Earlier text: The Christian LifeThe Missionary.
By W. N. Glenn
"Freely Ye Have Received, Freely Give."
WHEN we see men of the world reveling in luxury, having an abundance of this world's goods, yet withholding from those who are in need, we say they are covetous, selfish, unworthy to be the custodians of wealth. When we see men having health and strength who refuse to minister to the wants of the suffering, we deem them very hard-hearted. Especially if one should see a fellow-creature, either friend or enemy, lying at death's door, and having a potent remedy in his possession should refuse to administer it, he would be condemned as almost a murderer. Even if he should fail to proffer the necessary relief through mere negligence, the act would be accounted extremely culpable. We read in the tenth chapter of Luke of a certain man who fell among thieves, and they beat him, stripped him of his raiment, and left him half dead; and it is with feelings akin to disgust that we contemplate the selfishness of the priest and Levite who, coming that way, merely looked on him, and passed by without even offering any assistance. The wickedest man on the earth would condemn such an act on the part of another; and the Lord has recorded his emphatic denunciation of such selfishness. The apostle James, speaking by the same Spirit, in illustrating the inefficiency of faith without works, reiterates the condemnation of the do-nothing policy on the part of such as have the means and the opportunity to assist their needy fellows. "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" But it is unnecessary to argue this question; the design here is simply to call attention to a principle universally acknowledged in matters pertaining to this life, and apply it to eternal things. If it be so culpable to withhold that which will relieve suffering or preserve this temporary life, what shall we say of keeping back the truths in our possession which are necessary to the eternal salvation of our fellow-beings? Every Christian knows that he possesses something which every unconverted man and woman—friend or foe—must have or be eternally lost. What shall be said, then, of the professed follower of Christ who, having freely received the knowledge of salvation, shall complacently look upon his friends and neighbors going down to destruction, without doing all in his power to point out their danger, and the way to escape? It was love, infinite compassion and sympathy, that moved the Creator to send a Redeemer in the person of his own Son—and the same motive actuated the Son in giving himself a ransom—for the rescue of a race of beings at enmity with his government. Salvation is a free gift, and no man can obtain redemption through any merit or means of his own. All—high or low, rich or poor—must come on an equality; and must manifest the same free spirit that moved the strong arm of Heaven to reach after the erring race. The Lord's mission to earth was to gather to himself a people, and he says, "He that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad." Can any one be called a gatherer, who has received the message of truth—which is the implement with which to gather—and coolly sits down to watch the multitudes go by on the broad road, without so much as an effort to arrest their attention? Can he be called a gatherer with the Lord, whose time, means, and energies are expended in merely gathering substance or pleasure for himself?441 The spirit of the Master—the model missionary—was one of self-denial. He gave all, even his spotless life upon a malefactor's cross, for the salvation of sinners; and the word of Inspiration is, "If any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his." We have sometimes heard of selfish Christians; but it is a misnomer—there is no such thing as a selfish Christian. A Christian is a follower of Christ, and any selfish professor must certainly "follow afar off," two cannot walk together except they be agreed. The Lord tells us in the fifteenth chapter of John how to be his disciples. It is by abiding in him, and bearing fruit. Bearing fruit conveys the idea of increase, or gathering. "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." No professed Christian, no matter how great his pretension, who simply cares for his own salvation, will ever be recognized as a disciple by the Lord himself. The only badge of recognition is the fruit he bears—the quality of his gathering. Then every true disciple is a true missionary, freely giving what he has freely received. Here was the secret of Paul's great success: "Woe unto me if I preach not the gospel." And every true follower of Christ is a preacher of the gospel, to the extent of his ability, his means, and his opportunity. "Freely ye have received, freely give." The Dakota Camp-Meeting.
By Stephen N. Haskell
AFTER a ride of fourteen hours during which we traveled five hundred miles over extensive prairies, we arrived Wednesday, June 30, at Huron, Dakota, a town of thirty-five hundred inhabitants, and the place of the camp-meeting. When we reached the ground, which is in the midst of the city, there were about sixty tents already pitched, and others were rapidly going up. The camp was laid out in regular streets, and the cotton dwellings presented a picturesque appearance. The reception tent, dining tent, State secretary's tent, book tent, and the main preaching pavilion, 60x100 feet, bore marks of enterprise not seen even in our older Conferences which are managed by brethren of more experience. This is one of the youngest of the Conferences which compose the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, which embraces some of every tongue, nation, and people, and whose influence extends throughout the world. Over the front of the preachers' stand was an arc bearing the motto: "The Lord Is in His Holy Temple." Just below this, over the speaker's head, was an evergreen basket containing roses of various colors. On the other side of the arc, facing the preacher, were the words: "Preach the Word." The posts which supported these mottoes were wound with red cambric on which were evergreens interspersed with red and white roses. The posts for the lamps here and there throughout the auditorium were completely covered with evergreens. An air of Christian refinement reigned, and a heavenly atmosphere pervaded the encampment, demonstrating the absurdity of the idea that taste and neatness are antagonistic to the religion of the Bible. Though it was Pope who said that, "Order is Heaven's first law," it is as true as though it were scripture. Those coming to labor in the meeting were not forgotten. A tent was prepared with table, wash stand, chairs, beds, etc. A dining tent was also made ready for them, where they might counsel together while eating. There was one disagreeable feature, however, in connection with the meeting. On Thursday, the first day of the meeting, the wind blew so that it was necessary to let down the preaching tent, while quite a number of the family tents were blown down. Thus the services were interfered with during that afternoon. At the close of a sermon on the signs of the times, two gentlemen bore testimony that their mothers saw the darkening of the sun, May 19, 1780, and a number were present who saw the falling of the stars, Nov. 13, 1883. This Conference shows its spirit of keeping pace with the growing cause by sending some of its members to the camp-meetings of the most advanced Conferences to learn the best and most approved methods of labor, arrangement of camp-ground, etc. This is far different from a spirit of self-sufficiency, feeling confident that they have the best methods, and taking an independent course in many things which pertain to the interests of the cause. Some Conferences are in advance in one direction and some in another; that one which is the farthest advanced is the one that takes pains to learn and combine the good of all. This spirit characterizes the officers of this Conference, and they infuse the same spirit throughout the rank and file of its members. This, like other Western Conferences, is composed of Scandinavians and Germans as well as English-speaking people. The truths of the gospel know no distinction in nations, tongues, or people. There is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, but all are one in Christ Jesus. The Dakota tract society had an increase of over one hundred members during the past year. The society has taken three hundred and thirteen copies of the SIGNS during the year, besides one hundred and ninety-six copies taken in clubs. Four churches were added to the Conference. There was a good degree of interest from the outside, many attending the meetings nightly. God blessed the word spoken. One man who had been reading our publications, attended the meeting and became interested, and sent for his wife to come over six hundred miles that she also might hear the truth. They both took their stand for the truth. The Conference numbers, including those that were added this year, about five hundred and fifty members. And yet there were more than that number in attendance at the meeting. The Sabbath-school interest was good. There were regular services in the Scandinavian and German languages in tents pitched for this purpose, but in the Sabbath-school they were all brought together in one tent. The Germans and Scandinavians occupied the ends of the tent, while the English were in the center. The general review was an interesting sight. At one end were the Scandinavians reviewing the lesson in their language, in the other end the Germans were doing the same, and the Americans in the center, all answering questions at the same time in their different languages. We spoke, through an interpreter, to both the Scandinavians and Germans on the spread of the truth in different parts of the world, and also gave instruction to the Scandinavians on Bible-readings. On Sabbath afternoon at the close of the discourse about one hundred came forward for prayers. Many bore testimony that they had been blessed of God. Some of them, with broken sobs, declared that the peace of God had entered their hearts. The childrens' meetings were not forgotten. The same has been true of all the camp-meetings we have attended this season. And in those places where such meetings were held from the beginning of the camp-meeting, and were faithfully followed up once or twice each day, they seemed to accomplish more in conversions than in those camp-meetings where they were not held regularly. At one camp-meeting I think there were as many as twenty-one converted. These results are too precious to be neglected. During this camp-meeting season we have had the privilege of laboring with Elder Butler, the President of the General Conference, which reminds us of our early efforts in labor of this kind, many years since. Our relations have always been of the most agreeable nature. Many times has the sweet Spirit of God come upon us while praying together in secret, as well as in our public labors. On Monday there were forty-eight baptized. Our brethren raised $5,300 on the one-hundred-thousand-dollar fund. S. N. H. The Gospel Preached to All Nations
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”—Jesus. Loyola's First Disciples.
Now comes his fourth and last week, and with it there comes a great change in the subjects of his meditation. He is to dismiss all gloomy ideas, all images of terror; the gates of Hades are to be closed, and those of a new life opened. It is morning with him, it is a spring-time that has come to him, and he is to surround himself with light, and flowers, and odors. It is the Sabbath of a spiritual creation; he is to rest, and to taste in that rest the prelude of the everlasting joys. This mood of mind he is to cultivate while seven suns rise and set upon him. He is now perfected, and fit to fight in the army of the Great Captain. A not unsimilar course of mental discipline, as our history has already shown, did Wicliffe, Luther, and Calvin pass through before they became captains in the army of Christ. They began in a horror of great darkness; through that cloud there broke upon them the revelation of the "Crucified;" throwing the arms of their faith around the Tree of Expiation, and clinging to it, they entered into peace, and tasted the joys to come. How like, yet how unlike, are these two courses! In the one the penitent finds a Saviour on whom he leans; in the other he lays hold on a rule by which he works, and works methodically and regularly as a piece of machinery. Beginning on a certain day, he finishes, like stroke of clock, duly as the seventh sun of the fourth week is sinking below the horizon. We trace in the one the action of the imagination, fostering one over-mastering passion into strength, till the person becomes capable of attempting the most daring enterprises, and of enduring the most dreadful suffering. In the other we behold the intervention of a divine Agent, who plants in the soul a new principle, and thence educes a new life. The war in which Loyola and his eight companions enrolled themselves, when on the 15th of August, 1534, they made their vow in the Church of Montmartre, was to be waged against the Saracens of the East. They acted so far on their original design as to proceed to Venice, where they learned that their project was meanwhile impracticable. The war which had just broken out between the Republic and the Porte had closed the gates of Asia. They took this as an intimation that the field of their operations was to be in the western world. Returning on their path, they now directed their steps towards Rome. In every town through which they passed on their way to the Eternal City, they left behind them an immense reputation for sanctity by their labors in the hospitals, and their earnest addresses to the populace on the streets. As they drew nigh to Rome, and the hearts of some of his companions were beginning to despond, Loyola was cheered by a vision, in which Christ appeared and said to him, "In Rome will I be gracious unto thee." The hopes this vision inspired were not to be disappointed. Entering the gates of the capital of Christendom, and throwing themselves at the feet of Paul III., they met a most gracious reception. The Pope hailed their offer of assistance as most opportune. Mighty dangers at that hour threatened the Papacy, and with the half of Europe in revolt, and the old monkish442orders become incapable, this new and unexpected aid seemed sent by Heaven. The rules and constitution of the new order were drafted, and ultimately approved by the Pope. Two peculiarities in the constitution of the proposed order specially recommended it in the eyes of Paul III. The first was its vow of unconditional obedience. The society swore to obey the Pope as an army obeys its general. It was not canonical but military obedience which its members offered him. They would go to whatsoever place, at whatsoever time, and on whatsoever errand, he should be pleased to order them. They were, in short, to be not so much monks as soldiers. The second peculiarity was that their services were to be wholly gratuitous; never would they ask so much as a penny from the Papal See. It was resolved that the new order should bear the name of The Company of Jesus. Loyola modestly declined the honor of being accounted its founder. Christ himself, he affirmed, had dedicated to him its constitution in his cave at Manressa. He was its real founder; whose name, then, could it so appropriately bear as his? The bull constituting it was issued on the 27th of September, 1540, and was entitled Regimini Militantis Ecclesiae, and bore [the statement] that the persons it enrolled into an army were to bear "the standard of the cross, to wield the arms of God, to serve the only Lord, and the Roman Pontiff, His Vicar on earth."—Wylie's "History of Protestantism." Australia.
By M. C. Israel
As the readers of the SIGNS would be glad to hear from this corner of the great harvest field, I will try to give some of the items of interest in connection with the work here. Since the tent was taken down, Elder Corliss has held meetings in the Prahan Town Hall, Sunday nights, near where the last tent meeting was held. The place will seat about five hundred persons, and it has been well filled with attentive hearers. I spent the month of May in Ballarat, which is the second city in importance in the Colony, having a population of thirty-six thousand. During this time quite an interest was raised by holding Bible-readings in families. The readings commenced with a few at first; but after the first week, from twelve to twenty-five adult persons of the best class of citizens came together nearly every night, manifesting the deepest interest in the truth as it was brought out point after point. After each reading was over, the people would remain together till eleven o'clock, talking on the subjects presented, and, although they saw that to obey would conflict with their business interests, and separate them from friends, yet they esteemed the friendship of God and the riches of Christ of far more value than any consideration of a worldly character. The following extract from the leading paper of the place will illustrate this fact:— "It is remarkable what sacrifices some business people are prepared to make for conscience' sake. This remark is drawn forth by a notice in the window of a Bridge Street firm, to the effect that in future their establishment will not be open on Saturdays until sunset. The members of the firm in question are not of the Hebrew persuasion, but it seems that they are connected with a new religious sect which has sprung up in Ballarat, and which, after close research into the Scriptures, particularly the book of Exodus, has come to the conclusion that it is contrary to the law of the Almighty to enter into any business on the Saturday until the orb which gives us light has set.
"We are not aware of the particular nature of the religious scruples in question, but that the persons who hold the belief are extremely earnest in their convictions is clearly shown by the fact that they are prepared to lose the whole of Saturday's business rather than to infringe upon what they think is a divine command. We understand that several other business people, in addition to the firm in Bridge Street, intend to follow suit, and one of these has a large establishment in Sturt Street. The notice in the shop in Bridge Street attracted a good deal of attention yesterday. A large number of Jewish citizens at one time surrounded the window, wondering whether the two gentlemen carrying on the shop had come over to their form of religion. The innovation will, no doubt, be welcomed by employés." The editor evidently had not heard of us as a denomination. A hall has been engaged, and Elder Corliss and myself will commence meetings there on the 20th of this month. From the progress that the truth has made, and what we know of the character of the people, we have hopes that a good strong church will be raised up there; there are already about twenty keeping the Sabbath. The press of this city has not been inclined to favor us by giving publicity to our work, but lately there seems to be a change taking place. Last week the Praharan Telegraph mentioned the "company of earnest, Christian workers" that had come here from America, and the prominent difference between them and other Christians "which leads them to adopt the seventh day, or Saturday, as their Sabbath." They also gave quite a good report of the meeting held at the Town Hall. Last Sabbath the proprietor of the Evening Herald, a city paper, sent a reporter to learn about "the new sect," that he had seen coming out of the church the Sabbath before. This reporter made quite extensive inquiries in regard to the rise and progress of Seventh-day Adventists. We feel thankful for anything that has a tendency to get the truth before the people. We had a call to-day from a gentleman who has been reading the books that were sent from Oakland two years ago to the Public Library. He had read the four volumes of "Great Controversy," the "Sanctuary and the Twenty-three Hundred Days," and was nearly through "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation." He expressed himself as being deeply interested, but said that there were some things which he did not understand. He purchased some tracts, and wanted a small prophetic chart, and a map to illustrate the Eastern Question. As the attention of the people is called to our work, these books in the libraries will be looked up, and read with interest. Another interesting item of to-day, is, that a letter was received from one who subscribed himself, "Poor brother in Christ," containing twenty-three pounds ($112) as tithes, with the statement that after the brethren had given what they wanted to towards buying a new top for the tent, he would pay the balance. This insures us a tent for the next season that will keep out the rain. Another "poor brother" not long ago donated fifty pounds ($243.50) to the mission, and loaned them four hundred more for two years without interest, to lift the debt contracted in getting a new printing machine. It is refreshing to get reports from these "poor brethren," and we pray that the Lord will bless them, and add to their number till the hundred and forty-four thousand is made up, and the wants of the cause are all supplied. I might give you many more items of interest, but it would make this report too long. We have secured the use of a nice church, centrally located, in which to hold our meetings and Sabbath-school for a year. Our church now numbers about ninety-seven. District meetings are held in the different suburbs where our brethren reside. These and our Sabbath meetings are real seasons of refreshing. The Sabbath-school is to have a reunion on the anniversary of its organization, the evening of July 4; it commenced with eleven members, and now has ninety-four. The missionary work is carried on quite extensively, and with encouraging results. All of our company are well, and of good courage. Brother Arnold has taken nearly one thousand orders for "Thoughts" since we arrived here, and his health has very much improved. We attribute the success of the work here largely to the thousands of earnest prayers that have gone up for this mission. Will the brethren still remember us? M. C. ISRAEL.
Melbourne, June 13, 1886. The Commentary.
By Ellen G. White
NOTES ON THE INTERNATIONAL LESSON.
(August 1.—John 12:1-16.)
Six days before the passover, Jesus stopped at the house of Lazarus in Bethany. He was on his way from Jericho to attend the feast of the passover at Jerusalem, and chose this retreat for rest and refreshment. Simon of Bethany, whom Jesus had healed of leprosy, wishing to show his Master special honor, made a supper and invited him and his friends as guests. The Saviour sat at the table, with Simon, whom he had cured of a loathsome disease, on one side, and Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead, on the other. Martha served at the table, but Mary was earnestly listening to every word that fell from the lips of Jesus. At great personal sacrifice Mary had purchased an alabaster box of precious ointment with which to anoint the body of Jesus at his death. But she now heard many express an opinion that he would be elevated to kingly authority when he went to Jerusalem, and she was only too ready to believe that it would be so. She rejoiced that her Saviour would no longer be despised and rejected, and obliged to flee for his life. In her love and gratitude she wished to be the first to do him honor, and, seeking to avoid observation, anointed his head and his feet with the precious ointment, and then wiped his feet with her long, flowing hair. Her movements had been unobserved by the others, but the odor filled the house with its fragrance and published her act to all present. Judas was a stranger to the deep devotion and homage which actuated Mary to her deed of love. He had been appointed treasurer of the united funds of the disciples, and had dishonestly appropriated to himself the means which were designed for the service of God. Turning to the disciples, he asked, "Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?" Thus he sought to hide his covetousness under apparent sympathy for the poor, when, in reality, he cared nothing for them. MARY showed how highly she prized the Saviour when she accounted the most precious gift none too costly for him; but Judas valued Jesus at the price for which he sold him; his niggardly soul balanced the life of the Son of God against a paltry sum of money. The same cold, calculating spirit is manifested by many who profess Christ to-day. Their offerings to his cause are grudgingly bestowed, or withheld altogether under various plausible excuses. A pretense of wide philanthropy, unlimited by church or creed, is not infrequently one of these; and they plead, like Judas, It is better to give it to the poor. But the true Christian shows his faith by investing in the cause of truth; he is known by his works; for "faith without works is dead." On the first day of the week, Jesus resumed his journey to Jerusalem to join in the feast of the passover. Multitudes who had flocked to Bethany to see him, accompanied him, eager to witness his entry into Jerusalem. All nature seemed to rejoice; the trees were clothed in verdure, and blossoms which shed their delicate fragrance upon the air. Many people were on their way to the city to keep the feast of the passover. These companies were continually joining the multitude attending Jesus. He sent two of his disciples to bring "a colt, the foal of an ass," that he might ride into Jerusalem. JESUS selected for his use a colt upon which never man had sat. The disciples in glad enthusiasm spread their garments upon the colt and placed their Master upon him. No sooner was he seated than a loud shout of triumph rent the air, and the multitude hailed him as Messiah, their King. Jesus now accepted the homage which he had never before permitted, and his disciples received this as a proof that their glad hopes were to be realized by seeing him acknowledged at Jerusalem as the king of Israel. They were unable to present him with costly gifts; but they spread their outer garments as a carpet in his path, and they also strewed the leafy branches of the olive and palm in the way. They could lead the triumphal procession with no royal standards; but they cut down the spreading palm boughs, nature's emblem of victory, and waved them aloft, while their loud acclamations and hosannas rent the air. AS THEY proceeded, the multitude was continually increased by those who had heard of the coming of Jesus, and hastened to join the procession. Spectators were constantly mingling with the throng, and asking, Who is this? What does all this commotion signify? They had all heard of Jesus, and were expecting him to go to Jerusalem; but they knew that he had heretofore refused to receive kingly honors, and they were greatly astonished to learn that this was he. They wondered what could have wrought this change in Him who had declared that his kingdom was not of this world. WHILE they are wondering and questioning, the eager crowd silence their queries with a shout of triumph that is repeated again and again, and is echoed from the surrounding hills and valleys. And now the joyful procession is joined by crowds from Jerusalem that have heard of the grand demonstration, and hasten to meet the Saviour and conduct him to Jerusalem. From the great gathering of the Hebrews to attend the passover, thousands go forth to welcome Jesus to the city. They greet him with the waving of palm branches, and a burst of sacred song. The priests at the temple sound the trumpet for evening service, but there are few to respond, and the rulers say to each other in alarm, "The world has gone after him."443 IT was the purpose of Jesus to draw attention to the crowning sacrifice that was to end his mission to a fallen world. They were assembling at Jerusalem to celebrate the passover, while he, the antitypical Lamb, by a voluntary act, set himself apart as an oblation. Jesus understood that it was needful in all future ages that the church should make his death for the sins of the world a subject of deep thought and study. Every fact connected with it should be verified beyond a doubt. It was necessary, then, that the eyes of all people should be directed to him, that the demonstrations which preceded his great sacrifice should be such as to call the attention of all to the sacrifice itself. After such an exhibition as that attending his entry into Jerusalem, all eyes would follow his rapid progress to the final end. THE startling events connected with this triumphal ride were calculated to be the talk of every tongue, and bring Jesus before every mind. After his crucifixion these events would be connected with his trial and death; prophecies would be searched and would reveal the fact that this was indeed the Messiah; and converts to the faith of Jesus would be multiplied in all lands. In this one triumphal scene of his earthly life, the Saviour might have appeared escorted by heavenly angels and heralded by the trumps of God; but he remained true to the life of humiliation he had accepted, bearing the burden of humanity till his life was given for the life of the world. MANY Pharisees witnessed the scene, and, burning with envy and malice, sought to turn the popular current. Fearful that this multitude, in the strength of their numbers, would lift Jesus to the position of king, they, as a last resort, pressed through the crowd and accosted him with reproving and threatening words: "Master, rebuke thy disciples." They declared that such noisy and excited demonstrations were unlawful, and would not be permitted by the authorities. But the reply of Jesus silenced their haughty commands: "I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." GOD himself had, in his special providence, arranged the order of the events then transpiring, and if men had failed to carry out the divine plan, he would have given a voice to the inanimate stones, and they would have hailed his Son with acclamations of praise. This scene had been revealed in prophetic vision to the holy seers of old, and man was powerless to turn aside the purposes of Jehovah. As the silenced Pharisees drew back, the words of Zechariah were taken up by hundreds of voices: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem. Behold, thy King cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt, the foal of an ass." WHEN the procession arrived at the summit of the hill, and was about to descend into the city, Jesus halted, and all the multitude with him. Jerusalem in all its glory lay before them, bathed in the light of the declining sun. The temple attracted all eyes. In stately grandeur it towered above all else, seeming to point toward Heaven as if directing the people upward to the only true and living God. This temple in its splendid majesty had long been the pride and glory of the Jewish nation. The Romans also prided themselves in it as an unequaled monument of magnificence. JESUS gazes upon the enchanting scene before him, and the vast multitudes hush their shouts, spell-bound by this sudden vision of beauty. All eyes turn instinctively upon the Saviour, expecting to see in his countenance the admiration which they themselves feel. But instead of this they behold a cloud of sorrow gathering upon his countenance. They are surprised and disappointed to see the eyes of the Saviour fill with tears, and his body rock to and fro like a tree before the tempest, while a wail of anguish bursts from his quivering lips as if from the depths of a broken heart. What a sight was this for angels to behold! Their loved Commander in an agony of tears! What a sight was this for that glad throng who had accompanied him with shouts of triumph and waving of palm branches to that summit overlooking the glorious city where they fondly hoped he would reign! Their acclamations were now silenced, while many tears flowed in sympathy with the grief they could not comprehend. CONTEMPLATING the fate of the city he had loved, the soul of Jesus yearned over the child of his care. Little did the multitude know of the grief that weighed upon the spirit of Him whom they worshiped. They saw his tears and heard his groans, and for a brief space a mysterious awe interrupted their joyful demonstrations; but they could not understand the meaning of his lamentation over Jerusalem. Meanwhile, reports were brought to the rulers that Jesus was approaching the city, attended by a great concourse of people. In trepidation they go out to meet him, hoping to disperse the crowd by means of their authority. AS THE procession is about to descend the Mount of Olives, it is intercepted by the rulers. They inquire who and what is the cause of all this tumultuous rejoicing. As they with much authority repeat the question, Who is this? the disciples, filled with a spirit of inspiration, are heard above all the noise of the crowd, repeating in eloquent strains the prophecies which answered this question. Adam will tell you, It is the seed of the woman that shall bruise the serpent's head. Ask Abraham, he will tell you, It is Melchizedek, King of Salem, King of peace. Jacob will tell you, He is Shiloh of the tribe of Judah. Isaiah will tell you, Immanuel, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Jeremiah will tell you, The Branch of David, the Lord, our righteousness. Daniel will tell you, He is the Messiah. Hosea will tell you, He is the Lord God of Hosts, the Lord is his memorial. John the Baptist will tell you, He is the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world. The great Jehovah has proclaimed from his throne, This is my beloved Son. We, his disciples, declare, This is Jesus, the Messiah, the Prince of Life, the Redeemer of the world. And even the prince of the powers of darkness acknowledges him, saying, "I know thee, who thou art, the Holy One of God."—E. G. White, in "Great Controversy." Canvassing in Dakota.
By Editor
We take the following extracts from a letter written by Brother R. H. Peters, dated Grand Forks, Dak., July 5, 1886:— “I commenced canvassing at Fargo, North Dakota, in the fall of 1884, and meeting with good success desired to continue the good work; but, having a farm on my hands, was unable to do so till last June, when I rented my place, and now intend to do all that I can for the cause. Canvassing for our publications is a glorious work, and one that will make any one who engages in it earnestly, a good living. “I have worked about three weeks here in Grand Forks, and have taken one hundred and twenty orders for the ‘Marvel of Nations’ and the ‘Life of Christ,’ in Danish. Almost all have taken one of the papers—American Sentinel or Tidende—with the books. I find that I can, to good advantage, canvass for both of these books together. They are easily carried, and by having them both, I am prepared to sell to Americans, Danes, and Norwegians. One day I went into the country taking both books with me, and in going and returning took fourteen orders—nine for the ‘Marvel,’ and five for the ‘Life of Christ.’ The last-named book sells very readily among Danes and Norwegians, especially in the country, on account of the scarcity of reading matter in their language. “I would say to all who wish to canvass, Don’t put it off. There are many honest souls waiting to receive the truth at your hands if you will only carry it to them. It is a solemn thought that souls may be lost through our neglect.” Seattle, W. T.
By Charles L. Boyd
We pitched a tent at this place and commenced meetings Sunday evening, June 20. Meetings have been held every evening since that time, besides our daylight meetings each Sunday. Nearly all of our discourses have been reported in the leading daily papers. The congregations are composed of a good class of citizens, several of whom have already decided to add to their faith the observance of the fourth commandment. Our question box is well patronized. The people manifest their desire to investigate by purchasing books and tracts, and by their use of the contribution box they manifest a willingness to aid in our support. Already the friends have commenced to talk about a lot on which to build a house of worship. CHAS. L. BOYD. GRACE is unmerited favor. The whole history of Israel and Judah, and of individuals in those nations, illustrates the grace of God. How patiently he bore with them! How long he waited! How tenderly he pleaded! How solemnly he warned! How temptingly he promised! Jonah, Hezekiah, Joash, Jehu,—what are their lives but witnesses to the long-suffering of God? Had he cut them off at their first disobedience, how swiftly would their lives have come to an end! So to-day. And yet men seem to despise the long-suffering of God, not knowing that he exercises that grace to lead them to repentance. "Cut it down!" says Justice, as it stands by the fruitless tree. "Spare it yet another year!" cries Mercy; "perhaps it will bear fruit yet." That same grace spares you and me, and to that grace we owe all that we have of godliness, and all that we hope to have of glory. "Grace taught my roving feet
To tread the heavenly road;
And new supplies each hour I meet
While pressing on to God.
"Grace all the work shall crown
Through everlasting days;
It lays in Heaven the topmost stone,
And well deserves the praise!" — Sel.