Earlier text: Modern SpiritualismTHE following is an extract of a letter from Sister M. K. White:— The first S. D. Adventist camp-meeting held in Dakota is just past. There were many things interesting about this meeting. Although the appointment was very brief, about two hundred brethren and sisters were on the ground, more than half of these being Scandinavians. The work commenced here by a friend of the cause sending some Scandinavian tracts to a certain postoffice in the Territory, and the postmistress handed them to a Danish neighbor. He read them carefully, sent to the office of publication for more, and began to scatter them among his neighbors. They also read, and again loaned to their neighbors; and as the result of the work thus commenced the camp-meeting was held. A Conference, consisting of four churches and five unorganized companies, having one ordained minister and several licentiates, was formed. Sabbath-school and Temperance Association were also organized, and the work started on a good basis. The meeting was pleasantly located on a ten-acre island in the Sioux River, about a quarter of a mile from Sioux Falls, a town of sixteen hundred inhabitants. The Sabbath-school held Sabbath morning was excellent considering all the circumstances. This is a new field, but very little labor having been bestowed upon it until last year, when Eld. Whitney was sent here by the General Conference; but the interest manifested shows that with proper training and experience they will succeed in the work. A good move was made on temperance. Although quite a number brought tea, coffee, tobacco, and pork upon the ground, a good stand was taken by the people against their use, and one hundred and ten signed the teetotal pledge. Eld. Hanson, who has labored in this Territory among the Scandinavians more or less for the last five years was present, and spoke several times in the Danish language. This, together with the plain, practical teaching of father and mother, and the pointed doctrinal discourses of Eld. Whitney, made the meeting one of interest and profit. Monday afternoon twelve were baptized. Toward night eight covered wagons drawn by oxen left the camp for their homes fifty miles away. The weather was so excessively hot that they dared not drive their teams in the day. Thursday morning the camp broke up in order, and the fifteen tents and about as many covered wagons soon disappeared. Many expressed the desire that a camp-meeting might be held in the place every year. The Closing Messages of the Gospel.
By R. F. Cottrell
THE BEAST—CONTINUED.—We have found that the beast of Rev. 13: 1-10, and the little horn of Dan. 7, refer to the same power. This is an important point in the examination of the third message. The apostle Paul also describes the same power as "that man of sin," and "the son of perdition, who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God." 2 Thess. 2: 3, 4. Here are the characteristics of the same power. Now whatever is affirmed of Daniel's little horn, or Paul's man of sin, is a part of the description of the beast of Revelation. Taking these testimonies together will plainly show the work of the beast, and the meaning of the warning against his worship. Let us note the specifications given in the description of this power, as found in Dan. 7: 25, and see if they have been fulfilled by the papacy. 1. "He shall speak great words against the Most High." Has the papacy fulfilled this?—has "he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name"? Have the popes assumed the names, the power, and the attributes of the Almighty? They have received such titles as "Holy Father," "His Holiness," "The Infallible One," "Lord of Lords," "A God on Earth," "Lord God the Pope," and "King of Kings." Cardinal Bellarmine, on the authority of the councils, Book 2, chap. 17, says, "All the names which are given in the Scriptures to Christ, even these same names are given to the Pope." Is not this blaspheming the name of God? Pope Gregory VII. writes, "The Roman Pontiff is by right universal. In him alone is the right of making laws. Let kings kiss the feet of the Pope. His name alone is to be heard in the churches; it is the only name in the world." Is not this claiming the right and power of God? Pope Pius IX., about 1868 said, "I alone, despite my unworthiness, am the successor of the apostles, the vicar of Jesus Christ; I alone have the mission to guide and direct the bark of Peter. I am the way, the truth, and the life." And in 1870, the Roman bishops of the world were called together by him to formally decree and declare the infallibility of the pope! Is not this assuming the attributes of the Most High? These are "the great words which the horn spake"—the "great things and blasphemies" of the beast. 2. "And shall wear out the saints of the Most High." The millions of the martyrs put to death with the most exquisite and long-continued tortures, by this power, furnish the best commentary on the fulfillment of this specification. Has not the papal power done this? 3. "And shall think to change times and laws." The question arises, Whose times and laws? To change human laws would be no distinguishing trait of character. All governments do this. It is obvious that the times and laws of the Most High are meant. The whole work of this power is against God. His name is blasphemed, and his saints are worn out, and it is clear that it is his law that this wicked power thinks to change. It is an unchangeable law; but this power thinks to change it. He did speak great words against the Most High; he did wear out his saints; but he only thinks to change his times and laws. The Douay Bible says, "He shall think himself able" to do this. With all denominations of Christians called evangelical, we hold that the moral law of God is briefly comprehended in the ten commandments. Has the papal authority thought to change this law? To think to change it implies an intention, or voluntary claim of ability to make the change. But in blending the second commandment with the first, making them but one, consequently changing the numbering of those that follow, and dividing the last to make out the number, ten, papists do not claim that there is any change. They understand this to be the intention of the Almighty. But they do claim that the church has changed the Sabbath of that law into Sunday, and that without any Scriptural authority. And this is the only one of these laws which contains any time which might be changed to another. To show what Romanists think about this change, I quote from their acknowledged authorities. The "Douay Catechism" says:— "Question. How prove you that the church hath power to command feasts and holy days?
"Answer. By the very act of changing the Sabbath into Sunday; which Protestants allow of; and therefore they fondly contradict themselves, in keeping Sunday strictly, and breaking most other feasts commanded by the same church.
"Q. How prove you that?
"A. Because by keeping Sunday strictly they acknowledge the church's power to ordain feasts, and to command them under sin." Here is a direct claim of the power or ability of the Roman church to make laws for men; and the proof of the claim is the "very act of changing the Sabbath into Sunday." The following is from another Catholic work, the "Doctrinal Catechism":— "Q. Have you any other way of proving that the church has power to institute festivals of precept?
"A. Had she not such power, she could not have done that in which all modern religionists agree with her—she could not have substituted the observance of Sunday, the first day of the week, for the observance of Saturday, the seventh day, a change for which there is no Scriptural authority." Here is the claim of the very highest authority and power, namely, to set aside that which God has commanded, and to institute, and make a duty or a sin, that which God has not commanded nor prohibited. Has not the papal power thought to change the unchangeable law of the Most High? Who changed the moral law of God? The prophecy points to the blasphemous persecutor of the saints, as thinking to do it. Jesus Christ assures us that it was not his purpose to change it so much as a jot or tittle. Matt. 5: 17-19. But the authority or head of the Roman church says, I did it, because I have the power and right to do it. Here are three witnesses; and their testimonies agree perfectly as to the author of the change. Ought not their united testimonies to be regarded? 4. "And they shall be given into his hand for a time, and times, and the dividing of time." For this length of time the papacy was to rule, with power to persecute the saints. In Rev. 13 it is said of the beast that "power was given unto him to continue forty and two months." This is the same period. We have a clue to the reckoning of the time in Rev. 12: 6, 14. Here we find that one time, two times, and a half a time are just 1260 days, or three years and a half of 360 days each. Forty-two months of thirty days each amount to the same number of days. But these days are symbolic, as commentators and Bible students agree, representing that number of years. When did this period begin and end? By the decree of Justinian in A. D. 533, constituting the bishop of Rome the supreme head of the universal church, which was carried into effect in 538, by the conquering of the Ostrogoths, the last of the three horns that were to be plucked up, the papacy was established in power. Beginning with A. D. 538, the 1260 years would end in 1798. Precisely at this point the pope was taken a prisoner of war by the French, his government declared abolished, and he carried a captive to France, where he died. Here the beast received a deadly wound; but it was afterward healed, according to prophecy. Thus exactly the word of God's promise fulfilled. The apostle represents the same wicked power as exalting himself above God. 2 Thess. 2: 4. How could this be done? If he only claimed to make laws equally binding upon men as the law of God, he would only make himself equal with God. But when he claims to set aside a law of God, releasing men from their obligation to obey it, and to give in its stead a law of his own, claiming that all must obey it or sin, he does exalt himself above God. How else could it be done? It will be seen, by what has been quoted from the teachings of the so-called Catholic church, that they claim that the church has done this very thing. Now the worship of the beast is yielding to his claim and keeping his law, rather than the law of God. Against doing this the third angel utters his warning. Those who are truly loyal to God heed the warning, and the result is, the people of God are distinguished from the rest of mankind as those that "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." Verse 12. Governing Children.
By Arthur's Home Magazine
"I'LL not live in this way!" exclaimed Mrs. Lyon, passionately. "Such disorder, wrangling and irregularity, rob me of all peace; and make the house a bedlam, instead of a quiet home. Tom!"—she spoke sharply to a bright little fellow, who was pounding away with a wooden hammer on a chair, and making a most intolerable din;—"stop that noise, this instant! And you, Em', not a word more from your lips. If you can't live in peace with your sister, I'll separate you. D'ye hear! Hush, this instant!" "Then make Jule give me my pincushion. She's got it in her pocket." "It's no such thing; I havn't," retorted Julia. "Will you hush?" The face of Mrs. Lyon was fiery red; and she stamped upon the floor, as she spoke. "I want my pincushion. Make Jule give me my pincushion." Irritated, beyond control, Mrs. Lyon caught Julia by the arm; and thrusting her hand into her pocket, drew out a thimble, a piece of lace, and a penknife. "I told you it wasn't there! Couldn't you believe me?" This impertinence was more than the mother could endure; and, acting from her indignant impulses, she boxed the ears of Julia, soundly. Conscious, at the same time, that Emily was chiefly to blame for all this trouble, by a wrong accusation of her sister; she turned upon her, also, administering an equal punishment. Frightened by all this, the younger children, whose incessant noise, for the last hour, had contributed to the overthrow of her mother's temper, became suddenly quiet, and skulked away into corners—and the baby, that was seated on the floor, between two pillows, curved her quivering lips, and glanced fearfully up at the distorted face in which she had been used to see the love-light that made her heaven. A deep quiet followed this burst of passion; like the hush which succeeds the storm. Alas, for the evil traces that were left behind! Alas, for the repulsive image of that mother, daguerreotyped in an instant, on the memory of her children, and never to be effaced. How many, many times, in after years, will a sigh heave their bosoms, as that painful reflection looks out upon them from amid the dearer remembrances of childhood. A woman of good impulses, but with scarcely any self-control, was Mrs. Lyon. She loved her children, and desired their good. That they showed so little forbearance, one with the other, manifested so little fraternal affection, grieved her deeply. "My whole life is made unhappy by it!" she would often say. "What is to be done? It is dreadful to think of a family growing up in discord and disunion. Sister at variance with sister; and brother lifting his hand against brother." As was usual after an ebullition of passion, Mrs. Lyon, deeply depressed in spirits, as well as discouraged, retired from her family to grieve and weep. Lifting the frightened baby from the floor, she drew its head tenderly against her bosom; and, leaving the nursery, sought the quiet of her own room. There, in repentance and humiliation, she recalled the stormy scene through which she had just passed. And blamed herself for yielding blindly to passion, instead of meeting the trouble among her children with a quiet discrimination. To weeping, calmness succeeded. Still she was perplexed in mind, as well as grieved at her own want of self control. What was to be done with her children? How were they to be governed aright? Painfully did she feel her own unfitness for the task. By this time the baby was asleep, and the mother felt something of that tranquil peace that every true mother knows, when a young babe is slumbering on her bosom. A book lay on a shelf, near where she was sitting, and Mrs. Lyon scarcely conscious of the act, reached out her hand for the volume. She opened, without feeling any interest in its contents; but, she had read only a few sentences, when this remark arrested her attention. "All right government of children begins with self-government." The words seemed written for her; and the truth expressed, was elevated instantly into perception. She saw it in the clearest light; and closed the book, and bowed her head in sad acknowledgment of her own errors. Thus, for some time, she had been sitting, when the murmur of voices from below grew more and more distinct, and she was soon aroused to the painful fact, that, as usual, when left alone, the children were wrangling among themselves. Various noises, as of pounding on, and throwing about chairs, and other pieces of furniture, were heard; and, at length, a loud scream, mingled with angry vociferations, smote upon her ears. Indignation swelled instantly in the heart of Mrs. Lyon; hurriedly placing the sleeping babe in its crib, she started for the scene of disorder, moved by an impulse to punish severely the young rebels against all authority; and was half way down the stairs, when her feet were checked by a remembrance of the sentiment—"All right government of children begins with self-government." "Will anger subdue anger? When storm meets storm, is the tempest stilled?" These were the questions asked of herself, almost involuntarily. "This is no spirit in which to meet my children. It never has, and never will enforce order and obedience," she added, as she stood upon the stairs, struggling with herself, and striving for the victory. From the nursery came louder sounds of disorder. How weak the mother felt! Yet, in this very weakness was strength. "I must not stand idly here," she said, as a sharper cry of anger smote her ears; and she so moved on quickly, and opening the nursery door, stood revealed to her children. Julia had just raised her hand to strike Emily, who stood confronting her with a fiery face. Both were a little startled at their mother's sudden appearance; and both, expecting the storm that usually came at such times, began to assume the defiant, stubborn air with which her intemperate reproofs were always met. A few moments did Mrs. Lyon stand looking at her children—grief, not anger, upon her pale countenance. How still all became. What a look of wonder came gradually into the children's faces, as they glanced one at the other. Something of shame was next visible. And now, the mother was conscious of a new power over the young rebels of her household. "Emily," said she, speaking mildly, yet with a touch of sorrow in her voice that she could not subdue; "I wish you would go up into my room, and sit with Mary while she sleeps." Without a sign of opposition, or even reluctance, Emily went quietly from the nursery, in obedience to her mother's desire. "This room is very much in disorder, Julia." Many times had Mrs. Lyon said, under like circumstances, "Why don't you put things to rights?" or, "I never saw such girls! If all in the room was topsy turvey, you'd never turn over a hand to put things in order," or "Go and get the broom, this minute, and sweep up the room. You're the laziest girl that ever lived." Many many times, as we have said, had such language been addressed by Mrs. Lyon, under like circumstances, to Julia and her sisters, without producing anything better than a grumbling, partial execution of her wishes. But now, the mild intimation that the room was in disorder, produced all the effects desired. Julia went quickly about the work of restoring things to their right places, and in a little while, order was apparent where confusion reigned before. Little Tommy, whose love of hammering was an incessant annoyance to his mother, had ceased his din on her sudden appearance, and, for a few moments, stood in expectation of a boxed ear; for a time he was puzzled to understand the new aspect of affairs. Finding that he was not under the ban, as usual, he commenced slapping a stick over the top of an old table, making a most ear-piercing noise. Instantly, Julia said, in a low voice, to him— "Don't Tommy,—don't do that. You know it makes mother's head ache." "Does it make your head ache, mother?" asked the child, curiously, and with a pitying tone in his voice, as he came creeping up to her mother's side, and looking at her as if in doubt whether he would be repulsed or not. "Sometimes it does, my son," replied Mrs. Lyon, kindly; "and it is always unpleasant. Won't you try to play without making so much noise?" "Yes, mother, I'll try," answered the little fellow, cheerfully. "But I'll forget sometimes." He looked earnestly at his mother as if something more was in his thoughts. "Well, dear, what else?" said she encouragingly. "When I forget, you'll tell me; won't you?" "And then I'll stop. But don't scold me mother; for then I can't stop." Mrs. Lyon's heart was touched. She caught her breath, and bent her face down, to conceal its expression, until it rested on the silken hair of the child. "Be a good boy, Tommy, and mother will never scold you, any more;" she murmured gently, in his ears. His arm stole upwards, and as they were twined closely about her neck, he pressed his lips tightly against her cheek—thus sealing his part of the contract with a kiss. How sweet to the mother's taste were these first fruits of self-control. In the effort to govern herself, what a power had she acquired. In stilling the tempest of passion in her own bosom, she had poured the oil of peace over the storm-fretted hearts of her children. Only first-fruits were these. In all her after days did that mother strive with herself, ere she entered into a contest with the inherited evils of her children; and just so far as she was able to overcome evil in herself, was she able to overcome evil in them. Often, very often, did she fall back into old states; and often, very often, was self-resistance only a light effort; but the feeble influence for good that flowed from her words or actions, whenever this was so, warned her of error, and prompted a more vigorous self-control. Need it be said, that she had an abundant reward?—Arthur's Home Magazine. Santa Ana, Cal.
By John L. Wood
I HAVE now had the tent six weeks in this place, and have gone over the principal points of our faith. Last Sabbath we held a Sabbath meeting in the tent; about forty were out. Sixteen have signed the covenant, and about ten or twelve more are keeping the Sabbath, and I think will unite with us. I shall give them a little rest this week, but will commence meetings again Friday night. During this week I will put in all the time I can in visiting. I have had a great deal of opposition all the way, principally from the Disciples. They have made several drives at the law, and Sister White. I wish to say a word about the First-day Adventists. Several families came out from Kansas a short time ago, and settled about three miles from here. They told me that when they left Kansas they thought they had all the truth; but they thought they would come to the tent once. But they had been told such horrible things about us by many of their ministers, such as that all the religion we had consisted in keeping the Sabbath, that they were sure they would not like us; but they kept on coming, and last Sabbath over half of them signed the covenant, and nearly all are keeping the Sabbath. THERE are who sigh that no fond heart is theirs;
None loves them best. Ah, vain and selfish sigh!
Out of the bosom of His love he gave—
The Father gave his Son for thee to die.
For thee he died, for thee he lives again,
For thee he triumphs in his endless reign. Thou art as much his care as if, beside,
Nor man nor angel dwelt in Heaven or earth;
So sunbeams pour alike their glorious tide
To light a world, or wake an insect's mirth.
They shine and shine, with unexhausted store.
Thou art the Saviour's treasure. Ask no more. Reports from the Field.
By John Norton Loughborough
OUR tent meetings still continue in this place. We have now given forty discourses and are just entering upon the Sabbath question. In conversation we have explained the subject to a number who have already commenced to observe the Sabbath with us. We also see good results every week from the effort made in sending out reading matter by post. Some are already embracing the truth by reading. It has been rainy and cold most of the time since we erected our tent. There has not been twenty-four consecutive hours without rain. On the first of July there was a heavy gale with rain. The tent had to be let down flat to the ground to save it from damage. Our tent is already badly mildewed, and if it continues such weather the whole season the canvass will not be fit for service another year. We have much prejudice to contend with. First, because the Church of England claims all the people as under her jurisdiction. I am told the old law is still on the Statute books requiring all to attend meeting, at the church, once in six weeks or pay a fine. There are too many dissenters, however, for the law to be enforced. One churchman used the great argument against us the other day, "If the seventh day is kept it will make another company of dissenters." Second, There is prejudice against foreigners, especially if they introduce anything new to the people. This we expected, but such prejudice is increased by false reports being circulated by those who do not attend, and who do not know of what they affirm; but even this stirs up some to come and hear. With the candid such curiosity turns to interest. On the whole, considering all the circumstances, I do not know but we are doing as well as we could expect. In opening our new mission it requires work. We try to do all that health and strength will admit. July 4, 1879. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. Uniopolis and Liberty Center, Ohio.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
ELD. RUPERT had his tent here three weeks, and I was with him the last week, July 2-6. I organized the church two months ago, with only six members. On the Sabbath, as it was church quarterly meeting, we read the name of each one, and called on them to speak. After this, thirteen requested to unite with the church. Then we repaired to the water and baptized four. Tuesday, July 8, I came to Liberty Center, and found the brethren having the largest interest we have had in Ohio for many years. About a dozen had been keeping the Sabbath here for a few years, though unorganized and in a poor condition. We gave Bro. O. F. Guilford a forty-foot tent, and he with Brn. Bigelow and Hussey came here designing only to remain about two weeks to help the brethren. But from the first a deep interest was manifested. The tent was crowded to overflowing. One after another began to keep the Sabbath, until already about sixty are fully decided, and more are coming in daily. Most of these come by whole families. On every street, and in every direction from town are to be found Sabbath-keepers. About twenty have been baptized, and new ones go forward in this ordinance every week. Tuscola, Mich.
By R. J. Lawrence, Wm. Ostrander
We closed our meetings in this place last night. The attendance throughout was comparatively small. Some, however, were deeply interested. Two or three more have accepted the truth, making seventeen in all. These were mostly from the Baptist church. They are all united and of good courage. R. J. LAWRENCE,
WM. OSTRANDER. Leon, Monroe Co., Wis.
By H. W. Decker
I attended quarterly meeting with this church. Although but short notice had been given, there was quite a turnout. Sabbath forenoon, in response to an invitation, about a dozen came forward for prayers, mostly children of the Sabbath-school. Many bore testimony for the first time. It was a precious season, indeed, and we all felt that the Saviour of sinners was present. On first-day six were baptized. H. W. Decker. Du Quoin, Ill.
By Gilbert William Colcord; David Morrison
Last Sunday we held two services in the grove at High Bank, and baptized two, who joined the church at Du Quoin. Our church building enterprise is quite promising, and we hope to build an edifice 28x42. G. W. Colcord,
D. Morrison. Dunlap, Iowa.
By John F. Hanson
ABOUT one hundred Scandinavians attended the Camp-meeting, and we enjoyed several good seasons together in our own language. Some of our Danish brethren came a hundred and fifty miles with teams. We trust they will feel richly repaid for coming. I can truly say that this meeting was a precious season to me. On Sabbath, and on Monday, many came forward for prayers, and some to give their hearts to God for the first time, among whom was my own dear daughter, for which I feel very grateful to our Heavenly Father. John F. Hanson. Beaver City, Neb.
By George B. Starr; A. J. Cudney
WE have held eighteen meetings with the Richmond church. Three members were added, two by baptism. Five arose for prayers, among whom were some of the children of the brethren. The tithing system was accepted. Geo. B. Starr,
A. J. Cudney. Since camp-meeting I have visited the little companies of Sabbath-keepers at Osage City, Emporia, Otter Creek, and Peru. At Osage City, four were baptized, a church of fourteen members organized, and an elder ordained. At Emporia, there are a few keeping the Sabbath, and they have been keeping up meetings since Bro. Stevens was there last winter. Twelve signed the covenant, and a leader was appointed. Chatham, Ontario.
By John W. Moore
Our cause here is still rising. Sixteen are now keeping the Sabbath, while others are deeply interested. The opposition we are receiving at the hands of the ministers, only tends to strengthen those who have embraced the truth, and it also creates a healthy desire to hear in the minds of others. Vigilant missionary societies are doing nobly. Twenty-five societies have responded to our appeal. The society in South Lancaster, Mass., is sending to Ontario, weekly, 200 copies of the SIGNS; a society in Illinois, 75 copies; one in Maine, 60 copies; one in Rome, N. Y., 50 copies; three societies in R. I., send from 10 to 20 copies each; and one in Michigan, 40 copies. We feel to thank God and take courage. Already some are embracing the truth from reading, and the Macedonian cry comes from many places, Come over and help us. JOHN W. MOORE. Whitewater and Mt. Pleasant, Mich.
By J. Fargo
JUNE 21, 22, met with the brethren at Whitewater, Grand Traverse Co. Here we baptized twelve, and organized a church of twelve members. Brn. Sisley and Potter were laboring here with the tent. I spent Sabbath, the 28th, with the church at Mount Pleasant. Bro. L. A. Kellogg has labored here for a year or more, as the result of which there are forty or fifty Sabbath-keepers in this vicinity. Here all seem to be in earnest, and determined to go through. J. FARGO. Genoa, Mich.
By T. M. Steward
MET with the Genoa church at Howell, July 5, 6, and held seven meetings. On Sabbath, P. M., seven were baptized, mostly young people. May the Lord help them to walk in newness of life. Several were present from abroad. All seemed to be encouraged. Praise the Lord. T. M. STEWARD. Soliloquy, Virginia.
By I. Sanborn
We had an excellent quarterly meeting at this place. Nearly all the members were present. The outside interest was good. Four were received into the church, and others are almost persuaded to accept the truth. Arcadia, Ind.
By William Covert, J. P. Henderson
TWELVE have signed the covenant, nine of whom have embraced the truth since we began meetings. Others are waiting to hear the other side, which is to be given by Eld. Frazier, (Disciple), who has been called in to oppose the truth. He begins this evening. We expect this opposition will help us much. Donations amount to $10.46, which exceeds our expenses so far. Book sales amount to $8.50. WM. COVERT, J. P. HENDERSON. Debello, Wis.
By O. A. Johnson, Andrew Christiansen
July 5, attended the quarterly meeting at Debello. The brethren seem to be doing well. Several more decided to keep all of God's commandments. Among the number was the Wesleyan Methodist minister to whom we referred in a previous report. This minister and his wife have both decided to walk according to the law of God. They hope their children will soon follow them. Another who has lately commenced the observance of the Sabbath is a German who has preached some among the Christians. Others in the vicinity of Debello are interested. May God help them to obey. O. A. JOHNSON,
ANDREW CHRISTIANSEN. Neilsville, Wis.
By T. B. Snow, C. Holmes
WE have given fifteen discourses in all. Have canvassed the Sabbath question quite thoroughly. Fourteen have expressed their intention to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and we think several others will soon decide for the truth. The people here are willing to read, and as soon as a new subject is presented, they come eagerly to the stand to get our tracts. T. B. Snow,
C. Holmes.
July 14. Bull's City, Kansas.
By Geo. H. Smith, M.; H. Enoch.
We pitched the tent in this place June 25, and have had quite an interest. The church are encouraged, and eight more have commenced to keep all the commandments of God, while others are investigating God’s word to "see if these things are so." May the Lord bless them in seeking for truth. We have closed labors here for the present. Geo. H. Smith,
M. and H. Enoch. Quarterly Meeting in Southern New Jersey
By Editor
Bro. N. Orcutt reports an interesting quarterly meeting in southern New Jersey. Eld. J. W. Morton was present and preached an excellent discourse. That Favorite Remedy.
By Julia M. Wright
PEOPLE laughed at Dr. Wilcox's "favorite remedy" in the prostration of typhoid fever; nothing else was in it than whisky. An old-fashioned doctor they called him—a kindly, benevolent, whimsical old man, who received much reverence in the wide circuit of his country practice. "He cured the majority of his patients," folks said, "and so they let him take his way." Now, one of his ways was ordering "old apple whisky" for his patients exhausted by fever. But he had luck with his fever patients. He cured Tom Turner when every one said there was "no hope." Yes, and Tom died a drunkard within two years. "And Raphe More?" True, Raphe has been a tippler ever since; a lost man they call him. "And little Bob Glen?" Poor Bobbie, was brought back from the gates of death, indeed. They began on half a gill of the whisky "that had stood in the cellar twenty years, the real stuff of his grandfather's make," and they went on until Bobbie used a pint a day. He got over the fever. "Most a pity," said the neighbors, for the disease hurt his brain somehow, and Bobbie had been only half-witted ever since. The doctor had firm faith in his remedy, until Bella Clarke gave him the light on it that no one else ventured to give. Bella and Joe were orphan twins, and Dr. W. doted on them from the day they came to live next door to him with their uncle. Joe fell ill with typhoid fever; and at the stage of prostration, "Give him a tablespoonful of whisky and a teaspoonful of cream," began the doctor. Said Bella, "I'll give him the cream, but not the whisky. Suppose he gets well to be a drunkard?" "And suppose he don't get well to be a drunkard?" said the doctor, testily. "Will it not be better for him to die a good boy that every one loves than to be a drunkard? Had I not rather sit by his grave than wait at the tavern doors to lead him home?" sobbed Bella. "Well," said the doctor, winking at her aunt, "you need not give him any whisky." "And nobody shall," cried Bella, "I will watch him night and day. No one shall make him break his promise to our dying mother. Joe is more to me than any one, and now that he does not know what he is doing, I shall see to him." "No, doctor, I cannot give him whisky, it is true," said her aunt. "I remember about the mother's dying words, and I dare not force whisky on Joe against Bella's will." She left the room, and Bella turned to the doctor. "Dear, kind doctor," she said, "what would life be to us if Joe loved drink? You remember my Uncle Tim, and—and—my—fa—" here she burst into sobs. "I cannot have Joe saved at such a price; he would not wish it himself. Do, doctor, agree to try cream, and beef tea, and good nursing—anything but whisky. I'll watch him every minute; and I know we can save him without whisky." And then, unconscious of the shock and blow to the old doctor, Bella called up the cases of Tom Turner, and Raphe, and Robin, and her Uncle Tim, and a score of others, thinking only to plead her brother's cause, but unrolling before the old man's eyes a fearful gulf into which his kindly hands had pushed many a poor soul by his "favorite remedy." He rose while she was speaking and hurried away. "O, doctor!" cried Bella, running to meet him, "Joe is improving—on beef tea. I made it myself." The old man took her hand and drew her to him. "Child," he said, "I have but few years left to repair a life-long error. Those were hard lines you read me yesterday, but hereafter no man shall date his ruin from my prescriptions. I have done with what they call my 'remedy.'"—Julia M. Wright, in Youth's Temperance Banner. Warnings Against Misuse of Medicine
THERE is more truth than poetry in the following; many are constantly in the habit of taking drugs to whom this may be a wholesome word of warning: "Whatever medicine is capable when properly administered, of doing good, the same medicine is equally capable, when improperly administered, of doing harm; the drugs often substitute a malady more serious than that which they were intended to cure. The Irishman said his physician stuffed him so with medicine that he was sick a long time after he got well." Industry Improves Talents
If you have talents, industry will improve them; if you have moderate means, industry will supply the deficiencies. Nothing is denied to well-directed labor; nothing is ever obtained without it.