Fifty-four years ago, Eld. Joseph Bates, now deceased, long known as one of the pioneers of the S. D. A. denomination, succeeded in effecting the organization of the first total abstinence society in America. Previous to that time, there had been moderation societies, but they only made the use of intoxicants respectable, and in no degree lessened the real evils of intemperance. Eld. Bates had been a total abstainer himself for several years, and while a sea captain had required total abstinence on the part of his crews. His own experience relative to the great benefits of thorough temperance made him anxious for others; and his earnest labors resulted, as before remarked, in the formation of a total abstinence society, which was supposed to be the first organized in this country. Eld. Bates did not stop with abstinence from liquor; he discarded also tobacco, and afterward tea and coffee.
More than thirty years ago, Bro. and Sr. White introduced the subject of reform among the early members of this denomination. By degrees, not only temperance, but health reform on various points, has been introduced by them, as the people have been prepared to receive new truths on these subjects, until S. D. Adventists have become generally known as a denomination of the most thorough temperance reformers to be found anywhere.
It has been evident, however, that for a few years there has been something of a retrograde on this subject, and it has been feared that while engaging so earnestly in the carrying forward of other enterprises, the important one of temperance was being neglected. To in some degree counteract this tendency, and keep the subject of true temperance reform before the people, steps were taken, after long deliberation on the subject, for the formation of an organization to represent the important ideas embodied in this reform. It seemed, indeed, very appropriate that the very denomination one of whose earliest pioneers was active in the formation of the first temperance society in America, should be foremost in temperance reform now, and should be the one to organize the first temperance society with a platform broad enough to include all varieties of intoxicants, and every species of intemperance.
A favorable opportunity presenting itself for introducing the matter, several preliminary meetings were held, and an organization was finally effected in this place on the evening of the first day of 1879. About one hundred and fifty signed the pledge and became members of the society at the first meeting. Active measures were taken to bring the matter to the attention of the people in various parts of the country; and the membership has been gradually increasing by additions from all parts of the United States, as well as from this vicinity; but no very great advance was made until within the last month, it being thought best not to urge the matter until all should become sufficiently well acquainted with the objects of the organization and convinced of its importance to be ready to take hold of it with interest and earnestness.
At the recent camp-meeting in Kansas, the subject of health and temperance reform was presented so forcefully by Bro. and Sr. White that a great interest was aroused, which resulted in the formation of a State temperance society there, one hundred and nine names being taken on the ground. At the Missouri meeting, the subject was again presented, and with still greater success, as reported by Eld. Geo. I. Butler last week, a society of one hundred and thirty-two members being organized, including two-thirds of all the persons on the ground, and nearly all the adults. The glorious result obtained at this meeting was in part attributable to the active efforts of Eld. Butler and Col. D. C. Hunter in seconding the labors of Bro. and Sr. White by the circulation of pledges. We presume the Missouri State Society will soon number four or five hundred.
Organizations are being rapidly effected in other States. Plans for the formation of State and local organizations have been perfected, and we expect that very soon every State will have its health and temperance society, and every church its health and temperance club, with an army of active workers in the glorious cause of temperance in its truest, broadest, noblest sense.
J. H. KELLOGG, M. D.
Always Be Good-Natured
ALWAYS be good-natured if you can. A few drops of oil will do more to facilitate the movement of the most stubborn machinery than rivers of vinegar.
NEBRASKA
Tekama, June 1.—I have closed my labors in Burt county for the present. Since my last report, nine have signed the covenant. Thirty-two in this county have commenced to keep the Sabbath since last fall. I have sold books and periodicals to the amount of $75.00, and have received $12.00 in donations. May God continue to bless these dear souls.
A. J. CUDNEY.
Burt Co., June 4.—I came here to assist Bro. A. J. Cudney in completing the work which he had faithfully carried on for some time. At Tekamah Creek three were baptized, and united with the York Creek church.
Last Sabbath and first day we held meetings six miles south-west from Golden Spring. Thirteen were baptized, and united with the Decatur church. Bro. Thomas Thompson was ordained elder, and Bro. Levi Little elected clerk. The ordinances were celebrated, on which occasion the Lord drew near. This meeting was spoken of by some as the best day in their experience.
CHAS. L. BOYD.
MICHIGAN
Vassar, June 9.—Since our last report we have visited the scattered Sabbath-keepers in the towns of Novesta, Kingston, and Watertown. Found, in all, twenty-five keeping the Sabbath. They are very much scattered, and the country is new, thus rendering it impossible to effect organizations. We also visited the churches of Elmwood, Fairgrove, and Watrousville. The rain was a hindrance to our meetings at Elmwood. At Fairgrove seven were baptized and added to the church. We had some very excellent meetings at Watrousville. The good Spirit of God came into our midst, and many expressed a desire to get nearer the Lord. We think some of pitching the tent in that place. Pray for us.
R. J. LAWRENCE.
Wm. OSTRANDER.
Spring Arbor.—The Sabbath-school convention held here May 31 and June 1, was a success. There was a good representation of the schools in the county, some being present from Moser ville, West Liberty, Summit, Napoleon, Jackson, Tompkins, and Springport.
Nine meetings were held during the two days, three of which were appointed for preaching, and one for practice in singing. A praise meeting was also held. The remainder of the meetings were directly connected with the Sabbath-school work. While the convention was made entertaining, it was also rendered very instructive and profitable. This produced a feeling of general satisfaction. Bro. G. H. Bell and W. C. White were present to give instruction in the various departments of this important work. Whenever either of these brethren can be present at the Sabbath-schools in different places, I would advise all within reasonable distance to attend, and to take their children with them. We hope the schools in the south-eastern part of the State will put in practice the excellent counsel received from these brethren.
M. B. MILLER.
NORTHERN EUROPE.
By J. G. Matteson
The meetings are progressing here in Christiana as usual, with the exception that we meet only on Sabbath and Sunday, on account of painting and preparations for our new meeting-hall. It takes longer time and more means than we had expected, to get it ready. A week from Sabbath, the Lord willing, we shall be ready to begin meetings. Bro. Olsen, from Söderhamn, Sweden, is now here to attend the lectures, and become better fitted to help spread the precious truth.
A Lutheran preacher in Storfors, Sweden, has become interested through reading, and is advocating the truth. We have sent him a good supply of books. He can read English, and has most of our small English tracts.
Bro. K. Brunson is having some success in Denmark. A brother and his wife were baptized in Assaa. They have struggled hard to become settled in the truth, and are now happy in the Lord. The friends in Drønninglund Sogn now meet on the Sabbath, and Bro. Kristensen leads the meetings. Many doors are open for the truth. They are anxious to have me come over and help them.
J. G. MATTESON.
WISCONSIN
By T. B. Snow
Little Falls, June 5.—Came to this place May 30, and held meetings Sabbath and first-day. Found the brethren all firm in the truth. Organized a church of eleven members. A leader was chosen, also a secretary and treasurer. It was unanimously voted to adopt the tithing system. Besides these, there are eight others keeping the Sabbath, several of whom will unite with the church before long. The Sabbath-school was conducted with good order, and considerable interest was manifested. The lessons were well learned. I hope the Lord will keep these brethren by his power unto salvation.
T. B. Snow.
IOWA
Garden Grove.— I held meetings with the Sabbath-keepers in this place May 31 and June 1. Our meetings here, I trust, were profitable. Six good persons are trying to walk in all the truth. Agreeably to their request, they were organized into a church. A deacon was elected and ordained, and a clerk and treasurer were chosen. They voted to adopt the tithing system. May God's blessing rest upon them, and others be added to their numbers.
C. A. WASHBURN.
Davis City, June 9.— We began meetings June 5, and seven discourses were given up to last night, for the benefit of the church in this place. The brethren and sisters all seemed to be encouraged, and testified that they meant to take a straightforward course for the kingdom. Brn. Millard and Caldwell were present, and added to the interest of the meeting, taking part with us. Six were present from Garden Grove, two of whom, with three others of this place, were baptized yesterday. Two were taken into this church. To-day we have pitched our tent in the village, and intend to begin a short series of meetings to-morrow evening. These meetings are intended to complete the good work already begun here. We desire the prayers of God's dear people.
C. A. WASHBURN.
G. V. KILGORE.
Sioux City.— Since my last report I have spent two days in this city, and hoped to secure a house in which to give a course of lectures; but not succeeding in this, I concluded to wait for a more favorable time. If a tent should be pitched here, I think labor in both English and Danish would be productive of good results. While here I learned of three or four Danish families living across the Missouri River near Hooper, Nebraska. I visited them, holding two meetings, and selling and giving away our periodicals. Obtained one subscriber for the Tidende. Since then I have labored in Sioux City for about two weeks. Some interest is manifested. We have now a company of eight Sabbath-keepers here. Pray for us.
Story City, June 10. JOHN F. HANSON.
OHIO
Wakeman.—We have a sixty-foot tent pitched in the country five miles from Wakeman, and meetings began on the evening of May 29. We have a good hearing, and the interest is growing.
H. A. ST. JOHN.
A. M. MANN.
Bedford.—June 2–6 I spent in looking up scattered Sabbath-keepers. In Chester I found three or four keeping the Sabbath. We shall make an effort to add to their number. I obtained two subscribers for the REVIEW.
Friday evening, June 6, Eld. Early, Baptist, spoke against us on the Sabbath question. The two following evenings I spoke to good audiences in the factory. After the review of his arguments, the anti-Sabbatarians, not being satisfied with his effort, secured a Disciple preacher, who is to try his hand at the same next Friday evening, in the factory.
We expect to pitch the tent near here this week. We earnestly desire the prayers of God's people, that Heaven's blessing may attend us.
R. A. UNDERWOOD.
Dunkirk, June 9.—The tent was pitched here May 30. Meetings commenced with a good prospect, but the second day the weather became rainy and cold, and it continued so until during the last two days of the meeting, when the people again began to attend. Last night nearly three hundred and fifty came out to hear on the change of the Sabbath. Many who never attended our meetings before expressed a desire that the tent might remain longer; but as it was not expected that the interest would revive, arrangements had previously kept the Sabbath. The company of Sabbath-keepers at Dunkirk are growing in the truth. Five were baptized on first-day, and six united with the church, having previously kept the Sabbath. The Lord willing, I shall endeavor to visit all the churches under my care, with the tent this summer.
G. G. RUPERT.
Leesburg, Highland Co., June 2.—Since May 24 I have been holding meetings at this place in the Universalist house, which the brethren have the free use of. The little company of Sabbath-keepers here was raised up by Eld. Waggoner about a year and a half ago. The outside attendance is small. Twice before this a good interest has been aroused, and then allowed to go down just as the people were making their decisions. Considering the circumstances the brethren are doing quite well; but some are rather backward on health reform.
We pitch our tent immediately.
E. H. GATES.
TENNESSEE
Edgefield Junction, June 10.—Met with the brethren at Cross Plains, June 6 and 7. On Sabbath a good meeting was held at the house of Bro. Yates, where some bore their testimony for the first time. The next day we assembled a mile and a half from town, and organized a Sabbath-school of nine members, expecting that more will be added soon. There is a company of ten Sabbath-keepers here, who should very soon be organized. The interest is good. Brethren, pray for the cause in this place.
CLIFTON OWENS.
Springville, Henry Co., June 5.—We have been here about two months, and have held meetings in three different buildings. Sixteen have signed the covenant, five of whom were keeping the Sabbath when we came here. Opposition has been bitter and determined, but the Lord has verified 1 Cor. 1:27–29.
Five ministers have exposed the weakness of their own positions; first, by several of them refusing to converse on the subject of the Sabbath, even when asked for instruction; second, by forbidding the preaching of any more strange doctrine in the Methodist church; third, by several opposition discourses, which we reviewed; fourth, last Sabbath a Methodist minister sent a constable to serve a writ on three of our brethren, for breaking the Sabbath on Sunday, May 25. They refused to transact any business with the officer on the Sabbath, and we persuaded him to go with us to meeting. Mrs. Owen spoke on the union of the church, for which Christ prayed (Jno. 17), and the means to secure this result (1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4: 11–13). As she dwelt on the final glorious triumph, the representative of the “powers that be” was affected to tears. After that he labored to deliver our brethren.
Yesterday I attended the trial at the court house. Two of our brethren were acquitted at once, as no testimony was brought against them. The minister, Clement, was charged with the entire cost. As the decision is given by one of high standing in the legal profession of this State, and it will be of general interest and practical value to the brethren throughout Tennessee, we give it in full as read before the court, and request its publication. Brethren, preserve it for future use.
G. K. OWEN.
THE following is the decision referred to above:—
T. D. CLEMENT vs. W. D. DORCH.
DEFENDANT is brought before me under Sec. 1723 of the Code, for violation of the Sabbath, or, as mentioned in said section, Sunday. He pleads guilty to having violated, or worked on, Sunday, the first day of the week, but insists it is not the Sabbath, or day of rest, but that Saturday, or the seventh day of the week, is the Sabbath or day of rest, and shows by proof that he observes that, as required by the section mentioned for Sunday. Defendant further insists that, as a member of a religious denomination called “Seventh-day Adventists,” he is compelled by conscience to “work six days and rest the seventh,” and that, according to his belief, Saturday is the seventh day. Now the section mentioned does not say the seventh day, but Sunday; and it is defined by Bouvier, and followed by all law-writers on the subject, that Sunday is the first day of the week. (Dec. Bouvier, Sabbath, Sunday.) It will be seen that the intention of the legislature was to prohibit ordinary labor on the Christian Sabbath, by reference to Sec. 1724, which uses the words Sunday and Sabbath as convertible terms, and by reference to the act of 1741, from which the sections mentioned are drawn, which requires “all and every person or persons whatsoever, on the Lord’s day, commonly called Sunday, to apply themselves carefully to the duties of religion and piety.” Defendant claims that Saturday is the Sabbath, and observes it as such.
The Constitution, Art. I, Sec. 3, declares “that all men have natural and indefeasible rights to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own conscience;” that “no human authority can in any case whatever control, or interfere with the rights of conscience,” and that no preference shall be given by law to any religious establishment or mode of worship.
If the legislature intended arbitrarily to fix a day for people to observe, Sunday, as the Sabbath, regardless of their religious belief, then the Act is directly in conflict with the above section of the Constitution, and is void, because199it is “human authority interfering with the right of conscience.” Therefore, as the intention of the legislature was to require the observance of the Sabbath, and not to fix arbitrarily a holy day, and as Defendant observes what his religion teaches as the Sabbath, he is not guilty of any violation of the law; the case must be dismissed, and Plaintiff taxed with costs. It is not worth while to inquire as to manner in which the action is brought, as the above decides the case. W. L. CARTER, J. P.
MY PRICELESS TREASURE,
By P. Alderman
I've a treasure that is hidden
Where no moth nor rust decay;
How it cheers me while I linger
On my short, uncertain stay.
Safely laid up in the skies,
There my priceless treasure lies.
Toil and care, or pain and trial,
Cloud this cold earth's brightest day;
But in Heaven no shade of sorrow;
And our tears are wiped away.
Just beyond the pearly gates,
There a changeless treasure waits.
Like the transient dews of morning,
Earthly joys may flit away;
But be mine my Saviour's promise,
Which can never fear decay;
Finest gold will not compare
With the treasure hidden there.
Let us bravely do the duties
That may crowd our earthly lot;
Fanned by Heaven's kindly breezes,
Earth's rough winds will be forgot,
When our souls shall homeward fly
To claim the treasure in the sky.
We shall hail a glorious morning,
We shall lay our labor down,
When we rise, no more encumbered,
To our glorious home and crown,
Heaven's immortal bliss to share,
And our treasure waits us there.
P. ALDERMAN.
INDIANA
By S. H. Lane; W. W. Sharp
Warsaw, Tent No. 1.—We held our first meeting in the tent at this place first-day, June 8. This is a town of some three thousand inhabitants, the county seat of Kosciusko county. One hundred and fifty were in attendance at the first meeting, and fully two hundred in the evening. The best of order was preserved, and good attention given.
S. H. LANE.
W. W. SHARP.
NEW YORK.
By T. M. Lane; E. S. Lane
Etna, Tompkins Co., June 12.—We pitched our tent here June 3. This is a small village surrounded by a good farming country; and being on a line of the U. I. & E. R. R., we have access to quite a large number of people. Thus far we have had good congregations, and the best of attention. An interest is being awakened, and we hope for good results. Pray for us.
T. M. LANE.
E. S. LANE.
TEXAS
By J. S. Kilgore; Alonzo G. Daniells
Shannon Creek.—We closed our meetings at this place June 5, having labored here two months. Sixteen have taken a decided stand for the truth; among them is one young man who was raised in the Catholic faith. These friends meet at Denison every Sabbath, with the company just brought out by Eld. R. M. Kilgore. Others are deeply interested, and we believe they will soon obey. To the Lord be all the praise.
J. S. KILGORE.
A. G. DANIELS.
ONTARIO
By J. FULTON; J. W. MOORE
Chatham, June 12.—Our meetings, thus far, have been very encouraging. The interest is steadily rising. We have canvassed the subjects of the second advent and the nature of man. This evening we commence on the Sabbath question. The truth is creating quite a stir, and leading men are deeply interested. Ministers are busy circulating false reports, but as yet none dare come to the front. We hear, however, that preparations are being made to oppose us publicly. Trusting in God, we await the storm, believing that the truth will yet triumph here, and that the cause will rise in Ontario.
J. FULTON.
J. W. MOORE.
MAINE
By J. B. Goodrich
Somerset Mills, and Cornville.—Our meeting at Somerset Mills, May 31 and June 1, was an interesting one. Freedom was manifested in the social meetings, and the Lord came near to us by his Holy Spirit. Three were baptized and united with the church. The interest in the Sabbath-school work has increased of late. They take a club of Instructors, and have a church library. This is as it should be in every church in Maine, and it could be very easily effected if all would come up to the work as they should.
At Cornville, June 7, 8, two were received into the church by baptism, and we still hope for others. Sabbath-school officers were chosen at this meeting, and we hope to see a more lively interest in this branch of the work. May the Lord bless the brethren and sisters in this place; and while the enemy works hard to destroy all that he can, may the honest in heart be saved from his snares. J. B. GOODRICH.
ILLINOIS
By J. F. BALLENGER
Apple River, Jo Daviess Co.—In company with Bro. and Sr. Hammond and my wife, we visited the friends in the vicinity of Hudson Mound, May 16, where Bro. H. and myself labored two years ago. At that time three sisters commenced keeping the Sabbath. As a result of their faithful example and the reading of the Signs, we found others ready to accept the truth. Eight were baptized. Eleven are keeping the Sabbath. One sister commenced keeping the Sabbath from reading tracts procured by her husband at the tent while Brn. Hammond and Colcord were at Scales Mound, she never having heard a sermon on the subject. This shows us that we should not be discouraged in sowing the seed, though we do not immediately see the fruit.
I shall continue to labor with these friends for a while, to more perfectly instruct them in the way of life, hoping also that others may be added to their numbers.
J. F. BALLENGER.
Notes of News.
—Not many events have transpired the past week which we would care to notice, or in which the readers of the REVIEW would be particularly interested. There has been the usual amount of casualties, conflagrations, suicides, robberies, and crime of all classes and grades.
—CHOLERA of a severe type has made its appearance in the lower Bolan Pass.
—The famine in Cashmere is taking its course, and people are reported dying by hundreds.
—A DISASTROUS fire occurred in Dwight, Ill., June 8. Loss, not covered by insurance, $50,000.
—The Afghan treaty has created a strong impression in Persia, greatly increasing the British prestige.
—FORTY thousand camels belonging to the British transport service died during the war in Afghanistan .
—FERRARA, June 7.—Several thousand people have been rendered homeless by the inundation in the river Po.
—A SPECIAL commissioner has gone to Astrakhan to investigate the disease which has broken out among the Tartars.
—ANOTHER destructive storm has passed over various portions of Kansas, doing serious damage to buildings and crops.
—RECENT advices from Minnesota state that Sitting Bull counsels his followers to make peace with the Americans.
—DISPATCHES from London, June 8, state that an unexpected and happy termination of the war in South Africa has occurred.
—LATER dispatches from Rome state that the eruption of Mount Ætna has ceased, but the volcano continues to give forth smoke.
—LONDON, June 8.—A dispatch from St. Petersburg says that Alexander Solovieff, the would-be assassin of the Czar, was executed yesterday at 5 o'clock P. M.
—IT is stated that the pope has submitted definite proposals to end the clerical controversy, but the government is disinclined to accept his proposals.
—SIMLA, June 12.—Reports have reached the government of India of fresh massacres of royal princes at Mandalay, prompted by the king of Burmah.
—OFFICIAL intelligence was received in London, June 8, that violence and bloodshed occur daily in Janina, Arta, and Prevesa, caused by the insubordination of the Turkish troops.
Private dispatches represent that the inhabitants of Lebanon are preparing for a revolt, and demand the recall of their Governor.
—WASHINGTON, June 12.—A dispatch was received here to-day by Fred Douglass, from Hayti, stating that the United States Minister, the Hon. J. M. Langston, is dying of yellow fever.
—LONDON, June 8.—The North German Gazette states that the German Foreign Office has received confirmation of the reports of the destruction of the German mission station in Natal, and of the ill treatment of the missionary by the British. Communications are still proceeding with the British government on this subject.
—LANSING, Mich., June 10. Department of State.—The crop and stock reports of 496 townships, received at this office, representing 53 counties, show that there were 1,244,796 sheep sheared in 1878, yielding 6,062,242 pounds of wool, an average of 47 pounds per head. They also show that the number of sheep in the same townships in 1879 was 1,310,320 which is 19.99 per cent more for said townships than in 1874, as shown by the census of that year. If there has been a corresponding increase throughout the State, there will be 1,982,114 sheep sheared the present year, and the total clip, at the same average per head as in 1878, will be 9,652,895 pounds.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth.” Rev. 14:13.
IN MEMORIAM
Lines on the death of Eld. J. N. Ayers, late president of the Kansas Conference, who died in his tent on the Emporia, Kansas, Campground, May 26, 1879.
O south wind, fill the land with dreamy sweetness,
Waft leaves of fading flowers upon the sod,
Beneath which, after life of calm completeness,
Slumbers the child of sorrow and of God.
O snow-white lilies, press your tendrils downward,
And flaunt your petals to the morning sun;
For the grave you cover is by angels guarded,
And the sleeper rests, with life's great work well done.
Not as the soldier falls in storm of battle,
Where squadrons shake the earth with martial tread,
Where charging horsemen mid the cannon's rattle,
Trample the dying and deface the dead;
But in the tented field, with songs to cheer him,
Calmly the Christian soldier passed away,
While the blue dome bent lovingly so near him,
In peaceful shadows that succeed the day.
For him no priest uttered sublime exordium,
No grand old spire sent forth its brazen wail,
But God, his mercy, help, and strength according,
Upheld him with the love that never fails.
Now other hands must bear life's heavy crosses,
And other hearts feel disappointment's smart,
And other eyes shed tears o'er life's great losses,—
His hands are folded, and at rest his heart.
Thanks for our brother's beautiful example;
In him a pattern of our work we saw,
Bearing life's burdens, pleading with those who trample
Beneath their feet Jehovah's sacred law.
He sleeps in peace. For him no rude awaking
To fill the soul with anguish and with pain;
Resting in hope till Christ his kingdom taking,
Shall raise his saints to life and health again.
Years may pass and spring bring fragrant flowers,
The modest violet on the verdant hill,
And summer music fill the passing hours;
He slumbers, but his words are living still.
Where the dews glisten and the song birds warble,
And snow-white lilies wreathe the grassy mound,
In nature's keeping, with no pomp of marble,
His calm and peaceful resting-place is found.
L. D. SANTEN.
Oswego, Labette Co., Kan.
WATERS.—Fell asleep at Wright, Mich., May 21, 1879, of quick consumption, my wife, Hattie, aged 16 years, 3 months, and 24 days. Eld. E. H. Root addressed the people. We mourn not as those without hope.
ALPHA WATERS.
WHITE.—Died of general debility, at our home near Smyrna, Ionia Co., Mich., May 15, 1879, our dearly beloved mother, Mrs. Almira White, aged 78 years, 1 month, and 15 days. She embraced the present truth over twenty years ago, under the labors of Eld. M. E. Cornell, and has ever since been a firm believer in the Advent faith. She was patient through all her sufferings, expressing a desire to rest until the resurrection. She leaves a large circle of friends to mourn her loss. Funeral discourse by Bro. J. L. Edgar, of Wright, Mich., from Rev. 1:18.
MRS. CYRUS RING.
PHILLIPS.—Died at Memphis, Macomb Co., Mich., May 19, 1879, Sister Polly Phillips, in the 73d year of her age. She leaves a husband to mourn his loss. Sister P. was converted in early life, and united with the Baptist church. Bro. and Sr. P. have lived together fifty years. They came to Michigan when the country was new. They embraced the present truth about twenty years since under the labors of Bro. Lawrence and Cornell. In her death Bro. P. loses a devoted wife, and the church one of their most faithful members. A comforting discourse was given by Bro. Lamson from Job 19:25.
H. M. KENYON.
“THE KING’S BUSINESS.”
By Eliza H. Morton
It is written in the natural world that there is a great Creator. It is written in the hearts of men that there is a divine Spirit. It is written in the book of revelation that there is an Almighty power. It is written in the history of nations that there is an All-wise King.
“The King’s business” is important—far more important than the culture of farms, the manufacture of useful articles, or the exportation and importation of merchandise. These employments are necessary, but secondary. Overshadowing them all is a higher calling, a primary object—“The King’s business.”
The King’s jewels lie buried among the broken rubbish of earth. Ye busy hands, here is work! Yonder is a precious soul, sad and cast down. A kind word may cause the sorrowing heart to seek the never-failing Fountain of light and life. Yonder is a discouraged brother, faltering and trembling. A helpful act may impart strength to the fainting one, and send him on his way rejoicing. All around you lies the “King’s business.”
“No drones are wanted in the King’s vineyard. “The King’s business demands haste.” The Owner of the ripe grapes is coming soon. The laborers will soon receive their wages. Haste, ye messengers! Haste, ye that “run to and fro”! Haste, ye burden bearers! Haste ye, O vine-dressers!”
The earth groans. Sad hearts agonize. Way-worn feet bleed. The purple clusters of the vine hang ripe and bloated. Oh, haste, ye that do his pleasure. The rumbling of the King’s chariot will soon be heard. The shining retinue of Heaven will soon appear.
O careless worldling, arise! Say ye, “Now for a higher life!” O lukewarm professor, awake! Say ye, “Now for a busier and more useful life!” O faithful Christian, take courage! Say ye, “Now for a swifter race”!
“The King’s business demands haste.”
ELIZA H. MORTON.
Allen’s Corner, Me.
THE CAUSE IN SWEDEN.
By A. Swedberg
The prospect of the third angel's message soon being proclaimed in Sweden is brightening. Young men of ability, who have experience in preaching, are becoming interested by reading the Herald, and some of them are embracing the truth. The Lord is working upon the hearts of the people throughout Sweden, and many, with earnest prayers to God for light, are searching the Scriptures for the truth. Long have we been waiting and praying for the Lord to raise up living preachers in the Swedish cause; and now, as we see our prayers beginning to be realized, we feel to lift up our hearts in grateful praise to Him who has crowned our feeble efforts with success. We will humbly labor on in the fear of God and the counsel of our brethren.
The following is a letter from a young brother in Sweden, who is now with Bro. Matteson in Christiana, to become fully acquainted with the truth, after which it is his intention to go back to Sweden and devote himself to the spread of the truth in that country:—
Christiania, May 22, 1879.
DEAR BROTHER: I have now become acquainted with Bro. Matteson. The Lord has abundantly blessed his labors in Christiania, so that now many souls are rejoicing in the light which has been presented to them. His meetings are attended by large multitudes, and now even I have the longed-for privilege of listening to the words of instruction from his lips. His sermons are full of life and spirit. Tears flowed from many eyes while he preached to us this morning from Acts, first chapter. The Spirit of God was felt in our midst, and many were deeply moved. Oh, that many would heed such warning appeals, and decide for the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus!
As soon as the new hall is ready, Bro. Matteson will give a course of lectures on the prophecies. There will then be a good opportunity for me to learn how to give such a course in a new place. These lectures over, I will return to Sweden to show my brethren this heavenly light which the Lord has revealed to us in these last days. In Sweden there are no doubt many whom the Lord will call out from Babylon. The dark pall of ignorance has hitherto shut out the light from the Swedish people, but I believe the time will soon come when the Lord will remove it. When I return to Sweden, I will consecrate myself wholly to labor in the cause of God. There is also another Swedish brother here who is anxious to engage in the promulgation of the last warning message.
I wish to know what decision the Conference made in regard to Sweden. I think it would be well for Eld. Matteson to go there and start the missionary work, which might be kept up afterward by one who could devote his whole time to distributing our Swedish publications. They are silent, but at the same time forcible messengers, and their work will not be fruitless. I remain, your brother in the hope of eternal life when Christ comes. L. G. O.
We hope Bro. Matteson will continue to take an interest in Sweden, and that he will assist such as are worthy and capable of becoming efficient in the work of proclaiming the third angel's message to the people in that country. And we further hope that all who have an interest in this work will, in their prayers, remember the Swedish cause and those who labor in it.
A. SWEDBERG.
DEDICATION AT BLOCKVILLE, N. Y.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
The meeting on this occasion was one of interest. The young church in this place, by united and persevering effort, have erected a neat and substantial house of worship, 28x45. In order to build the house, they had given beyond their apparent ability, and yet it was in debt some $350. They rallied, however, for another strong lift, and the result was that $253 were pledged by the brethren and sisters, and other friends present, so that it is not probable there will be any serious embarrassment hereafter. If some of our wealthy brethren in other places would make up the balance, it would prove a blessing to them. We believe that this is a truly worthy object, and help would be appreciated by those who have with great sacrifice carried on the work.
Several ministering brethren were present. The house, with the gallery and extra seats, was filled. The preaching was good and appropriate, and was well received by the church and people generally. Three were baptized; and the meeting closed with an affectionate farewell discourse by Bro. Reynolds, whose field of labor has been in this section for some time past, but is now at some distance away.
Our people at Blockville have had the sympathy of their neighbors generally in their enterprise, a number giving substantial aid, for which they are grateful; and I see no reason why a strong church may not be built up here. May the Lord add to their number such as shall be saved.
R. F. COTTRELL.
The Lord Is Coming
By Sister L. Coombs
SISTER L. COOMBS writes from Warren Co., Ky.:
If we as a people believe that the Lord is soon coming, how can we feel so unconcerned? Let us awake and show by our walk and conversation that we are what we profess to be, followers of the meek and lowly Saviour.
“The Lord is coming! saints rejoice!
We soon shall hear his glorious voice,
Majestic, uttered from afar,
‘As on he hastes his conquering car.’”
My mother and myself are the only Seventh-day Adventists in this place. The nearest church is fifty miles distant. We meet with many temptations and trials; but if by suffering persecutions here we can have a home in God’s kingdom, we feel that we can bear them willingly.
COMPLAINERS, READ THIS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
“A CLAPPER in an old church tower professed to be greatly grieved because the bell it hung in was cracked. It was ever and anon telling of its grief in most dolorous tones, and excited the sympathy of many unsophisticated people. But the ghost of Diogenes coming along said, ‘Cease your whining, Master Clapper; remember in the first place that you cracked the bell, and in the second place nobody would know it was cracked if you didn’t tell them.’ When you meet a man that is always complaining of the coldness of the church and the want of harmony among its members, tell him this fable. Those who make the most complaint, are often those who are the most to blame. How is it with you, anyway. Is there a cracked bell in your church, and are you the clapper?”
This is too good to let sleep. An experience of fifteen years among the churches has taught me that this illustration is just to the point. Church grumblers, please read this and remember that this is what all Christians think of you.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
PIOUS SWINDLERS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
That men should swindle for money and worldly goods is not strange, but that they should swindle God's cause out of sacred means, to obtain religious reading, is a little strange. What good can such persons expect to do with such matter; or what good can it do them? Yet we frequently find such. A man in eastern Ohio writes a piteous tale to obtain the REVIEW and other matter free. He professes wonderful love for all the third angel's message, but is in deep poverty and great persecution. He has the modesty to ask for the Instructor, the Testimonies, books, pamphlets, tracts, and other things all in one letter. Now this man lives among our brethren, near a church, uses tobacco, tea, coffee, and pork, has kept the Sabbath for fifteen years, never gives a cent, and has no fellowship for his brethren nor they for him. But how shall we avoid being imposed upon without withholding from the worthy poor? In nearly every case the officers in each State will know all the worthy Sabbath-keepers in their Conference. Hence such matters should be referred to them, to be looked up. Why should not each Conference supply its own worthy poor with reading matter, instead of the Office being asked to do it? Ohio will do it, and pay full price too.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
When Christians Are Christians
When the day comes that Christians are Christians, then will the great mass of mankind be convinced of the truth of Christianity.