We reached the ground at Wolcott, Thursday forenoon, and found the meeting in progress. We were glad to find quite a large attendance of brethren and sisters; indeed, the meeting was considerably larger than the New York Camp-meeting, which we had just left, though this Conference has not half as large a membership as that. I was glad to greet the friends of my native State, some of whom I have been acquainted with for more than twenty-five years. There seemed to be a discouraging feeling upon the minds of many of the friends of the cause, and there was not all that interest and spirituality in the meetings that I wanted to see. But the Lord gave good freedom in preaching the word, and the meetings rose in interest till the close. Especially was this true of our meetings Sabbath and Monday.
On Sabbath, a large number came forward for prayers, and there was quite a breaking down before the Lord. On Sunday, when there was a large crowd present, of course we could do but little, except to attend to business matters, and preach to those especially who had come in to learn our views. Good attention was paid, as the reasons of our faith were set before the people. Many hundreds were in attendance from all the surrounding country. But on Monday, when we returned to those things which were calculated to help our own people, we made an advance again, and many were deeply affected. One thing we greatly regretted, and that was, that so many had gone home Sunday night. Those who went, lost the very best part of our meeting. It seems surprising that so many of our people will not learn to reform in this respect, and will thus neglect the very means that are calculated to benefit them most. We were very particular in the notice of these camp-meetings to state that they would continue through Monday. We have learned that the crowd and the business of Sunday have an influence to lessen the good impression that has been previously made upon the mind. It is important that our people should receive all the good they can at these meetings. What a pity, then, that they should leave just at that time when they may receive the greatest good. Nothing seems more discouraging to those who travel at great expense to meet with the people to help them, than to see them go home and neglect the means of grace that God offers. Those who did remain were privileged with special spiritual blessings. The remarks of Eld. Haskell, Monday night, upon the true spirit of sacrifice, were worth going many miles to hear. How I wished every Sabbath-keeper in the State could hear them.
There was quite a breaking down, Monday afternoon, among all the people. Some with whom I had the privilege of praying at their tents, and beseeching them to give their hearts to God, started out, for the first time, in the Lord’s service. May they continue faithful.
The hearts of the people seemed very much drawn out and encouraged by the time the meetings closed, so that we could hardly tear away from them.
On Sunday morning, we set before the people the progress and wants of the cause. The Lord specially helped in the presentation of this subject. The hearts of many were moved, and when we called for pledges for the school, there was a general response. Upwards of $3,100 were pledged in addition to the $1,000 obtained before, making over $4,100 subscribed by the little State of Vermont for our proposed school. We doubt if any other State signs as much in proportion to its numbers and means. We confess to surprise at the result. In producing it, we urged no one personally to pledge. We only set before the people the work at its present stage, and what we ought to see accomplished. Our people are willing to take hold when these things are fully understood by them. Altogether, we were much pleased at the result of the Vermont meeting, and we trust there will be a coming up in the work there, hereafter.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
South Lancaster, Mass., Aug. 22, 1873.
Trials Will Come.
By R. F. Cottrell
“It must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh.” Matt. 18: 7. “For there must be also heresies [margin, sects] among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” 1 Cor. 11: 19.
We may expect that trials, offenses, and apostasies, will come. These should not discourage us, “as though some strange thing” had happened to us. The primitive church were not free from these things, and we should not expect to be. There was a Judas among the chosen twelve; and when Jesus was betrayed and apprehended, the disciples present forsook him and fled; and Peter went so far as to deny, with cursing and swearing, that he knew him. But, thanks to our merciful Saviour, he was converted, and restored to favor.
Terrible sins were discovered in the church, as in the case of Ananias and Sapphira and the person mentioned by Paul in 1 Cor. 5. The Corinthian church also got divided up into factions or sects, into Paulites, Apollosites, Cephasites, &c. And besides this, the church had become so disorderly that they could not come together to eat the Lord’s supper and do it in a decent and proper manner. See chap. 11: 17-34. Such abuses the apostle was constrained to rebuke sharply, as he afterward directed Titus to do in such cases, in order that they might be sound in the faith.
Paul knew what it was to stand in defense of the truth, when none stood with him, but all forsook him. 2 Tim. 4: 14-17. Behold the apostle standing alone, forsaken of his brethren who should have stood by him. But the Lord was with him and strengthened him; and in behalf of his brethren that deserted him, he had grace to pray that it might not be laid to their charge. He had confidence in the truth, while some were laboring to overthrow the faith. He knew that the foundation of God stood sure—that the Lord knew his faithful servants and would approve their course. 2 Tim. 2: 17-19. Large numbers of those for whom the apostle had labored, bringing them into the truth, turned away from the aged prisoner of the Lord, so that he could say, “All they which are in Asia be turned away from me.” Chap. 1: 15. Perhaps they were ashamed to recognize him in his bonds; and they may have thought the condition he was in was evidence that the Lord had removed him from the work. But Onesiphorus oft refreshed his spirit, not being ashamed of him, though he was bound with a chain. Verse 16.
The venerable apostle John, beloved of the Lord, had experience also of a similar kind. 3 John. 9, 10. Diotrephes, who loved to have the pre-eminence in the church, would not receive the advice of the aged apostle, who leaned on Jesus’ breast at the last supper, but prated against him with malicious words, nor would he receive the brethren that were laboring in harmony with the apostle, and those that were in favor of receiving them he cast out of the church.
If such were the trials of the primitive church, should like things, occurring amid the perils of the last days, weaken our faith in regard to the work of God? Not in the least. But if all things went smoothly, we might have reason to doubt. It is enough for the servant to be as his Lord. Many of Jesus’ disciples went back and walked no more with him, at one time. “Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?” The reply of Simon Peter was sensible: “To whom shall we go?” Before he left, he wished to be sure of something better which would be gained by an exchange. And if any now are tempted to leave this cause, it will be wise for them to inquire beforehand where they are going. Is there something better to choose?
The foundation of God stands sure. This message is the truth. It is sent of God. In it are the words of eternal life. Whatever trials may come, whoever goes away, here will we abide. There is no place of safety to which we may retreat. Our only safety is in moving forward with the work of the Lord.
R. F. COTTRELL.
No LAZY CHRISTIANS.
By T. D. Talmage
There is no better place from which to see Heaven than a carpenter's table, or a mason's wall, or a merchant's counter, if the heart be right. Elisha was plowing in the field when the prophetic mantle fell upon him. Matthew was engaged in his custom-house duties when he was commanded to “follow.” James and John were busily engaged in mending their nets when called upon to become fishers of men. Had they been snoring in the sun, Christ would not have brought their indolence into the apostleship. Gideon was at work with his flail on the threshing floor when he saw the angel. It was when Saul was fatigued hunting up his father's asses, that he got the crown of Israel. The prodigal son would not have been reformed and wanted to go home, had he not gone into business, although it was swine-feeding. Indeed, it is not once in a hundred times that a lazy man ever becomes a Christian. There is but little hope for the man that has nothing to do. It is not when indulging in idleness, but while like the Bethlehem shepherds watching your flocks, that the glory of God will shine about you, and there will be joy in Heaven among the angels of God over your soul penitent and forgiven.—T. D. Talmage.
Tennessee, Indiana, and Michigan.
By E. B. Lane
It has been a long time since my last report, yet I have not been idle. In my closing tent labor last summer, I was admonished by soreness of lungs that I must desist from constant effort. I therefore spent the winter in Wisconsin, pursuing my studies, and doing what I was able among the churches until New Year's; when, by the doctor's advice, I ceased preaching almost entirely. Our meetings with the Wisconsin brethren will long be remembered; quite a number were reclaimed and, I trust, hopefully converted. All of our meetings were characterized by the converting power of God's Spirit, of which all seemed to partake.
I returned to Battle Creek, attended General Conference, and spent a few weeks at the Health Institute, where I received much benefit. Feeling able to resume labor, in May I went to Tennessee, and stayed about two weeks. I preached seventeen discourses in ten days, and attended baptism. Seven were baptized, one more was prevented by sickness. We left a church of thirteen. Several made their first start in these meetings. We left them all in good courage, and have since learned that they are pressing on.
I found the interest to hear about where I left it two years ago. I occupied the Edgefield Junction depot as before, and it was quite often crowded. Two years ago, but five were keeping the Sabbath. Six others embraced it shortly after I left, and one, within the past winter; another, during my last visit. One or two more are keeping the Sabbath who have not yet united with us.
Before I returned home, I received a letter from Alabama which will doubtless be of interest to all. A southerner left the rebel service, and fought in the Union army, in which he lost his eyesight, and was discharged. By a train of circumstances he became acquainted with, and embraced, the S. D. A. doctrines. He returned to Alabama deprived of sight, without books or tracts. He talked the truth to others, and now there are seventeen there who are keeping the Sabbath. They desire to hear a course of lectures, read our tracts, and be organized, and have offered to defray the traveling expenses of a minister to come and labor among them. I believe the south to be a good field of labor.
On my way home I enjoyed many good meetings with the churches in Indiana. Baptized seven there. God's Spirit seemed to be with us, to break our hearts and give us penitent feelings. At the family altars and in our prayer-meetings many were broken down and wept before God. Several of these occasions, I can never forget. Nine weeks past we have been with the Michigan tent in Armada, Macomb Co. No opposition came from the public desk till within the past two weeks. Two discourses have been given against the Sabbath question. Our reviews were attended by double, or more, than attended the discourses; hundreds were out to hear, and listened with great attention.
Our meetings here have been well attended all the way through. I have never engaged in a course of lectures where the attendance was better. Quite a large number have decided to obey the truth. Next week, we start the tent for camp-meeting.
I have never felt greater courage or faith in the truths of the third angel's message than now. I desire to be humbled, sanctified, and saved by them. E. B. LANE. Armada, Mich., Aug. 22, 1873.
“WE WILL LIFT A LITTLE.”
Lift a little! lift a little!
Neighbor, lend a helping hand
To that heavy-laden brother,
Who for weakness scarce can stand.
What to thee, with thy strong muscle,
Seems a light and easy load,
Is to him a ponderous burden,
Cumbering his pilgrim road.
Lift a little! lift a little!
Effort gives one added strength;
That which staggers him when rising,
Thou canst hold an arm’s full length.
Not his fault that he is feeble,
Not thy praise that thou art strong;
It is God makes lives to differ,
Some for wailing, some for song.
Lift a little! lift a little!
Many they who need thine aid;
Many lying on the roadside,
’Neath misfortune’s dreary shade,
Pass not by like priest and Levite,
Heedless of thy fellow man;
But with heart and arms extended,
Be the Good Samaritan.
Turning Adversity into Stepping-Stones to Honor
Do not let the stumbling-blocks of adversity prove barriers, but stepping-stones, to true honor.
Harsh Words and the Glory of Rising
HARSH words are like hailstones in summer, which, if melted, would fertilize the tender plants they batter down.
THE Chinese say of mistakes: “The glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time you fall.”
A Letter.
By Mary L. Williams
Dear Sisters of Hardin County, Kentucky: Over three months ago I parted with you for my home in the West. Since then, we have passed through many changes. Have they affected us for good or evil? How fresh in my mind, this Sabbath morning, is the memory of the hours we have spent in worshiping our God together; and the scene of that first-day morning, when we, a little band of despised followers of the humble Redeemer, sought the bank of that little brook to find a watery grave to be buried with Christ in baptism, to rise to walk in a new life. And are we faithfully keeping our pledge that we made that memorable night when we covenanted together to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus? That event marked the beginning of a period in our lives which, if well and profitably spent, will surely prove a never-failing source of endless blessings to each of us. But if the lessons of wisdom there imparted are to be supplanted by the fascinations of this world and worldly considerations, if we are to be numbered among those devotees of fashion and folly that are wooed and won by the siren song of pleasure, with no aspiration rising higher than earth and self, then our fate is sealed, our destiny is fixed, and our sentence long since pronounced by him who passed judgment upon the foolish virgins.
May we be aware, then, when the hour of trial comes, as come it surely will, that we be prepared to use, and not abuse, the potent influence of womanly charms. Could a picture of our condition have been photographed, at our initiation into this great warfare, and now compared with the present reality, do you think that we could see much improvement in our Christian characters? would we not see sunshine and darkness commingle in some of our lives? But now the darkness is gradually disappearing from our minds; and, although the vail has not been entirely rent, exposing the dawn, still evidences are constantly increasing which herald the approach of that perfect day.
We each have a work to do in the great harvest field; let us sow good seed, if we have to water it with tears, and when the Master comes, we can hand in our sheaves and join the harvest song. Let us, dear sisters, remember that six thousand years have rolled by since the mother of all mankind walked amid the bowers of her Eden home, and by her unfaithfulness was banished from that lovely place where she could have reigned as queen of all living things. And to-day, with the accumulated knowledge of ages, how little do her daughters know of their mission to earth: and how far short do we come of fulfilling our duty. It is said that three-fourths of all the evil and all the good, is attributable to the influence of woman. Be that as it may, it is certain that our influence is potent for good or evil.
Permit me, dear sisters, to express the fond hope that throughout the remainder of our waiting for the return of our Lord we will ever be found fulfilling our high and holy calling. Let us have the love of Mary, and the industry of Martha, uniting in our life-work. Walking in the narrow path and bearing the cross is the only way for us to regain lost Eden. We should not wish to be carried to our home on flowery beds of ease, while others have sailed through bloody seas; and Jesus was a “man of sorrows.”
I am waiting, ever waiting,
For a brighter, better day,
Just beyond the clouds and shadows
That surround my lonely way;
For a day of light and gladness,
Such as earth has never known,
When in equity and justice,
Christ shall reign on David’s throne.
All the prophets of past ages
Saw its brightness from afar,
And in words sublime have spoken
Of the peace and glory there;
Now they sleep in those green valleys
Which in weariness they trod,
But they’ll come with songs of triumph,
To the holy mount of God.
Now the world is full of suffering,
Sounds of woe fall on my ears,
Sights of wretchedness and sorrow
Fill my eyes with pitying tears;
’Tis the earth’s dark night of weeping,
Wrong and evil triumph now;
I can wait, for just before me
Beams the morning’s roseate glow.
I am waiting, hoping, praying,
For Messiah’s glorious reign,
For I know he’ll rule in justice,
Right and truth will triumph then;
Worldly pleasure cannot win me,
While I wait for that bright day;
Worldly pleasure cannot charm me
While its light beams on my way.
MARY. L. WILLIAMS.
Baltimore, Kansas, Aug. 2, 1873.
Meeting of the Vermont T. and M. Society.
By A. C. Bourdeau; C. W. Stone
Pursuant to appointment, the general quarterly meeting of this society was held at Bordoville, Vt., July 19, 20.
The business meeting on the 20th was opened by singing; prayer by Eld. S. N. Haskell.
The report for the quarter ending Jan. 1, 1873, was read.
Eld. A. C. Bourdeau made some remarks upon the general standing of the Society, giving the following statements:—
We have two hundred and four members. The amount of Vermont’s indebtedness on the delinquent fund is $124.60; on periodicals to the poor, $11.50. On this there have been raised, while attending quarterly meetings during the last two quarters, $78.00, and nearly $1000 pledged for the school, of which $47.00 have been paid. In addition to this, there are the workings of members, &c., to be reported at a future time, as we have not yet received reports from all the churches. The funds of the society, raised on memberships, and the $14.35 by donations, have been so expended for books that a book fund is now necessary.
Bro. Haskell then spoke upon the proper manner of conducting tract societies, of their practical working and utility, and of the grand results that may be attained by a proper interest and sufficient energy on the part of the members.
Bro. Bourdeau then thought it proper to notice what had been done by the V. M. Society of Franklin Co., organized June 8, 1873, with fourteen members. The Secretary of that Society stated, after reading their constitution, that interesting meetings had been held weekly, and some letters been written; but, as it had been organized only a short time, not much had been accomplished.
Bro. Haskell made some interesting remarks upon the subject. He also suggested the propriety of this meeting’s recommending the adoption of the new constitution in place of the one we now have. He stated the chief points of difference; and by vote, the change was recommended to the Society to be considered at their next annual meeting.
Voted to try to raise funds by donation at this meeting. Immediately, there were pledged on the delinquent fund $25.50, and on the T. and M. fund, $122.35.
Voted to adjourn sine die.
A. C. BOURDEAU, Pres.,
C. W. STONE, Sec.
Wisconsin Forty-Foot Tent.
By H. W. Decker; C. W. Olds
July 5, commenced meetings in Nasonville, Wood Co. This is a new settlement of some forty families. The weather for the most of the time has been very rainy. We continued our meetings until August 11, amidst some opposition on the part of one Presbyterian elder, and one Methodist, who preached five times against the views we hold. We reviewed them, and we think the people saw the weakness of their positions. How good the truth looks by the side of error.
We held some forty meetings here; twelve decided to keep all of the commandments; nine went forward in the ordinance of baptism, and we trust are trying to walk in newness of life. Those who have been addicted to the baneful use of tobacco have laid it aside, and they are trying to learn their duty in all things. One of us will try to meet with them on the Sabbath while we remain in this part of the State. A great many are convinced of the truth, but have not decided yet. Oh! may they walk in the light while it shines, lest darkness come upon them.
Feeling our work done there for the present, our tent is now pitched ten miles west, at Maple Works, Clark Co. We have held five meetings in this place with seemingly increasing interest. We ask to be remembered by all of God's remnant people, that we may walk humbly. H. W. Decker, C. W. Olds.
Maple Works, Wis., Aug. 18, 1873.
Illinois Tent.
By T. M. Steward
We have been here just one week, and the interest is increasing. Last night we had about seven hundred out, and they gave the best attention. Thank God for his truth. Oh! for grace to reach the hearts of the people. Pray for us. I expect Bro. Andrews next week.
T. M. STEWARD.
Pontiac, Livingston Co., Ill.
Can One Commandment Require Two Different Sabbath Days?
By R. F. C.
How can the same commandment require one person to observe one day as holy, and another to observe another day in like manner? Can the very same words require the Jew to keep the seventh day holy on pain of death, and the Christian to keep the first day holy on pain of God's displeasure, and everlasting ruin? If so, who knows but that they may be damned for not keeping Monday or some other day of the week? R. F. C.
Southern Illinois Tent.
By G. W. Colcord
From June 20 to Aug. 4, I was with Bro. Steward in the northern Illinois tent, at Como. From first to last, we saw no great amount of interest manifested. However, we hope some good was accomplished. Sold some publications, gave away a quantity; several subscribed for our periodicals. Many made a verbal acknowledgment of the correctness of our views, but we were compelled to leave most of them stranded on the shoals of procrastination. One man commenced to observe the Sabbath; another promised, just as we were finishing up the effort, so to do; and for others we will hope and pray. Eternity, only, will manifest the full result.
Aug. 8, I came to this place, and found Bro. Bliss laboring on in the good work. Since my coming, we have spoken to the people eighteen times; in connection with these meetings, we have enjoyed three prayer and social seasons.
Last Sabbath, we had an interesting Bible class; our subject was the two laws. A Disciple minister was present, and took part in the exercises, throughout which he manifested a very concessive spirit; but, at the close of the school, he spoiled it all, as far as his effort told, by saying he thought a first-day “Lord’s day” could be proved from the New Testament! It was mutually agreed to that we should take for a lesson next Sabbath those eight texts which mention the “first-day;” and he is to be present, with such ministerial aid as he may deem proper to bring. We expect an interesting time. May it result in good.
Last Sabbath, we had a very encouraging meeting. Some of our old friends in the cause were present; freedom was ours to enjoy together. Our newly-made friends took hold well; and at the close of the interview the test manifested sixteen souls, determined to obey the third angel’s message. Last Sunday eve, in the midst of a large congregation, some twenty-five or thirty arose for prayers. In our prayer-meeting yesterday, one more made a start for the good work; and at the close of the sermon last eve five arose for prayers. We remember that “many” are “called” by the truth, but only a “few chosen;” and, therefore, we shall endeavor to give the people a close testimony. We don’t want those to go with us who are simply proselytes to our belief (see Matt. 23:15), but those who possess living faith (Jas. 2:14–26), and are of the true stamp (Rev. 14:12).
The interest extends for miles around. We judge we have had five or six hundred present at several of our meetings. Books go off quite well. Twenty-five names have been received for the REVIEW, Instructor, and Reformer. How solemn the thought: Our position and work! Souls are deciding, perhaps in many cases, for eternity. Pray for us. G. W. COLCORD.
Greenup, Ill., Aug. 20, 1873.
Northern Iowa Tent.
By J. H. Morrison; C. A. Washburn
Since last report, we held a series of meetings at Bradford, which continued four weeks. This is a field entirely new. They were all strangers; not one ever heard the doctrines held by Seventh-day Adventists preached before. The congregations averaged from seventy-five to three hundred, notwithstanding it was a very busy time for the farmers, as the meetings commenced with the beginning of harvest. We closed our labors there the 17th, when a large majority of the congregation decided by a vote that they believed we had demonstrated these doctrines by the Bible. Fifteen expressed their determination to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, some of whom never made a profession of religion before. Some little opposition of a mild form, but of the worst character, obtained power over the minds of some sufficient to keep them away; perhaps many of them well-meaning persons.
The last two Sabbaths and Sundays we had two wagon loads of our warm-hearted brethren and sisters from Fredericksburgh, which added very much to the interest. Among them was mother Pitts, an old lady of fourscore years, over one of which has been spent in trying to keep all of God's law; most of the time all alone, tossed to and fro by the cold tide of humanity, but firm in the commandments of God and the near coming of his Son.
We sold $15.50 worth of books while there, and obtained seventeen new subscribers on trial after the close of the last meeting.
We are now pitched in Horton, Bremer Co., nine miles south of B., a small village, but a well-settled country around. We left a large circle of warm friends at B., whose kindness and hospitality we shared while there, and who manifested an interest by donating to the cause about ten dollars. We trust we still shall have the united prayers of God's people, that we may be directed by his Spirit and kept by his power. This will be our address for the present.
J. H. MORRISON,
C. A. WASHBURN.
Horton, Bremer Co., Iowa, Aug. 20, 1873.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
Died, in Durand, Pippin Co., Wis., Aug. 1, 1873, sister M. E. Gregory, aged thirty-seven years and two months. Sister Gregory has been in the truth about ten years. She, with two or three others, has been struggling through opposition alone. She leaves a husband and six children to mourn her loss. Our heart was sad when we left them in their lonely home; we hope this separation may not be long. The following lines were written by her husband:—
O death, thy withering hand is laid,
Oft on earth’s fairest, purest flowers.
O’er many homes there is a shade,
But none more deep than rests on ours.
O grave, in silence dark and dumb,
We lay our treasure in thy dust,
Waiting till the glad morn shall come
When thou shalt render up thy trust.
We walk the path of life alone;
We meekly bear the chastening rod.
’Tis hard to say, “Thy will be done.”
Thy will be done, O Lord, our God.
Died, in Clark Co., Ohio, near Yellow Springs, Aug. 14, 1873, of spotted fever, Mary H., daughter of L. W. and Rachel A. Vanmeter, aged 4 years, 2 months, and 11 days. Discourse by the writer, to an attentive audience, from 1 Cor. 15.
A correspondent asks for light on this passage. Dr. Clarke comments on this at considerable length. Those who wish to see it thoroughly examined, and the views of many writers criticized, are referred to his Commentary. The following extracts will give the reader a good idea of the argument on this subject. The first regards the text itself, and early MSS.; the latter is a summary of the evidence. We invite the careful attention of the reader to these remarks of this eminent man.
“But it is likely this verse is not genuine. It is wanting in every MS. of this epistle written before the invention of printing, one excepted, the Codex Montfortii, in Trinity College, Dublin: the others which omit this verse amount to one hundred and twelve.”
“It is wanting in both the Syriac, all the Arabic, Ethiopic, the Coptic, Sahidic, Armenian, Slavonian, &c., in a word, in all the ancient versions but the Vulgate; and even of this version many of the most ancient and correct MSS. have it not. It is wanting also in all the ancient Greek fathers; and in most even of the Latin.”
“The words as they exist in all the Greek MSS. with the exception of the Codex Montfortii, are the following:—
“6. This is he that came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7. For there are three that bear witness, the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree in one. 9. If we receive the witness of man, the witness of God is greater, &c.”
“The words that are omitted by all the MSS., the above excepted, and all the versions, the Vulgate excepted, are these:—
“[In Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one: and there are three which bear witness in earth.]”
“To make the whole more clear, that every reader may see what has been added I shall set down these verses, with the inserted words in brackets.
“6. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7. For there are three that bear record [in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one. 8. And there are three that bear witness in earth,] the Spirit, and the water, and the blood, and these three agree in one. 9. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater, &c.”
Any man may see, on examining the words, that if those included in brackets, which are wanting in the MSS. and versions, be omitted, there is no want of connection; and as to the sense, it is complete and perfect without them; and, indeed much more so than with them. I shall conclude this part of the note by observing, with Dr. Dodd, ‘that there are some internal and accidental marks which may render the passage suspected; for the sense is complete, and indeed more clear and better preserved, without it. Besides, the Spirit is mentioned, both as a witness in Heaven and on earth; so that the six witnesses are thereby reduced to five, and the equality of number, or antithesis between the witnesses in Heaven and on earth, is quite taken away. Besides, what need of witnesses in Heaven? No one there doubts that Jesus is the Messiah; and if it be said that Father, Son, and Spirit are witnesses on earth, then there are five witnesses on earth, and none in Heaven; not to say that there is a little difficulty in interpreting how the Word or the Son can be a witness to himself.’
“The writers that have quoted it are comparatively recent or spurious, for those of any note which have been supposed, from certain expressions in their works, to have had reference to this verse, have been proved by learned men to have had no such text in view. A great and good man has said that ‘the seventh verse, in conjunction with the sixth and eighth, has been quoted by Tertullian, Cyprian, and an uninterrupted train of fathers.’ But a more incautious assertion was never made, as the preceding list will prove; and the evidence on the subject I have most carefully examined. Bengel, who was an excellent critic and a good man, endeavored to defend it, but without success; and Michaelis, demonstrated its spuriousness from Bengel’s five concessions. Knaittel has defended its authenticity with much critical acumen; Hezelius with great sagacity; David Martin of Utrecht, with much honest simplicity; and Dean Travis with abundance of zeal, without much knowledge of the critical bearings of the subject. Socinians need not glory that it is indefensible, and that honest Trinitarians give it up; for the sacred doctrine which it appears to express is diffused through every part of the Scriptures, and is as inexpugnable as a rock of adamant, and will live and prevail in the church of Christ while sun and moon endure, and till time shall be swallowed up in eternity.”
SUMMARY of the whole evidence relative to the THREE HEAVENLY WITNESSES, 1 John 5:7.
“1. One hundred and thirteen Greek MSS. are extant, containing the First Epistle of John, and the text in question is wanting in 112. It only exists in the Codex Montfortii (a comparatively recent MS.), already described. The Codex Ravianus, in the Royal Library at Berlin, is a transcript taken from the Complutensian Polyglot.”
“2. All the Greek fathers omit the verse, though many of them quote both ver. 6 and ver. 8, applying them to the trinity, and divinity of Christ and the Holy Spirit; yea, and endeavor to prove the doctrine of the trinity from ver. 6 and ver. 8, without referring to any such verse as the 7th, which, had it existed, would have been a more positive proof, and one that could not have been overlooked.”
“3. The first place in which the verse appears in Greek is the Greek translation of the Acts of the Council of Lateran, held A.D. 1215.”
“4. Though it is found in many Latin copies, yet it does not appear that any written previously to the TENTH CENTURY contains it.”
“5. The LATIN fathers do not quote it, even where it would have greatly strengthened their arguments; and where, had it existed, it might have been most naturally expected.”
“6. Vigilius, bishop of Tapsum, at the conclusion of the fifth century, is the first who seems to have referred expressly to the three heavenly witnesses; but his quotation does not agree with the present text either in words or in sense; and besides, he is a writer of very little credit, nor does the place alleged appear to learned men to be genuine.”
“7. The Latin writers who do refer to the three heavenly witnesses vary greatly in their quotations, the more ancient placing the eighth verse before the seventh, and very many omitting, after the earthly witnesses, the clause these three are one. Others who insert these three are one add in Christ Jesus; others use different terms.”
“8. It is wanting in all the ancient versions, the Vulgate excepted; but the more ancient copies of this have it not; and those which have it vary greatly among themselves, as may be seen in the specimens already produced.”
“9. It is wanting in the first edition of Erasmus, A.D. 1516, which is properly the editio princeps of the Greek text.”
“It is wanting also in his second edition 1519, but he added it in the third from the Codex Montfortii.”
“It is wanting in the editions of Aldus, Gerbelius, Cephalaeus, &c.”
“It is wanting in the German translation of Luther, and in all the editions of it published during his lifetime.”
“It is inserted in our early English translations, but with marks of doubtfulness, as has already been shown.”
“10. In short, it stands on no authority sufficient to authenticate any part of a revelation professing to have come from God.”
Wisconsin Tent.
By D. Downer
Since my last report, I have been doing what I could alone. There seems to be a settling down among the people. Some are favorable, some are embracing the truth, and others are still more determined than ever that God’s truth shall never prosper here. Last Sabbath I called the first Sabbath meeting. Twenty-three agreed to keep the commandments of God. Some of these are reliable; others will need much care or will never develop into full grown men and women in Christ.
Some are attending our meetings from several miles distant. There are seven, not of the twenty-three above mentioned, about nine miles from here, that have gone to keeping the Sabbath, and are calling for preaching. They have been reading constantly, and have now brought the Sabbath question into their Sunday-school. Many are seeing the truth. I am almost impatient waiting for help. There is work for three men.
It is quite a change from last year’s labor; congregations are small. The country is new, but I still feel that this is the field nearest ripe for the truth. I am greatly blessed in trying to lead the people to obey God.
The cause moves slowly here, but I am hopeful, and am seeing some good results. There has been but one minister in the tent to hear. When asked what he thought of it, replied, “I do not know, I do not understand it.” I am resolved to watch and pray more. I feel certain there will be a good work done here. I still plead more earnestly for your prayers. My address, for some time, will be Modena, Buffalo Co., Wis.