform. Whatever money may be received after meeting incidental expenses will constitute a fund to be used in forwarding the temperance work in this State.
S. N. HASKELL.
Colorado Temperance Petition
THE temperance people of Colorado are petitioning the legislature of that State for the privilege of voting on a constitutional amendment prohibiting the manufacture and sale of intoxicants.
Saloons Versus Temperance
The saloons are open nearly three-fourths of each twenty-four hours, undoing what temperance people try to do in a couple of hours, once a week, and yet cannot understand why the temperance sentiment does not grow more rapidly.—Temperance Herald, Newark, N. J.