Earlier text: THE WORLD ON FIREWHAT SHOULD BE A CHRISTIAN'S CONVERSATION.
He should talk of the words of God, when he sitteth in his house, and when he walketh by the way, and when he lieth down, and when he riseth up. Deut. 6:7. His mouth should speak wisdom, and his tongue talk of judgment. Ps. 37:30. He should declare God's glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. Ps. 96:3. He should talk of all God's wondrous works. Ps. 105:2. He should speak of the might of God's terrible acts. Ps. 145:6. He should abundantly utter the memory of God's great goodness. Ps. 145:7. His tongue should use knowledge aright. Prov. 15:2. In his tongue should be the law of kindness. Prov. 31:26. He should have his conversation in the world, in simplicity, and godly sincerity. 2 Cor. 1:12. He should speak the truth in love. Eph. 4:15. He should let his conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ. Phil. 1:27. His speech should be always with grace, seasoned with salt. Col. 4:6. His conversation should be without covetousness. Heb. 13:5. He should so speak as one that shall be judged by the law of liberty. James 2:12. He should show out of a good conversation his works, with meekness of wisdom. James 3:13. He should be holy in all manner of conversation. 1 Pet. 1:15. He should have his conversation honest among the Gentiles. 1 Pet. 2:12. “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me; and to him that ordereth his conversation aright, will I show the salvation of God.” Ps. 50:23. WHAT SHOULD NOT BE A CHRISTIAN'S CONVERSATION.
He should not speak flattery to his friends. Job 17:5. He should not suffer his mouth to cause his flesh to sin. Eccl. 5:6. He should not speak deceitfully. Jer. 9:8. He should let no corrupt communication proceed out of his mouth. Eph. 4:29. He should not enter into foolish talking or jesting. Eph. 5:4. He should not speak evil of any man. Titus 3:2. He should not speak evil of those things which he knoweth not. Jude 10. His mouth should not speak great swelling words. Jude 16. “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of Judgment.” Matt. 12:36. “BY THY WORDS CONDEMNED,” MATT. 12:37.
By Lucy Morris Chaffee
We talk all day of a thousand things,
Till its wasted light grows dim;
We talk—till slumber its soft chain flings
Over weary lip and limb—
Of the countless gifts God’s mercy brings,
But never a word of him! We meet and greet, and our tongues run on
With the deal we have to say,
And many a name of a cherished one
Slips off from our lips to-day;
But never a thought of our God’s dear Son
Does a word that we speak betray. We come from church, and we linger long
On the beautiful songs we’ve heard,
On the gifted prayers and the listening throng,
And the tears by the sermon stirred;
But of Him to whom should be prayer and song,
Of Him not a single word! Our vows have been made to the Lord who died,
Our names with his people’s named,
But what if we should—when that day betide—
Be silent and shrink ashamed,
When some “by their words shall be justified,”
And some “by their words condemned”! HUMILITY AND SUBMISSION.
By Jos. Clarke
To be truly submissive to God's will at all times, is one of the strongest and most important points in Christian character. When we are in places of danger or trial, and after we have done all in our power to avert evil, then to wait patiently our Heavenly Father's will, is what tests our confidence in God, and our love for him. Here is a trial also of our humility, for humility is a grace which is twin sister to submission. Humility assists greatly in getting over the rough and uneven places of life, and sweetens the most bitter cup that is pressed to our lips; and submission follows on in the path of humility with her torch illuminating the darkness, and shedding a holy light over the scene otherwise gloomy and dark. A good man once said, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flocks shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls; yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” The one who could say this was thoroughly trained in the school of adversity; and he had been an apt scholar in that school. It is a good thought that one may learn lessons of patience in such trials, lessons that are of more value than all the treasures the earth can afford. It was character that ennobled Christ; while the want of character ruined Satan. It was humility and submission that Satan lacked, and his fall was the consequence of this lack. What a contrast! Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, saying, “Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done;” and on the other hand, Satan saying, I will not submit, I will rule or ruin. To what different results these two powers have labored. THOSE who teach that the Sabbath of the decalogue is not binding upon God's people in this dispensation, refer to Col. 2:16 with much confidence, as if Paul's term “sabbath days” must refer to the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and was one of the ordinances which Christ took “out of the way, nailing it to his cross.” Verse 14. But we believe that a brief examination and application of statements preceding and succeeding the term “sabbath days,” will convince the candid reader that Paul intended no reference whatever to the fourth commandment, or any part of the law of God. In verse 14 Paul says, “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us,” etc. Now, we would ask, Is the Sabbath “contrary to” or “against us?” If so, how came it to be so? Jesus said it “was made for man.” Mark 2:27. If it was made, there was a time when it was made, some one made it at that time, and some necessary acts were performed by the maker in making it. By turning to Gen. 2:2, 3, we learn that the day succeeding the one on which God completed the great work of creation was observed by him as a rest day. This was the first act necessary in order to the making of the Sabbath, and it was performed upon the seventh day. Did that act render the seventh day “contrary to” or “against” the Christian? After God had rested upon the seventh day, he blessed it. This was the second act necessary to make it a Sabbath. Christian, did God's blessing render the seventh day “contrary to” or “against” you? Thirdly, God sanctified the seventh day, that is, he set it apart for a sacred use. Surely that did not make it “contrary to” or “against” the child of God. But further, the day could not have been sanctified without commanding some one to observe it sacredly. As only Adam and Eve were then in existence, and they yet holy and in favor with God, we would ask, Did God require them to observe that which was “contrary to” or “against” them? Surely it would be a terrible sin to thus charge God. And yet we are driven to accept all these absurdities if we accept the abolition theory. But we read in verse 17, “Which are a shadow of things to come,” etc. Here Paul refers to his preceding mention of “sabbath days.” Again we ask, Did God institute in the garden of Eden, before sin was in the world, while as yet Adam was pure and holy, a “shadow,” pointing forward to a Redeemer? No Redeemer was yet needed or promised; and did the infinitely wise Creator thus make provision for sin? Profound absurdity. And if the Sabbath was not then “contrary to” or “against” a holy man, should or can it be now? We say, No, unless his mind is in that unholy condition of which Paul speaks in Rom. 8:6, 7. In Col. 2:16, Paul evidently refers to those holy days and sabbaths which are enumerated in Lev. 23, which occurred upon certain days of the month, and thus came annually. And in verse 38, Moses expressly states that they are “besides the sabbaths of the Lord,” thus forever closing the mouths of those who would make it appear that there was but one law, and that all went by the board together. JOHN M. HOPKINS. “Gold, many hunted, sweat and bled for gold; Waked all the night and labored all the day.” To obtain this precious metal, what toil and privations will not man endure, and what associations of home and kindred will he not forego; and all this without the certainty of accomplishing his purpose. How often hope deferred leads on the votary of mammon until, in the vain pursuit, what property he can command is wasted, the ties of friendship and kindred severed, and beggary ensues as a prelude to the suicide’s tragic end. If the mammon worshiper exhibits such untiring industry and perseverance in the pursuit of uncertain worldly emolument or gold, what superlative energy should characterize the efforts of the child of God in pursuit of heavenly riches. In this effort all may possess the assurance of ultimate success if the conditions of the contest are complied with:—“If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” Says the True Witness, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire.” But this precious medium of celestial exchange may not be obtained by spasmodic efforts, nor at a sacrifice that admits of any reserve. The term gold, as here employed, is a symbol of holy character to be obtained through the fiery ordeal of tribulation. Happy those who endure, and are thus made more precious than fine gold, even the golden wedge of Ophir. A Light Burden: Reflections on Christ's Yoke
By St. Bernard
“My burden is light,” said the blessed Redeemer. A light burden indeed, which carries him that bears it. I have looked through all nature for a resemblance of this, and seem to find a shadow of it in the wings of a bird, which are indeed borne by the creature, and yet support her flight toward Heaven.—St. Bernard. Mrs. Ellen Pease writes to the Central Baptist some letters defending the Sunday against the charge of the Seventh-day Adventists that the Christian Sabbath is a “Counterfeit Sabbath.” She first charges the Adventists with excessive proselytism, not seeming to remember that this is the charge so often made against Baptists by pedo-Baptists, when they find themselves unable to defend their practice in regard to baptism. Every sect that raises up the standard of reform is met in this way by those whose errors they would correct. That in certain instances these professed reformers may have been over-zealous may be possible, as this would be natural for us who inherit the weakness of the flesh; but we have noticed that generally when this charge is brought, it is to hide an indefensible point. In this case it is clearly a confession of weakness. Mrs. Pease next comes to the defense of the “Christian Sabbath,” but at the beginning says that “its observers are not positive that Christ arose on this very day” from the dead, though it is on this account they keep it. She then goes on to quote the usual texts named on this subject, and makes upon them the comments so common; but from the beginning to the end shows herself not an original thinker, but a follower of others. If these lines should fall under her notice, will she please tell us where the phrase “Christian Sabbath” may be found in the Bible?—Sabbath Recorder. It is both honorable and profitable to do solid, honest work. This is true of temporal as well as spiritual work. If a boy’s business is to black boots, let him do it well. If a girl’s business is to wash dishes, let her wash them clean and not break them. If the work of a moment is to sing a spiritual song, let it be done heartily; if to speak a word of counsel or warning, let it be spoken bravely and lovingly. We shall not do everything right until we do it “as unto the Lord.” Who would dare to slight his work, or to act from unworthy motives, under a clear sense of the divine inspection? Dear readers, never lose sight of this great truth: “Thou God seest me.” “Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”—Evangelical Messenger. ONE of our exchanges of last week argues against the system of paying a tithe into the treasury of the Lord’s cause, on the ground that “all” is the Lord’s. We wonder how much the Lord’s cause would receive on this plan? We think we can answer very nearly. There are some who claim that there is no particular day to be observed as the Sabbath in this dispensation, because all days are the Lord’s, and all are holy. But how much time do these persons specially devote to the service of the Lord? The amount is too small to be measured by the clock. It is very evident that this plea that all days are the Lord’s is only a pretext by which they may use them all for themselves. We imagine it will be very much the same in pecuniary matters. “Oh! yes,” men may say, “all is the Lord’s; but I am of course to live and meet all necessary expenses from what I have;” and it is not difficult to so manage that these demands, either fanciful or real, shall absorb so nearly the whole of the income that only a sum, pitiful for its meagerness, shall be left to be applied directly to the cause of the Lord. In theory and profession, the Lord gets all; in reality and practically almost nothing. This paper says: “There is not in all the gospel a ‘law of tithes.’ The only rule in the gospel anywhere in regard to your pecuniary offerings to the Lord is, ‘Let every one of you on the first day of the week, lay by in store as the Lord has prospered him.’” Not stopping to comment on the accuracy of the quotation, we pass to the query which at once arises, How are persons to lay by them in store as God has prospered them? The apostle is of course speaking of prosperity as it pertains to income. A portion of that is to be laid by. How much? Suppose two individuals earn during a certain week thirty dollars each. They both claim that they want to carry out the scriptural injunction, to give as they have been prospered. One, Mr. A., says, “I can set apart one dollar to the work of the Lord; the other, Mr. B., who is troubled to a greater degree with the very common malady of covetousness, says, I can give fifty cents.” Now will our friends tell us whether or not B. has laid by as the Lord has prospered him. If he has, then A. has not; for their income has been the same, and the same amount should be laid by by each. If you say that B. has not paid according to the directions, because with the same income he should give as much as A., then C. may step forward and say, Out of my thirty dollars, I feel that I ought to lay by two dollars. Then must A. and B. raise their amount to the sum that C. gives? What then if D. appears and says, I feel that I ought to lay by four dollars out of my thirty. Must then A., B. and C. give as much as D.? Where is the limit? What is the standard? Perhaps you may say, It is left to each one’s own judgment. But on this ground you know as well as we that obedience to the injunction would be the exception, not the rule. The liberal might perhaps give too much; the stingy would be almost sure to give too little. To the close reasoner it must be evident that a certain definite proportion of income is called for by Paul in 1 Cor. 16:2. Without this the instruction cannot be carried out. It must be every time, “as God hath prospered.” If there is no “law of tithes” in the gospel, here is certainly a “law of proportion” as God hath prospered us; or, in other words, in proportion to our income. Then we ask what proportion? If any one can find any other proportion of our income claimed by the Lord as his, than the oft-specified one-tenth, we should be happy to see it. With this rule Paul’s instruction can be carried out. Thus one man earns $15 per week. He lays by $1.50. Another earning $20, lays by $2. Another having an income of $30, lays by $3. Every one now knows just what to do, according to the measure in which God has prospered him. Shall we then be circumscribed in our giving and limited to the tenth? By no means. There are the offerings in addition; trespass-offerings, thank-offerings, and freewill-offerings. These afford ample scope for the cheerful and liberal giving and bountiful sowing which the apostle recommends, and for the display of all the generosity, liberality, and consecration, of which any one is capable. The writer further says: “Mal. 3:10 is more than eighteen centuries behind our times, and it will never be a moment nearer. It continually recedes into the distant past.” Indeed! Can there nothing then be found in the Old Testament which applies to this time or to the near future? What about “the day of his coming” spoken of in the 2d verse? When is the time when they that fear the Lord speak often one to another, of verse 16? When is the day when God makes up his jewels, when these persons are to be spared? Verse 17. Be assured the prophet was writing for these days, and that those who do not bring in their “tithes and offerings” are robbing God. So far from there being no “law of tithes” in the gospel, the tithing system is most emphatically taught. To speak of no other place, it is taught in Heb. 7. If we are Christ’s we are children of Abraham, are we not? Yes. Gal. 3:29. He is the father of them that believe? Yes. Rom. 4:11. We are to walk in his steps? Yes. Rom. 4:12. Melchisedec was a type of Christ, was he not? Yes; for Christ is a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. Heb. 7:17. And did not Abram pay tithes to Melchisedec? Yes. Gen. 14:20; Heb. 7:4–9. What does this signify? That we are to pay tithes under the gospel. This conclusion cannot be avoided. According to the plea that “all” is the Lord’s, certainly a tenth belongs to him, and is none too much to give. There is therefore no occasion to argue against the tithe, for fear professing Christians will limit their contributions to that amount, until they shall begin to equal or exceed it, which, with few exceptions, is not yet the case. THE VALUE OF A TRACT.
By J. O. Corliss
Very few have a just idea of the value of a tract. Unless immediate results are secured from their distribution, some become discouraged and lose their interest in the work. When a tract is given to an individual, no one can tell what the result will be. The person to whom it is first given may not take any particular interest in it; but after a time it may by a seeming accident fall into the hands of some one who will have interest enough to read it, and thus receive the truth. Others in turn may receive reading matter from him, and embrace the truth, till an untold amount of good is accomplished from the simple act of giving one tract. Instances of this kind have come to notice, one of which I will relate. While seated one day in the tent at Boulder, a well-dressed, intelligent-looking man stepped in, with whom I engaged in conversation. On learning that he was the proprietor of one of the hotels in the place, I asked if he knew anything of the doctrines taught by Seventh-day Adventists. He answered in the affirmative, and then stated where he learned what he knew of their doctrines. Three years ago, in company with another Dane, a friend named Anderson, he started for Colorado. At Davenport, Iowa, they stopped at a hotel, where a number of young men were congregated in the bar-room, amusing themselves by throwing at each other across the room a book, which, by the rough treatment given it, had lost both its covers. When they had tired of their sport, he picked up the mutilated book, which upon examination proved to be a work by Elder J. G. Matteson, entitled Liv Og Död (Life and Death). After reading a few pages he resolved to buy the book, as it was in his native tongue, and carry it to Colorado, where in the mines he could read it carefully at leisure. Accordingly he paid twenty-five cents for it, the landlord remarking that it was of no value to him, being one that his cousin, who was now dead, had left with him to read. Upon arriving in Colorado they went to work in the mines, as they had anticipated. Not having a relish for the amusements of the other miners, the evenings began to hang heavily on their hands, till our friend thought of the purchase he had made at the hotel in Iowa. The book was produced, and by turns read aloud. Upon finishing it their interest was such that they sent for other works. These were also read with the same avidity, when Anderson declared his intention to observe the Sabbath, and lead a Christian life. Since then he has been busily engaged, when not working in the mine, in circulating reading matter among the miners, some of whom have also embraced the truth. A short time after the conversation referred to above, I received a letter from this brother in the mountains, expressing a desire to be baptized, and asking if a little help in the way of means to assist in bearing tent expenses would be acceptable. Upon receiving a reply, by return mail he sent a P. O. order for thirty dollars. From this letter I learned that he was in moderate circumstances, and although he had not even seen one of our ministers, he had paid seventy-five dollars to the Danish mission, and was nearly ready to send fifty more, after which he said he meant by the help of the Lord to do as much for the mission in Colorado. Here we can see the partial result of giving a book to a friend; and although the person who first gave the book did not live to see the result, yet that good deed is still remembered of God, and will continue to produce results, the aggregate of which will only be known in eternity. To give a tract may seem a very simple thing; but in the great summing up, who can tell what may be revealed as the result of such a work? Brethren, do not be discouraged in sowing seeds of truth. The harvest time will soon be here. Remember the promise is that we shall reap if we faint not. NOBLESVILLE, INDIANA, CAMP-MEETING.
By S. H. Lane
This meeting commenced according to appointment, Tuesday evening, Aug. 5. It rained the day before and the first day of the meeting, which delayed the work some, but by the first day at noon the tents were nearly all pitched, and notwithstanding the delay caused by the rain, not a single meeting was postponed. The brethren and sisters seemed in good spirits, and had a disposition to work, and the meetings were good from the first. The social meetings were excellent. The tender Spirit of the Lord melted hearts, and tears flowed freely. There were fully fifty or sixty Sabbath-keepers on the ground who have embraced the truth during the last year. They never before attended a camp-meeting held by our people. They were much strengthened and enlightened. The older brethren and sisters were much encouraged by the ardent testimonies of these new Sabbath-keepers. The preaching was of a plain, close, practical nature, and accomplished much good. Eld. Canright arrived Friday morning, and Bro. W. C. White in the afternoon. Eld. C.'s preaching seemed to be just what all needed. Bro. White took hold of the Sabbath-school work in earnest, and on Sabbath morning a camp-meeting school was held. Nearly two hundred took part in it. All were deeply interested. Bro. W. imparted69much valuable instruction, well adapted to the young schools of the State. Much interest was manifested in the Sabbath-school work throughout the entire meeting. The T. and M. work received some attention. Some $300 were pledged on the reserve fund. A committee was selected to secure some young, capable person to act as State secretary, and to see that that person is properly educated to discharge the duties of the office. There were twenty-four tents on the ground, and about two hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers attended the meeting. The location selected for the meeting was within the city limits, in a beautiful grove which once constituted a part of the old fair-ground, now used as a city park. Each evening the turnout from the city was quite large. On Sunday some fifteen hundred were present, forenoon and afternoon. The Sabbath-meetings were excellent. In the afternoon fully seventy-five came forward for prayers. First-day afternoon thirty-four were baptized. Fully two thousand people assembled on the banks of White River to witness the scene. Perfect order prevailed. We regretted much that some of the brethren had to leave Monday morning. Those who did so lost much, as Monday was a good day for those who remained. The parting meeting at an early hour on Tuesday morning was a precious season, and when the farewell word was spoken we all felt that in many respects the closing camp-meeting had been the best one ever held in the State. S. H. LANE. THE CAMP-MEETINGS.
By James White
WE have urgent calls to attend the camp-meetings to be held the present season in Canada, P. Q., Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania and some other States. We had arranged to leave Colorado in season to be at the Canada meeting, but as our arrangements for a strong campaign in the city of Denver, Colorado, have not been carried out, which has left Eld. Corliss alone with the tent in this city of 35,000 inhabitants, we shall remain here until we are obliged to leave for the Massachusetts camp-meeting. And if suitable help cannot be furnished to labor with Elder Corliss, it will be our duty to return to Denver immediately after the Massachusetts camp-meeting, where we design to spend the autumn and winter. The tent is well located; considerable has been expended in advertising; and the tent is filled with intelligent hearers. This work, well commenced, must be carried through. If Mrs. White and the writer could be relieved from the work in Denver for the present, we might attend many of the camp-meetings, then return to spend the winter in Colorado. DEFINITE DIRECTIONS.
By James White
Those who give appointments of camp-meetings should be careful to give definite directions for the benefit of those who attend them. They should give the location of them for the good of those coming from a distance, as well as those near by. If on a railroad, they should state what road, and also give the lines leading to it. If off from the railroad, they should state the direction and distance from the road, the time of arrival of trains, and the means of conveyance from the depot to the camp. People who pay out their money to be conveyed to our camp-meetings find great relief in reading definite directions how to get to them. In case of failure to give proper directions, the very ones who most need their benefit are sometimes discouraged from attending them. There is especial danger of failing to secure the attendance of such from a distance when definite directions are not given. The one who gives the appointment may write with the supposition that all within one hundred miles of the place of meeting perfectly understand where it is located, and the way to get to it, which may be true, while he fails to shed any light on the path of those who wish to attend from a distance. This may be especially true in regard to ministerial help from a distance. The writer has paid his fare hundreds of miles out of the way during the past ten years, in trying to reach places of meetings, for want of definite directions. The Canada, P. Q., camp-meeting is appointed at Magog. No doubt all in the Province of Quebec and northern Vermont know where that is, and the way to reach it; but going from Colorado, as we designed, we were at a loss to know over what roads to purchase tickets from Battle Creek, or from Detroit, and how far. These particulars should have been given, either in the REVIEW or by private letter. JAMES WHITE. CHRISTIANA, NORWAY.
By John G. Matteson
The Lord is merciful to us. We desire to give thanks, and to praise him for his continued goodness. Every day of probation is an inestimable blessing; every opportunity to labor in the great harvest, a blessed privilege; every soul gained for the truth, a sweet reward. A few more days or years, and the work is ended; blessed he who toils on patiently and diligently, until the image of Christ is stamped on his soul, and the work finished victoriously. We are now week after week preaching on the great theme of life and immortality only through Christ. Eight discourses have been given, and we shall probably try to continue another month on this subject on Sundays. Sabbath and during the week we preach on other themes. Several of our brethren date their conversion from infidelity and worldliness from last winter, when they were first attracted and became interested in religion by listening to this subject. Yet our opponents have made a great outcry about false doctrine, because we preach that men are not immortal. It is therefore very encouraging to us to see from 400 to 500 interested hearers attend these lectures every Sunday. And the preaching of this despised portion of the word of God is graciously attended by the tender influence of the Holy Spirit, so that half of the congregation is sometimes in tears. To the present time forty-six persons have been baptized, and sixty-two in all have united with the church. Of these but one has proved unfaithful. According to the requirement of the law in this country, those who leave the State church and attend some other place of worship, have their names recorded with such society. We therefore record the names of such persons when requested to do so, and they are considered attendants with our religious society. When they begin to obey the Lord and are baptized, they are received into full membership and admitted to the ordinances. Thus we have a great many friends besides our regular church-members, who take more or less part in sustaining the cause and spreading the truth, and from their ranks we have a chance to obtain converts. Last Sabbath one hundred and twenty-six friends attended the service. We have just organized a Sabbath-school with fifty-six members, according to the plan of our American brethren. We trust it will be a success, and that it will greatly increase in numbers as it gets into good working order. Then we ought also to have a Sunday school, because most day schools hold during six days in the week. We have organized a tract society also, in harmony with our brethren in the far West. A commendable zeal is shown in this work by the brethren here; but we have only started, and have but little experience to relate. We are beginning to work in our printing office. No. 9 of Tidernes Tegn is set up in our own type, and is to-day carried to the printer. We intend to try to work the next number on our hand press. We are to-day getting up lessons for our next Sabbath-school, which we print ourselves. Brn. Jasperson and Brorson are holding meetings in Denmark. The Lord is also graciously prospering the work there, for which we are very thankful. JOHN G. MATTESON. July 30, 1879. V. M. REPORTS.
By M. L. H.
Several V. M. reports have been received, of which the following is a brief summary:— No. of members, 27; Signs distributed, 760; pages of tracts distributed, 3,987; letters written, 193; received, 57. No. active members, 20; periodicals distributed, 343; pages of tracts, 741; letters written, 20; families visited, 67. No. active members, 28; periodicals distributed, 2,901; pages of tracts, 8,628; letters written, 588; received, 177; families visited, 492; annuals distributed, 70; subscribers obtained for periodicals, 39. Numerous extracts from interesting letters have been received from these and other societies; but as something of the kind has frequently appeared in the REVIEW, only a few selections are here presented. The following is from a minister of the M. E. church in Baltimore:— “I received your paper called the Signs of the Times. I am sure it is a valuable paper, and such are always acceptable. I have been greatly benefited by it. What are your terms? I will do the best I can to circulate it among my people.” Here quite a field of labor is presented. Not unfrequently by means of one individual thus favorably impressed, reading matter can be brought before the leading members of churches, and whole Sunday-schools. Back numbers of each of our periodicals are nearly always thankfully received, and some will subscribe for them, especially Sunday schools for clubs of the weekly Instructor. The following is from a gentleman in Australia:— “Many thanks for your kindness in sending me the Signs of the Times, which I read with very great interest. After having perused them I give them to my friends, who also like them. Religion in South Australia appears to be in a lethargic state, and I think it would do our people good to have some of your brethren among us.” Doubtless the society that received this letter has replied, requesting the writer to send addresses of persons, etc. When such openings are presented the work is but just commenced, and much depends upon the manner in which it is carried forward. We frequently read of individuals having embraced the truth from reading the Signs, but in many cases much labor has been connected with it, of which nothing is said. Perhaps a feeling of discouragement arises in some minds because they do not see equal results follow from the reading of a few copies which they have sent out, without bestowing much prayer or thought upon the matter. The secret of success lies in having a close connection with God, and in earnest, persevering labor. M. L. H. HOW LONG?
By Eliza H. Morton
THE question, “How long, O Lord our Saviour, wilt thou remain away?” has for years been breathed by sad hearts and murmured by trembling lips, with all the earnestness of a prayer. The ages have rolled onward, the signs that mark the promised advent have been fulfilled, and to-day the answer comes to us in unmistakable terms,—Not long. It cannot be long. “The faithful fail from among the children of men,” and all things foreshadow the great event to come. Not long! A few more years, and then the promised year. A few more days, and then the endless day. A few more clouds, and then eternal sunshine. A few more trials, and then perfect peace. A few more burdens, and then everlasting rest. Not long! Earth’s sun is rapidly sinking. Long shadows fall o’er hill and vale. Another sun is about to rise—a never-setting sun. Faint gleams of light tinge the horizon—glimmerings of glory from that “hall wherein the one great feast is held which shall end the festivals of time.” Not long! Blessed thought! Jesus is coming! Home-land draws near! Love, joy, Heaven, and glory are just before us. Let us so live that when the beauty of the dawning of the day is shed over all the earth, we may hear the long-listened-for voice whispering peace and rest to our souls. “Come, Lord Jesus, and come quickly.” ELIZA H. MORTON. FIRST MICHIGAN CAMP-MEETING.
By J. Fargo
The Eaton Rapids camp-meeting is in the past, and we can truly say it was a success. We are satisfied that small meetings are far more profitable than large ones. Much is saved in traveling expenses, and a better opportunity is afforded to receive spiritual benefit. The brethren did nobly financially. With very little effort enough money was raised to pay all the expenses of the meeting. We hope the meeting at Vassar will be as great a success, both spiritually and financially; and it may be, if all who attend come prepared to be benefited, and take hold at the commencement to seek the Lord for his blessing. All needful preparations will be made by the committee, and we trust our brethren will come prepared to meet the expenses, which will be light if all are willing to bear their part. Efforts will be made to obtain reduction in fare on the railroad leading into the place. Brethren and sisters, come determined to have the blessing of the Lord at this meeting. Wm. Potter, David Malin, and E. G. Doud will act as camp-meeting committee at the Vassar meeting. ONE ITEM MORE
By M. B. Miller
About the health and temperance cause at the Eaton Rapids camp-meeting. Sunday evening, Eld. Canright gave a discourse on the subject of temperance. This prepared the way for signing the pledge. A goodly number of signers were obtained that evening, but the most interesting feature of this part of the work occurred the next day. Monday morning, the social meeting was turned to the same subject. The testimonies of Brn. Root, Carman, and Bramhall were particularly interesting, as they gave something of their experience in connection with the temperance work, and expressed their feelings about the present movement. They, with scores of others, signed the pledge, and the work did not stop until it spread all through the camp. As before reported, a State Health and Temperance society was formed, and there are at present about eight hundred in the State who have signed the pledge. Let us do what we can to carry the work forward, until all shall have opportunity to sign the pledge, thus putting the temperance movement on a firm foundation. We hope that both ministers and people will read Bro. White's article on Christian Temperance, in last week's REVIEW, and heed the suggestions offered. We can also say, God speed the good and great work to its consummation. “WATCHMAN, WHAT OF THE NIGHT?”
By Chas. L. Boyd
“The night is far spent.” Its darkest hour may be just before us, but “the day is at hand.” The following article, copied from the Christian Cynosure (Chicago), shows that the leaders of those whom we would expect to be the very last to walk the seductive path which leads to the image of the beast, are themselves stepping in and paving the way for their followers. What next? “All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life.” CHAS. L. BOYD. “The Sabbath question is taking an interesting prominence among the Jewish congregations of the country. Rabbi Koehler of Chicago, who is soon to remove to New York to take charge of the synagogue, Beth El, is understood to favor innovations upon the traditions of the elders in respect to services upon the first instead of the seventh day of the week. At the sixth council of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations held in New York a fortnight since, a resolution was adopted declaring that the means of obtaining a stricter observance of the seventh day Sabbath were beyond their reach; and a motion to define the Sabbath as the seventh day of the week was lost. This giving way of the formalities of centuries in favor of Christianity is a movement which must fill every Christian heart with the hope that not only may Christ’s day, but his person and sacrifice also, be accepted by the descendants of those who slew him.”