Your ShelfYour Projects

Review and Herald, Vol. 36, No. 25.

Prevalence of Crime
Earlier text: Prevalence of Crime

The Spread of the Gospel a Sign of the End.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

Christ says, “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.” Matt. 24: 14. When the gospel has been preached in all the world, and to all nations, then, says Christ, the end will come. What are the prospects of the fulfillment of this sign? What are the present facts? From statements made by Bishop Clarke and others in The Methodist of Nov. 12, 1870, I compile these facts:
The first missionary sailed from England in 1789. The first missionary society formed was in 1793—within the lifetime of many now living. There are now 58 missionary societies in the world, expending $5,100,000 yearly for this work; 2500 edifices in heathen lands; 2000 missionaries; 2400 native preachers; 250,000 native members, and nearly 2,000,000 under Christian influence.
Says Bishop Clarke: “The present is the only time since the apostles’ day when the whole world was open to the missionary of the cross.” Again: “We know how these mighty interior gold regions of our country and the Pacific coast have been visited by the messengers of the cross; and those distant islands of the Pacific Ocean and Australia—a continent in itself—are not only open to the missionary, but are brought under the influence of the gospel of Christ to a very large extent. Africa is almost surrounded by a cordon of missionary stations, and the work is extending.”
Says The Methodist: “In the islands of the Pacific and Australia, paganism is nearly defunct. The largest of the island groups, the Sandwich Islands, constitute an entirely Christian State. The government is nearly everywhere in the hands of Christians, and Christianity is therefore sure to be soon the religion of this whole insular world.
“America is already, to an even larger extent than Europe, a Christian continent. The missions among the pagan Indians and the pagan Negroes are hopefully and steadily advancing.”
Again Clarke says: “And then, again, God is working in his providence. I have already remarked upon the wonderful fact, now apparent, that all the world is open to the missionaries of the cross. Doors are open everywhere, and the fields are white. But there are other providences by which God is indicating to us his purpose to move forward in this great work. What mean these extended lines of railroads that span a continent and bind nations together? What mean these utterances of the telegraph that speak around the globe? Are they not bringing the human family nearer together, so that they may feel each other’s heart-throbs, and catch influences that would have required years to travel the distance before the present age?”
Of course, the bishop sees in all this the speedy conversion of the world, while we see in it an unmistakable sign of the end. The facts are remarkable, showing the rapid and wide spread of the gospel within the last few years. What quarter of the globe has not had the gospel? and what nation has not heard it? Verily, none. Let us thank God and take courage.
D. M. CANRIGHT.

"Have Faith in God."

By R. F. Cottrell

FAITH is the mainspring of action. Without it, it is impossible to please God. According to our faith, will be our willingness to labor and suffer in the cause. And God will give the needed strength. He helps those who TRUST in him. The doubting, the halting, the hesitating, will do but little, and need expect but little. How good it is to have perfect confidence in the work in which we are engaged. And we lack no evidence. The third angel’s message is the work of God—it is from Heaven, and not of men. It will not fail to accomplish the work for which it was prepared in prophecy, and for which it has been sent in these last days. Oh, that all Sabbath-keepers knew what it is to believe with full assurance of faith! There is peace in believing, and joy in the Holy Spirit. The believer finds rest to his soul—rest in the midst of labor. The yoke is easy; the burden is light. Rest in labor! Afterward rest in the glorious kingdom of God! How I do thank God for such testimonies as the following from Bro. and Sr. White:
“And to the praise of God we would say that the power of the Holy Spirit that has rested upon us has made the tedious journeys, the exhausting labors, and the storms and mud of the West, a pleasant scene of recreation. We returned with fresh courage, freedom of spirit, renewed strength, and better health than we have enjoyed since our first camp-meeting in Iowa, last May.”
We, brethren, who have witnessed the labors of these servants of God at one camp-meeting, and have seen them start on a tedious, day-and-night journey to the next, barely in time to engage in the active labors of the meeting, and can follow them in our imagination from meeting to meeting almost constantly from May till November, can realize something of the strength that they need. Thank God that it has been given. Thank God that they come out at the end of a long furrow bright as a “polished steel plow.”
Brethren in the ministry, let us learn to trust in God. Let us wear off the rust of inactivity. Let us learn the sweets of that rest which is to be found only in submission to the yoke, and cheerful labor and sacrifice in the cause of God. And let all, brethren and sisters, all who love the cause of God, labor on. Labor cheerfully, sacrifice willingly, trusting in God. In due time we shall reap, if we faint not. Courage! confidence! brethren, and we shall save ourselves and bring some sheaves with us. R. F. COTTRELL.

Peace of Mind Brings Rest

GUILT upon the conscience will make a feather bed hard; but peace of mind will make a straw bed soft and easy.

Worldly Prosperity a Fearful Sign

God often permits the sinner and the hypocrite to pass without rebuke in the present life. And the darkest of all signs, in the case of unfaithful church members, is worldly prosperity. It is a fearful indication that their only portion is on earth.

The True Principle of Giving.

By George Ide Butler

In every religious principle we strive to carry out, it is important that we should realize why it is obligatory upon us. It saves us from false impressions and gross mistakes. Satan ever desires to present things before us in a false light, that we may view God's requirements as burdensome or unjust. The truth is, all of God's requirements are designed by him to benefit us. As Moses says, “And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him; and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul; to keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?” Deut. 10: 12, 15. “For thy good,” expresses the real motive of the Creator in all that he requires of us. His greatest glory is seen in this. “God is love,” saith the Scripture. So important a place does this attribute hold in the character of the Creator, that it is personified as representing him.
Why were conscious existences formed by his power? Because he desired to see happiness around him. We conceive of millions of worlds existing, filled with happy beings, all created by the same God, and for the same object. Obedience to every one of God's requirements will truly benefit us, and make us more happy, in time and eternity. It is a false gloss with which Satan covers sin. No sin ever made a man truly happy, or in any way worthy of respect. The slightest departure from perfect rectitude involves consequences of evil alone. When we become fully conscious, and really believe this, then we are in the path of safety. We should be greatly benefited could we always realize this. Some of the hardest things poor human nature can do, produce the happiest results in the end. One man has a hasty temper which he cannot control without the help of the Lord. It breaks forth in spite of him. The requirements of God are presented before him. His temper must be subdued. What a hard time is experienced; and, ten to one, the poor man feels that it is a hardship. But when it is overcome, and true meekness takes its place, and he can control his passions, how much happier he is in his own mind. So of an evil tongue. It is constantly involving one in difficulty. We must control it. But the habit is a hard one to contend with. But when the victory is gained, no one ever regrets it. He finds God's way the best way. I believe this principle will hold good in the whole catalogue of God's requirements. Every one will benefit us here and hereafter.
So of giving freely to support God's cause, or benefit our fellow-men. We all know it is a duty plainly set before us in the Bible. Perhaps there is none upon which more is said. But it often happens that individuals who love to hear on all other subjects of religious truth, when it comes to giving, will shrug their shoulders and seem to draw back. It is not a pleasant subject; and if they do give at all, it seems to be a very painful duty to them. And I am satisfied that very many more give when it seems to them a painful duty, rather than a blessed privilege.
The Apostle Paul quotes our Saviour as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20: 35. Judging by the actions of most professed Christians, they do not believe this statement. If I understand the sentiment, giving is more productive of happiness to the one who imparts than to the one who receives. When we see the avidity with which people receive gifts of all kinds, and how much argument and pressing they require before they will give, we have good reason to doubt their believing the Saviour's statement.
And the course of many ministers in being so willing to receive, would naturally make us believe they were more unbelieving than any other class. Truly it is a statement which it is hard for selfish human nature to fully accept; yet it is no doubt fully true.
Two men start out in life equally talented, equally noble. Different influences are thrown around them. A worldly influence causes one to strive to aggrandize himself, and to think the main object of life is to get and retain. He goes on in this course year after year, growing wealthy, and alas! growing more and more selfish. His heart becomes so pinched and contracted that everything centers in himself—the thought of acquiring mainly fills his soul; the thought of losing fills him with agony. How many there are in this world who have pursued this course till everything noble in them is destroyed.
The other man, being brought under the benevolent influence of true religion, feels that the great end of life is to be of benefit to others. From this point he imparts, wherever he can see proper evidence of good being accomplished, in proportion to his ability, either to God's cause or to suffering humanity. He lives for something higher than self. The rule of his life is to make just as little trouble to others as he can, and do them all the good he can. Perhaps the amount of property in his hands may not be as great as that of the other man; but what a wealth he possesses in his character. True nobility of soul is manifest. Generosity and benevolence become stamped on his very countenance. Which of these men is the happiest, even in this world? Which has enjoyed this world the most? Which is most truly blessed? And oh! whose place would you rather be in when you are laid on the bed of death, or when the trump of God shall sound? These questions, dear reader, you may answer.
The truth is this: God has so arranged it that the brain or muscle of a man when called into exercise, increases in strength; but when left inactive, loses its power. The arm of the blacksmith by constant use becomes much more largely developed and powerful than the arm of the watchmaker, or accountant. That portion of the brain called into exercise also becomes developed. This is why men improve, as speakers and writers, by constant practice. A man may have noble mental powers, but by neglect they become weakened. The Hindoo binds his arm to his side till it becomes fixed and he loses all power over it. This is a law of our very being, applicable to physical, mental, or spiritual power. We must therefore act upon it or suffer the consequences.
Love is the ruling principle of Heaven. Love, or charity, never faileth. All who are saved will have learned the principles of Heaven here; then God will intrust them with an immortal existence in which to carry out these principles. Selfishness will not exist in Heaven. It is not a safe principle; it would mar Heaven. How important that we sedulously cultivate the principle of benevolence. The only way we can do it is to act upon it. To stand off and admire it in others, and not act upon it ourselves, is not sufficient. The principle reaches to rich and poor alike. It is just as important that one class should have a benevolent character as the other. We want it for its own sake. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
We cannot form such a character without vigilant exercise. So we should not be weary in well-doing. This is why we should “love mercy;” not love to have others do us good, but love to be merciful to others; and love it as we do it. Were this spirit prevailing all around us, it would make this world a heavenly place.
Should all our people get this principle in their hearts, it would make an entire change in things. Ministers, as the special representatives of Christ on earth, should set the example, and live out this saying of his. The people would surely follow. If carried out fully, the hard heart would break before it. It is hard to resist a man when we know he is trying to do us good because he loves us. Here is the true principle of giving; and every time we give for any benevolent object, let us not do it as though it were a hard, unpleasant duty, but because it benefits us even more than the one who receives it. Oh! let us believe the words of our Master, and act upon them from day to day. We want to get the principles of Heaven deep in our hearts, so that they will send forth streams to water and fertilize all around us.
Many of our wealthy brethren have so long been making it the great object to acquire, that they can hardly realize the beautiful sentiment of our Saviour, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” And some of our poor brethren are just as selfish. I hope none of us will be antagonistic to the very foundation principle of the Christian religion. It was to carry out this principle that Jesus himself condescended to come here and die for us. We cannot hope for salvation unless we follow our Master, especially in the great fundamental principles. Many a soul which is now barren and parched as Sahara, would be moist and filled with blessedness would they but act upon the sentiment of the Saviour, to put away their selfishness and be a blessing to others. Let us try the experiment. As the Saviour says in the beautiful parable of the good Samaritan, “Go and do thou likewise.”
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Sigourney, Iowa.

“For our Learning.”

By James White

BE CIRCUMSPECT.

“And in all things that I have said unto you, be circumspect.” Ex. 23: 13.
That is to be cautious, vigilant and watchful. One of the greatest errors of this degenerate age, is that which teaches that it is no matter how we treat small things; that they are not essential; that God will not regard such small matters. But for such a statement there is no warrant in his word. We often find in the Bible very particular directions about what we might call small matters; and this shows that God has a regard for them. Every thing is, in a certain sense,small in the sight of an infinite Being, while his infinity is of itself a sufficient evidence that nothing is so small as to escape his notice. The microscope reveals as great wonders as the telescope. He has given as perfect an organization to the animalcule as to the elephant. “Who has despised the day of small things?” says the Lord. This doctrine of indifference to small things is dangerous and destructive. No one great action forms a character; but the continual small actions, the daily habits, these form the character of every one.
Wesley was once requested by a young minister, to furnish him some rules for his work of the ministry. He did so, and one of them was as follows:
“Never leave dirty water in the wash bowl in your room.”
A singular rule to insure success in the gospel! some may exclaim. But Wesley was right. A minister may be learned and eloquent, yet one filthy practice, one slovenly habit, may disgust a household, and destroy all his influence for good. And whatever else a minister may have, his influence is his real capital. And is it not so with all?
Our greatest danger on the subject of influence is this: we are apt to study how to exert a great, rather than a good, influence. A small or limited influence, all on the right side, is much better than a wide-spread influence on the wrong side, or even of a mixed nature. For if our influence be part on one side and part on the other, partly good and partly evil, it is self-subverting, and becomes all evil. A small work in love, is better than a great work with indifference. “In all things, be circumspect,” is the order of the Lord. Who has observed it? J. H. W.

Stand up for Right.

By A. S. HUTCHINS

“Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people.” Why, then, should we ever yield our honor, sacrifice our principle, or succumb to wrong, to gain the favor or win the applause of the sinner?
Righteousness calls to right doing. It is defined, right doing, or in harmony with a divine law. This Heaven-born attribute, which always exalts, and never debases, calls its possessor to bear the cross daily. It often submits his principles to a test. Otherwise, where is our separation from the world? Where, our deadness to it; or the evidence that the Master hath chosen us out from the world?
In various ways are our principles submitted to a test. Suppose one were desired, in gratification of the wish of the whisky-lover, to set before him the intoxicating cup, in consideration of some favor received at his hand, and he, for want of moral courage to stand for the right, should consent so to do. Where is his honor? Where, that principle more valuable than gold by which he should have stood? Where, the light which he should have let shine? He has placed it under a bushel, has weakened his influence, wounded the cause of God, and laid it open to reproach from its enemies.
Temptingly he placed before a vitiated appetite and perverted taste, a cup of liquid death and poison which ruins both soul and body, and hastens the steps of thousands and millions on to death, eternal death!
Do we say that we see nothing very bad in this? Oh! may our eyes be opened to an understanding of our true position, as temperance men, as men of God. May we see that neither God, nor holy angels, nor men thoroughly enlightened on the subject of right, could or would approve of such a course.
And further, what if those whom we have thus unwisely gratified, should, when their sober judgment is appealed to, say, “I should have thought more of that man had he maintained his honor and stood by his principle.”
Where then is our integrity and honor? They are sold, sold far cheaper than Esau sold his birthright. How much better to stand up for the right, to let our holy, heavenly principles shine out like a bright and shining light. Says the Saviour, “Ye are the light of the world.” Reader,
“Dare to do right! Dare to be true! Keep the great judgment-seat always in view; Look at your work as you’ll look at it then, Scanned by Jehovah, and angels, and men.”
A. S. HUTCHINS.

Meetings in Wisconsin.

By I. Sanborn

According to previous appointment, I met with the church at Hundred Mile Grove, and preached four times. On Monday, I started on my way to Liberty Pole. Bro. Tenney, of Dell Prairie, met me at the station at Kilbourn City, and by the request of Dr. Russell, wished me to lay over till three o'clock in the morning, which I did. I got a conveyance and drove three miles, to Bro. Kelley's, where the doctor was waiting on the sick. Here I stayed and visited with him till two o'clock; then, in company with the doctor, drove back to the train, and we rode together to Mauston. We had a very pleasant interview. Our dear brother seems to be earnestly inquiring his way back to the Lord. I enjoyed much liberty in counseling, encouraging, and praying with him. In behalf of all the dear people of God, I bade him a hearty welcome back to the fold again; and I believe he will come without delay. When we parted, he seemed much encouraged.
On coming to Liberty Pole, I found the good work of the Lord still prospering. We had a few excellent meetings with these dear people. Bro. Downer is still laboring with success in these parts. Many calls come in for labor, which Bro. D. is filling as fast as he can.
On Monday, I left for Marquette. Here I found the good work begun last June, still progressing. I enjoyed liberty in warning them of the dangers they are so liable to fall into again, and have reason to believe that they will all watch and pray, that they may not fall into temptation.
Nov. 26 and 27, I spent with the church at Mackford, which I had not met before for four years. As I came into the meeting-house, I could but thank God, and take courage. I held six meetings, with large congregations and good attention. At the last meeting, several that had backslidden and given up the Sabbath, took a new start for Mount Zion. Many were deeply interested, and I think if I could have stayed longer, would have come to the Lord. I am satisfied that the Lord is opening the way for a great work in Northern Wisconsin, and hope that all who love the Lord and his commandments, will be faithful.
I. SANBORN.
Johnstown Center, Wis., Nov. 29, 1870.

The Need for Knowledge

He who knows not his want of knowledge, lacks wisdom.

Report of Labor.

By S. B. Whitney

The next week after our camp-meeting, I returned to Oneida to assist in making preparations for the tent-meeting it was decided to hold there, and to act as tent-master during the meeting. I trust that this meeting was profitable to me, and that I shall not soon forget the kind and faithful instruction I received from Brn. Andrews and Littlejohn.
After this meeting, I returned home, and made preparations to again visit Essex Co. On my return to this place, I attended the quarterly meeting for Franklin Co., held at my father's house, Oct. 15 and 16. At this meeting, my aged father acknowledged the Sabbath, and the work of the Lord in the third message. He did not then fully commit himself to keep the Sabbath; but a letter from my mother, recently received, informs me that he has not since worked on that day, but has defended it in conversation with first-day observers.
Oct. 23, I commenced a series of meetings with the believers in Keene, for the purpose of setting things in order. As the result of these meetings, a church of eleven members was organized, seven of whom were baptized. Brn. Geo. Lambert and J. N. Russell were respectively ordained elder and deacon, and Bro. Geo. Williams was appointed clerk, and S. B. treasurer. Systematic Benevolence was organized, amounting to $82.68. There are others whom we hope will join us soon.
Nov. 13, came to this place, where I had preached several times before, to fill an appointment; and as there was a general expression of those present in favor of more meetings, I commenced a course of lectures that evening.
The people are scattered, and the weather is rather unfavorable, the attendance not large, and the opposition considerable; but having begun, shall do the best I can, and trust in the Lord for the result.
S. B. WHITNEY.
North Elba, Essex Co., N. Y., Nov. 23, 1870.

The Man Who Knows His Own Weakness

The man who knows his own weakness, is known to be strong.

Note from Bro. Lawrence.

By R. J. Lawrence

I COMMENCED meetings at Kingsville, Mo., on the evening of Oct. 27, and continued every night till Nov. 27, when the house was occupied by others. I have given twenty-seven lectures, and one review discourse. After I had given ten lectures, some of the people became restless, especially the Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians. They then went to the villages and churches around to get ministers to preach against us, but did not succeed until yesterday. A learned but unpopular United Presbyterian minister spoke on the Sabbath, taking for his text, Mark 2 : 27. He took up the history of the Sabbath, from creation down, and handled it ably till he reached A. D. 70. He then quoted Matt. 24 : 20, and from it made the Sabbath unalterable. Then he asked how it came to be changed; and, quoting his text, said Christ being Lord of the Sabbath had power to change it, which he did by meeting with his disciples on that day, and on no other; and that the disciples never had a meeting by their own appointment only on Sunday. Then he quoted Acts 20 : 7; 1 Cor. 16 : 1, 2; and Rev. 1 : 10, as proof. The Fathers were also brought in; then he closed.
We then called the attention of the people, and gave notice that we would reply immediately; but the elder left, and those of his friends who were satisfied with the argument. But quite a respectable congregation stayed and heard the reply, and were generally well satisfied. I think good will come out of it. Some were waiting to hear the other side before deciding, and were very much disappointed in not hearing, from so learned a man, some Scripture authority for the change. There has been a very good attendance from the commencement. Sixteen have commenced to keep the Sabbath; others are investigating. I leave to-morrow for Prairie City to look after the interest there, and then expect to return to this place again. R. J. LAWRENCE.

Report of Meetings

By John Lindsay; S. A. H. Lindsay

August 11 to 14, we spent with the church at Genoa, N. Y. Held five meetings which were very interesting, and we trust, profitable. This church has been favored with but little labor for a long time; they were enjoying a season of quiet, a something almost to be coveted by many sister churches who are passing through deep trials.
Sabbath, Sept. 3, we enjoyed an excellent social meeting with the church at Ulysses, Pa.
Sunday, Sept. 4, in the evening, attended the Seventh-day Baptist Quarterly Meeting at Scio, N. Y. We admired the apparent candor of the speaker, although we could not indorse all that he said. We earnestly pray the God of truth to shed more light upon this honest young preacher.
Sept. 7-11, attended the S. D. Baptist General Conference, but spent the intervening Sabbath with the family of Bro. Sylvester Thomas, near Friendship. This brother embraced the truth through the influence of the meetings held in Belfast, last winter. He was thrown out of employment because of his adherence to the Bible Sabbath, and was compelled to seek a livelihood elsewhere. Himself and wife, and one daughter, appear to be devout lovers of the truth.
Sept. 17 and 18, attended quarterly meeting with the Ulysses church. This was a season of blessing and encouragement to us all. This church has been greatly blessed during the summer past. The Holy Spirit has wrought a complete revolution, and backsliders have been moved by his power to return to the Lord. Bless his holy name.
Oct. 15, held meetings with the Farmington church. This people need a revival of living faith, and a spirit of labor, if they would desire the cause of truth to prosper in their midst.
Oct. 16-20, held meetings at Beecher's Island, with good interest. We were here interrupted by the sickness of our little girl, so that we could neither continue meetings at this place, nor fill our appointments at Catlin. We trust, however, that even this has been for the glory of God, inasmuch as the people are eyewitnesses of the fact that even the dangerously sick can get well without medicine. After an interval of ten days, we commenced meetings again; but found ourselves so much worn by our care and labor for our sick child, that we were unable to continue them. We were then impressed that it was duty to look after the scattered ones, and decided to spend one Sabbath at Wheeler, and one at Catlin, holding meetings as we might be able. At Wheeler, the brethren are so scattered that they meet only once a month; and having no appointment ahead of us, we were unable to get them together. We found Bro. J. W. Raymond busy with the cares of this life. From there we went to Beaver Dam, and visited the widowed mother of our deceased sister Jane S. Beecher. This dear sister, although very lonely, having buried her husband and daughter only eight days apart, and so short a time since, still is able to recognize the wisdom and goodness of God in her bereavement, and to find strong consolation in the promises of the gospel.
Nov. 11-13, held meetings at Catlin. Here the Methodist people were making a protracted effort, so that we could do but little more than speak a few words of encouragement to the church, and stir up their minds by way of remembrance.
As we review the field covered by this report, we are reminded of the wants of the cause. There is great need of labor and a setting of things in order. An efficient minister is needed to complete the work of organization, and to ordain elders in every church. Some of the churches have not celebrated the ordinances for several years. May the Lord in his own time send us the needed help, and give us, his unworthy children, patience to wait.
JOHN LINDSAY. S. A. H. LINDSAY.

Those Who Want No Counsel

Those who want no counsel, ought to be advised of their folly.
He who boasts most of his strength, is most likely to fall.

Faith in Christ’s Second Coming

By J. Chase; A. Chase

From Bro. and Sr. Chase.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Not having the privilege of meeting with any of like precious faith, we wish to give in our testimony on the side of present truth. How precious the faith in the second coming of Christ—faith that his coming will be personal! for every eye shall see him; not only so, but we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Then, if we have this hope within us, let us purge ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit; let us take to us the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand against all the fiery darts of the enemy. But let us be sure to have the shield of faith, and good works with it.
Yours in the blessed hope, J. AND A. CHASE. Columbia Co., Wis.

The Decoy Sheep.

Reading in an English magazine lately, we met with an account of a curious device of the London butchers. It is a difficult task, as might be supposed, to drive a flock of sheep through the streets of a large city, where the resemblance is so small to green pastures and country roads. They are liable to be scattered in all directions by the crowd of vehicles, and to turn every few rods down the cross streets, in a manner sorely trying to patience. Hence, when the butcher has purchased a number of sheep at the general market, it is no small matter, even with the help of a dog, to get them to his private yard for slaughter. Can any expedient lessen the trouble? A knowledge of the animals' instincts points out a method of relief. A sheep is taken and petted till it becomes wonted to the place, and attached to its owner. It is then used as a decoy, being led to the market-place, where the purchase is made of the little flock for the slaughter, and there placed at their head. The butcher then starts for home, the decoy sheep accompanies him, the others instinctively follow, according to sheep nature, and refuse to be separated, threading their way through streets and lanes, carts and carriages, pleased with following their leader, till they reach the place of death!
We said, just now, that this was according to sheep nature. Is there nothing like it in human nature? Alas! we see the same device in use on every hand by the great enemy of souls. How few he would entrap without a decoy! Fish do not bite the bare hook. Birds will not enter an empty trap cage. Even sheep do not go wittingly to the slaughter, but must be enticed there. Sinners love sin, but not death, and do not crowd the broad road with any idea that it leads to destruction. Satan has made a study of nature ever since he found our first parents in paradise, and he understands it well. He knows that men, like sheep, are gregarious, and prone to go in troops after leaders. He shapes his policy accordingly. He wastes little time or work on the common mass, but he takes great pains to train the leaders. One good decoy sheep will conduct a thousand flocks to the slaughter.—Advance.

The Importance of Conference Meetings

By Joshua Philbrick

From Bro. Philbrick.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Sometimes, while reading the REVIEW, I have thought that the design of the Conference Department is not always fulfilled as the Lord would be pleased that it should be. How can we exhort one another as we see the day approaching, unless we use the power of speech, or the pen? If we really love the conference meeting, ought we not, according to our several relations, to make an earnest effort to be there? How precious it is to unite our hearts and voices, while in conference meeting, to encourage each other in striving to overcome. And it seems necessary to unite all our powers often in battling with our fallen enemy.
Thank the Lord, my brethren and sisters, for the third angel’s message. What a mighty fortification of strength the Lord has reared here for the safety of his dear people! What a refuge from the winds of doctrine that are not in accordance and harmony with the sanctuary work! Oh! how solemn is the time in which we are living, the investigative Judgment. I did not realize, when I embraced and confessed the third angel’s message and its work, that it would lead me to an investigation of my life from the beginning of my accountability to the present time, as it has done, and is doing. And as I beheld the long, deep-laid plan of Satan, to cause me to transgress mental and physical law, it causes me almost unbounded sorrow. And I would deeply feel the long-suffering of God, through Jesus Christ, in that he has spared poor, unworthy me, and through his great love wants me to be saved by the merits of his precious blood. Praise the Lord! Oh! for a heart to continually praise his blessed name, for his great mercy and goodness to me. Oh! what unbounded love! Jesus has borne my every grievous sin in his own lovely body, and died in the guilty sinner’s stead! Amazing love divine! Shall I ever return unto him the reverence that is due his sacred name? Shall I ever be permitted to enter the joy of my Lord, and to have the crown, the immortal prize? I love the Lord’s dear people; and may they be especially sustained who have the great burden of the work—kept from the continual designs of Satan, by the power of God through Jesus Christ.
Let us awake, and put away every sin, be clothed with Christ’s own spotless robe of purity, that we may meet on Mount Zion. JOSHUA PHILBRICK. Sullivan Co., N. H.

To the Brethren of the Kansas and Missouri Conference.

By R. J. LAWRENCE

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: As you have learned through the REVIEW of Nov. 8, from the pen of Bro. Butler, of the organization of a Conference at our late camp-meeting in Kansas, called the Kansas and Missouri Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, I take this opportunity of calling your attention to two of the resolutions passed by that Conference, as follows:
Resolved, That we consider it the duty of scattered Sabbath-keepers within the bounds of this Conference, who have a membership in other Conferences, to unite with the churches in Kansas and Missouri, as far as practicable, and report to them quarterly.
The propriety of this can be seen in order to a concentration of action and interest in the Conference.
Resolved, That we consider it the duty of all S. D. Adventists, scattered, or otherwise, who live within the bounds of this Conference, in view of the wants of the cause here, and the importance of collecting all our resources, to contribute of their means, and pay their S. B. into the treasury of this Conference.
Dear brethren, the cause is weak in this Conference, as to age, numbers, and resources. The General Conference, last year and this, has been doing what it could for us. They have sent to your States, last year, two, and this year, one minister, to labor for and with you in the best of all causes. Although but little has been effected in raising up friends of the cause, yet some advancement has been made, and a good foundation has been laid. Now, dear brethren, we have individual responsibilities, and these lead to united responsibilities and efforts. In view of the magnitude and importance of the work that is committed to our hands, let us come up nobly to our duty.
“Bring ye all the tithes into the store-house, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of Heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Mal. 3:10. Seek the Lord by prayer, that our efforts may be blessed of God, and the cause be built up among us. There is but little time to work, but much to do. Then let us take hold with energy, relying upon Heaven for help and success. Let us, dear brethren, be prompt in making our quarterly remittances, followed with our prayers, into the hands of the Treasurer, J. H. Rogers, whose post-office address is Altavista, Davis Co., Mo. Let not any church think itself slighted or excused, for the constitution makes it the duty of each church to make a report to the Secretary of the Conference at the end of each quarter, of the amount sent to the Treasurer, or paid to the preachers during the quarter. The P. O. address of Bro. H. C. Blanchard, the Secretary, is Avilla, Jasper Co., Mo. Brethren, let us come up to the work nobly, praying earnestly for God’s blessing upon our efforts.
Yours, dear brethren, feeling disposed under God to do all I can, while with you, to build up the cause here. R. J. LAWRENCE, President of the Kansas and Missouri Conference.

Kalamazoo Co., Mich

By Susan A. Brown

From Sr. Brown.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: As I read the letters from the scattered and lonely ones, I feel like casting in my testimony on the side of truth. It is little over a year since I commenced keeping the Lord's Sabbath, and trying to obey all the commandments. I am all alone, as there are none of like precious faith here, and all in this neighborhood are very much opposed to the Advent faith. Yet I feel strong in the Lord, for I feel that he is ever with me. The REVIEW comes every week to gladden my heart. And how cheering, to read the testimonies from the few who are striving to overcome! I want to be one of the number who shall overcome. I want to be a daily Christian, and be like my blessed Master. Pray for me, that I may ever prove faithful, and have a home in the earth made new. SUSAN A. BROWN.

Kalamazoo Co., Mich

Greetings from Dodge County

By Sister H. Stanley

SISTER H. STANLEY writes from Dodge Co., Neb., Nov. 6, 1870: The REVIEW comes to us laden with precious truth, and is indeed a welcome messenger. We love the truths of the message, and are trying by the assistance of our Heavenly Father, to live them out. We are thankful for the Conference Department, where the lonely and scattered ones can speak words of comfort in Jesus’ name.
We are trying to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and let our light shine, in hope that others may come and go with us to Mount Zion. Some seem anxious to read our books and papers. Our daily prayer is that the way may be prepared for some messenger to come here and gather the honest in heart into the fold of Christ. Pray for us, that we may be faithful.
Continue reading: Obituary Notices