The Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 48, No. 4.
A FLORAL MIRACLE IN DAYLIGHTPage 1
Earlier text: THE BIBLE AND BAPTISMGERMANY
By J. Ertzenberger
The lectures in Langenberg are progressing, and the Spirit of God is moving upon the hearts of the people. I have now spoken five times on the soon coming of the dear Saviour in glory, and have shown from the accomplishment of the prophecies that this sublime event is at hand. This important subject awakened a great interest to hear. The number of attentive listeners has been steadily increasing, and day before yesterday about three hundred persons were present. At my first lecture I had about one hundred and fifty hearers. Many tears were shed, and hearts were touched. It is the Lord's work; to him be all the praise. Doubtless an article which appeared in one of the newspapers of that city, soon after my first lecture, has led some to attend. It was written by the gentleman of whom I spoke in my last report. I give the substance of it, as it may be of some interest to the reader; and if it did not speak of myself, I would be the more free to do so. “The first lecture which was held yesterday in the hall of Mr. H., in this place was favored with a large attendance. Mr. Ertzenberger, missionary, spoke about one hour and a half on the coming of Christ. The speaker tried to show by many proof-texts from the Bible that the second and personal appearing of Christ to this earth is near. He exhorted the people to be converted to God while there is yet a little time left. Mr. E. knows how to speak to the hearts, and to keep up the interest from the beginning to the end of the long lecture. Similar lectures will be held hereafter by Mr. E. in the same hall every Wednesday at 8 o'clock and every Sunday at 5 o'clock P. M. Mr. E., a Swiss, is a missionary from a devoted Christian society in America.” After the lecture of last Sunday, I accepted an invitation from a few Christian friends, who took me to one of their dwellings. There were six men and two women there. We all took seats around a table. Very soon five of the men commenced smoking. I was much pained. What! professed followers of Christ smoking! Is this the way of sanctification as set forth in Holy Writ? Is smoking the manner in which to exemplify our divine Pattern? I bore a decided testimony against this great evil. I showed them from science and from the Bible the terrible effect of using tobacco, and its great sinfulness. I also spoke on using liquors and coffee. These friends were much impressed by the facts laid before them. Conviction struggled with them for a moment for this sinful practice, and every one at once laid away his cigar or pipe as though ashamed of its use. They even expressed their gratitude for the good instruction they received, as they said. Afterward we had a very profitable season together. I went to another family. There I met with a dozen adults, men and women. Three men were present who had been at the other house, consequently there was no smoking. Here also we took seats around the family table, and I asked for a Bible. Before reading in it I inquired of the gentleman of the house, “Do you read the Bible each day?” to which he replied: “I read the Bible, but not each day.” “But, my dear friend,” said I, “if you do not read daily in the Bible, if you do not seek diligently to understand the word of God, your spiritual life will suffer even as your body must suffer if you neglect daily nourishment. Now I counsel you to do better, and I exhort you all to read your Bibles diligently.” Having spoken some on the first verses of Ps. 146, I asked them whether we could unite in prayer before separating. They were willing to do so. “Do you kneel when you pray, my friends?” I asked. “We have never done so,” they responded. “But why not? Is it wrong to do so?” “Oh, no!” “When we read in the Bible of several examples in this direction, and especially that Christ has done so, why not follow in this? Shall we not do the same?” “Oh, yes, we will,” was their reply. “You who are parents,” said I, “ought to give your children a good example in everything. I pray you to do it, and you will enjoy the blessing. May the Lord help you!” At my simple, “Now let us pray,” they knelt, and united in prayer. It was the first time for them. But we all felt the sweet blessing of God. It was a precious season. Hearts were melted. May God be praised for his help and blessing in the lectures and in these visits. To him be all the honor. And may my feeble efforts in his vineyard bring forth fruit for life everlasting. Although I have seen the need of visiting from house to house heretofore, yet I now realize the great importance of this more than ever in the past. Much good can be done in this way. I wish to honor my Lord! I earnestly desire to advance his precious cause. May I have grace to do his will here, and be received into glory hereafter. Pray for me. Vohwinkel, near Elberfeld, Prussia, June 13. VERMONT CAMP-MEETING.
By A. S. HUTCHINS.
As the time draws near for this annual gathering in our State, my anxiety increases that this meeting may be one of great interest and permanent good to the cause of present truth. With gratitude to God we have read of the great success and unexpected interest which have attended the camp-meetings already held this season. A blessing of priceless value has not only been left to the States thus favored, but joy and gladness have been sent into thousands of hearts among different nations interested in this work. Now, how shall it be with reference to our camp-meeting? Shall it come and pass by, and leave us as a Conference, as churches, and as individuals, no better than we were before? Shall the faithful servants of God come into our midst and labor with the most intense interest to advance the cause, and pass on to their next station of duty, saddened and depressed in spirits, because we are not where Heaven's blessing could consistently rest upon us? We trust this may not be so. I am certain the sentiment of the heart of every real lover of this work is, “I hope and pray for the best and most successful meeting that we have ever had.” But it should be borne in mind that while we are dependent wholly upon our Creator for every good gift and every perfect gift, it depends very largely upon our own condition whether or not we are profited as we should be at our forthcoming annual meeting. The Saviour in his public ministry did not many mighty works in some localities because of the unbelief of the people. And we may occupy a position where we “shall not see when good cometh.” Let us heed these precious words of Jesus: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him and he with me.” Rev. 3:20. We need not sit down and fold our hands, waiting for a blessing to be brought to us. Let us rather prepare our hearts for it by active obedience. Let us set about the preparation for our camp-meeting. Let us resolve first, no providence preventing, to attend this meeting. I know quite a number east of the mountains have expressed doubts about going. But we do hope to see a general turnout from all parts of the State. Those residing west of the mountains are favored in having the meeting again in the west part of the State. We look for a general attendance from this quarter. Don't disappoint us, brethren and sisters. Our voice is, Come up to this gathering of the people of God. It will no doubt be the last camp-meeting some of us will ever attend. We look for a good meeting. You may say, some of you, that it costs too much. But, dear brethren, a good camp-meeting is worth something. It may prove of more value to some of us than all the world could be. Come, then. Come, prepared to work for the Lord. Come, to exert your influence for the truth. Come, to receive blessings of unspeakable worth. Come, to help your dear friends. Come, in the spirit of prayer and humility. Come, to receive instruction from the servants of the Most High whom God may send to help us. Come, intent on being permanently better for the camp-meeting. The maple grove in which the meeting is to be held, I am informed, is the most pleasant we have ever occupied for such an occasion. The Committee will do the best they can to make all feel at home. Ample arrangements will be made to accommodate those desiring provisions; good conveniences have been secured for keeping teams near the ground. We expect Bro. and Sr. White and Bro. U. Smith will be with us. We also look for the refreshing influence of the Holy Spirit, and expect the Lord will open hearts to receive the truth. But few have been added to our churches for years. We have anxiously looked for some one to come and labor with us. This is certainly desirable. But are we, dear brethren and sisters, doing what we might ourselves? Are we doing what we should? I fear should we read the record of our lives we should find wanting written against our names in this respect. I fear that many of us would find ourselves at “ease in Zion”—“overcharged with the cares of this life.” Without much watchfulness and prayer, much self-examination, we are liable to settle into a state of supineness—to be lulled to fancied security, and awake only too late to the deception we are under when probation has forever passed. May our camp-meeting prove to us, as these yearly convocations have to many of the remnant church, a season of humiliation, consecration, and refreshing; a season of the presence, power, and out-pouring of the Spirit of God; arousing the church and awakening the impenitent to speedily seek salvation. A FRIEND who dates his letter “Legislative Council, Wellington, New Zealand,” writes us under date of June 1, 1876, as follows:— “Having read with interest your views on the Sabbath question, I am bound to admit that Scripture supports your argument in favor of the seventh day, notwithstanding the tradition of the elders.” An Appeal for Help.
By H. A. St. John
Dear Brethren in Ohio: Our camp-meeting draws near. The time appointed for it to begin is Thursday, Aug. 10. We greatly desire that everything may be in a good state of preparation for meetings to begin Thursday morning. In order to secure this, we appeal to you for help. Let all the delegates, and as many others as can, be on the ground Monday, if possible. We want to get all the tents up Wednesday. Let those coming with teams reach the ground Tuesday if possible. You will be needed, brethren. Come one, come all, come in good season. If all is in readiness by Wednesday morning the meetings will begin.
H. A. St. John. THE Sabbath knows nothing of sin. It existed before sin entered into the world (Gen. 2: 2, 3), and will survive when sin is no more. Isa. 66: 22, 23. No type of redemption was needed before man sinned; and when his redemption is completed, and he is settled in his eternal inheritance, the new earth, he certainly will have no further need of shadows. “The Sabbath was made for man.” It is for the whole human race. It knows nothing of separate nations or classes of men. It existed before any such distinction was known; and will exist when the redeemed of all nations are united in one in the new earth. To call it “Jewish,” is to contradict the words of the Lord Jesus, above quoted. Church and State Separated in Venezuela
BOTH Houses of Congress of Venezuela have unanimously decreed the Church and State separate. Several priests have been sent into exile, and some imprisoned for disobedience to the laws. All convents have been suppressed, and in some places some of the churches have been demolished, and in others devoted to civil purposes. Schools are being established throughout the country, and the Bible is being introduced into all of them. Religious liberty is secured to every one. No nation has probably ever before attempted such an utter separation between church and State, and there are points in the decree which even bear with oppressive weight upon all forms of religion. The intelligence of the State, however, will soon correct these, and then there will be complete independence of each, without either in any way being offensive or oppressive to the other.—Christian at Work. Russian Fleet Prepared at Cronstadt
It is reported that very great activity is perceivable in the navy-yards at Cronstadt, Russia, the purpose being to prepare a large fleet for sea as soon as possible. MEETINGS IN OHIO.
By H. A. St. John
Held meetings with this little company of believers June 13, 14. Organized a church of thirteen members; baptized five. Bro. F. H. Clymer was chosen and ordained elder, and Bro. James Radabaugh, deacon. We set things in order as well as we could. May this company strive together for the faith of the gospel. Only a few years ago there was a large church of our people in this place; but through apostasy, removals, deaths, etc., it lost its identity, so that for several years the Gilboa church has been unknown to our Conference. Now that the organization is revived, we trust it may let its light so shine as to form a nucleus around which may be gathered a large society. We expect one tent’s company from Gilboa this year at the Ohio Camp-meeting. Here we had our meetings in the U. B. church, near Bro. Van Eman’s, except one held at the residence of the elder. There is some interest to hear the truth, which is manifested by the people’s coming out to meeting in the day time on laboring days. There are a few souls here that we trust will soon be added to the church. At the Ohio camp-meeting we expect one tent, at least, from Mendon. Here a few persons professed the faith last winter under Bro. Butler’s labors. Four or five of these appear to be growing in the truth, while others have turned away. We expected to form an organization here, but it did not seem prudent, and this was the judgment of the brethren, also. Three were baptized. Those who were ready united with the Defiance church, the nearest organization. We expect a tent’s company will be at our camp-meeting from Hamler. At this point several were brought into the truth during the latter part of the winter by Bro. Butler. We were sorry to learn that a part of this company had given up the truth entirely, in one or two cases never having kept a single Sabbath after they were baptized. Some of the number cannot read, and unless they are soundly converted to God, and learn to read for themselves, we fear they cannot stand long in the ranks of unpopular reformers. But the good seed sown by Bro. B. we think will not all be lost. There are something like a half dozen souls for whom we entertain much hope. Organization could not be effected here. Those in condition united with the Defiance church till something better can be done for them. They have Bible-class and Sabbath-meetings. We strengthened them what we could. Hope to see some of this company at our camp-meeting. Clyde, Ohio, July 7, 1876. My last report was made April 6, at the close of our meeting in Eureka. Soon after I received instructions from the Conference Committee to go to Jefferson Co., where a large number had lately embraced the truth. I went, and spent a month there, leaving about two weeks before our camp-meeting to look after the interests of the cause at I spent two Sabbaths with this church; and during the week between I helped on the camp-ground. Bro. Lamont was with me at the last meeting. We think it was a profitable occasion; six were received into the church. The first Sabbath after camp-meeting (June 3) I was with Bro. Stevens at Elk Falls. During our meetings here, three were baptized and received into the church. Bro. O. S. Stevens was elected elder, and Bro. John Heligass deacon. This is the largest church in the Conference, and numbers fifty or more members. Some of them are old in the cause, but many are young, both in years and in the truth. Much responsibility rests on the older members. Some difficulty exists among them, caused principally by failing to bridle the tongue; we hope this may soon be settled, and that they may continue to prosper. The next Sabbath and Sunday, June 10, 11, was with Bro. Stevens at Seven were baptized here, and a church was organized consisting of eleven members; S. B. was raised from $18.50 to $48.50. Bro. O. Hill was elected and ordained elder. We enjoyed a precious season with them in celebrating the ordinances. We expect this church will prosper. I parted with Bro. Stevens after this meeting, he to go to his appointment in Rice Co., I to go to Where I spent Sabbath and Sunday, June 17, 18. Our meetings were very small, it being in the midst of harvest; but on the Sabbath the Sabbath-keepers were about all out, and we had meetings almost all day. One was baptized, and a church of ten members was organized. The S. B. pledge was $36.64. Others are keeping the Sabbath, and we hope they may soon see their way clear to unite with us. On the following Tuesday evening, eight of us assembled and celebrated the ordinances. The next day I started to fill my appointment at The tent was at this place last spring, and a few commenced to keep the Sabbath. A covenant was signed and for a time regular Sabbath meetings were kept up; but as they have had no preaching since, and are much scattered and few in number, meetings were discontinued. I remained here ten days. There was but one Sabbath-keeper at any of my meetings except Bro. Glover's family. The outside interest is better than could be expected under such circumstances. I think at a proper season of the year something may be done here yet. Several who attended admitted that we had the truth. One brother pledged $20. S. B. I came from there to this place, where I join Bro. Ayers. Centerville, Kan., July 4, 1876. After our camp-meeting, which was in most respects a good one, I visited our young brethren in St. Clair Co., June 17 and 18. They had had great opposition from the Disciples and Methodists since I left them six weeks before, but were still strong in the Lord and rejoicing in the truth. Two had been added to their numbers, and two more united at this meeting; one was baptized. I trust they will prove faithful and be instrumental in leading others to accept the truth. I then started to join Bro. Chaffee in tent labor, according to previous arrangement; but as he failed to meet me on account of poor health, I went to Hamilton, and spent Sabbath and first-day, June 24, 25, in that place. There seems to be a good influence emanating from this church, and there is an interest among the people of the place to hear the evidences of our faith. July 1 and 2, I was with the Prairie Valley church, and assisted Bro. Chaffee in the quarterly meeting. The weather was rainy, but the congregation were good. Some came from Hamilton, and one was added to the Hamilton church and buried with Christ by baptism. Two united with the Prairie Valley church. This is a large and strong church; and if the members live right before God and the world they will most assuredly exert a powerful influence around them. Bro. C. H. Chaffee and myself are now with the tent in the northwest part of Andrew Co. We have held four meetings. We commenced with about twenty-five hearers, which have increased to one hundred and thirty. Our address, until further notice, will be Bolckow, Andrew Co., Mo. J. G. Wood. Met with Bro. Bourdeau, according to appointment. We held three meetings each day, four in West Bolton and two in South Stukely. In addition to the tent-meetings held here last fall, Bro. B. has held meetings in some eight or more school-districts. Many of these meetings have been held under unfavorable circumstances, owing to bad weather and hard traveling. And it is certain that opposition to the truth is no less here than in the States. There are many Catholics and Episcopalians, and yet I judge that many who have heard his lectures are thoroughly convinced of the truthfulness of our views, and that they are conscious they would do well to obey these truths. Again, Bro. B. cannot labor wholly for the French, nor for other nationalities. He must divide his time. The French have many missions among them in Canada, mainly supported from foreign resources. The hard times are felt here much, which, with other causes, hinders in selling books31and obtaining subscribers for our periodicals. We found some sixteen or more heads of families keeping the Sabbath. All of these but one have embraced it since he went there. And it is certain that a goodly number of those friends do sincerely love the truth. Said one of the brethren in his testimony, “There is not money enough in the township, no, nor in the Province, to have hired me to take the step on the Sabbath which I have taken, had I not been fully satisfied I was moving in harmony with the word of God.” He was in company with others in mill property. Friends who now rejoice in the light of the Bible Sabbath and kindred truths, will find their joy increased, their health improved, and their spirituality heightened, as they see the principles of health reform and lay hold of them, and strike for victory over tobacco, to the use of which thousands are willing slaves. Baptism and organization are expected soon. The day I left, Bro. Bourdeau, and Bro. Owen, a faithful helper, were going to Waterloo to pitch the tent for a course of lectures. He needs the prayers of God’s people. Let us remember and pray for the work here. THY WILL, NOT MINE.
By M. J. Bahler
Thy will, dear Father, even though
Low in the dust I lie;
Thy will, yes, thine; 'tis best, I know,
Though all my pleasures die,
Though dark and toilsome grows the way,
Though slippery, steep, and rough,
Only to know thou leadest me,
Dear Father, is enough. And if, perchance, thy face shall be
Withdrawn amid the gloom,
O help me, for the sake of Christ,
For doubts to find no room;
Helpless I bow before thee now,
O Father, hear me pray!
O make me thine by grace divine,
I will not choose the way. Thy will, not mine; thy will, O God,
Thy will; for thine is best;
Thy will, e'en though my heart bows low,
And, weeping, finds no rest;
If 'tis thy will that takes away
The things I've learned to love,
I know there's rest in Christ for me,
And resting soon above. I bow and kiss the rod, 'tis just
That smitten I should be;
My heart has been unlike to Christ,
But turn me not away;
O Heavenly Father, pardon now
This selfish, wayward one,
And seal me thine for Christ's dear sake;
I would be thine alone. O help me now to mend the work
I've tried in vain to do;
I know not how, but thou, O Lord,
Canst make it fair and new.
In any way, thou knowest best,
Thy will, O God, not mine;
Thy will, dear Father, though thou slay,
Thy will, yes, ever thine.
M. J. BAHLER. CANADA
By A. C. Bourdeau; R. S. Owen
There is an increasing interest on the part of large numbers to hear our lectures. Last week an article appeared in the Waterloo Advertiser, giving the substance of our first six lectures. We have the privilege of preparing an article for each issue of that journal. The leading authorities in this village act well their part in sustaining order and quiet in our meetings. The subject this evening is the third message. We are resolved to hold on, and to stick to the work here, until something is gained. It is only by earnest, persevering efforts that we can accomplish anything in these parts. Pray for us. A. C. BOURDEAU,
R. S. OWEN. Waterloo, P. Q., July 10, 1876. MICHIGAN
By John B. Frisbie
ATTENDED the Jackson monthly meeting, held in the Christian meeting-house the first Sabbath in June. There was a general attendance of the friends around. I spoke to them about an hour. We then went to the river, where seventeen were baptized, the most of them from Spring Arbor, where Bro. Daniels had been laboring. The Lord has blessed his labors there. Bro. R. Sawyer attended this meeting, and we went from Jackson to West Liberty, where he organized a Tract and Missionary Society. We also went to Spring Arbor and did the same. The next Sabbath I met the church in the township of Green, Mecosta Co. Here a church of twenty-four members was fully organized. An elder was ordained, and s. b. pledged for the coming year to the amount of $64; though the members were not all present. I baptized four. Two have received letters, and two who have not united are keeping the Sabbath; so the cause is prospering in the midst of some opposition. The following Sabbath I visited Deerfield, where I first preached some twelve years ago. A few are yet holding on to the truth. It rained most all the time, so the church did not all get together. I believe they number in all eighteen. I gave two discourses at Lake View. I staid with the elder of the church, Bro. Collard, who has been made to rejoice by seeing his family converted, under the labors of Bro. Burrill and Fargo. The fourth Sabbath I visited Cedar Springs. Found a little company, mostly sisters. They had no leader; sister Mary Stiles holds all the offices in the church except that of elder. She is faithful in keeping the s. b. and T. & M. Society books. I baptized four who united with the church, and one was admitted by letter. They appointed a leader. There are now about fifteen members. I hope they will keep up meetings. I preached at father Richmond’s house several times. I staid over Monday to visit the sick and some delinquents. Tuesday I returned to Jackson, and learned that Bro. E. P. Daniels had the tent set up near the Free Methodist College, where they were busy in keeping all they could away from the meetings. It rained most all the time, and ended in a gale; and harvest and haying were coming on. We concluded to move into a small village called Baldwin, ten miles southwest from Jackson. We have the tent set up in a very pleasant place, and have had two meetings, with appointments out for a week ahead. Baldwin, Mich., July 8, 1876. KANSAS, WESTERN TENT.
By J. Lamont
As the tent did not arrive at the time appointed for the meetings to begin, the Methodist brethren kindly gave us the use of their house till it came. On the arrival of the tent, we pitched it across the street, directly opposite the church we had been using. The other churches and the court-house also are in the immediate neighborhood. Our congregations have numbered about one hundred all the time, and for the most part have included the same persons who came on the first evening. We are now in the midst of the Sabbath question. We expect to see some embrace the Sabbath as soon as the evidence is fully before them. On the day of our first meeting we had circulars printed, containing a special notice of the meeting, the subject of the discourse with its prominent divisions, an invitation to attend, and a suitable stanza and Scripture quotation. These were left upon showcases, in the shops and offices, and at nearly every dwelling in the city. And although there were gatherings at every church in the city, one of them a festival, also a political meeting at the court-house, we had a fair congregation. We have, from time to time, as the interest seemed to demand, had recourse to the same means with like results. We have also had the usual notices in the city papers, and a bulletin-board in front of the tent giving the subject, &c., for each evening. May the Lord bless his truth. Council Grove, July 7, 1876. We have been in this place two weeks to-day. Bro. Bartlett and Kilgore have given twelve discourses, and are now in the midst of the Sabbath question. Bro. Kilgore spoke on the second coming of Christ Sunday evening, July 2, to a large audience. All could not get into the tent. He proved to them that Christ would come in this generation. Some of the best informed men in the place said they never imagined such things were in the Bible, and all that we have talked with say it is the truth. We have followed the advice given by Bro. White at our good camp-meeting to go out among the people and let them know we need the things of this life. It is encouraging to us to see them weep for joy over the glad sound of the third angel's message. Some small favor that we asked for or received has been the starting-point for them to become interested. And now we hear on all sides that “the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” May the “Lord of Sabbath” keep them in the light of his truth until the whole truth is presented to them. Six of the brethren and sisters from Nebraska City came here the 7th, and staid with us over the Sabbath. In the forenoon Bro. B. spoke on repentance; text, Acts 3: 19. We were all greatly refreshed by the words spoken. About twenty came in and listened attentively to the discourse and testimonies, and two commenced to keep the Sabbath for the first time. One man said that he was willing his wife should keep the seventh day if she wanted to. He makes no profession, but says he never heard preaching before in his life that he liked, and he believes every word he has heard. Everything seems to indicate a good work at this place. Will report as soon as we get through. Pray for us. JOHN W. WOOD. Sidney, Fremont Co., Iowa, July 10, 1876. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” Died, of consumption, in Clyde, Sandusky Co., Ohio, July 10, 1876, Martha C. Dysert, aged twenty years, eight months, and six days. Martha never united with any church, but was a firm believer in the present truth, and had kept the Sabbath with her mother for several years. In her last illness her expressions of penitence, of confidence and trust in a merciful God, and her firm assurances of faith that the Lord had accepted her, and that she would have part with the righteous, furnished a ground of hope to relatives and friends. Discourse by the writer from 1 Thess. 4: 13–18. H. A. St. John. Fell asleep in Jesus, in Agency township, Osage Co., Kansas, our dearly beloved sister, Martha Fleak, in the thirty-fourth year of her age. Sister Fleak embraced the truths of the third angel's message two years ago, having been previously a member of the M. E. Church. Her life, since her conversion in her youth, has been one of entire consecration to God. She has ever been noted for her deep piety, strong faith, and extreme patience under the most trying circumstances. During her last sickness, when apprised of her approaching end, she expressed herself prepared to close her work on earth, if it was her Master's will, and assured her friends that she should stand at last among the redeemed. She leaves a companion, several children, and a large circle of friends, to mourn their great loss. E. M. Kallioch. Died, in Denver, Col., June 7, 1876, our dear brother, Charles L. Gates, aged nineteen years, two months, and eight days. He embraced the doctrines of S. D. Adventists at the California Camp-meeting, in 1874, and has since been a conscientious observer of the Sabbath of the Lord. At the time of his death he was traveling in the West for his health. During the past winter he was engaged in missionary work, in Omaha, Neb. We do not sorrow as those who have no hope; but we believe that we shall meet him in the first resurrection. His remains were carried to our home in Ohio for interment. Funeral services by Eld. E. S. Barnes, Congregationalist, from 1 Cor. 15. E. H. Gates. Died, in Andover, N. H., June 22, 1876, Mary Baker, wife of the late Eld. Joseph Baker, in the seventy-ninth year of her age. She embraced the third angel's message about thirty years ago, and we believe she sleeps in Jesus. Words of comfort were spoken by Eld. Martin, Christian minister, from Prov. 31:28: “Her children arise up, and call her blessed.” Charles Baker. Died, July 1, 1876, at the residence of the writer, in North Parma, Monroe Co., New York, Charles Francis, infant son of Otis and Lola Morey, aged one month and six days. Young mother, “refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears;” for thy babe shall come again from the land of the enemy. Chas. B. Reynolds. FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MATERNAL ASSOCIATION.
By Susanah Sisley
[The following report of the Maternal Association of the Battle Creek church, read in April last, was accidentally laid one side, and thus has been overlooked till the present time. But the friends of this important Association will be glad to see it, even at this late hour.—Ed.] “While, with ceaseless course, the sun
Hastened through the former year,
Many souls their race have run,
Never more to meet us here;
Fixed is their eternal state,
They have done with all below;
We a little longer wait,
But how little none can know.” Oh, how swiftly time flies, year after year, in quick succession, passing away. It scarcely seems possible that we have again reached the anniversary of our little Society, but so it is; and at this, our yearly gathering, a few remarks with regard to its standing will doubtless be expected. This has been a year of changes. Twelve new names have been added to our list; though but few of these persons now remain to encourage us by their presence or their labors. This is also the case with many others who at different intervals have become members of our Society. Battle Creek, on account of the various institutions located here, is a place where many come and go in quick succession. We have done what we could to interest these mothers in this important work; many have merely become members, while others have greatly encouraged us by entering heartily into the spirit of our Society, becoming active and earnest workers, and gaining our esteem and affection, so that when Providence indicated a removal necessary, it was not without a severe struggle that we could bid them farewell. Death, too, has been busy, and has taken away three of our number, two of whom were only absent from our weekly gatherings when duty demanded. We feel this to be a fitting time and place to add our tribute of love, esteem, and gratitude, to the memory of our dear sister Gardner, who, from the very formation of our Association, has been so faithful and true to its interests. For one whole year she regularly conducted our meetings, and has since, when able, taken her turn with others. The great anxiety she manifested, the earnest, agonizing pleadings she so often presented to our Father in Heaven in behalf of the different subjects presented for prayers, and also for our young mothers, that they might be awakened to a sense of their duties and dangers, “the vastness of the charge to them committed,” and make some effort to meet and mingle their prayers with the maternal band, will not soon be forgotten, and we feel that her departure has left a void that cannot easily be filled. Nor are removals and deaths the greatest discouragements we have had to contend with; for these we believe have come by divine appointment. We bow with submission and mourn, but do not repine. We know there are those among us who have superior talent and ability to make our meetings profitable and interesting; and we feel sad that they should be so overburdened with cares and duties as to feel it impossible to attend. But what we most deeply deplore is the apparent indifference of many mothers whose children are fast growing up to maturity without a change of heart, in an unconverted, unsaved state; while the end of all things is at hand, and we know not what a day may bring forth, or how soon our working time will have passed away. Now we would not infer that these mothers feel no sorrow or anxiety on account of their children, and no deep interest for their eternal welfare. This we believe to be incompatible with their nature, if they are Christians themselves. But we do feel that by staying away from meetings that have been appointed for the express purpose of uniting our prayers, and earnestly seeking divine wisdom to aid us in our unceasing, arduous duties, and for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon ourselves and our dear ones, they are depriving themselves of a great source of encouragement and strength, and are laboring and toiling alone, when they might share the sympathy of others, and perhaps be benefited by their prayers and experience. We speak warmly and earnestly on this subject; for we know by personal experience, and by that of many others, that these gatherings have often been seasons of great profit and soul-stirring interest, and that our Heavenly Father does condescend to meet with us, to hear and answer our prayers, to encourage and strengthen our hearts. We wish, indeed, we could this year record more decided cases of conversion, and that those who commenced to run well had continued zealous in the Christian race. This might have been the case had we been as earnest, humble, and importunate, as we should have been. The fault is with ourselves, and not with our faithful, unchangeable God. Surely, this is no time or place for indolence or inactivity. A great work is before us, and a great enemy is striving to hinder and discourage us. The cause of present truth, the dear youth coming among us to attend our school, followed by the fervent prayers and high expectation of many an anxious parent, our own households and our precious children, whose present well-being and future usefulness and happiness are largely committed to our control and keeping,—these have all claims upon us which we cannot delegate to another, and under which we should sink disheartened if we had only our own strength and wisdom on which to rely. Oh! how truly do the following words by another apply to all, especially to mothers:— “A sacred burden is the life ye bear;
Look on it, lift it, bear it solemnly;
Stand up and walk beneath it steadfastly;
Fail not for sorrow, falter not for sin,
But onward, upward, till the goal ye win.” Still other words from the lips of our divine Master are whispered in our ears, and find an echo in our hearts: “Without me ye can do nothing.” Well may we inquire, “Who is sufficient for these things?” The answer comes from the same divine source: “My grace is sufficient for you; my strength is made perfect in weakness.” We would gratefully acknowledge the goodness of God in inclining several dear sisters to do all in their power to encourage us, by cheerfully laboring to sustain and conduct our weekly meetings; that so many have been permitted regularly to attend; and for the love and union that prevail among us. We feel of good courage to persevere, and take this opportunity of cordially inviting those mothers who have recently come to this place, and others who have not yet attended our meetings, to unite with us. To our absent members we would say, You are not forgotten, but frequently remembered in our prayers, and we hope you do not forget us. We should rejoice to meet you again; but as this may not be, let us hear of your welfare, and the progress that you and your dear ones are making on the heavenly journey. Take courage, dear sisters, we are nearing our eternal home, where “adieus and farewells are a sound unknown;” where we shall be safe from the cruel power of the enemy—sinning, struggling, suffering all o’er; and where we shall see our blessed Saviour and be like him. Till then, may we faithfully, patiently press forward, sustained by his strong arm, and relying on his own precious words: “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” The standing of the Society is as follows: Mothers belonging to the Association, 101; deceased, 4; children, 278. Battle Creek, April 19, 1876.