Earlier text: Christ's Third TemptationThe Impending Religious War.
In a speech delivered by Father Gerdemann, an ex-Roman Catholic priest, in Philadelphia, Sept. 17, 1875, he said:— “Rome and its emissaries would like to control this country. In fact, they will attempt to rule it. When I saw the parade on St. Patrick’s day in ’73 and ’74, I was standing alongside of Bishop Wood in the second story of his residence. How delighted he was with the display of their great numbers! ‘That will show the Americans how many voters we have now, and how many fighting men we will command when the fight commences, and commence it will on the question,’ he said, repeatedly.” This matter is beginning to attract the attention of statesmen and even of the President of the United States himself, as the following will show:— OMINOUS WORDS FROM GEN. GRANT.
President Grant is not a talkative man; indeed, it has been denied that he can make a speech. But nobody denies that he can think for himself, and act when occasion requires. And his lack of talk gives his words all the more importance. But lately he has disappointed everybody—he has made a speech at Des Moines, Iowa, which has attracted much attention and elicited much comment from the press. The following brief article from the San Francisco Chronicle of Oct. 1, gives a good idea of the speech, and shows what is thought of it:— “WHAT CAN THE PRESIDENT MEAN?”
“On the 29th of September there was a military ‘reunion’ at Des Moines, Iowa, on which occasion President Grant was present. Of course he was importuned to make a speech. Speech-making is an invariable and indispensable feature of American ‘reunions.’ The President, abandoning his usual and characteristic policy of reticence, responded to the call, and made the longest speech recorded against him in all his public career. He commenced by informing his audience that he was going to disappoint those who had called upon him ‘in the expectation of getting a short speech.’ This is not only the longest, but it is also the most sparkling, effort in the oratorical line that the President has ever made. ‘If we are to have another contest in the near future,’ he said, ‘for our national existence, I predict that the dividing line will not be Mason and Dixon’s, but it will be between patriotism and intelligence on one side, and ambition, superstition, and ignorance on the other.’ The President then proceeded as follows:— “In this centennial year, the work of strengthening the foundation of the structure begun by our forefathers one hundred years ago at Lexington should be begun. Let us all labor for more security of free thought, free speech, a free press, and pure morals, unfettered religious sentiments, and equal rights and privileges of all men, irrespective of nationality, color, or religion. Encourage free schools, and resolve that not one dollar appropriated to them shall be applied to the support of any sectarian school. Resolve that neither State nor nation shall support institutions save those where every child in the land may get a common school education, unmixed with atheist, pagan, or sectarian teachings. Leave the matter of religion to the family, and keep Church and State forever separate. With these safeguards, I believe that the battles which created the army of Tennessee will not have been fought in vain.” “Is this a prediction of a religious war? The whole tenor of the President’s remarks seems to indicate that such was his meaning. He declares that the conflict which he foreshadows is not to be a sectional one. It is not to be between the North and the South. It is to be between ‘patriotism and intelligence on the one side, and ambition, superstition, and ignorance on the other.’ How is this language to be interpreted except as a prediction of a religious war?” President Grant is by no means a “sensational” man, and he would never have uttered these words if he did not see indications which warrant them. Evidently the subject of a “religious war” will soon attract the attention of our statesmen.—J. H. W. in Signs. The following items, clipped from the American Protestant, speak to the same point:— “PRESIDENT GRANT AND THE POPE.”
“It is with the greatest satisfaction that we notice in all quarters that the politicians are beginning to give their attention to the great issue now forming between Protestantism and Romanism. But we are peculiarly gratified at the truly noble and patriotic stand which has been taken by President Grant on what we consider the only living, vital issue of the day. We observe that certain papers are already intimating that the course pursued by the President has about it a third-term significance. When we remember that on all previous occasions Grant, as general and as President, has been equal to every emergency, we being firm believers in a Providence and in special providences, we regard the utterances of a President of the United States at this peculiar juncture as one of those things which are to be regarded as historic. President Grant, from precedent facts, has become an historical personage. His name now stands before the world as the man who saved the American Union. In all European cabinets, the name of President Grant stands with the national force and significance of a Gladstone or a Bismarck. Hence, when President Grant comes out in favor of free speech, a free press, and non-sectarian schools, it means something, and the people of this country, and the people of Europe, may take notice that business is intended. The people of America, independent of birth place or creeds, will never consent that the United States of America shall be otherwise than independent of all church arrangements. If the Jesuits and the Romanists do not like this, all they have to do is, like those other Arabs, to ‘quietly fold their tents and steal away.’” “The great struggle in this country at the coming election will be between the priests and the people—between the friends of ‘Liberty and Union’ and the emissaries of the pope of Rome. Let every Protestant be on his guard and vote for no man who is not right on this question. Remember that ‘eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.’ ‘Put none but American Protestants on guard.’—Gen. Washington. ‘If ever the liberty of this republic is destroyed, it will be by Roman priests.’—Gen. Lafayette.” The Indiana Camp-Meeting.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Bro. Smith and myself arrived upon the camp-ground Thursday morning before breakfast. It had been raining hard several days, and the weather was quite cold. The prospect looked very dreary. Many remained away on this account, and others came late Friday. The weather continued bad during the whole meeting, and the last day it snowed and ice froze upon the water, so that stoves and fires were in good demand. We found Brn. Lane and Kenyon both unwell. It appears to be unusually sickly this fall on account of the continued wet weather. However, this was the largest meeting we ever had in Indiana. Twenty-one tents were pitched upon the ground, and there were about two hundred persons present besides the outside attendance, which was good considering the weather. Evidently there would have been a very large turnout under favorable circumstances. We were glad to find the friends of the cause all of good courage, alive to its interests, and devoted to the work. Our social meetings were most excellent. The time was well improved on each occasion. Many were affected to tears as they related their conversion to the truth and their love for it, and told what God had wrought for them. A large share of those present had embraced the truth within the last year or two. Four new churches were added to the Conference this year and several last, so that the Conference has doubled its numbers in two years. This is very encouraging, and the prospect is better now for success than ever before. There are promising and urgent openings everywhere. Numerous meeting-houses are freely opened for lectures. We hope the preachers will push the work here vigorously the coming year. Several young men received license to preach. We hope that they will have energy and devotion enough to make a good mark for the cause in this State the coming year. If Brn. Lane and Kenyon will remain here to follow up the work now begun, we shall expect to see the numbers here again doubled in a short time. There are several quite wealthy men in this State who are well able to help the young and needy cause if they will only consecrate their means to God. It is, however, a sad fact that wealthy men are generally the least liberal of all men. We have often found it so among our people. But this is not always the case, and we pray that it may not be so here. The Lord gave us good freedom in speaking the word. We dwelt largely upon the great pillars of our faith, the signs of the times, the messages, the Sabbath, &c. Our people need such discourses as these to renew their faith in the work, as many of them hear little or no preaching the year round. Then there are always quite a number present who are interested and are investigating the truth. This is a good opportunity to fully decide them for the truth. This was so here. Monday morning we invited all to arise who had here decided to begin the observance of the Sabbath. Ten persons arose and bore their testimony and took their stand with us. Among these was a young man who is an intelligent school teacher, a Baptist deacon, and others who will be a help to the cause. Two others also will keep the Sabbath who were not at that meeting, making one dozen as the fruit of this camp-meeting. Besides these a good number came forward for prayers and for baptism. These were examined and taken in to the different churches. Nearly every church received from one to half a dozen additions. Monday afternoon we all went one mile to a river where Bro. Kenyon baptized twenty-three. This was the largest baptism our people have ever had in this State. As many had to leave for their homes in the night Monday, and early Tuesday morning, we had our closing meeting in the evening. Bro. Smith spoke a while, and then we enjoyed a good social meeting. All expressed themselves as abundantly paid for their trouble in coming to the meeting. Many said it was the best camp-meeting they ever attended. All resolved to live nearer to God for the coming year, to do more for the cause, and to sacrifice more to advance the truth. Union and harmony among themselves, and full confidence in the general management of the cause, prevail throughout the State. This is as it should be. So closes the camp-meetings for this year. Bro. Smith promises to give a summary of them all, which will show how important a part of the work these camp-meetings are coming to be. We are both in good health and good spirits. Meetings in Michigan.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
CONSIDERING the urgent need of labor among many of the old and large churches of Michigan, it has been thought best for me to defer for a few months my visit to Vermont. I know that this will disappoint the friends in that State, but I am fully satisfied that it is duty. There are so many churches in Michigan that it would take one year and a half to spend one Sabbath in a place; hence this is out of the question. Therefore, we shall have to appoint general meetings at the most accessible points, where two or more churches can come together for a two or three days' meeting. If the friends will make a strong effort, and all attend these meetings, much that needs to be done can be accomplished by them. Then a business meeting can be held during the week with each church to arrange Systematic Benevolence and any other necessary matters. I hope that Bro. Root, the President of the Conference, will be with me in these meetings. I wish to call the attention of the brethren and sisters to the objects which we shall endeavor to accomplish by these meetings, so that they may co-operate with us in carrying them out. 1. We shall endeavor to convince and decide that class of persons—some of whom are to be found near all our churches—who are friendly and, perhaps, investigating. We ask our people to make a special effort to get all such to the meetings. 2. We shall do our utmost to reach and gather in the unconverted children of our people. We have been made to feel deeply upon this point of late. If the right course is taken, and taken in time, a large share of these dear children and youth can be saved to Christ and to the cause. But if they are suffered to grow up, go out into the world, and form other associations, before they are converted, they are then generally beyond reach. We ask our brethren to make this a subject of prayer and preparation, and to bring all their children with them to the meetings. Have faith in God, and in the power of his grace, and see what he will do for you. 3. If any have fallen under the power of temptation, are in trial, or have even given up the truth, we shall do all in our power to rescue them. Often these cases are not as hopeless as the church imagine. Let us never despair of any poor soul who has the least love for the truth burning in his heart. Often the very thing that is needed to rekindle the flame in these hearts is a manifestation of kindness, interest, and love, on the part of the members of the church. But, alas! this is often the last thing which those who think they are in the light are willing to do. They find it much easier to censure and condemn them, and let them go to ruin. Let us remember the parable of the lost sheep, the prodigal son, and others, bearing upon this point. Go to these brethren, get them to the meetings if possible, and let us see what the Lord will do for them. Do not be tardy nor faint-hearted in this work. I have seen the Lord work powerfully upon such cases. I believe he will help us now. 4. There will be an opportunity for baptism at each meeting if any desire it; we will also attend to the ordinances. Let preparations be made for them. 5. We wish to examine the church records and the S. B. books, to see that they are properly kept, to ordain elders and deacons where it is necessary, and to see that the fittest persons are put in as clerks and S. B. treasurers. 6. We wish to re-organize S. B., obtain payment on our periodicals, and new subscriptions for them, pledges and payment of pledges on the different enterprises needing help among us, supply the people with books, &c. 7. We want to see at these meetings the scattered ones who do not usually attend Sabbath meetings. Pray for us that we may have strength, physical and mental, and grace from God to do what so much needs to be done. The Cause of God in Ohio.
By H. A. St. John
We feel deeply anxious to see greater prosperity in the work of the Lord in Ohio. No doubt a lack of consecration on the part of his people, and negligence in doing the Lord’s work, are the principal reasons of so little prosperity. Dear brethren, shall we not look about us, and seek by prayer and by searching the word of God to see where we are failing to come up to the help of the Lord? And then shall we not with confession turn to the Lord and implore divine aid to redeem the time? Let us unitedly strive to make the coming year one of the best since the organization of our Conference. Why should it not be? Surely, in this momentous time every year should tell greatly in the progress of reform, and in preparing a people for the coming of the Lord. United action in this glorious cause is very necessary. God has greatly blessed organization among our people. From its simplicity, or from some other cause, it is not duly appreciated and respected by many. We desire to secure the co-operation of every Sabbath-keeper in the State who feels an interest in the proclamation of the third angel’s message. We feel quite sure that all such persons should be connected with some of our churches, though they may be one hundred miles distant. I would hereby request all the lonely ones not connected with a church to write to me soon, giving name and address plainly, and expressing their purposes and desires. And, besides, we earnestly request all such to attend our meetings in the State when those meetings come within their reach. The Lord willing, we expect to visit all the churches and little companies of Sabbath-keepers in the State during the winter, and we are greatly desirous that all these meetings may be blessed of God to the upbuilding of his cause. To this end we solicit an especial interest in the prayers of all his people. And we ask your attention to the following statement of what we wish to accomplish in our several meetings. - Complete organization of churches.
- Gathering into church fellowship all the scattered and lonely ones of like precious faith.
- Organization, or re-arrangement, of Systematic Benevolence for 1876.
- Getting the names of all believers, both old and young, on the S. B. books.
- Securing, if possible, such persons for clerks and S. B. treasurers as will do their business properly and promptly.
- To get many additional members to the T. & M. Society.
- To obtain subscribers for Signs of the Times and all our periodicals.
Baptism, and the ordinances of the Lord’s house attended to on all proper occasions. We will have S. B. blank books for 1876 with us. Let us be in earnest, brethren, in preparing for the great work before us. To the Members of the Ill. T. & M. Society.
By S.
FIFTEEN days of our new quarter have gone. How much has each member done in the work for this quarter? Seeing such a meager report for our State from July 1 to Sept. 30 leads me to ask, Why do not the directors send in reports of more work? Is it not because members have not sent in full reports, and were unable to do so because they let day after day slip by, resolving to “do better next week?” The success of the work depends on individual effort. Knowing I had control of one individual, I prepared a book in which to put down what work I did, and then resolved to crowd every bit of labor I could into each day. The quarter will soon slip away, and we shall mourn because we have not done more, and resolve for the next quarter. If we want this quarter to be full of work it must be done by filling each day. Let us each keep a strict account of our labor, that our director may have something to report. Do not wait. If we have let the past fifteen days go by, let us well freight the remaining days with labor. Hillsdale, Rock Island Co., Ill., Oct. 15, 1875. The Ohio Camp-Meeting.
By Joseph Clarke
This meeting, just closed, has been a very profitable and interesting season. It was attended by Elds. U. Smith, D. M. Canright, H. A. St. John, and T. J. Butler, all of whom took a noble, manly, and Christian part in the exercises. Indeed, so well was this meeting sustained that little was left to regret; for the Lord himself set his seal to the entire meeting, and we felt that the third angel’s message is losing none of its power, but is rising every day, and month, and year. It would be as impossible to describe this meeting as it would be to paint a sunbeam; but it was the result of union of sentiment, union of effort, union of labor, union of heart, and purity of principle. If any one feature was more marked than any other, it was the fact that God was helping our young ministers in their preaching, and that they were, without exception, improving their talents, and becoming stronger and more effective in their calling. The attendance was not quite as large as last year, but still there was a general representation, and all present had a heart to work. The attendance from the country around was quite large, and on Sunday it numbered some three thousand interested hearers. The impression made by the preaching was powerful, and it was good; and while error was attacked in its stronghold, and made to lie lifeless and cold, no offense was taken, and much prejudice was removed. The instruction given on all subjects of church order and management was good and timely. The keeping of proper records in a proper manner, the modes of doing the work of the church, indeed, everything received its proper share of attention. No time was lost, except by those who occasionally were absent. The subjects preached upon were the prophecies, which were lucidly, yet briefly and tersely, explained. The gifts of the church and the graces necessary to form a symmetrical Christian character were dwelt upon, and the subjects of the sanctuary, the moral law, and the papal Sabbath, were searchingly and logically examined. Not a sermon was lacking in eloquence and moral power; and the crowds of hearers from the country around were much interested, and left the grounds unwillingly. Many came again on Monday. This was a profitable day. Many went forward for prayers, and about thirty were baptized. The Spirit of the Lord moved upon hearts, and it was evident that the meeting had not been in vain. Tuesday morning a farewell meeting was held, which proved to be unusually affecting and profitable. The brethren then departed on their homeward routes, taking with them the blessings of peace, and love, and harmony. Rice Co., Kansas.
By J. P. Henderson
Having occasion to visit this county on business, I was agreeably surprised to find quite a number of Sabbath-keepers here. Some of these have moved to Kansas from other States, and others have been induced by their example and good works to keep the Sabbath also. These brethren are poor, but their hearts are warm, and they are hopeful in the cause of the Lord. The devastations of last year reduced some of them to actual want, and the discouragements under which they labored broke up their Sabbath meetings, so that for more than a year they have been without organization of any kind. Yesterday a Sabbath meeting was held, at which about thirty, including children, were present. I encouraged them as best I could, and the remarks were responded to by several warm testimonies. A covenant was drawn up, and twelve or more pledged themselves to keep “the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Many others, we think, will do so before long. One brother and his wife are especially active in their labors for the truth, and God is rewarding them with his blessing. A warmer influence than theirs, both among those professing the faith and outsiders in general, I have never seen exerted. This, considering the fact that no minister was ever heard in this county, shows how God is working on the hearts of the people. They very much desire some Adventist minister to come to this place, and give a few practical discourses and help them organize and get into working order. We think a strong church might soon be raised up. I hope the attention of this Conference will be called to it, and some one sent. One worthy brother came here about three years ago, with a large family and small purse. He took up a claim, and built a sod house, in which he is still living. He was reduced to want by the devastation last year, and although dependent on charity, himself and family concluded they could not do without the REVIEW. They saved a part of the allowance sent them to buy food, and sent it to the Office, but it was never heard from. Their paper was stopped. They wept over the loss, but have not been able since to replace it. Grateful hearts will thank the one who will have the paper sent to them. All seem encouraged by this year’s crops; and they will probably be able before long to pay up their past obligations, as well as to meet future ones. There is the beginning of a good organization here. Surely, “The Lord knoweth them that are his,” and he will gather them from the remotest corners of the earth. “And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” Dear brethren and sisters, let us not forget to pray for our scattered brethren in these western fields. Peace, Rice Co., Kan., Oct. 3, 1875. The Nations Receiving Light.
It is well known to many of the readers of the REVIEW that a society exists in New England called the Vigilant Missionary Society, the special object of which is to correspond with those who may be losing their interest in present truth, and with those who may be interested to learn our views, and also to forward to them such reading matter as may be thought beneficial. Corresponding agents have been appointed in this and other countries for the purpose of forwarding to the Society the names of those whom it may be deemed advisable to correspond with, and to report any other items of interest. The result has been that in the six years since their organization they have been in constant receipt of letters from many different countries. These letters reveal the cheering fact that many have been led by this means to embrace the Sabbath, and that there is far more interest felt in the Sabbath reform and the second coming of Christ than we are inclined to think from what we see around us in our immediate vicinity. As many of the letters received are of such a character that they cannot fail to interest thousands who read the REVIEW, we have concluded from time to time to forward for publication such letters, or extracts of letters, as show the progress of this work. As most of these letters are of a private character, not being designed for publication, the readers of the REVIEW will excuse us for withholding the names of the writers. Below is a letter from a sister in Prussia, who is connected with the company of Sabbath-keepers referred to by Bro. Andrews some time ago in the REVIEW. The letter was written in German, but was translated and forwarded to us by a German corresponding agent of the Society. The letter is as follows:— “Your Christian letter of June 20 was gratefully received. It gives us much joy to hear from you, and we regard it as a great privilege to be thus favored. Accept our sincere thanks for your good and encouraging words of Christian love and sympathy. “As you will like to know something from us here, I will try to write a few items. The Sabbath-keepers with whom we are acquainted in Prussia came step by step to the truth. Belonging to the National Church from infancy, as is the case with nearly every one in this country, we left it when we learned of Christian baptism from Bro. Linderman. At that time we regarded every day alike. As the Sabbath question came up my husband and myself withdrew ourselves from Bro. Linderman, and fled with many others. But by the providence of God we were brought to see the Sabbath afterward. As business matters were languishing in the town where we used to live, we left and came to this city. And it so happened that we met our dear sister — here. She is the daughter of our aged Bro. and sister —, who were the first to embrace the Sabbath after Bro. Linderman. Her father died three years ago. He was a very faithful and zealous member of the church, and took care for each one. “A few months after our arrival here, I attended their meetings again, and became converted to the Sabbath truth. Sister — and myself were the only ones in this city who kept the Sabbath. Our husbands were greatly opposed to the truth. This was especially the case with mine. He threatened to send me away because I was not willing to give up the Sabbath. But sister — and myself encouraged each other, and through the word and much prayer we were strengthened. My husband carried out his threatenings until I was ready to leave home, when he told me to remain, and said: ‘I see you believe firmly that the seventh day is the true Sabbath of the Lord.’ Sister —, knowing my circumstances, went early in the morning for Bro. Linderman. He visited us in the afternoon, and many things were spoken of. My husband formerly belonged to Bro. Linderman’s church. He resolved to obey God, to keep his commandments, and joined again. And now he is joyfully keeping the rest-day of the great Creator, and sends love to the dear brethren and sisters of America, praying them to be faithful. “Now one word more in regard to sister —. Being a daughter of believing parents, she was trained up in the fear of God. Several years after her marriage, she was converted. Her husband is until this moment an infidel, regarding the Holy Scriptures as a falsehood and as the work of men. As sister — closes her store on the Sabbath, she has much to suffer from him, feeling deeply for him, that he be converted. She asks an interest for him in your prayers. “Learning of the fact that there are many others keeping the commandments of God causes us inexpressible joy. About a year ago we knew nothing about them, but now we hear that there are many of like faith in different parts of the world, of other nationalities and tongues. If it causes such great joy in this mortal state to hear of each other, although we are separated by land and sea, and although one cannot understand the language of the other, what joy will there be on that day when Christ shall come to gather his children, to take them home where separation will be no more, and where each will understand the language of the other. Truly it is worth while to endure trials, to suffer tribulations, and to strive earnestly for that life which is perfect in bliss and eternal in happiness, which was lost by transgressing God’s holy law, but was redeemed by the perfect obedience of Christ and the shedding of his blood. May we all have part in it.” A Few Suggestions.
By D. Downer
THE camp-meeting season is now closed. I suggest that we everywhere begin to pray for a good camp-meeting in 1876. Let us not wait until a week before the meeting, and then begin to pray for an outpouring of the Spirit, but let us seek God daily. Instead of coming to meeting to catch a spark of some one else's kindling, let every one have something good to bring as well as to take away. Our zeal will not then be a kind of forced zeal, but an overflowing of prayers and entreaties for the salvation of souls. Begin early to plan with reference to the camp-meetings. It is a shame to loiter away the whole year, and then just at camp-meeting time, if asked if you are going, say, Yes, if God opens the way. He has given you the whole year to do that yourself. He will not open the way to indulge us in leaving all for him to do. Let us sow all the year, and our camp-meetings will become rich harvest fields. How are we living at home? Are we living idle and careless lives, while others are stooping under the burdens of the message? Shall we come directly from home sins, to warm by the fire kindled by those who labor earnestly for the good of the church? I firmly believe that a people so favored as we have been will yet wither under the curse of God unless we leave our secret sins, and become more active in his service. When we cease to advance, is it because God's arm is wearied? No; but it is because of our wicked unbelief. We have not yet come to the most trying test of our message. May we realize it, and get a faith that will not shrink in time of severe trial. Let us arouse to the importance of this work. I see as I never have before that we must launch out. We are too narrow in our views. Our prayers should be that God's Spirit may develop minds equal to the mighty work before us. O people of God, we are nearing eternity! The serpent has coiled himself around the globe; our message is to follow him. When this is done, our work is done. The night had come; the moonlight whitely lay
Athwart the field where I had sowed all day
Seed I should ne’er behold
Waving its harvest gold. Naught even showed that seed was hidden there;
In pallid light lay furrows long and bare;
No blade, no leaf was seen
Signing its promise green. And on the shore the little shallop lay
Which in the morn must bear me far away
Where I might never know
Whether the seed did grow. And if I wept, ’twas none but God could see
How much the hope of harvest was to me.
He sent his angel down
My trembling trust to crown. His gentle angel led me by the hand
Until we stood upon the bare, sown land,
And then he turned and smiled,
With eyes serene and mild. “Behold,” he said, “to still thy human fear,
In one short hour will God unfold the ear.”
And as he spoke the word
The barren clods were stirred, And tiny blades crept out into the light,
And grew, and grew, before my wondering sight,
And then the ears were seen,
Long-bearded, full and green. And while I watched the waving grain, behold
The heads bent down with weight of ripened gold!
The angel said, “The Lord
Shall give thee this reward. “Fear not to get thee hence across the sea,
In harvest time I’ll bind thy sheaves for thee.
Thy field may ripen late;
Fear not, but trust and wait.” Seward, Neb., Oct. 10, 1875
By Chas. L. Boyd
The labors with the tent at Milford closed Sept. 5. Those who were led to acknowledge the truth of the doctrines here presented did not take that decided stand which we hoped, yet we trust seed was sown which will produce fruit. By request, the two following Sabbaths I addressed the S. D. Baptist brethren in Richardson Co. This company are much discouraged on account of the removal of many of their members, and for various other causes. A spirit of lethargy seems to be creeping over them. May God help them to arouse. While in this county, I spent several days with Bro. Wing, who, I trust, is doing a good work in this vicinity. Sept. 23-30, held meetings in Saunders Co., where I expect soon to organize a church. Oct. 2 and 3, met with the Seward church at their monthly meeting. Three were baptized here. We were favored with the presence and help of our beloved Bro. Nicola. Many were kept from attending these meetings by sickness in the neighborhood, and by the death of two young persons, a brother and sister, whose deaths occurred but a few hours apart. They were buried in “one wide coffin.” Oh! I long for a home where death does not reign. CHAS. L. BOYD. Seward, Neb., Oct. 10, 1875
Northern Missouri.
By L. R. Long
AFTER camp-meeting, I was urgently solicited to visit the church in Empire, Decalb Co. I found this little company had lived through the grasshopper scourge, and they have kept up their regular Sabbath meetings and Sabbath-school during the summer. They have experienced the most bitter opposition and relentless persecution of any company within my knowledge. Four different preachers have preached against our views here. This church was organized last spring, mostly from the remains of a first-day Adventist church. Their former preacher lately announced that he would preach against the Sabbath, &c., and challenged opposition. I immediately went to hear him, but I was disappointed in my expectations, as he took up his appointment and suddenly left, to the astonishment of his congregation. Our friends were much strengthened by our labors. They now desire to have quarterly meetings established there. What Can we Do for the Cause?
By J. M. Gallemore
THERE are none so poor, or so situated, that they cannot, with the help of the Lord, do something for the cause of Christ. And none need be without that help; for God loves to help his faithful, believing, and trusting people. We may not have the talents which some have; we may not have money; and we may not have health; yet we can do something in the great vineyard of the Lord. If we can do nothing more, we can become living epistles, known and read of all men. We can show to all around us, by our daily walk and conversation, that we believe the truths contained in God’s word, that we obey from the heart, and that we love his cause, and desire its prosperity. Do we believe the truth and love it? If we do, we shall do nothing that will bring reproach upon it; but we shall rather do all we can to recommend it to those around us. If all who hold the truth lived and acted in such a manner as to show that they believed it, and that they were Christians at heart, as well as by profession, who can doubt but the converts to the truth would be increased in a ten-fold ratio. Many would say, “Truly, these are Christians; let us go with them.” This would be the result if all would make their lives correspond with their profession; and how God would then delight to come in and wonderfully bless his people. Then, if we can do nothing more to prosper and spread the truth, let us by all means act in accordance with our profession, and with God’s help become living epistles in behalf of the truth. Who cannot do this much? J. M. Gallemore.