Review and Herald, Vol. 20, No. 20. (10/14/1862)

Review and Herald

Oct 14, 1862

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 14, 1862

Evidences of Christianity.

By Moses Hull

BY MOSES HULL.

CHAPTER V.

(Continued.)

THE infidel does not deny that the writers of the New Testament believed that Christ was raised. But, say they, "There was a mistake somewhere, for the resurrection of Christ was a miracle, and no testimony can prove a miracle." As to where the mistake is, infidels are not agreed. Some do not pretend to know. Some are very certain that he did not die. Others are quite as sure he died, but did not rise. How to account for the alibi of the body, they do not know. Some suppose that it may have miraculously resolved back to its primitive elements, thus getting up one miracle to get rid of another. Others claim that the disciples stole him, and others that the guard stole him. One infidel took all the above positions in a conversation with myself of not an hour's length, not long since. If the patient reader will follow us, he shall soon see the fallacy of all the above positions.

1. Did he die? Paul says, "He died for our sins according to the Scriptures," 1 Cor. xv, 3; and Peter, in addressing the Jews concerning Jesus of Nazareth, says, "Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain." Acts ii, 23.

If the above declaration had not been notoriously true, Peter would not have dared to make it in the presence of more than three thousand of the Jews, who had just crucified the Saviour, and had the disposition to serve him in the same way. Whether it be a fact or not, it was a universal belief among the Jews as well as Christians, that Christ was dead. They never thought of accounting for his exit from the tomb upon the ground that he was not dead when put in there. Festus, in declaring the matter to Agrippa, states the true ground of difference between Christians and all others of his time: "Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed; but had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive." Acts xxv, 18, 19.

In the days of the apostles the question was not, Did he die? but, Did he rise? All nature, at the time he expired, bore testimony not only to his death, but to his superhuman nature. The vail of the temple was rent in twain from top to bottom. The earth quaked to her center. Rocks were rent asunder. All nature was dressed in mourning. The sun became black as sackcloth, and the centurion, as he gazed upon the scene, said, "Truly this was the Son of God." So firmly was he convinced that the Lord of glory had expired, Dionysius, the Areopagite, although eight hundred miles distant, as he beheld the sun hide its face, witnessed the bursting of rocks, and felt the earth tremble under his feet, exclaimed, "Either the Author of nature is suffering, or the universe is falling apart." Is the infidel ready to serve up Paine's objection that some of these things are only stated by Matthew, and hence may not be true? We answer, We have proved the authenticity, integrity, and credibility, of the book of Matthew, as well as of all the other books of the New Testament.

But if anything further is needed on this point, read the following from Bishop Watson's reply to Paine, pp. 105, 106:

"Whatever difficulty there may be in accounting for the silence of the other evangelists, and of St. Paul also on this subject, yet there is a greater difficulty in supposing that Matthew did not give a true narration of what had happened at the crucifixion. If there had been no supernatural darkness, no earthquake, no rending of the vail of the temple, no graves opened, no resurrection of holy men, no appearance of them unto many—if none of these things had been true, or rather, if any one of them had been false, what motive could Matthew, writing to the Jews, have had for trumping up such wonderful stories? He wrote, as every man does, with an intention to be believed; and yet every Jew he met would have stared him in the face and told him that he was a liar and an impostor. What author who, twenty years hence, should address to the French nation a history of Louis XVI, would venture to affirm that when he was beheaded there was darkness for three hours over all France? that there was an earthquake? that rocks were split? graves opened? and dead were brought to life, who appeared to many persons in Paris? It is quite impossible to suppose that any one should dare to publish such obvious lies; and I think it equally impossible to suppose that Matthew would have dared to publish his account of what happened at the death of Jesus, had not the account been generally known to be true."

But the above are not all the evidences that Christ really and truly died. Our strongest testimonies upon this, as well as other points, come from the enemies of Christianity. As it was not lawful to let them hang on the cross over the Sabbath-day, the Roman soldiers are sent out to break their legs and take them down from the cross. They went to the thieves and brake their legs, "but when they came to Jesus and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs." Let the reader take notice. This is not simply the opinion of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, or Paul. It is the opinion of the soldiers who would have broken his legs had he been alive. It will not do to leave this matter here; it must be placed beyond dispute; so the soldier puts a spear into his side, and makes a wound from whence issues blood and water. Anatomists tell us that the water came from the pericardium, or casement around the heart. It is enough: even Pilate must now cease to "marvel that he is already dead;" his heart has been pierced by the soldier's spear.

Down from the shining throne above, In joyful haste he fled; Entered the grave in mortal flesh, And dwelt among the dead.

2. Did the disciples steal him out of the sepulchre? Some seem to think they did. In three days from the time he was put into the sepulchre, the great stone which was placed at its mouth was rolled away, and the body of Jesus was missing. What had become of it? Great precaution had been taken, and every possible means used to keep the body entombed. The sepulchre was sealed with the king's signet, thus endangering the life of any one who should touch it. In addition to this, a watch was placed there to guard the sepulchre to keep the disciples from stealing the body of Jesus.

Is it possible that the soldiers could all go to sleep at once, and sleep so soundly that they could not be awakened by the rolling away of the stone, and the taking of the body of Jesus out of the sepulchre, when the penalty of death was attached to the law which forbade their sleeping? And is it not strange that the disciples should happen to know when this miraculous sleep would come over every member of this guard at once, and be on hand to take the body of Jesus away? Again, is it not strange that eleven timid disciples who shut their doors while they surrounded the supper-table for fear of the Jews, John xx, 19, should wax so bold all at once as to venture to steal the body of Jesus and hide it for the sake of preaching a risen Jesus, and that without the remotest prospect of any reward, either in this world or the world to come? The one who believes all these absurdities need not laugh at the credibility of Christians.

But suppose it were all true. Suppose the guard did thus miraculously go to sleep, and the disciples did succeed in getting the body of Jesus, and hiding it so effectually that it has never been found from that day to this, who knows it? Who can testify to it, or assert it as a fact? Who saw the disciples steal the body of Jesus? No one. The members of the guard were asleep; hence they could not testify that the disciples stole it. All they could say was, The body was there when we went to sleep, but when we awoke it was not there.

For aught they, or any one else, knew, he arose from the dead. When the infidel asks us to believe that the disciples stole the body of Jesus, they not only ask us to believe without testimony, but they ask us to believe contrary to all testimony.

3. Did the guard steal the body from the tomb? Some infidels say, Yes. We say, No. Infidels do not pretend to have any evidence that the guards stole Jesus. But when they deny his resurrection they are compelled to account somehow for the alibi of his body; and the idea that the disciples stole it is so inconsistent that they cannot adopt it. The only subterfuge left for them is that the guard stole it. A little examination

will convince the reader of the absurdity of this position.

The sealing of the stone placed at the door of the sepulchre forbade the guard to remove it, as really as it did the disciples. The guard were there to keep that body in the tomb, and their guilt would be the same, whether they removed it or permitted some one else to do it. Is it reasonable to suppose they would hide that body and thus expose themselves to death? Suppose we for a few moments reject all common sense, and adopt that position. Suppose the disciples were as credulous, enthusiastic, and fanatical, as infidels claim that they were. Mary, on the morning of the first day of the week, went to the sepulchre and found the stone rolled away and the body gone. "There," said she, "he is raised just as I expected. I will go and tell the disciples;" and away she goes, saying, "He is risen! he is risen!" The disciples respond, "Certainly, we expected him to rise this morning." I apprehend the guard can hardly keep the secret. "It is too good to keep." But they impatiently await the arrival of the fiftieth day. The time comes. Pentecost is here. The Jews are assembled from every quarter, and Peter begins to preach. Hear him:

Acts ii, 22-23. "Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it."

And then he proceeds like all other fanatics to quote Scripture to prove his doctrine.

Acts ii, 34-36. "For David is not ascended into the heavens; but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."

But just then I hear a stir in the audience, and look around; and what do I behold? A band of Roman soldiers carrying a dead man. They lay him before Peter, and as they uncover his face I hear them say, "Peter, here is your prince of life; here is the one that you say is alive." What a quietus this must have put on Peter's preaching.

What a beautiful theory! it only lacks one element, and that is, truth. They did not present the body of Jesus before Peter, for the very good reason that they had it not. They knew he had risen; hence they cry out, "What shall we do." Peter tells them to repent and be baptized, and, strange to tell, three thousand of the murderers of Jesus were baptized in his name before night. Is it possible that they were baptized in the name of a dead man, and one that they despised and had killed at that? Believe it who can; I cannot.

Reader, how many of that guard, think you, could have been persuaded to be baptized in the faith of the resurrection of a man that they had hid, and that they knew was dead at that time?

So far from the guard's stealing the body of Jesus, they, enemies as they were, were the first witnesses of his resurrection.

Notwithstanding every effort to keep the Messiah in the grave, on the third morning "the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here; for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and behold, he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy, and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshiped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid; go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day." Matt. xxviii, 2-15.

Here the watch have borne testimony to the resurrection of Christ, which has made it necessary to call an especial assembly of the priests and elders, who decide that it will not do to let it be known that Christ has risen; hence, they instruct the watch not to tell it. "Say ye that the disciples came by night and stole him away while we slept." "We will give you large sums of money." Infidel, do you want the testimony of this watch after it has been bribed with "large sums of money?" I do not. Especially when they are contradicting their own word for the "filthy lucre." I choose to receive the testimony which they gave before they met with the council of priests.

(To be Continued.)

Hymn of Trust.

O Love Divine, that stooped to share Our sharpest pang, our bitterest tear, On thee we cast each earth-born care; We smile at pain while thou art near!

Though long the weary way we tread, And sorrows crown each lingering year, No path we shun, no darkness dread, Our hearts still whispering, Thou art near!

When drooping pleasure turns to grief, And trembling faith is changed to fear, The murmuring wind, the quivering leaf, Shall softly tell us, thou art near!

On thee we fling our burdening woe, O Love Divine, forever dear, Content to suffer while we know, Living or dying, thou art near!

The Present War.

By D. T. Bourdeau

I WOULD say to the brethren and sisters that I fully endorse the position that Bro. White has taken in the Review in regard to the present war. For some time past I have thought that we needed more light on the relation that we sustain to earthly governments, and that we should be grateful for the privileges that we enjoy under this government. We must not overlook the goodness of God. The Bible says expressly that "the powers that be are ordained of God," that we should "obey magistrates," and that "the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will." Rom. xiii, 1; Titus iii, 1; Dan. iv, 25.

If we take a glance at the rise and fall of those kingdoms with which God's people have been connected; if we look at the call of Cyrus, Isa. xliv; xlv, and at the blessings that attended the fathers of our country in their attempts to lay the foundation of this government, we shall not fail to see that God has more to do with earthly powers than many are aware. We should not infer that all the laws which are enacted by the different powers of earth are of God, and that we ought to bow to unjust decrees. But there are general laws in civilized nations which are based on the law of God. Such laws should be reverenced, and those who enforce and guard them should be respected and obeyed; for they are "the ministers of God unto thee for good; and whosoever resisteth them, resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." Rom. xiii. It is very evident that if it were not for the laws of this country we should be in a deplorable condition. When the Spirit of the Lord has left the earth, and when the rulers of earth are given over to their own ways, we shall fully comprehend the blessings of a good government.

I do not understand that civilized warfare, or capital punishment, are against the sixth commandment. Anciently God commanded his people to wage war against their enemies, and enforced the necessity of inflicting capital punishment; and under this dispensation inspiration says, "If thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he [the magistrate, or ruler] beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also; for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing." Rom. xiii, 4-6.

Now God does not under any age give laws conflicting with each other. If God required us to keep laws clashing with each other, it would be impossible for us to obey him: in trying to obey him we should disobey him, and he would be the author of sin. This principle has helped me to harmonize the teachings of Christ, and the laws that regulated the work of priests on the Sabbath, with the fourth commandment, which says, "In it [the seventh day] thou shalt not do any work," and has confirmed me in the belief that the Sabbath is a rest from our own work, to be employed in the nobler work of our Creator.

But what is our duty in reference to the present war? This seems to be the important question with us now; and though we may not understand our whole duty, yet there are certain obligations that are very plain, and if we fulfill these, we shall not be left in the dark.

1. We should cheerfully pay our taxes, and thus help support the government, and render unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's.

2. We should move in reference to the shortness of time. If we really believe that we have reached the last generation, that this generation will witness the fall and dissolution of all earthly governments, the seven last plagues, which are to be the winding-sheet of this world's history, and the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to reward the saints, and to take vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the gospel, we shall not feel disposed to act in every respect like those who think that probationary time will continue for ages to come, and that this nation will yet see a long time of peace and prosperity. We cannot now move as good Christians did in reference to the revolutionary war. We should be constantly reaching after the fifth universal kingdom, which will so soon be established under the whole heaven.

3. We should do all we can to avoid breaking God's holy law. If we do this, we shall not willingly place ourselves where we cannot keep the Sabbath, that we may avoid being drafted, and that we may get greater wages. Bro. White's remarks on the condition of drafted Sabbath-keepers are satisfactory to my mind, and I mean to abide by them till I have reasons to believe that they are not correct.

4. We should, in harmony with the petition of the sealing angel of Rev. vii, pray the Lord to so control the matters of this nation that the work of God may go on, and that the remnant people may be spared in this trying time. The prayer of the righteous availeth much. God loves to hear his people pray, and to answer those prayers that are according to his will; and it is certainly the will of God that his people should be prepared for the coming of Christ.

Brethren, here is a point on which we are all agreed. Let us unitedly take hold of the arm of the Lord. His eyes are upon his people. They are the salt of the earth. If it were not for them, doubtless the Lord would have destroyed the inhabitants of earth before now. He will not suffer the present calamities to go any further than will be necessary to punish this nation for their sins, and to lead his people to seek a preparation for the events that are coming on the earth. I have realized some of the blessing of the Lord while trying to do this duty.

Dear brethren, if we thus pray, we shall not feel so much like complaining and murmuring against those who are trying to move in the counsel and fear of God. It will not do for us to be rash and censorious. We should seek meekness and a teachable spirit. The following extract from Watts on the Mind, p. 155, shows the danger of passing rash judgments, and the necessity of considering surrounding circumstances before deciding in regard to the propriety of certain actions:

"In many things which we do, we ought not only to consider the mere naked action itself, but the persons who act, the persons toward whom, the time when, the place where, the manner how, the end for which, the action is done, together with the effects that must, or that may, follow, and all other surrounding circumstances. These things must necessarily be taken into our view, in order to determine whether the action, indifferent in itself, is either lawful or unlawful, good or evil, wise or foolish, decent or indecent, proper or improper."

"Let us give a plain instance for the illustration of this matter. Mario kills a dog; which considered merely in itself, seems to be an indifferent action. Now the dog was Timon's, and not his own. This makes it look unlawful. But Timon bade him do it. This gives it an appearance of lawfulness again. It was done at church, and in time of divine service. These circumstances added, cast on it an air of irreligion. But the dog flew at Mario, and put him in danger of his life. This relieves the seeming impiety of the action.

But Mario might have escaped by flying thence. Therefore the action appears to be improper. But the dog was known to be mad. This further circumstance makes it almost necessary that the dog should be slain, lest he might attack the assembly, and do much mischief. Yet again, Mario killed him with a pistol, which he happened to have in his pocket since yesterday's journey. Now hereby the whole congregation was terrified and discomposed, and divine service was broken off. This carries in it an appearance of great indecency and impropriety. But after all, when we consider a further circumstance, that Mario, being thus violently assaulted by a mad dog, had no way of escape, and had no other weapon about him, it seems to take away all the color of impropriety, indecency, or unlawfulness, and to allow that the preservation of one or many lives may justify the act as wise and good. Now all these concurrent appendixes of the action ought to be surveyed, in order to pronounce with justice and truth concerning it."

The principle of this extract will apply well to the subject under consideration; and if we divest ourselves of all prejudice and preconceived notions, follow the dictates of sound reason, and earnestly and prayerfully seek for truth, we shall find the knowledge and wisdom of God concerning this matter. The time has come when we must lean wholly on the arm of the Lord, walk by faith, and get an experience for ourselves. The trials that are before us will develop the natural traits of God's people, and shake all that can be shaken. Who shall be able to stand? Who shall rally around the truth, overcome the pollutions of this world, and finally stand on mount Zion with all those who have kept the truth, waded through great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb?

D. T. BOURDEAU.

Lending.

By J. Clarke

“He that is merciful will lend unto his neighbor.”

It is very necessary at times to borrow, and of course one must be as free to lend as he would be to borrow when himself is in need. But there is an abuse of borrowing, as the wise man says, “Many when a thing was lent to them, reckoned it to be found, and put them to trouble that helped them.” Verse 4.

“Till he hath received, he will kiss a man's hand; and for his neighbor's money he will speak submissively; but when he should repay, he will prolong the time and return words of grief, and complain of the time.” Verse 5.

“Many therefore have refused to lend, for other men's ill dealing, fearing to be defrauded.” Verse 7.

It is surprising to see how careless many people are about returning borrowed articles. Months may pass away, and you, having forgotten to whom you lent the article, finally discover it by chance, as it were, in the possession of some good-natured neighbor who had almost forgotten that it was yours.

Especially is this the case with books and umbrellas. I do not think that one person in ten ever thinks of returning a borrowed book.

Your choicest books—books which you almost daily need—will very probably be covered with dust upon your friend's shelf, one here, another there, according as you have friends scattered up and down in the world.

One book few borrow, that is the Bible; and in fact you can keep three books; viz., your Bible, hymn book, and concordance; for these you cannot lend any length of time, so as to forget them; but most of other books, save some common text-books, you miss; and just when you want them, they are gone; and it is well you can duplicate cheaply, or you would soon expend a fortune in buying books, or starve mentally for want of them.

One would not care so much about it, but for the fact that borrowed books are little read. They are kept for ornament, rather than use. But if I should extend this catalogue, as I might, it would be endless. I will close by saying, Return borrowed articles.

J. CLARKE.

Illinois and Wisconsin Conference.

The Seventh-day Adventists of Illinois and Wisconsin, assembled in conference at Avon, Wis., according to appointment in Review, Sept. 27 and 28, 1862. Eld. Wm. S. Ingraham was chosen chairman, and Joseph G. Wood secretary. Prayer by Bro. Ingraham.

The following churches were represented by delegates: Princeville, Round Grove, Crane's Grove, Plum River, McConnell's Grove, and Harrison, Ills.; Hundred Mile Grove, Marquette, Mackford, Rubicon, Oakland, Little Prairie, Franklin, and Avon, Wis. A committee was then chosen to prepare business for the action of the body.

Adjourned until half-past eight, A. M., first-day.

MORNING SESSION.

Prayer by Bro. Sanborn. Tent committee reported, and their report was accepted. It was then

Voted, That four hundred dollars be raised for running the Illinois and Wisconsin tent next season.

Voted, That one-half of the stock taken by each church, be paid on or before the first of May, 1863, and the remainder by the first of September following.

The amount to be raised was proportioned as follows: Princeville $30, Round Grove, $60, Crane's Grove $60, Plum River $25, McConnell's Grove $25, Harrison $20, Hundred Mile Grove $50, Marquette $20, Mackford $20, Rubicon $10, Oakland $25, Little Prairie $35, Franklin $25, Avon $35. Total $430.

Voted, That Brn. Ingraham and Sanborn correspond for aid from other States, should a messenger be needed to join them in the tent enterprise.

Resolved, That the churches here represented by delegation, form themselves into an annual conference, which shall be known as the S. D. Adventist Illinois and Wisconsin State Conference, composed of ministers and delegates from the several churches within its limits, and that these delegates be authorized by letter from their respective churches.

Resolved, That each organized church composed of fifteen or less members shall be entitled to send one delegate, and one for each additional fifteen members.

Resolved, That each session of this conference be organized by electing a chairman, secretary, and prudential committee.

Resolved, That this conference elect a standing committee to attend to all business concerning the conference during the year, and make a full report to the conference.

The importance of these two last resolutions being overlooked by the conference, they were, after adjournment, inserted by the committee, a portion of the delegates being yet present.

Resolved, That each approved messenger be furnished with a letter of commendation from this conference, to be renewed annually.

Resolved, That this conference send one, or more, delegates to the general annual conference.

Resolved, That each church have their quarterly meetings once in thirteen weeks.

Resolved, That we endorse what Bro. White has written, headed, "The Nation," as the best light we have on that subject.

Adjourned sine die.

WM. S. INGRAHAM, Chairman. JOSEPH G. WOOD Secretary.

POSTSCRIPT BY BRO. SANBORN.

This was the best Conference we have ever had in Wisconsin. The brethren and sisters showed that they loved the Lord and his precious cause, by meeting promptly all their obligations for running the tent the past season, and by pledging four hundred dollars to run it next season. They raised in a few moments $24 to pay the expense of their delegate to the Michigan Conference. They also paid on the Review $47, and for the Association $71. I sold about $27 worth of books.

On first-day, P. M., after preaching, we repaired to the water where nine were baptized. In the evening we had a refreshing prayer and conference meeting. It truly is another bright spot in our experience. The Lord especially heard prayer for the sick. The brethren and sisters, at the close of the meeting, parted to go to their homes much refreshed and encouraged to press on to mount Zion. ISAAC SANBORN.

Note from Bro. Cottrell.

By R. F. Cottrell

I HAVE just closed a series of meetings in Wethersfield, Wyoming Co., N. Y. Gave twenty public discourses besides three to the brethren at private houses on Sabbath days. Five were baptized, three of whom had previously embraced the truth. Of the other two, one embraced the Sabbath during my stay there, was a professor of religion but had never been baptized, i. e., immersed, the other, the wife of Bro. Antisdale, had made no previous profession of religion.

There was a good attendance generally, considering that it was in the time of their wheat harvest, and there was a scarcity of laborers in consequence of enlistments into the army. Many were convicted of the truth, and some resolved to search the evidences of our position and decide upon it. One man in particular, as influential a church member, probably, as any one in the vicinity, publicly confessed his conviction before the largest congregation we had, on the

last evening of our meetings, and said he was determined to investigate and decide the question, and exhorted his friends and neighbors to do the same. May God help him and them to decide for the truth.

May the Lord bless the little company of believers in that place, and lead them to feel their responsibilty as the light of the community, and to attain to the high and holy position which is the privilege and duty of the people of God.

R. F. COTTRELL.

Making Free with the Commandments

MAKING FREE WITH THE COMMANDMENTS.—Dr. Lockhart once, on a journey, stopped to pass the Sabbath at a public house. On entering the parlor one Sabbath morning as he was about setting out for church, he found two gentlemen preparing to play a game of chess.

"Gentlemen," said he, "have you locked up your carpet bags carefully?"

"No. What! are there thieves in this house?" they asked.

"I do not say that," replied the doctor, "only I was thinking if the servants come in and find you making free with the fourth commandment, they may think of making free with the eighth."

The men thought there was something in this, and laid aside their game.

Call from Northern Iowa.

Bro. White: According to appointment a large number of the church at Waukon met with the scattered brethren of this vicinity. We held an evening meeting at the commencement of the Sabbath in the Baptist church, and although some were disappointed in not finding a messenger present, yet the Spirit of the Lord was with us to comfort our hearts and cheer us on the way. We also held two meetings upon the Sabbath, in which the weak were strengthened, and in which we trust all were benefited.

In the evening after the Sabbath a business meeting was held to take into consideration the interests of the cause in this vicinity. We were chosen a committee to write to you to inform you of the state of things in Northern Iowa, and to request that a messenger may come among us to preach the word if consistent with the interest of the church generally.

This place is the county seat of Fayette county, and contains about one thousand inhabitants. It is about thirty-five miles from Waukon, and forty from Waterloo. There seems to be quite a desire to hear some of our preachers in this vicinity, and we are satisfied that should one come we should have large congregations. We could obtain the court-house in which to hold our meetings. There are also other places within forty miles in which many have expressed a desire to hear about these things. There never has been any preaching here, but there are some ten in and around this place who meet together every Sabbath.

If Bro. Andrews should come home this fall it would be more convenient for him to give a course of lectures than for any other preacher; if not, we would pay the expenses of any other messenger, and find him a home here through the winter. There are two brethren in this place, one of whom has a team with which he could carry the preacher to any appointment which he might see fit to make.

Dear Bro. White, we feel a strong desire to see an effort made in this vicinity. We believe it would result in much good to this community. Our hearts are all in union with you in this great work, and we wish to be co-workers with you in helping to advance this cause; and we feel that should a messenger come among us, we would endeavor to hold up his hands, and assist him in proclaiming the last message of mercy by our prayers and purses.

In behalf of the church. D. T. Shireman, George I. Butler, John Cole, Committee.

West Union, Iowa, Sept., 1862.

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