Earlier text: BACCALAUREATE SERMON.“WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE?”
By C. DE GREENE
We are either on the Lord’s side, or we are casting our influence against him; for he has said, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” If we are truly living in such a manner as to win others to Christ, by our example, we are on his side; but if a desire to please the world is uppermost with us, and we care more for its fashions and follies than for the service of the Master, loving self-gratification, but shunning crosses, we are on the side of the enemy. If we profess to be Christians, and yet are unwilling to deny ourselves for the sake of Christ, we are such only in name. It is our privilege to learn of Him who is meek and lowly in heart. We should be ever watchful and prayerful, and ready to be guided whithersoever he leads. The religion of Christ is an every-day religion, manifesting itself not only in public worship in the house of God, but in the faithful performance of home duties, in “walking humbly with our God.” If we would always remember that the eye of our Father in Heaven is upon us, and that nothing can be hid from him, would we not be more careful to think, before we act, whether what we are about to do will be pleasing to our heavenly Father? In the word of God we read concerning the righteous, that “he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” But of the other class it is said, “The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” C. DE GREENE. THE COMING OF THE LORD.
By Olive R. Dolton
O Father, let thy power be known,
Thy children's hearts to cheer,
When thy dear Son will be revealed,
And banish all their fear. The heavens declare that coming day,
The signs with voice sublime;
Sun, moon, and stars proclaim it near,—
The end of earthly time. Oh, who can paint that wondrous scene,
When Jesus comes again!
Before his face the mountains melt
Like wax before the flame. The trumpet sounds,—the righteous dead
Rise from their slumbering tomb,
And all the righteous living, changed
Into immortal bloom, Up to the courts of endless bliss
In shouts of triumph rise,
And there on thrones of judgment sit,
With Christ in Paradise. Earth feels the shock, and knows her doom,—
Back into chaos hurled;
There to remain a thousand years,
While Christ will judge the world. All nature groans beneath the curse,
The pall of death and gloom,
But she must die, and rise again
In Eden's glorious bloom. OLIVE R. DOLTON.
Washington, D. C. One morning as we sat at our breakfast-table the conversation turned on strict truthfulness of statement; and as the discussion grew more and more lively, it was finally proposed by one member of the family that we should all pledge ourselves to the sternest veracity of speech for that day, and see what would come of it. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously, and as a first-fruit of the resolve we asked the one who had suggested it, “What made you so late at breakfast this morning?” She hesitated, began with, “Because I couldn’t”—and then, true to her compact, said: “The truth is, I was lazy and didn’t hurry, or I might have been down long ago.” Presently another one remarked that she had been very cold, adding, “I never was so cold in all my life.” An inquiring look caused the last speaker to modify this statement instantly, with, “Oh, I don’t mean that, of course, I’ve been much colder many times, and I don’t think it was so cold after all.” A third remark to the effect that “Miss So-and-so was the homeliest girl in the city,” was recalled as soon as made, the speaker being compelled to own that Miss So-and-so was only rather plain, instead of excessively homely. So it went on throughout the day, causing much merriment, which was good-naturedly accepted by the subjects, and giving rise to constant corrections in the interest of truth. One thing became more and more surprising, however, to each one of us, and that was the amount of cutting down which our most careless statements demanded under this new rule. More and more we realized the unconscious exaggeration of our daily speech, and the distance between it and truth, and each one acknowledged at the close of the day that the lesson had been salutary as well as startling. Such a day may be of service in more ways than one, since it enforces good humor as well as strict truthfulness.—Intelligencer. CONTINUING INSTANT IN PRAYER.
By M. E. CORNELL
When temptation, which is always lurking in the pathway of mortals, shall suddenly spring forth to surprise and overpower the Christian traveler, instant prayer will often be found his only help. Walking over enchanted ground, where pits and snares are on every hand, there is no safety but in constant watchfulness and prayer. In a sudden and unexpected trial of patience, angry feelings and words are prevented by the shield of instant prayer. And no one can say he ever tried this in vain. When evil thoughts come, and the mind is turning in the wrong direction, an immediate check must be given, and then a strong effort is often necessary to keep it in the right channel. It is here that the hardest conflict ensues. All wrong doing results from allowing the mind to run in the wrong channel, thus encouraging evil desires. There is no safety except in checking the first evil thought; and this is positive duty, for “the thought of foolishness is sin.” When an evil thought intrudes itself, that very instant the heart must be uplifted in earnest prayer for deliverance. There must be a continual abhorrence of evil, combined with vigilance in guarding against the first approach of the leprous taint of sin. “Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned.” There must exist in the heart a fear of sin, because of its “exceeding sinfulness.” When the serpent comes in fairest form and with pleasant voice, and evil desire or presumptuous curiosity tempts us to indulge just for a little while, then must the soul cry out in prayer for help. Knowing the right way, and the warnings against evil, why will man basely yield to any sinful way? Has not sad experience taught us that it is unsafe to run the risk? Should we ever harbor a sinful thought? No, never! Feeling our need of help, we should not forget to watch and pray; then when the thought of evil comes in, our instant prayer will be, “May God forgive,
Nor let the thought one moment live.” A SILVER BOWL BUT NO SUCCOTASH.
This was the substance of the reply said to have been made by an unlearned but pious old Indian to a minister, who was wondering why a certain off-hand talk, given by the Indian, had moved and melted this minister’s hearers more than his own elaborate sermons had ever done. “I ’xplain this to you,” said the Indian. You come here (meaning to his pulpit) ev’ry Sabba’day; you bring big silver bowl and silver spoons, and dey very handsome; but you no have any succotash in your bowl. De people, dey hungry, and de silver bowl no feed ’em; dey want de succotash.” Are there not some authors and preachers that set silver bowls before us with no succotash?—Selected. An exchange gives the following facts in regard to the Papacy:— “The custom of kissing the pope’s toe was introduced about A. D. 708. Adrian I. caused money to be coined with his name, A. D. 780. The first pope who kept an army was Leo IX., 1054. In 1077 Gregory VII. compelled Henry IV., Emperor of Germany, to stand bare footed in the snow at the gate of the Castle of Canosa. The pope’s authority was established in England in 1079; and in 1161 Henry II. held the stirrup while Pope Alexander III. mounted his horse. In 1191 Celestine III. kicked the crown from off the head of the Emperor Henry VI., to show his prerogative of making and unmaking kings. Kissing the pope’s toe and other ceremonies were abolished by Clement XIV. in 1773. The pope was deprived of the remains of his temporal power in December, 1870. Socialism and the Governments
Prince Bismarck, the German Chancellor, has reported to the English government that a meeting of representative leaders of Nihilists and Socialists of the world is to be held soon in London, and this august statesman has asked the English government to prohibit the meeting within its borders. In France, the city of Bordeaux has elected the imprisoned communist, Blanqui, a deputy to the National Assembly, thus thrusting the alternative of deciding for or against the admission of this conspirator upon the National Assembly at a very critical period. And finally our own State of California has adopted a new Constitution by a popular vote, which has certainly very decidedly marked Socialistic elements in its structure. It is thus manifest, says an exchange, “that Socialism is ramifying countries more distantly related, and that the great contest may be forced upon the world at large. Or it may remain for the world to witness the difference in method of meeting such crises by different governments. The Russian way will probably not be adopted by any other country.”—Christian Statesman. Senators Adjourn for the Races
Although the Congress of the United States cannot take time in the pressure of its closing sessions to adjourn over the Lord's day, it can take time, amid the urgent demands for prompt action on momentous subjects, and in view of the unnecessary expenditure of the people's money by prolonging the present extra session, to adjourn over an entire day for some trivial or immoral purpose. On Tuesday, May 20, the United States Senate, on motion of Senator Cameron, adjourned over until Thursday to give senators an opportunity to attend to "departmental duties." This is well understood to have been intended to afford senators an opportunity to go to the Baltimore races. If this interpretation of the motion were at all doubtful, the presence of Senators Beck, Bayard, Blaine, and about a dozen others of the same dignified body at the Pimlico races the next day made the meaning of the motion perfectly clear. It is further affirmed by some of the correspondents who are fully informed in regard to home races, that not a few of the Senators who were present a year ago at the races lost heavily, and have not yet paid their losses.—Christian Statesman. Self-Importance Leads to Obscurity
He who thinks too much of himself will be in danger of being forgotten by the rest of the world. UPRIGHT simplicity is the deepest wisdom, and perverse craft the merest shallowness. AGE makes one physically and morally farsighted for one's self, and deaf to others. TEMPERANCE gives nature her full play, and enables her to exert all her force and vigor. Virtue Makes Men Immortal
VIRTUE makes men on the earth famous, in their graves glorious, and in Heaven immortal. Throwing Away Life by Piecemeal
MANY a man dreads throwing away his life at once, who shrinks not from throwing it away by piecemeal. Reminding Others of Favors
Next in point of meanness to doing an injury, is to do a man a favor and every now and then remind him of it. Those days are lost in which we do no good; those worse than lost in which we do evil. THE wealth of a man is the number of things that he loves and blesses, that he is loved and blessed by. It is a great blessing, not often enjoyed, for a people to have men equal to every crisis in their history, such as the children of Issachar, that had understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do. Little Hindrances in Life
In the pathway of life it is not the great obstacles, but the little hindrances, which overcome us. It must be a high wall which we cannot surmount, but it is the little stone that trips us up. Aspire to the Highest and Best
If you aspire to the best, you may not be able to attain the summit, but you will come much nearer to it than if, in the first instance, clipping the wings of what is a really pure, noble, unselfish ambition, you determine to sacrifice and surrender all claims to the highest and best, and rest content with some commonplace attainment. The Star Arising Out of Jacob
How far-reaching is Divine Wisdom! Hundreds of years before Christ the prediction was uttered that “a star should arise out of Jacob.” And far away on the banks of the Euphrates, where they watched the stars and measured the heavens, the star arises. Christians Judged by Their Fruits
MEN of the world judge Christianity largely by its representatives—those who profess to be the followers of Christ. And they are right, in a certain degree, in thus judging the tree by its fruits. This being the case, what a responsibility rests upon church-members to be what they profess, and not counterfeiters! ADDRESS TO THE GRADUATING CLASS.
By S. Brownsberger
BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES. BY PROF. S. BROWNSBERGER. My dear friends of the graduating class: In behalf of the Faculty and Board of Trustees I am requested to say a few words to you. On such an occasion as this, as you stand at the close of your college life and look forward into the uncertain future, it is highly befitting that a few words be offered for your consideration. It seems to me that now, if ever, the heart should be susceptible to impressions, and the mind open to wise counsel. But I shall not enter much into advising to-night, for there is among men a great deal of advising and but little faithful performing, so that advice to-day amounts to but little with most people. I would not be too serious; on the other hand you would not have me say that which is intended only to please you. Were I competent to do this, I fear that I might not then say what would be most likely to benefit you. My chief concern is that I may speak the truth, and only that best suited to do you good; and if in attempting this I should say one word that would sadden your hearts or lessen your courage, you may rest assured that you have misinterpreted my meaning, or possibly there is something in your expectations or views that might well be reconsidered. You say that your school life has been a happy one. I am glad that it has been so. Indeed, early life is usually the happiest part of our existence. But it is not always so easy to be happy in after years. Yet to be happy and of good courage is not only a privilege, but a duty which a wise Providence has enjoined upon every one of his creatures. What I may say, I trust, may aid you somewhat in the pursuit of true happiness and success in coming years. But it will not do to close our eyes to truth and blindly follow the multitude in what they call pleasure, for truth and what the world calls pleasure do not usually walk side by side; their pathways are often widely separated. Strange as it may seem, truth does not long, if ever, attract the multitude. Truth's golden chain, let down from Heaven to lift us up to God, looks beautiful only while we look upward and trace it, link by link, until we see it twined around the eternal throne. There we behold it crowned with a halo of glory; here we see it covered with the mildew of error, and trampled in the dust, while the multitude that cries Hosanna to-day, and strews the pathway of truth with palms, to-morrow cries, “Away with it from the earth.” Truth is the voice of God speaking to man. It is speaking to you and to me, and it becomes us to hearken and obey. It may not always lead us to such triumphs as the world applauds, for the world is short-sighted and seldom looks upward. It may indeed lead through darkness, over rough and thorny pathways; yet if the eye is upward, we discern that each weary step is bringing us nearer the paradise of God. We are compelled to admire the zeal with which some men pursue the investigation of truth in certain fields of thought and action. Regardless of what the world terms pleasure, the philosopher shuts himself up to his experiments, to discover some new truth or to test some projected theory. Nothing is too hard for the astronomer to venture upon or suffer, provided only he may observe an eclipse or transit, to gain additional data from which to correct or verify previous calculations. These men often find it necessary to modify conclusions previously adopted. Theories that were supposed to be well sustained by long and repeated observations, have at last fallen to the earth forever. Indeed, in all these fields of investigation there is, comparatively speaking, but little positive knowledge. At the present day, “We have the lunar theory,” says Dr. Hall, “in a very discouraging condition, and the theories of Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus, are all in need of revision, as the tables of these planets already begin to differ from the more recent observations.” But there are truths of far more vital importance to the world than these, concerning which all are more liable to make mistakes than the scientist in his special field of investigation. How much more zealously should we pursue that golden chain of truth which lifts our earth to God, and upon which we must rest our hopes for happiness, and virtue, and eternal life, than those which serve the world chiefly in this life, and fail to prepare it for the eternity of God. Is it strange that men and women in a world that measures success by appearances and not by principle, that lacks moral courage to proclaim the truth when it is revealed, in a world of passion, and strife, and hatred, is it strange, I ask, that men and women under such circumstances, have misinterpreted the voice of reason and truth, and consequently have very erroneous views of life and duty? Is it not a fact that men are always more ready, and likely too, to believe what they desire to be true? And thus many of our views of life are fanciful, and they are indeed sweet because they accord with our tastes and desires. And, oh, hard it is, sometimes, to divest our reason of their charms! But Time, the stern judge of all deception, can alone prove to us that they are illusory. Most people have acted upon the supposition that wealth, worldly pleasure, and honors are the three great objects to be desired, and that without these life is a failure. Some have started in life with a fixed impression that they were called to some great mission that would bring them into marked prominence among mankind. Now I would caution all young men and women against supposing that they have some special mission to the world, for time will show this also to be a delusion and a snare. No truly great man in all the history of the world has ever contemplated fame or a special mission among men. Moses, Luther, Washington, and others who have filled the most important missions the world has ever seen, had no thought of fame or special mission. It may save us many a disappointment to understand early that the world can get along very well without us, and that it does not greatly need us. But above all, do not plan greatness. The truly great and wise have never planned to attain to any distinction. Indeed, they know not that they are great. With amazement they view the applauding multitude, and wonder at its folly. How modestly the great man wears his gifts and virtues! He asks, What have I done that they should applaud? I have done only a little service in the nearest walks of life; and along the seashore of knowledge I have now and then picked up a little pebble, and have shown it to the world. The stimulus to true greatness is not within the gift of man; it comes down from Heaven along the chain of truth. To stand up alone and battle for truth with a fair prospect of falling long before it is recognized by men, this is true greatness. It is not, indeed, intellectual power alone that constitutes greatness; it is rather the moral courage displayed in defense of the principles of truth to which that power is devoted, whether it be great or small. Duty will then be made the chief concern, and pleasure will be kept waiting upon her. And now as we sever to-night our relations as teachers and pupils, let us not think to change our relations as fellow-servants and co-laborers in the service of truth and duty. Though certain relations with your fellow-men may change according to circumstances, yet no change of circumstances or place can relieve you from that service. Many think that this is a hard and exacting service. In some respects it is; but after all you may rest assured that it is the only service in this world that really pays. The pleasure to which so many sell themselves is a cheat. It keeps the word of promise to our ear, and breaks it to our hope; but duty never did and never will betray the heart that loves her. Indeed, the only happiness and pleasure in this world's gift that is really worth the having, is the happiness that springs up free and un-sought by the wayside of duty. What if its pathway is betimes rough and thorny? What if deep sorrow and grief are sometimes your portion? Are not the clouds and the rain as necessary as the sunshine? All the while bear in mind that you are the servants of your fellow-men, sent to do your Master's work; that you are not sent into his vineyard to sit idly down and partake of the fruits, while you employ none of your time in dressing the vine. There is work, hard work, on every side, and there are but few who have the moral courage to undertake it. The world is rushing on in its own path, and you will often feel, perhaps, as though it were an obstruction in your progress; but this you will find to be because it is traveling in a different direction from yours. You will have to bear with the failings of those about you, with their want of appreciation, with their neglect and ingratitude when you expected thanks. But do not be offended or discouraged. You will indeed get good and evil as you go on, and finally have the success that has been appointed to you. There will be no need for you to be anxious for applause and the appreciation of men. The fragrance of your good deeds will rise as incense to a far holier shrine. We need not fret ourselves to make our power felt with noise and bluster. “The best forces in man, as in nature, do their work silently and unobserved. We hear the blowing of the wind; the sunshine we hear not. And God works more powerfully in the growing of the grass than in the hurricane or the earthquake.” All that you need care for is to walk as becomes the children of light, and to receive at last the “well done, good and faithful servant,” as your glorious reward. And now as you leave the scenes and associations of your college life, we shall miss you. You have done what you could to lighten our labors as teachers. We have learned to trust you. When the battle was hardest, your fidelity to the right was the strongest. You leave a record of which you may well be proud. It shall live in our memories, with no dark blot to mar its beauty. May this be a type of your after life as representatives of your alma mater. Wherein we have dealt unfaithfully by you I trust that you will forgive us. May God forgive us; and may he bless you abundantly.—Farewell. CAMP-MEETING AT INDIANOLA, IOWA.
By George I. Butler
The place selected for this, the second of the season’s camp-meetings, is the county-seat of Warren Co., containing several thousand inhabitants, and located in the midst of the richest section of the State. This meeting was a very little larger than the one at Fairfield. Twenty-seven family tents were erected, and probably upwards of three hundred persons encamped on the ground. There was quite a good attendance from the Knoxville, Sandyville, Adel, Winterset, Afton, Osceola, and Woodburn churches. Several other churches should have been represented, which were not. Our efficient camp-meeting committee had things in a good state of readiness, though our brethren were slow in coming in. Meeting commenced Thursday afternoon. The weather was generally favorable. There was not that degree of freedom manifest at first that we desired to see. The preaching was close and practical, and as a result the condition of things began gradually to improve, and the social meetings became more spiritual. Sabbath afternoon a call was made for those to come forward who desired the prayers of God’s servants. From one-half to two-thirds of the congregation responded. Still there was not much feeling manifested, and we did not see as much accomplished as we had desired. We had good freedom on the subjects of health and temperance, and Sunday morning, before the regular service, we obtained two hundred and twelve signers to the teetotal pledge; the largest proportion, I think, that has been obtained at any meeting thus far that I have attended. We did not have a very large crowd on Sunday. Several hundred attentive listeners were present, however, from a good class of people. Our canvassers obtained on the ground ninety-one subscribers for our periodicals. We tried to impress upon the people the importance of the spirit of sacrifice, the necessity of sustaining the cause of God by our means, and the duty of giving a tithe of our income to God. Many pledged themselves to sacredly regard this important obligation. We endeavored to present before the people the importance of education, and spoke in behalf of our College and Sanitarium, correcting as far as possible erroneous impressions which have been circulated more or less concerning these important interests. We believe that those who may have opportunity of knowing more of these important institutions than our people generally know, should take occasion at our camp-meetings to disseminate all the information possible concerning them, so as to check wrong impressions which Satan is ever busy in creating to break down the faith of our people in those institutions which God has planted among us, and which are so necessary to the success of this cause. If he can accomplish this, he knows full well that it will contract the liberalities of our people, chill their zeal, create a spirit of murmuring, and hinder the cause more effectually than any other plan that could be devised. We were blessed in talking of these matters, and feel confident that as much good was accomplished through this effort as by any other made during the meeting. Monday forenoon we resumed our regular preaching service, and at the close of the discourse a special call was made for those who had never professed Christ, and those who were much backslidden, to come forward, to which many responded. A spirit of tenderness was graciously given, and we enjoyed a melting season that we shall never forget. I do not remember to have enjoyed a more precious one. Confessions were made which would seemingly move a heart of stone. The Spirit of God, like the noon-day sun, melted cold hearts, and brought in love and tenderness. It was good to be there. Some who had experienced trial of mind because of the closeness of the preaching concerning their bad habits, saw things in their true light. We had a glorious victory over Satan’s power. Twenty-six were baptized by Bro. Farnsworth, many of whom started for the first time.13After the baptism, Bro. L. T. Nicola, our earnest Sabbath-school secretary, made some excellent remarks concerning the Sabbath-school. I should have said before that we had a splendid model Sabbath-school, Sabbath forenoon, in which nearly all participated. We are all much pleased with the progress of the Sabbath-school interest in the State. Bro. Farnsworth also said many good things concerning this important interest. Then we considered the T. and M. work, and raised a subscription of upwards of $200 on the reserve fund, and over $100 on the tent and camp-meeting fund. Many of the brethren present had subscribed before. These subscriptions bring our reserve fund considerably above $2,000. Tuesday morning the meeting broke up with a good social meeting. Many spoke, expressing their gratitude to God for this excellent meeting, several being on their feet at a time, waiting for an opportunity to give their testimony. And so we separated. God has been very good to us. We must all go forth with new determinations to serve him. GEO. I. BUTLER. Dunlap, Iowa, June 26, 1879. The first mile-stone in the progress of this institution has been passed. The first graduates from some of its regular courses of study, have received their diplomas. The commencement exercises were held the past week. The baccalaureate sermon was preached Sabbath, June 21, a condensed report of which is given in this number. The graduation of the class took place at the Tabernacle, Tuesday evening, June 24. A large congregation was present, filling the main auditorium and gallery. The exercises were interesting, and very creditable to the class. After introductory hymns and prayer, the salutatory, with an essay, “Life is what we make it,” was given by Edith Sprague. Oration, “Human Development,” by Geo. A. Carpenter. Essay, “Choicest Treasures, how and where we find them,” by Annie Boyd. Oration with Valedictory, “The Man of To-day,” by Eli B. Miller. A brief history of Battle Creek College and presentation of diplomas, by U. Smith. Address to graduating class, by S. Brownsberger. These exercises were interspersed with singing by the College choir and instrumental music by the Sanitarium orchestra. In another column we give the able address of Prof. Brownsberger, to the graduating class. The correctness of the principles laid down, and the high order of thought by which it is characterized, will commend it to the approval of every reader. The essays and orations were well prepared and well rendered, doing justice to the important themes selected. Of these we need not speak particularly, as an abstract of them, and a further account of the proceedings, will be found in the College Record. The degree of Bachelor of Science was conferred upon Bro. Miller. Bro. Carpenter and sisters Sprague and Boyd received diplomas of graduation in the Normal or Teacher’s course. Though this first graduating class is not a large one, it is a very encouraging beginning; and what it lacks in numbers is made up in quality. Quality, rather than quantity, is the College rule. This must be maintained, let the quantity be what it may. While this is not the first fruits of the College, as many can testify who have spent a longer or shorter time within its walls, and are now out in the field doing manful service for the cause, it is a gratification that some have been found with the time and disposition to take up and complete some of the regular courses of study, and that many others are engaged in the same work. From these we expect that the greatest benefit of the institution will appear. The friends of the College everywhere have reason to be encouraged by the success which has thus far attended this enterprise, and for its influence for the truth and right, which has been so marked and so widely felt. And now we have reached a point from which a new interest should be taken in this good enterprise by all our people. What has been done demonstrates what may be done when this school is patronized and supported as it should be. All immediately connected with the school are full of interest in its behalf, making it their study how to add new features, and improve the present methods, to make it more efficient. The next thing of prime importance is the co-operation of the people. Then a grand success is certainly assured. We wish all could have been present to witness the pleasant exercises of Tuesday evening. For a more full account see the College Record. IT IS THE WORK OF GOD.
By JOS. CLARKE.
Sometimes people say of the present reforms in the world, that this is the work of Eld. So-and-so; and Mr. A. or Mrs. B. is at the bottom of all this talk about the errors in Protestant creeds, and the popular beliefs. But hold a moment—let us see; is there not generally in the whole world a class of people who are uneasy and dissatisfied with the dry theology of the Protestant pulpit and press? Are there not men and women all over the world who are disgusted with the inconsistency of the creeds of Protestants, and their want of harmony with the Bible? Has Mrs. B. or Mr. A. been all over the world to arouse this anxiety of honest souls? As long ago as 1828, the writer of this article was surprised to find that Sunday was not the Sabbath of Adam, or of Moses, or of Paul, or of God, and being much cast down thereby, he resolved to find out who had done this work; and now at sixty-one years of age, he praises God that the Sabbath has noble, able, and eloquent advocates, who are showing who has changed the day. Did Mr. A. do this work; or Mrs. B.? All along for fifty-one years I have in my heart held decisively that the Sunday was an innovation, a plant not of God's planting; and as long ago as in 1852, we commenced keeping the Sabbath, some two years before we had seen a Sabbath-keeper, or a tract or paper on that side of the question, except the good book of God. Was not this good authority? Soon we found the S. D. Adventists, and they helped us greatly to get out of the net of error which tradition had woven. Was this the work of Eld. A., or B., or C.? All along for thirty years we have found people of thought who had felt the same convictions of which we have spoken. Some of them, to stifle their convictions of duty, took up with tradition for the sake of peace. These candidly acknowledge the truth, but feel too weak to stem the popular current, and so they float down the stream. Some years since, churches of Sabbath-keepers were found in Europe who had never heard of S. D. Adventists, yet they were moving in the same direction. Certainly they were not influenced by the parties we have spoken of. In our conversation with people who have had no knowledge of S. D. Adventists, we often hear such expressions as these: “That is just what we have been thinking of, and talking about;” or, “That is just what I always believed,” etc. The fact is, that there is, in thoughtful, reflecting, conscientious minds, a longing for something in religion, to lift them up out of the old ruts of tradition, and free them from the influences of folly and corruption which exist everywhere. The time has fully come for a thorough reform. God is in this, and Eld. So-and-so, and Mr. A. and Mrs. B. are his agents; and if they refuse to work, others will be raised up to do this work. The sheep everywhere are scattered, and feel a longing for the return of the Shepherd. They fail to hear his voice in the contradictions of the religious teachers of the day; and they are sad and cast down, because they are not supplied with spiritual food, and their thirst is not allayed. It is not man who is moving upon hearts to search for the truth; it is the Spirit of God, the Comforter, who was sent for this express purpose,—to bring to men's minds the words of Jesus. The sheep call for the Shepherd, and he is not deaf to their cry. He raises up men of ability to feed the flock of God. Who does not rejoice for this, and bless the day that they were sent. The times demand good shepherds; and they must arise, for the word of God is plain on this point. JOS. CLARKE. SABBATH-SCHOOL CONVENTIONS IN NEW YORK.
By M. H. Brown
DIRECTORS of the T. and M. society in the N. Y. Conference are hereby appointed agents to arrange for and hold S. S. Conventions in connection with the district quarterly meetings, July 12 and 13. As the directors are thus made responsible for these district conventions, they can call to their help the best talent in their several districts. In harmony with the recommendations of our State Association at its January meeting, it is designed to hold S. S. Conventions quarterly in each district, believing that, with proper effort, they will greatly promote the interests of the S. S. cause. Every officer and teacher in our Sabbath-schools should attend, and secure from their respective schools the attendance of as many as possible. We trust that the following programme will be carried out. The director is authorized to vary it according to his judgment. 1. Have uniform lessons. These are arranged as follows: 1st, or Infant Division,—Lessons for Little Ones, lesson 18. 2d, or Children's Division,—Lessons for Children, lesson 27 in the Instructor. 3d, or Youth's Division,—Lessons for Youth, lesson 53. 4th, or Adult Division,—the second lesson in the July Lesson Sheet for Bible Classes. The State S. S. Convention to be held July 19 and 20, will use the next lessons respectively in order. 2. Each director should at once appoint some one to write an essay to be read at his district Convention. 3. For Concert Exercise,—the Lord's Prayer. For General Exercise,—Incidents in the Life of Paul. These to be connected with the Sabbath-school exercises on the Sabbath. 4. The following points should be impressed on every mind: 1st, The responsibility of officers and teachers in the Sabbath-school. 2d. The importance of good lessons, and how to learn them. 3d. The value of concert and general exercises in adding to the interest of the Sabbath-school. 4th. The utility of maps, Bible dictionary, etc., as aids to S. S. work, and how to conduct a map exercise. 5. The necessity of a systematic plan for raising a Sabbath-school fund for the purchase of Records, maps, and other S. S. supplies. 6. The importance of prompt reports, quarterly, from each S. S. Secretary, and using the Records prepared by Bro. Bell as the basis of such reports, and also to secure permanent and uniform records of each school. 7. Above all, seek the Lord that wisdom may be given, and that his blessing may crown the efforts we put forth in the S. S. work. Lastly, let every director and S. S. officer preserve this for reference, and aid us in carrying out its recommendations. Each convention should have a secretary, who should report its proceedings at once to the State secretary, Mrs. N. J. Walsworth, Adams, N. Y.