It is said that upon a certain occasion an individual under the influence of intoxicating drink came reeling from the gutter, and thus accosted Whitefield: “I am one of your converts.” “I should think so,” was the reformer’s reply. “If the Lord had ever converted you, you would not have been in that condition.” When the Lord converts men it is done right. He makes no mistakes. The truth of God, accompanied by his Spirit, is the divine agency in this work. The Saviour prays, “Sanctify them through thy truth.” The apostle’s words are very much to the point: “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.” 1 Pet. 1:2. And Paul says, “Hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and the belief of the truth.” 2 Thess. 2:13.
Our anxiety should be to co-operate with the Spirit of God. To successfully do this, we need to have a living connection with the Lord; in short, to walk with God, talk with him, and be in such a state of mind that we can hold communion with him. It is while we are in this condition that the light of God can be reflected through us upon others. It is not wise to urge truth upon others faster than the mind can receive and digest it. It will prevent the accomplishment of that which we have in view. It is remarked that of a given number there is not as great a discount on those who have embraced the truth by reading as on those who have received it by hearing lectures without taking pains to read for themselves. Here is the strength of the missionary who visits and prays with families, and furnishes them that reading matter which their interest in the truth will prompt them to read. Truth backed up by the Spirit of God will convert men and women. The battle is more than one-half fought when men are anxious to investigate the truth of God for themselves.
Let the life and general deportment of the one acting as a colporteur be blameless, and when individuals become interested to investigate for the truth’s sake, we have no fears as to the result. The Spirit of God will give a tender conscience and will guide into all truth. We cannot recommend this course too highly. There are hundreds of young men and women among us who could canvass neighborhoods, villages, and cities, and leave in their pathway light which would shine until the coming of the Just One. There are living witnesses of the fruit of this kind of labor from Maine to California. And these individuals have come from the ranks of the world and from infidelity, as well as from other denominations.
An interesting case has recently come to light which clearly illustrates the utility of scattering our publications. About one year ago, reading matter was placed in the hands of a family residing in Herkimer Co., N. Y. The family consisted of a man and his wife and seven children. The oldest of the children was about twenty-one years of age. They were native Welsh. In a short time, some of the children commenced to observe the Sabbath. Finally, the entire family, together with a man who was in the employ of this family, and his wife, eleven in all, embraced the Sabbath, and are now rejoicing in the truth. None of this number professed to enjoy religion at the time they commenced to read. Neither was this work a mere theory with them, but they sought that heart work which led them to erect the family altar and openly acknowledge God in their earthly bounty which they are daily receiving. Learning of the publishing house at Battle Creek by the advertisement on the last page of the tracts, they supplied themselves liberally with other reading matter, and also subscribed for our periodicals.
They soon became interested in the subject of health reform, and came to a conclusion different from that of Spurgeon, who thought that he could “smoke to the glory of God.” This habit had been a great source of satisfaction to them, but they renounced their tobacco both in smoking and chewing. Tea and coffee were also discarded. The swine, which had been an article of food with them, and had been raised as a source of profit, was banished from the table and farm. The hired man, who also embraced the Sabbath, was a native Frenchman. Thus a door was opened for the truth to spread in two other tongues. This was accomplished simply by reading the truth, accompanied by the Spirit of God. They already partake largely of the missionary spirit. They have become active members of the Tract Society, and have donated quite freely for its support.
The fruit of their efforts is already becoming apparent. With additional labor, two others in their vicinity have taken their stand with them, while others are interested. This is the Lord’s work; and it is only one of the many instances where the fruit of the missionary efforts in distributing our publications is being seen. “The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul.”
We look over our country, and in those States where the truth has been most extensively preached there are many cities and villages where they have not heard of it. There are States where as yet but a few have had their attention called to these truths. Then there is the world to be warned. Where are our young men and women who will enter this work, if not as ministers of the word in the common acceptance of the term, at least as colporters? Let them become active missionaries, visit families, pray with them, point them to the Lamb of God, and leave with them that reading matter which will, with the blessing of God, lead them to see the beauty and harmony of the truth. When we compare what we are doing with what we might do, it is comparatively nothing. If there were not persons everywhere who are anxious to read; if the reading matter was not already made to our hand, or if there was a law to prevent this work, we might have some excuse; but as it is, there is no excuse only a want of consecration. The time has come when we should enter this work in earnest.
S. N. HASKELL.
“Are We a Christian Nation?”
UNDER cover of this question, which is calculated to appeal powerfully to the denominational feeling that may exist in any heart, the friends of the religious amendment are pushing forward their work. The last number of The Christian Press, the organ of the Western Tract Society, under the above named heading, gives utterance to the following thoughts on this question:—
“We believe that a large majority of the people in the United States fully accept the doctrine that civil government is an ordinance of God, and that the Bible contains the principles upon which all public as well as private business should be transacted, in opposition to the infidel theory that civil government is a mere compact between individuals, and that whatever the majority may determine is not only law but right. But if the majority do accept the fact that God is the source of all authority in civil government, and that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Ruler of nations, and his law of supreme authority, surely there can be no objection to stating the fact in our fundamental law. It is not a question of religion merely; if that were all it would have no right to a place in a civil constitution, but it is one of civil government as well—one, too, which lies at the very foundation of all Christian statesmanship. To secure this result, a series of conventions have been held, under the auspices of the National Association, for procuring this amendment to the Constitution of the United States, the last one in Columbus, Ohio, beginning the 10th of March.” V. S.
An Illustration.
By Uriah Smith
THE following paragraph from a letter written by Miss Sisson from India, and published in “Life and Light for Women” for March 1875, shows how a mark in the forehead is used at the present time in oriental countries and illustrates the references to it found in the Scriptures. Speaking of her efforts to evangelize the native women she says:—
“The women say, as I talk with them from house to house, ‘Yes, we also wish to be Christians.’ It is an Oriental politeness, and means little. To show them we know their lack of whole-hearted desire for the truth, we reply, ‘Well, if you really wish it, God will make you such. He is ready now to do it; but you must give yourself to him wholly, leaving all sin, ceasing to worship idols.’—‘Yes, we are ready for that,’ they say. ‘Will you rub off those marks from your foreheads?’ Each one has a tutelary god, whose sign is painted on the forehead; and this question usually causes confusion in the camp of the enemy.”
Asking them to rub off the mark in their foreheads, brings the matter to an issue at once. Paganism is not the only religion that has a mark for the foreheads of its disciples. It is found in Christendom as well; and no greater stir can be produced here in the camp of the enemy than a warning against receiving that mark.
U. S.
The Mark of the Beast.
By V. S.
A CORRESPONDENT writes: “The query is arising in some minds here: ‘If this country is the two-horned beast, and Sunday-keeping the mark, what about all the rest of the world, this being so small a portion of the earth’s surface?’”
ANSWER: The rest of the world will be dealt with according to their deserts. When God singles out the worshipers of the beast, and receivers of his mark, as especially guilty and subject to special punishments, it does not release the rest of the world, nor clear them from such judgment as may be due to their condition and sins. There are in the world about eight hundred millions of heathen. They will be dealt with as heathen. The Greek, Roman Catholic, and Protestant churches, are estimated to number about three hundred and sixty-nine millions. The Greek church is only a modified form of Roman Catholicism. In all these churches, which embrace all Christendom, the beast can be worshiped and his mark received. All that is restricted to this country is the worship of the image, which is here to be formed. But the threatening of the third message warns not only against the worship of the image, but against the worship of the beast, in whatever quarter of the earth that worship may be rendered. V. S.
Modern Revivals.
By James White
Mr. Hammond, the revivalist, is now, March 1875, operating in San Francisco. His efforts thus far seem to have been confined to the children, from four to fourteen years of age. So far as we can judge, the religion aimed at in these revivals is emotional, or rather sensational. A more thorough work is needed to reform sinners of this degenerate age.
The following from the Chronicle's report of one of the meetings is one of the many of the same sort which Mr. Hammond relates for the amusement of the young:—
“THE STORY OF THE LITTLE DUCK.
“And there was a little wee bit of a duck, only two days old, and its mother was a hen. As soon as the little duck saw some water, it began to toddle along to it just like this. [Here the reverend speaker imitated the waddling of a duck across the stage, amid loud laughter.] Now, children, the little duck knew what was good for him; and now, my dear children, you should take to Jesus like ducks to water.”
This may appear all right to some, but to us it looks rather like trifling with sacred things.
J. H. W.
“What Will the Harvest Be?”
By Emma Thurber
“Every word you utter, and every act of your life, is a seed which will bear good or evil fruit, and will result in joy or sorrow to the sower of the seed.” Do we realize this? Do we realize that we are forming characters for eternity? How careful and prayerful we ought to be.
It is only by constant watching and praying that we shall ever overcome. Oh! for more of that earnest, agonizing spirit and more of that deep love of God in the heart, that will not shrink from self-sacrifice, but will make a full and complete surrender to God. All our words and actions are being recorded in Heaven. All our thoughts are open to the eyes of our Heavenly Father. Are we laying up treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust do not corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal? or are our treasures here on the earth, to be consumed by the fires of the last days? Are we careful to exert a good influence over those around us?
The closing scenes of earth’s history are just upon us. Soon the opening heavens will reveal the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and glory. Oh! that we may hear the welcome words, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Shall we reap a rich harvest in the kingdom of Heaven? or shall our part be with those on the left hand, who shall depart forever from the presence of the Lord of life and glory, and go away into everlasting punishment. May God help us to hold fast our confidence to the end.
Emma Thurber.
Marblehead, Mass., March 14, 1875.
Facts and Figures to Ponder.
The Northern Christian Advocate makes the statement that the M. E. church loses seventy-five per cent of its probationers. In fourteen years 2,092,686 probationers were reported, of whom only 509,316 went into full communion, or 22 to each 100. In other words, in fourteen years more were lost than would make another church as large as itself. The Advocate thinks the prevalent revival methods of the church are at fault, and that such spiritual prodigality in labor and souls should be abated.
Meeting at Santa Rosa, Cal.
By J. H. W.
The quarterly meeting was held at Santa Rosa, according to appointment, March 6, 7. The attendance was good, quite a number coming from Healdsburg. There has been no preaching at Santa Rosa for over a year. I had much freedom in speaking, and they seemed greatly to prize the privilege of hearing.
So far as I could judge on a short visit the cause is in pretty good condition there. The church seems to feel of good courage. I was much pleased to find them so strong and cheerful in hope after being so long without preaching.
Friends from Healdsburg gave a good report of the state of the cause there. Recent events have created an interest in the community to both read and hear on the present truth, and there is an urgent call for Bro. and sister White to visit that place, which we hope they will be able to meet before they go East. There are open doors for labor on this coast in every direction.—J. H. W. in Signs.
Wisconsin Meetings and Church Reconciliation at Victory
By O. A. Olsen
Wisconsin.
AFTER I returned from the Biblical Institute, I labored three weeks in connection with Bro. Haskell in the meetings at Oakland, Mount Hope, and Leon. I feel thankful for this privilege of being with Bro. Haskell. I want to be aroused to a sense of this time and of the work before us.
Since I parted from Bro. Haskell I have held meetings at Whitehall, Burnside, Victory, Waterloo, and Johnstown. In all these places we had some of the blessing of God with us, and the different companies of believers expressed an earnest desire to take hold in earnest in the work before them.
At Victory the blessing of the Lord was with us in a special manner. There have been some things which have been of a discouraging nature. The Spirit of the Lord made our hearts tender. Errors were acknowledged, and the matters were reconciled. It was requested by the church that the following resolution be published in the REVIEW:—
Whereas, There has for some time existed a misunderstanding of matters in the Victory church, in connection with Bro. Richard Asbury, and whereas, his name had been dropped from church fellowship; the matter was looked into and settled as follows:—
Whereas, Upon consideration, it was manifest that errors had been committed by both parties, which were acknowledged, it was therefore
Resolved, That we drop the past, forgiving one another; that the hand of fellowship be extended by the church to Bro. Asbury; that he return the same to the church; and that henceforth we will strive in union and harmony to forward the great interests of the work of the Lord.
I was not able to meet my appointment at Wequioch on account of the storm and sickness.
While I look over the work in our Conference, I see in some places a commendable zeal manifested in the cause of God, and such labor is crowned with success. In other places it is different. The world seems to hold a large place in their affections. The importance of the time we live in, and the special work in which we are engaged, is lost sight of, consequently a spirit of indifference comes over us. Brethren and sisters, it is high time to wake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. We cannot expect that, if we take our ease, and live to self, and bear no burden for the salvation of souls, God will say to us at last, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Let us be aroused. Brethren and sisters, let us seek to get near to the Lord, and have our hearts imbued with the spirit of the Master. Jesus came to this world to live and die for our salvation. Let us have the same true missionary spirit; then we shall find that “it is sweet to work for Jesus,” while we look forward to the “resting by-and-by.”
The work of the T. & M. Society is prospering well in some places; in others, it is lagging. Brethren, will you stand idle and look on while the work of the Lord is suffering in your immediate vicinity, and souls that might have been rescued are going down to ruin and destruction? We cannot bear such a thought. Let us, one and all, come up to the work.
The winter season is almost past, and the busy season, which is not so favorable for tract labor, is just upon us. There are still a number of districts that are far behind in filling their quota of names. Who will take hold now and make an earnest effort? Read again Bro. Haskell’s article headed “Shall we Have Them?” and then respond. The blessing of God will attend every earnest worker in the vineyard, and in a little while they will return home bearing their sheaves with them.
O. A. Olsen.
Plainfield, Wis., March 11, 1875.
Addison County, Vt.
By A. S. Hutchings
THE last eight Sabbaths I have spent in this County, four each in Granville and Bristol. Bro. L. Bean was with me five Sabbaths. Considering the severity of the weather, the high winds, and drifting snow, our meetings were well attended.
Since our quarterly meeting in this county in December some ten or twelve have commenced the observance of the Sabbath of the Lord. Several of these made a start in the service of the Lord from attending prayer-meetings held by the brethren in Bristol between the time of the quarterly meeting and our last visit there.
Closed my labors there on Wednesday last by baptizing two. Others intend to go forward soon. The members of this church have been greatly strengthened and encouraged. Spent last Sabbath at Granville. All are keeping the Sabbath who started when we were here. It has been a matter of encouragement to see sinners turning from a life of sin, honoring God by acknowledging the claims of his holy law, and seeking the Saviour as the only source of a pardon of sin. May none of these dear friends stop short of overcoming every habit contrary to the word of God. “Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ,” is our great work.
A. S. HUTCHINGS.
March 16, 1875.
The Work among the Swedes
By Charles Lee
Translated from an article for Swedish Advent Herald.
The Work among the Swedes.
INDIANA.
WE are happy again to inform our friends that the Lord’s work goes forward among our countrymen. A brother in Indiana, who received the light of the “third angel’s message” by reading the Harold, sent us an invitation to visit him. On our way, we visited Bro. P. Pambla, at La Porte, Ind. We were very glad to become personally acquainted with him and his dear wife. We understand that this family was the first among our people who accepted this last message of mercy. They are both about sixty years of age. Our hearts were much moved as we heard the earnest prayers of these old pilgrims often ascend up to their heavenly Father that he would pour out his blessings on their neighbors and countrymen. They have for several years been alone in keeping the Lord’s holy Sabbath. Since they separated from the Lutheran church they have been much despised by many. They have hopes that some in the church there are honest persons who sooner or later will acknowledge God’s truth and walk in the light thereof. May God bless them and give them their hearts’ desires!
Feb. 5, we came to Porter’s Station, Ind., where the brother above referred to lives. We held twenty meetings there, and the most in his house. God blessed his own truth greatly. There were not very many who attended our meetings; but they who did, for the most part, were souls who were seeking for the truth. God’s precious Spirit melted their hearts together so that many wept for joy at the light of the truth. Their testimony for the truth is strengthened by the words of the Son of God: “This is life eternal that they might know thee, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” John 17: 3. Feb. 15th, we held our last meeting, when warm-hearted friends greeted each other in brotherly love, and covenanted to “keep God’s commandments and the faith of Jesus.” Fifteen willing souls put down sums for S. B. which amounted to $30.50. They were all formerly members of the Lutheran church. Some of them were excluded from that church while we were there. We refer them for consolation to Isa. 66: 5.
NEW JERSEY.
In this State also the truth has found a reception among our people. A brother writes:—
“I have found peace with God, and wish to make further examination of the truths of his word. Send me some of your publications that I may thereby be better able to search the Scriptures.”
FROM KANSAS.
Many encouraging accounts of the progress of the Lord’s cause among our people in Kansas have lately reached us by letter. The Harold has been the only worker in that State. A brother in Iowa first sent the Harold to a Baptist minister in Kansas,103who was honest enough, when the light of God’s truth reached him, to walk out and obey it. We have of late received letters from intelligent friends living there, who, in spite of opposition from their associates, now honor God by keeping all of his commandments. A brother writes that many among the Baptists, who have formerly mistrusted Adventists, begin to be anxious to seek after the truths they advocate. May the Lord bless these dear brethren.
CHARLES LEE.
MY JESUS KEEPS ME COMPANY.
By Sel.
My Jesus keeps me company
Along the narrow way,
And I am trusting in his grace
To keep me day by day.
The path may be a rugged one,
Yet cheerfully I'll sing;
For there's such love, and joy, and rest,
Beneath His sheltering wing.
My Jesus keeps me company,
So I am ne'er alone,
Tho' earthly friends may turn away,
And leave me, one by one;
Those, too, I've loved and trusted most,
And thought were truest friends;
But His is an unchanging love,
Mine, till the journey ends.
My Jesus keeps me company,
Yes, Jesus, thou art mine;
With confidence I now look up,
Assured, too, I am thine.
Redeemed from sin and Satan's power,
Bought with thy precious blood,
Earth has no claims upon me now;
For I belong to God.
My Jesus keeps me company,
Friendless, and poor, and lone;
Yet he bestows rich love on me,
And claims me for his own.
Then let the world despise me now,
He loves me just the same;
For Jesus keeps me company,
And Jesus knows my name.
—Sel.
Washington Territory.
By James White
We have just received a note from Bro. S. Maxson, of Walla Walla, in which he gives cheering news from that Territory. Bro. Van Horn has been laboring with success. He has just organized a little society in Milton, Oregon, of fifteen members, whole families together embracing the truth. He has now gone to Pendleton, Oregon, fifty miles from Walla Walla, to a new field, and the way is opening in every direction for successful labor. Remember the missionary workers in your prayers.—J. H. W., in Signs.
Meetings at Armada.
By M. E. Cornell
By special request, we commenced a series of meetings at the new house of worship at Armada, Mich., Sabbath, Feb. 20, and continued until March 14, and although broken up the third time by storms, the interest would immediately rise again, and it kept up good to the close. Had in all twenty-nine meetings, in which a good degree of freedom was given, both in speaking the word and in the social meetings. Several have decided to keep the Sabbath, and a goodly number are seeking to obtain a new and a deeper experience in the thing of God. At the last meeting, we took an expression, and found that more than two-thirds of the large audience present were in favor of the truth. This was a solemn meeting, and many hearts were affected. My stay at the house of Bro. D. H. Lamson has been very pleasant, and I shall not soon forget the kindness received here. Here I met Bro. and sister Corliss; and also renewed acquaintance with the brethren and sisters of Memphis. I was glad to find so many were still holding fast the present truth.
By request of Eld. Crandall of Dearborn, Michigan (first-day Adventist), I attended their quarterly meeting at Columbus, and was very cordially received. At their urgent request I spoke on Sunday. At the close of my discourse there was a rush to buy my books, and I had several urgent requests to lecture in different places in this and adjoining counties. I have rejoiced to see so much good fruit of the faithful labor of Bro. Lamson and others in this part of the State; and there is yet a large and promising field open before them here. But now a warm rain is taking off the heavy body of snow so fast that the country is flooded, and public meetings are entirely out of the question.
M. E. CORNELL.
Armada, Mich., March 15, 1875.
Partello, Mich., March 15, 1875
By H. M. Kenyon
Michigan.
SABBATH, March 13, was a good day for the friends at Partello. We felt that the blessing of the Lord was in our midst. After a short discourse we had a social meeting. Four for the first time confessed the truth, three of whom were about seventy years of age. These additions to their number, are a source of great encouragement to the brethren here.
I am still holding meetings at the Duck Lake School-house. The interest is not very flattering. I have had the most determined opposition here I have ever witnessed. I have now the Sabbath fully before the people. One woman, sixty-nine years of age, has fully committed herself to keep the Sabbath. The roads are getting so very bad I shall be obliged to close my meetings soon. Health and courage good.
H. M. Kenyon.
Partello, Mich., March 15, 1875
Western Iowa.
By J. W. McWilliams
AFTER the lectures at Battle Creek, I returned to my field of labor near Council Bluffs, Iowa. Have labored in that vicinity nearly all winter. Fifteen or twenty have decided to keep all of God's commandments. We have had a very cold and stormy winter in the West; and it has been difficult to hold meetings in a prairie country and keep up the interest, as the weather sometimes stops our meetings for nearly a week at a time.
I was glad to find the friends at Missouri Valley still holding on to the truth. Their leader is an excellent man, and is setting a good example on the reforms, while others are being aroused. The cause is onward. May the truth of God gloriously triumph.
J. W. McWILLIAMS.
Soldier Valley, Iowa, March 8, 1875.
Missouri: Meetings at Civil Bend Bring Twenty-Six Converts
By C. H. Chaffee; L. R. Long
Missouri.
WE have been holding meetings here in Civil Bend, Mo., for the last two weeks. The Lord is blessing his truth here. Twenty-six have come out on the truth, and yet the work goes on. To the Lord be all the glory. Pray for us.
C. H. Chaffee,
L. R. Long.
The Cause of Truth.
By James White
It is encouraging indeed to know that our friends in all parts of the field stand firm, and to feel assured that the hand of the Lord is in the work. Only about six years since, our mission was first commenced in California. It has not had the labors of sensational revivalists; but the work has moved on steadily. Some of the time it has moved so very slowly, or to human view at times has been going backward, because of injudicious labor, that but few have a just idea of what has been accomplished.
The results are really wonderful. At this date there are not less than six hundred well-established Seventh-day Adventists in the State. These are persons of moral worth. These have taken up heavy crosses, and come the long distance from the popular religious customs and last-day fables to accept the word of God as it reads, and to obey it. These can be relied upon three hundred and sixty-five days in a year.
There could come upon our cause no greater curse than to have it fall under the influence of sensational revivalists, who might in the excitement of a few weeks raise it ten degrees, to be let down in an inevitable reaction, fifteen degrees. There is an actual loss in the end. Here may come in by illustration the old story of the frog in the well, who every day climbed up two feet, only to fall back three in the night.
Bro. Canright reports a growing interest at Petaluma, and a full house. He should have the earnest and energetic co-operation of all the brethren. Much visiting should be done by the lecturer, and by the brethren also, at such a time.
Bro. Waggoner returns from the quarterly meeting at Santa Rosa refreshed and cheered by his visit with the brethren in that county. Healdsburg has been visited by one of the meanest forms of opposition the sun ever looked upon. The matter was so completely overdone as to disgust the people, and create a strong reaction.
There is a call from the Woodland church for labor, and from the people for a course of lectures. May the blessing of God attend the efforts of young men who are laboring in different places in the State. And may thousands of prayers, bedewed with sympathy and love for Bro. and sister Van Horn, go up daily for the blessing of Heaven upon the North Pacific Mission.—J. W., in Signs.