What commenced when the Roman bishop attained to supremacy?
What marked the midnight of the dark ages?
Can the people of God be easily traced through this time? and why not?
Who were among the first dissenters from the Romish church?
When did the Waldenses originate?
What does Rainer Sacho, a Dominican, say of their character?
At what time did they withdraw into the wilderness?
When was Christianity propagated in China?
Did the Waldenses ever submit to the church of Rome?
Being shut away from the world, were they so much exposed as others to the corruptions of the dark ages?
How did they preserve the Bible in their midst?
What does Dr. Edgar say of the extent to which they spread in the countries of Europe?
Were there several sects of the Waldenses, or Albigenses?
Did they reject the Old Testament?
How did they regard the decalogue? p. 300, top.
How did they regard the ordinances, introduced into the church since Christ's ascension?
What name did a considerable portion of the Waldenses bear?
What does Mr. Robinson state as the views of previous writers?
What reason do Mr. Jones and Benedict assign for their being called Sabbatati?
What does the Jesuit Gretzer state?
In the 15th century the king of France having been informed against the Waldenses, what did he do?
What did the persons sent out by him find?
What did they discover in regard to their observance of the Sabbath and baptism?
What did the king say to their report?
What testimony does the French historian, Mr. De Thou, bear?
What name did another class of witnesses to the truth, bear during the dark ages?
How does Jones speak of them?
Who certifies that the Cathari did retain and observe the ancient Sabbath?
What does Benedict say of the account of their practicing circumcision? p. 305.
What does Michael Geddes say has been the constant practice of the church of Rome?
When did the Petrobrusians appear?
Who certifies that this body of French Christians kept the Sabbath?
Are the Anabaptists often referred to in the dark ages?
What does the term signify?
From what circumstance have they been overwhelmed in obloquy?
Do they appear however to have been the movers in this work?
Was the ancient Sabbath retained and observed by a portion of the Anabaptists?
What is thus seen within the limits of the old Roman empire?
What churches have existed in Central Africa from the first part of the Christian era?
How are their views of the Sabbath stated by their ambassador at the court of Lisbon? p. 309.
What did he say of their reasons for first-day observance?
Did he offer any scripture in support of this festival?
When was the emperor of Abyssinia induced to submit to the pope?
As soon as he had done this, what action was he compelled to take in regard to the Sabbath?
Was the tyranny of the Romans finally overthrown?
What faith was then restored?
What may be said of the Armenians of the East Indies?
What three great doctrines of popery do they deny?
What reply did they make when required to do homage to the virgin Mary?
How is the Sabbatarian character of these churches stated by Mr. Yeates?
Why did the Jesuit missionary, Xaverius, wish the king of Portugal to establish the inquisition in his portion of the Indies?
What does this most clearly show?
What does a distinguished clergyman of the church of England (Buchanan) say of their Sabbatarian character? p. 313.
To the Brethren in New York.
By John Nevins Andrews
At the General Conference this spring, a copy of the list of the subscribers for the Review, for New York and Pennsylvania, was placed in my hands. This list shows the state of each person's account at the time when the list was placed in my hands. It was given me for the purpose of enabling me to settle with each subscriber, and thus to aid the Publishing Association in the collection of its dues. In looking over this list, I regret to find quite a number who are owing for several volumes of the Review, some for not less than ten. Quite a number of these delinquents I have every reason to believe are abundantly able to pay up their indebtedness whenever they choose so to do.
My brethren, these things ought not so to be. You make loud professions of love for the truth, and of consecration to the cause of God. You testify to your fellow men that the great time of trouble when men shall cast their silver and gold into the mire of the streets is at hand. Yet by your acts you show that you love the truth in words and not in deeds. Brethren, do not misunderstand me. I write this for your sakes. The Review can get along without you. But how do you expect the blessing of God upon yourselves in following this course? Some that are indebted for the Review are doubtless struggling with poverty and sickness, and have done, and are doing, what they can to pay their way. No word of this reproof belongs to them. Yet, so far as my knowledge extends, this very class of persons have the fewest delinquents, nearly all of them being now in advance in their subscriptions.
Shall I speak the truth with plainness? Some of you are so far backslidden that you have no interest in the great truths which the Review sets forth. Alas for you! The god of this world has blinded your eyes, in all probability, to your eternal ruin. The searching testimonies and stirring appeals of the Review, are not merely disregarded by you—some of you45do not even read them. Yet these very persons suppose themselves competent to pronounce judgment upon every effort put forth for the advancement of the cause, while yet entirely ignorant of the reasons that have been offered for such steps. My heart has been pained while I have witnessed the forwardness and self-sufficiency of some to whom nearly every word written above will apply. Some who read this will be ready to ask, Do you mean me? I answer, In all probability you are one of the persons intended.
A few words relative to the Publishing Association. I am pained—not to say ashamed—to see that this, the south-west part of our conference, has done nothing, or next to nothing, by way of aiding the Association. The same is true of many individuals in other parts of the State, who are nevertheless abundantly able to do, if only the spirit of sacrifice was in their hearts, and they themselves, and all that they possess, consecrated to God and to his cause. Perhaps some may be ignorant of the reasons why they should take hold to help the Association.
Let me say then first that you are not, in doing this, aiding any individual, or giving that which is to become the private property of any person. But in taking shares in the Association, or in making donations to it, you do so much toward furnishing it with capital to carry on the great work in which it is engaged. The Association employs capable business men, men who fear God and hate covetousness, to carry on the publishing work, and all their business transactions are subject to the close scrutiny of the Association. Not one of these agents is enriched one shilling by your donations to the Office.
In order to furnish our publications at their present cheap rate, it is necessary to publish them in editions of several thousand of each kind. And to do this, and thus keep them on hand, necessarily requires a cash capital of several thousand dollars. Besides this, the purchase of paper alone for Review, Instructor, and books, if made to advantage, necessarily calls for a considerable sum, which must be kept all the time invested in this stock or material.
Now there is an object to be effected that my heart is very much set upon. The General Conference, by a unanimous vote, requested the Association to publish a new Prophetical Chart and a Chart of the Ten Commandments. If published, it is designed that they shall be better adapted to use before large congregations, than the ones which we now have. I should add, by the way, that we have none of the old on hand to supply the present and future demands of the cause. Now if these charts are published, a considerable sum of money is needed at once. If only a small edition of these charts is to be published, the price of each must be put very high, thus limiting them to a very small number of persons, and in fact rendering it doubtful whether they be published at all. If a large edition of each is published, they can be furnished at a price that will bring them within the reach of all.
Now can the necessary means be raised to secure the publication of these Charts? Most certainly it can be done, and that without difficulty. In my judgment it should be done mainly by those who have hitherto borne very little of the pecuniary burdens of the cause. There are many such who could take a single share in the Association ($10); especially is this the case with young men who have none to care for but themselves, and who, if they have not much property, have at least health, and, if Christians, industrious habits. Besides this, there are many families that consider themselves comparatively poor, who, by laying aside tea, coffee, and tobacco, have lessened their yearly expenses nearly or quite the price of a share, who, if they had as much love for the truth as they used to have for these bad habits, could find means to take a share in the Association. And those who cannot do so much as to take a share, can donate to the Association according to their ability.
But there are brethren in this State who have done nothing in this thing, and some of them have been long in the cause too, who might without distressing themselves take shares in the Association to the amount of $50, $100, or even $300. What shall I say to such? My dear brethren, awake from your stupor. You well understand how to manage with prudence and sagacity in order to acquire a treasure here. But is this all the sagacity that you possess? You know that the time must come when all these earthly possessions are to be left behind, and we see plainly that that time is at hand. Now were it possible that you could be saved in that day, though you had made no sacrifice, do you not see that you would reach the kingdom of God with all your treasures left behind to be destroyed? Would it be no source of regret to you in that day that you had no treasure laid up in the kingdom of God? But you need have no fears of this kind. No such soul will ever enter heaven. Where the treasure is, there the heart will be; and where the heart is, there the man will be at last.
Let me point out to you the more excellent way. When men invest their means in the cause of God, they transfer it to the bank of heaven. And there it will draw compound interest to all eternity. The widow's mite has been on compound interest for more than eighteen hundred years, and it has a long period yet to run. She cast in her all, and that with a trembling heart, as though it were not worthy of the great Master's acceptance. How many of you will cast in a small part of your abundance? How many will transfer their treasures before them to that land which they design to make their eternal abode?
I know of some in this State who in the early days of this cause invested nearly all of their earthly possessions in sustaining the work. I know of others who, possessing quite as much, have done comparatively nothing, to aid the cause of God, but have devoted all their energies to amassing wealth. The day is coming which will show which pursued the wiser course.
J. N. ANDREWS.
Wellsville, N. Y., June 26, 1863.
P. S. I ought to say a few words relative to myself. I have had, since the commencement of our tent-meeting, a severe attack of lung fever, or something of that kind, caused probably by the state of extreme exhaustion under which I began to labor here. I am now entirely delivered from the disease, but have only regained a small part of my strength. Bro. Fuller has had to labor with the tent alone. But God has greatly blessed his labors, and quite a number have already decided to keep the Sabbath. I design to try my strength in the tent soon. If it does not prove adequate to the work, I shall try to labor in some other sphere, and, if possible, get some one to aid Bro. Fuller.
J. N. A.
Brief Report of Meetings.
SABBATH and first-day, June 6th and 7th, we were at the Tent at Otsego, Mich.; had freedom in preaching. Mrs. W. had great freedom on first-day.
Sabbath, the 13th, we met with the church at Monterey; had a large congregation, and freedom in preaching twice. Mrs. W. enjoyed usual liberty. On first-day, the 14th, we rode to Otsego, fifteen miles, through the dust and intense heat in a farm wagon, and preached in the tent three times. In the evening we had great freedom. Sabbath, the 20th, we preached to the church at Battle Creek, and enjoyed a good season.
Tuesday, the 23d, preached at the funeral of sister Curtis at Allegan. The 25th, preached twice at Otsego and baptized nine, among the number the four eldest children of Bro. and sister Hilliard, formerly of Northern N. Y. This was a good day.
Sabbath the 27th, held three meetings at Monterey; baptized five, preached twice, and had a glorious communion season. Brethren came in from other churches, and the large meeting-house was filled with Sabbath-keepers. The day following we preached twice at Allegan. At all these meetings Mrs. W.'s testimony was listened to with deep interest.
Sabbath, July 4, beneath the old Mich. tent, in the town of Convis, we had as good a meeting as we ever witnessed in this county. The gathering was larger than we looked for.
On first-day we spoke twice. In the afternoon Mrs. W. commenced to speak just before the time of public service, and her full voice seemed to answer the purpose of a church-bell to call the people to the tent and to their seats. At this meeting we were greatly assisted by the labors of Bro. Byington, whom we all esteem as an honored father in Israel. The brethren generally had a mind to work. At the close of the meeting we had a little contention on this wise: the brethren in Convis wanted to bear all the expenses of the meeting, and take the brethren from Battle Creek from and to the cars free. To this we objected; but the matter was soon settled by letting them have their own way in nearly everything. May God bless them.
And here we are at our desk Monday morning, a little worse for wear. When we have time to rest and think, we design to write more for the Review than we have for several weeks past.
Report from Brethren Loughborough and Hull.
By John Norton Loughborough; Moses Hull
At the time of our last report, June 10, we were about to start from Buck's Bridge to Rouse's Point, that afternoon, and in the evening quite a room full came together at the house of Bro. C. O. Taylor, where we had an interesting meeting. A Madam Wood from the Grand Ligne Mission House, Canada, was there, who has become somewhat interested in the truth, and begins to get light enough to see the cross of keeping the Sabbath. Hope she may have strength enough to bear the cross.
As Bro. Taylor's business affairs could not be arranged for some days, so that he could join the N. Y. tent, he concluded to accompany us to the Vt. Conference. As we were about leaving Rouse's Point, Thursday morning, a whole car load of nuns and priests of the Romish church, came in on the Montreal road. We found they were going on a mission to Oregon. It led us to some serious reflections: if these blind devotees to the beast can leave the world, home, friends, and all, to go and extend the doctrines of error, should we ever murmur at our lot, and think it hard to go at our Master's bidding, with the last solemn truth to perishing mortals, with the prize almost in sight?
We went through that day to Wolcott, arrived about 9 p. m. Next morning the Vt. Conference commenced which lasted, with its business session and religious exercises until the Monday following. It was an interesting meeting to all, and we trust will be one of profit to the cause in Vt. Harmony characterized all the business deliberations, and it seems to be the desire of all to move in harmony with the body.
Thursday, June 19, we went to Boston, Mass., expecting to find our tent, but it had not come. Sabbath the 20th we had two meetings with the brethren at Bro. Burditt's of Milton, 6 miles from Boston. Tuesday afternoon the 23d we had a meeting at Bro. Folsom's in Somerville, organized s. s., and took some steps toward organizing a church to be known as the Boston Seventh-Day Adventists. Although they are few, we trust the Lord will add to their number.
We waited for our tent till Thursday, and as it did not come we concluded to go into New Hampshire. Came Friday to New Ipswich, and Sabbath morning went with Bro. Hastings to Peterboro, where some twenty or more brethren and sisters had got together to have a social meeting. They were agreeably surprised and cheered by having two discourses preached. Several came out in Peterboro last winter, under the labors of Brn. Hutchins and Bourdeaux, and it seems that more labor would bring out more into the truth there. It may be duty to pitch the tent at that place. Sunday we could get no public place for meeting and so had none. Yesterday we came on to this place, where we expect to attend the regular quarterly meeting of the church next Sabbath and first-day. We hope our tent will arrive in season for us to pitch it next week.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
MOSES HULL.
Washington, N. H., July 1, 1863.
Ohio Tent.
By J. H. Waggoner
AFTER the conference at Wakeman we kept the tent at that place over the next Sunday, June 6, at the solicitation of the brethren there, and to enable me to meet an appointment to preach the funeral sermon of sister Scott, of East Townsend. The Methodists gave their house, and the Baptists dismissed their meeting, thus all paying a fitting tribute to the memory of sister Scott, whose fervent piety and exemplary Christian walk had secured the respect of all. It was a great pleasure to me to speak to the large assembly on the words of comfort given to sustain the sorrowing, but hopeful believer in Christ.
The weather turned cold, so that it was very uncomfortable; consequently the meetings did not amount to much, though a few became interested. We considered it fortunate that we did not get to a new place before the cold weather of the first week in June.
We pitched the tent in Columbia Center, Lorain Co., to commence the evening of Friday, June 12. Bro. Brinkerhoof was feeble, and his health fast failing, so that he thought it duty to get to his home; he left June 12. This was a great disappointment to me; for I always valued him as a friend and brother, but learned to esteem him much more during our brief labor together. I pray that he may be spared for this work.
Our meetings were thinly attended from the beginning; I think as much prejudice existed here as in any place where I ever held meetings. Those who attended freely expressed their conviction that this message is truth; while those who did not hear, and do not know what was preached, are very positive that it is dangerous heresy. The blind leaders of a blindly misled people have a fearful account to render for hiding46the truth of God, and causing them to perish for lack of knowledge.
The attendance being small, I was somewhat in doubt at times about the propriety of continuing here so long—from June 12 to July 1, but a few were deeply interested, and longing for salvation. I could not leave them without giving them an opportunity of hearing, and becoming established in, the truth. Several are firmly established, and I have hope of some others who are fully convinced. O that they might realize the danger of delay. Two were baptized the 29th ult.
We expect to pitch the tent next week in Orwell, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, where letters will reach us for the present.
J. H. WAGGONER.
Columbia, Ohio, July 2, 1863.
From the Michigan Tent.
By I. D. Van Horn
Bro. White: We are here in Memphis, and have our tent pitched on a very pleasant spot of ground. The people looked upon us with suspicion at first, but when we opened our meetings they were very much surprised.
The people are becoming very much interested already. Our congregations have increased from about two hundred to full seven hundred in four days. The interest has increased in proportion. Light is beaming upon the minds of the inhabitants of Memphis, and many of them seem to be almost captivated with the truths that have already been presented. We begin to feel that it was in the providence of God that we were directed to this place. We trust the Lord has a people here that will willingly yield their wills to his, and become obedient to his heavenly message.
May God help with his mighty power in the proclamation of his truth here, is our prayer.
Yours, in hope.
I. D. Van Horn.
Memphis, Macomb Co., Mich., June 29, 1863.
The Great Missionary Society.
By B. F. Snook
“Arise, shine, for thy light is come; and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” Isa. lx, 1.
The subject of missionary operations is one that should begin to receive the candid considerations of the people of God. What are the duties of God's people in this direction? What are their agencies?
I. In order to present a few thoughts on this subject, we will first consider the church as a missionary society. Under the Mosaic dispensation the lively oracles were committed to his church for us. Acts vii, 38. The things then written, were written for our learning; that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope. Rom. xv, 4. Peter, speaking of the prophets of that age, says, “Unto whom it was revealed that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by the holy Ghost, sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.” 1 Pet. i, 12.
The church at that time had no missionary duties assigned her; but by her types was required to point sinners to Christ; for that perfect salvation, which the blood of animals could not procure. But Christ having come, and the means of salvation being devised, the middle wall of partition also being broken down; he constituted the church a missionary society.
1. He commits to her that holy light of his divine word, with which he would have all enlightened. He then said, “Ye are the light of the world, a city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Matt. v, 14, 15. This world is all dark and gloomy. All the light of her great philosophers, Plato, Socrates, and others can never discover the way to God, the way to salvation. Therefore, God in great compassion has placed a light in the world for its illumination. That light is the revelation of his will contained in his word. David says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Ps. cxix, 105. This light he has placed in his church, or intrusted to his people. He has therefore made it their duty to present the light to their fellow men. He says, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Verse 16. It therefore is wrong for the church to seclude her light, or to keep it in obscurity. In order to the conversion of sinners, Christ requires a duty of his people. “Let your light so shine.” If the light does not shine, no conversions will be made; and his people are responsible for the neglect of duty. If the light does shine, somebody will be converted and glorify God. The only source through which the world can receive light is through the church of Christ, to which he has intrusted the light.
2. He has committed to her the gospel which is God's power unto salvation. This constitutes her the salt of the earth. He says, “Ye are the salt of the earth, but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is henceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” Verse 13. If the church is the salt of the earth, its influence upon the world must be preserving and saving. Hence the honest of the world, under such an influence, will be led to salvation. The world in sin is lying at the door of death, dying for the salvation offered to them in the gospel. Shall not the offer be made? Sinners everywhere are starving for the bread of life. Shall we who have it, by neglect of duty, withhold it from them, and permit them to die for want thereof? Great indeed is our responsibility in this case. O that we may soon feel and realize it in its full weight.
II. The church, as a missionary society, sends out her chosen ministers to proclaim the words of life. The Lord selected from his church certain disciples whom he called apostles, and licensed them as missionaries to go out into the world's wide field to preach the gospel. He said, “Go ye therefore, teach all nations.” Matt. xxviii, 19. “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark xvi, 15. This commission is unlimited, requiring that they should preach the gospel everywhere. They went forth, proclaiming salvation in the name of Jesus in every place. God worked with them in great power, and made them effectual to the salvation of a few. They preached an unwelcome truth. The world did not love it. It did not come from Cæsar's palace. Great men did not embrace it. They could not humble themselves, that God might exalt them. But they must be warned, notwithstanding, for God says, “When I say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely die, and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way to save his life, the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thine hand.” “Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity, but thou hast delivered thy soul.” Eze. iii, 18, 19. Truly solemn is the responsibility of the Christian minister. So the Lord has made his office. His is an office the issues of which are life and death. If he warns the sinner and he receive the warning, both lives are saved. If he does not give the warning the sinner will die in his sins, and he will be lost himself for neglecting his duty. O may God help his poor servants to feel their great responsibility.
The first missionaries went forth doing their duties under a realizing sense of what God enjoined upon, and required of, them. They gave up the world, and counted it as nothing for the excellency of Christ. They went forth as sheep among wolves, presenting heaven's great blessing of salvation. However, they met no worldly applause, received no praises of men, but were counted the offscouring of all things, were persecuted from city to city, banished from State to State, and at last when worn out in faithful service, when they had drank the bitter cup of persecution, when they had finished their course, all, save the beloved John, ratified their testimony by their own blood in suffering death by martyrdom. They did their duty, and fell at their post; and in the last day when they arise they will hear shouts of praise to God from millions of immortal saints, for whose salvation they can claim to have labored.
The same great commission that authorized them to go out into all the world is yet in force, and Christ yet says to his people, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. For lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Go, and I will go with you, is the sentiment of the Lord. But the Lord does not ordinarily call and send men independently of the church. He will lead out by his Spirit in his church, and the church will follow in the direction in which his Spirit moves. Whom the Lord calls, he will go with, and whom he sends he will aid and sustain.
III. The church as a missionary society sustains her missionaries in the field of labor, and co-works with them for the salvation of souls. This is done,
1. By those means which satisfy the temporal demands of the missionaries. While the brethren and sisters cannot go out and preach, by being industrious and economical they can act well their part by contributing to the sustenance of those whom they send out. Each one does something in this way. All should desire to be doing what they can in this way. The means placed in the missionary fund will go to sustain your poor brethren who labor in the missionary work. Who among this people is there that does not desire to have a donation in the treasury? Not one, we hope. Let all strive to do something for it. And especially let me say to my brethren and sisters in Iowa, that when God calls for help, he means you, and does not intend that you shall be deprived of that special love for giving to his cause. The Lord loves a cheerful giver. We are running no tent this season, and we must do a good part for the Association, and missionary cause.
2. The church must also sustain her laborers by her prayers. Each member should have a burden of the work, and a heartfelt desire for it to move on. This is God's cause, and why should not the work go on, and on to victory? The Lord has ever been willing to hear the prayers of his people in behalf of their good and his own cause. Therefore while his ears are open to our cries, let us fill them with prayers for the success of his cause.
3. But we must not let our religion consist in prayer alone. We must live in such a way that our influence will testify to the truth. It is a source of great pleasure and comfort to the poor preacher when he is laboring hard among the wicked and hard-hearted, to have the assurance that his brethren at home are living out the truth. Such confidence is a bulwark, a mighty tower of strength to him. Thus we may all be workers together in this great enterprise.
Dear brethren and sisters, in conclusion let me say, as time is short and our mission is great, O, let us be engaged, and interested in the work. God is able to move it on, but works in his own way. He has given the light to his people and now says, “Arise and shine, for thy light is come.” O, that every one may feel a share of the burden of this work; and may it move on, and on, till by the power of God it shall close in the salvation of all his honest children.
B. F. SNOOK.
Meetings in Round Grove, Ills.
By D. Hildreth
SABBATH, June 27, a special meeting was appointed for the church in this place. The brethren in this vicinity, and also quite a number of the Elkhorn church, were present. In the forenoon Bro. R. Andrews preached a practical sermon from Rev. iii, 21. The burden of his testimony was on the importance of overcoming. Among other points treated of were lack of devotion and faithfulness in the service of God, evil-surmising, evil-speaking, idle words, pride, &c. It was meat in due season to those who love and appreciate the plain, cutting truths of God's word, which are so well calculated to fit up a people to stand in these last days. It is not expected that the half consecrated will love the pure testimony.
In the afternoon we had an interesting, spirited, social meeting.
In the evening we assembled at the house of Bro. Wick, to attend to the ordinances of the Lord's house. A sweet, heavenly spirit rested upon us, as we moved forward in the ordinance of feet-washing, as commanded in Jno. xiii. Several were present who had never participated in this ordinance, but they seemed to appreciate its force and blessedness. Praise the Lord for something so well calculated to humble and unite God's people together. Is there a distant feeling between brethren, an alienation of feeling? If they get down and wash each other's feet, these feelings will be removed and union restored, unless they act the part of the veriest hypocrite. It is well to attend to these ordinances regularly, for members feel under obligation to settle difficulties, before coming around the table of the Lord. We closed by singing the hymn on the 225th page, and parted with joyful anticipations of meeting in the better land.
We shall in all probability have similar meetings once in two months hereafter. Notice will no doubt be given through the Review for the benefit of the scattered brethren. “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”
The church in this place is more united and prosperous than it has ever been before. We want to be of that happy number who overcome.
D. HILDRETH.
Genuine Christian Concord
Agreement in religion is not genuine Christian concord, unless it be agreement in the genuine religion of the Gospel.
Fresh Air.
WhY wonder that people are sick? Go with me into yonder chamber. The windows have shutters, inside curtains, and outside curtains; the carpenter has stopped every crevice, that no outward air may be admitted. The bed has French curtains drawn over it, the furnace is brought to the chamber, and the fire-board is tightly fitted, so that no ventilation is permitted. But the inmates complain that they cannot sleep. They retire late, take an opiate, yet are restless! Toward spring nature rebels against such restrictions, and the frame becomes more enfeebled; a bilious stomach, or jaundice, or dyspepsia (and perhaps all are combined), prostrate our friends. A physician is sent for; he gives drugs, leaves orders how often "drops" shall be taken, and when the "blister" must be dressed, and how many "leeches" had better be applied. He speaks of his patient as of feeble constitution, who is debilitated, and needs change to recruit him or her. No inquiries are made as to what produced this disease; no intimation is given that willful transgressions of known laws have brought it on; no reflection is made about over-heated apartments and late hours; and the patient lies in bed, believing that sickness is brought on by the hand of Providence, and we have only to submit to the all-wise decree.
How preposterous thus to reason! How wicked to throw the disease upon our Maker! No, my friend, you brought it upon yourself. Do you remember those evening parties, when you exchanged the long sleeves for bare arms, the closed neck for a bare one, the worsted hose for the delicate silk, the India-rubber boot for the satin slipper? Do you remember the hoarseness and cough which followed, and your persistence in still keeping up this excitement? You gave particular orders that your chamber should be heated, it is true, on your return; but had you given orders that it should be ventilated, even by night air, it would have turned to better account, as far as your health was concerned. Air, air is heaven's gift to sustain us. Why are you so terrified to inhale it? Who sleeps so soundly as the robin, and who rises so early to carol his morning hymn of gratitude? Are you more feeble than the little unfledged birds? Look at the most helpless of creatures. See how they grow and thrive by obeying natural laws. This is all we need to become healthy and happy beings, viz., obedience to natural laws. Go out in the open air, walk with energetic movements, do not wrap yourselves up so much as to render it uncomfortable to go far, but let the elasticity of your steps supply the scantiness of your clothing.
How often we sigh over the fate of children in foreign countries who are so overtasked that the breath of heaven is denied them! Who ever wastes a tear over that friend who lives in luxury, and voluntarily shuts herself from the pure air? Who tells her she is daily committing suicide? No; the sallow, lily face seems actually preferred to the healthful, rosy hue of health! A lady, whose waist was about the size of a wheel-pin (such as our grandmothers used), recently met a friend of the first model as it respects form, and outward signs of health. "Why," said the wasp-waisted lady, "I might have mistaken her for an Irish girl, she looked so healthy!" Is there not a false idea, that a pale complexion and a small waist are considered recommendatory to the gentlemen?
O, nonsense! No man ever wanted a sickly wife. No husband ever desired an apothecary's shop for his wife's benefit, nor yet craved the pleasure of listening to a woman's complaints.
How many purses (poorly filled) have been taxed with physicians' bills, apothecaries' prescriptions, and long journeys, with the view of restoring decayed health!
Up, my friend, raise thy window, give a free current in thy bed-chamber, inhale a goodly portion in thy lungs, throw away the bed-curtains and the pill-boxes, and the quieting-powder; take fresh air and exercise, and you will find you have consulted with the best of physicians, for he will make you cheerful as you become vigorous: and no blessing can be compared to a healthy, cheerful companion.
All is Right if Conscience Approve.
It was a good saying of one that, in those days, was known to be an able speaker, when he was to make his reply to some that had unjustly maligned him, I will rest (saith he) henceforward in peace, in the house of my own conscience; and if I do any good deeds, it is no matter who knows them; if bad, knowing them myself, it is no matter from whom I hide them; they will be recorded before that Judge from whose presence I cannot flee. If all the world applaud me, and He accuse me, their praise is vain. And thus let every man, in all his intents, projects, and ends, as a conscionable Christian, look to the Lord, as the searcher of his heart, and regarder of his work; not caring for the howling of dogs, the slanderous reports of lewd and wicked men, so as the little bird within sings clear; not discouraging himself at whatsoever men think or speak of him, and his doings, so as God and his conscience do approve them; nor contenting himself with men’s approbation, when the testimony of God’s word and his own conscience gainsays them.
Look Away.
By Emma House
TUNE—“Dixie Land.”
We’re traveling toward a country bright,
Where all is peace, and love, and light,
Look away, look away, look away to that bright land,
We know the dangers that surround
The footsteps of the homeward bound;
Look away, look away, look away to that bright land.
Chorus.—We’ll all fight for the victory,
And win, and win,
And when we reach that happy spot,
Our pilgrimage will be forgot,
In the joys, in the joys, in the joys of God and heaven,
In the joys, in the joys, in the joys of God and heaven.
The heavenly Shepherd guides his sheep,
Along life’s narrow, toilsome steep,
Look away, look away, look away to that bright land,
He’ll bring them safe within the fold,
And they shall walk the streets of gold,
Look away, look away, look away to that bright land.
Chorus.—We’ll all fight, &c.
They’ll sing the song that angels sing
Before the throne of God their King;
Look away, look away, look away to that bright land,
A crown of life will each one wear;
O, shall we not this glory share?
Look away, look away, look away to that bright land.