Earlier text: NO ROOM FOR CHRISTTHE PROSPECT.
By Jas. Sawyer
Our enemies may feel jealous because the work of God goes forward in the earth; but this is only what must be expected. When we consider the history of the past, we find this has always been the case. Unconverted men will act toward those upon whom the blessing of the Lord rests just as Cain did toward Abel. A jealous man will develop his character after awhile. Societies, corporations, governments and nations, cannot always dissemble. There is yet to be developed a two-horned beast power that will speak as a dragon. Rev. 13:11. Where God's truth is vindicated this principle will take root, grow, and finally show itself in its cruel, destroying character. It is not a legitimate result of the vindication of truth; but it is an antagonism which presents itself because the truth is there. There never was a Christian who enjoyed God's blessings but has felt the withering influence of jealous-hearted relatives, acquaintances, and false brethren. It cannot be otherwise. The human mind is so constituted that when there is a neglect of the exercise of the higher functions of our mind; or, in other words, when true religion is neglected, jealousy with all its accompanying train of tormentors presses in to rule us and influence those around us for evil. We have an example of this in the Jewish nation. When Christ and his apostles began to carry on a successful work in Judea, the rulers and high priests began to be jealous. It resulted in the final rejection and overthrow of the nation. Another example presents itself in the case of the Romans. When true religion began to be successfully carried into parts of their empire, it stirred the pagan priests, and jealousy took root. The rulers whose authority was upheld by pagan subjects, began to be jealous of Christian churches, and persecutions and martyrdoms immediately followed. It will be noticed that the enemy has used two elements of opposition—hatred and flattery. One or both of these, he employs to accomplish the overthrow of every Christian believer. When martyrdom could not stop the progress of truth in the earth, flattery was called in to aid the Roman rulers in accomplishing their object. Some points of Christian faith were embraced by the pagans, and bishops became jealous of each other as the propagators of different doctrinal points gained many adherents. And here again flattery failed, and persecution and martyrdom again became the order in the work of the enemy. This is the way the work has been going on in the past. We have no expectation that the future will be better. In a letter recently received from Sweden, from a brother who has been a teacher for many years, we learn that he is now compelled to leave his avocation on account of the opinions he entertains of the Advent faith. The State or Lutheran religion prevails in that country. Where Methodists and Baptists have succeeded in Sweden, it has been by pressing their way through persecution. But these two religious denominations have gained quite a foothold there, and this has produced a more tolerant spirit in matters of religion than has formerly existed. Bro. Ekdahl feels the need of friends. We were very glad to learn from his last letter that his daughter, eighteen years of age, had copied all his finely written translations which have been sent for publication in the Swedish HAROLD. It is remarkable that a man in a foreign country should, without a teacher, so master the English language in a year as to be ready and apt in translating. We cannot help thinking that his heart is in the work. God must be helping Bro. Ekdahl. We hope he has consecrated himself fully to the work. Although this dear brother finds himself forsaken of friends, he will remember there is One who will never forsake him, One who has stood up for the despised, has succored the needy, visited the lonely, comforted the mourners, relieved the sick, and who sends his angels to help every one of his faithful children. Angels do his errands. Jesus knows all about his children's wants and sorrows. Although many snares are laid for their feet, yet he delivers them from the hand of the fowler. May persecution's iron hand be kept off from this dear brother, and may God keep him from falling! May the Lord bless Bro. Ekdahl, Larson, and Swaden, who are now beginning to let their light shine in Sweden. We hope to hear encouraging reports from them often, although their way will at times be hedged up. Although in the past the Swedish work has had its share of withering influences to contend against, yet the prospect is encouraging that faithful and tried souls are coming up to the help of the Lord, that the right will be vindicated, and that truth will prevail. God will be honored, and jealousy, with all its kindred meanness, must find an unlamented grave. From Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana, we have encouraging letters from our true friends. God will help us. He has set his hand to gather out a people from every nation. He will help this Swedish mission. He will deliver all who put their trust in him. Glory be to his name, the prospect is cheering. Jas. SAWYER. “LAYING HOLD OF THE SABBATH.”
By G. W. AMADON
The question sometimes arises, Why it is that the observers of the Sabbath are so firm and inflexible in regard to their particular views of the fourth commandment? People generally receive the Sabbath with a fixedness of purpose which is a marvel to some, and by others is often regarded as obstinacy. The true reason why Sabbath-keepers are so unbending in their faith is, that the doctrine is so manifestly taught by the Bible. This truth generally comes home to the conscience with “much assurance” (1 Thess. 1:5), and like the “lost piece of silver” that was found, it brings great joy. The commandments of God become, to those who receive them, more precious than gold, or gold highly refined, and are sweeter to the spiritual taste than honey or the honeycomb. Ps. 19:10. But prophecy described the manner in which the long-neglected and down-trodden Sabbath truth would be embraced in the last days, just prior to the second coming of Christ. Isa. 56:1, 2, says, “Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment [Heb., מִשְׁפָּט, mish-pat, a word which nearly one hundred times points directly to obedience to the LAW of God], and do justice; for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this [mark what it is and the manner in which it is to be done], and the son of man that LAYETH HOLD on it; that keepeth THE SABBATH from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.” This latter-time prophecy shows the decided and determined spirit in which the Sabbath will be received. Men and women will LAY HOLD of it. They will not simply take it in the ends of their fingers; but they will seize it with might and main as they would a physical object. The Hebrew word translated “lay hold,” is חזק, chah-zaq, and means literally, according to Gesenius’ Hebrew Lexicon, “1. To bind fast, to gird tight. 2. To hold fast to anything, to cleave to, to adhere to firmly. 3. To make firm, strong, to strengthen. 4. To be strong upon any one.” In another species of the verb it means “to show one’s self strong, to be courageous.” The word has some eight derivatives, in all of which the idea of strength, power, and force, are particularly prominent. These passages, with half a dozen instances which have no particular bearing on the point, are all the cases in which chah-zaq appears in the same tense (hiphil, future) as in Isa. 56:2. It might be observed, however, that in addition to the places already mentioned, the word appears in the Hebrew Concordance some two hundred and sixty times. It is quite interesting to note its extensive use in the Old Testament Scriptures. The foregoing is at least a partial answer to the question why the people of God lay hold of the Sabbath with such inflexibility of purpose—prophecy said that they would do so, and the Lord promises a blessing to those who do it. The trouble with many Christians is, that they wish to find a rest this side of Heaven. Lot would halt at Zoar, but he found trouble there, and was obliged at last to put out again in a damaged plight. Life is a journey, a struggle, a battle. There is no halt till we reach the gates, and our rest is beyond. ROME, N. Y.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
We can report some progress for the present week. The novelty of the meetings is now all over, and considerable opposition here and there begins to be shown, though nothing uncommon. Our audience has kept up good, being about four or five hundred every night, with more on extra occasions. We have sold from two to ten dollars' worth of books every day, and have obtained about twenty-five subscribers for the REVIEW, and received twenty-three dollars' donations, and have had things brought into the tent, and plenty of invitations out. Sunday morning a Methodist minister preached against the Sabbath. We review him Tuesday night. His argument was moderate and created no impression. Sabbath day, about twenty of our brethren and sisters came from abroad. With these we had about one hundred out. After speaking awhile, we had a good social meeting, in which the friends took hold, freely confessing the whole truth, and expressing deep gratitude for the light they had received. When we called for a vote of all present who were either keeping the Sabbath or meant to in the future, sixty-three arose, making above thirty who are newly converted to the truth. There were before about a dozen Sabbath-keepers in and around Rome, who will now meet here, so that we now have nearly forty-five Sabbath-keepers in this company. Many are interested, for whom we still hope. Next Sabbath we begin a Bible-class. A great many have heard a few sermons, have gone away deeply interested, and taken books with them. One young man from Iowa, has embraced the truth and gone back there. The other day I received the following letter with $1.00 enclosed:— “New London, N. Y., Aug. 5, 1876. “REV. MR. CANRIGHT: I am holding a subordinate position in the engineering party which is making a survey of this (middle) division of the New York canals, for the purpose of making estimates for bottoming down the canal. “While working in the vicinity of Rome last week, I had the pleasure of listening to four or five sermons under your tent. I have usually attended the M. E. Church, but have never made any open profession of religion. “While in Rome I attended your services as frequently as my other duties would permit, and was sorry to be obliged to move farther west. I think that the doctrine which you teach is very rational and beautiful. “Before coming away I wished to call and see you, but did not have an opportunity. I send you $1.00 to help you on in your good work. May God give you health, is the wish of OSCAR W. FERGUSON. “Office Canal Engineers, Syracuse, N. Y.” We trust that in this case seed has been sown upon good ground. In all, I judge that two or three thousand persons have listened to the truth thus far during these meetings. We thank the Lord for the success so far, and hope we may still meet with more encouragement before the meeting closes. D. M. CANRIGHT. Rome, N. Y., Aug. 7, 1876. INDIANA
By S. H. Lane; James Harvey
Our tent is pleasantly located at Peru, Miami County. We commenced meetings first-day forenoon, Aug. 6, and have now given four discourses. Our congregations thus far have ranged from one to five hundred. We cannot as yet determine what the interest will be. We trust a good work may be accomplished. S. H. LANE,
JAMES HARVEY. KANSAS
By J. N. Ayers; Smith Sharp
Our meetings held in July near Fort Scott were well attended by those not of our faith. At Centerville we had a profitable season. The house was full at each meeting. One was baptized, and the ordinances were celebrated. The S. S. pledge was raised to about $25. The next meeting, at Mound City, was encouraging for the church. They arranged to hold meetings on the first, third, and fifth Sabbaths in each month in Mound City, and on the second and fourth Sabbaths at sister Osborn’s, on the Osage River. A leader and a clerk were appointed, and a resolution was passed requiring all members too far away to attend meeting to report by letter at least once in three months. They also raised their S. S. pledge from $60 to $110. Of the church at Indianapolis we can report nothing favorable. Much labor has been spent here, but those who embraced the truth have failed to realize their responsibility, and the cause is low. One old gentleman, while on a visit to his son near this place, although seventy-three years of age and nearly deaf, after reading constantly for nearly a month, fully embraced our views and was baptized. After using tobacco sixty years he threw it away, and now rejoices in the truth. Let those who say they can’t quit using tobacco think of this case. At Mt. Vernon greater opposition has existed than at any other place I know of. They locked us out of the school-house and the meeting-house last winter, but the Baptists kindly opened their meeting-house for this meeting. The people turned out well, the house being full at some meetings. The ordinances were celebrated, and five were received into the church. Bro. Reed was ordained elder. Our meetings at Rock Creek closed last night. Seven were baptized yesterday, and eight united with the church. Bro. John Gibbs was ordained elder, and Bro. E. M. Kalloch deacon of the church. A resolution was adopted making it censurable for members to neglect attending meetings and taking part in them. J. N. AYERS,
SMITH SHARP. Rock Creek, Kan., Aug. 7, 1876. Viroqua, Aug. 7, 1876
By I. Sanborn; O. A. Johnson
Our meetings continue with increasing interest, though the farmers are now in the hurry of harvest. We are now in the midst of the Sabbath question. To-day Sunday, two opposition sermons are given, which will be reviewed in the tent Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. The whole town and country for miles around are stirred. There are two papers published in town, and we furnish an article for each on the most stirring parts of our faith, besides reports of the progress of our meetings. The opposition is exceedingly aroused, because we advertised through the papers that we would give any person $25 for one text to prove that Sunday is the Sabbath or the Lord's day, which put the ministers in a very awkward position. But the Lord gives us much freedom in the word, and we are cheerful and hope for much good. Pray for us, and for the success of the truth. I. Sanborn,
O. A. Johnson. Alma Center, Wis., Aug. 10, 1876
By C. W. Olds; O. A. Hegg
Our last report was from Hixton, July 18. We continued there till July 31, holding in all forty-three meetings, twenty-two of which were held in the school-house previous to our camp-meeting. During the interval that ensued between the two courses of meetings, the Wesleyans held a camp-meeting at this place, and of course did all in their power to break down what we had built up. At the close of their meeting a Baptist elder was hired to deliver a discourse against the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and we reviewed him in the tent. Our next opponent was one Eld. Richardson (ex-presiding elder). He delivered two discourses, one on the Sabbath and the other on the nature of man, but he gave but poor satisfaction to the unfettered ones, and the truth lost nothing by his opposition. The Lord gave us freedom in reviewing him.63We leave here twelve honest souls keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, four of whom followed their Saviour in baptism. We are now stationed at Alma Center, a small village on the G. B. and M. R. R., seven miles from Hixton. The country round about is very beautiful, and the inhabitants are in good circumstances. They are kind and courteous, and ever ready to supply our wants. We have had eight meetings in this place, and as it is now in the midst of harvest and the people are very busy, our congregations have been small, ranging from fifty to one hundred; but the interest is good, and we are in hopes that as soon as the busy times are over, we shall have an increase, both in numbers and interest. Calls are coming in from all the country around for us to come and hold meetings. May the Lord give us wisdom to do our part in the sounding of the last message of mercy. Last Sabbath we met with the friends at Hixton, and found them firm and trusting in the Lord. Brethren, pray for us. Alma Center, Wis., Aug. 10, 1876
THE NARROW WAY.
By P. ALDERMAN
Oh! that my weary, way-worn feet
May keep the narrow way,
And though a rugged, steep ascent,
May never from it stray. On this highway of holiness
A light still brightly gleams,
On this the Sun of Righteousness
Reflects his radiant beams. Dear fellow-pilgrim, keep the way—
Led onward by the light;
The hills we're passing one by one,
And soon will pass the night. In patience let us toil and pray
A few more months or years;
Perhaps a few more weeks or days
May end our prayers and tears. Soon shall we reach the pearly gates
Of dear Jerusalem,
Then we exchange our moving tents
For an eternal home. CHATAUQUA COUNTY, N. Y.
By R. F. Cottrell
I reported that one had embraced the truth at Watt's Flats. Two more have taken a stand. Now there are five. They maintain regular meetings. ST. LAWRENCE CO., N. Y.
By S. B. Whitney
We remained in Hermon one week after our last report, and several others decided to keep the Sabbath. The believers there seem firm and are growing in grace. We have met with them on the Sabbath since the tent was taken down. July 27, we pitched the tent in Potsdam, and commenced meetings the evening of the 28th with a temperance lecture, by request of some of the citizens. Although we have been broken up some by temperance meetings that have moved the whole village and surrounding country, and although there is a great amount of sickness in the place, seventy-five cases of typhoid fever being reported within the corporation, yet the interest is good, the attendance ranging from three hundred to five hundred generally. Bro. Jacob Wilbur joined me last week, Bro. Hall's health failing him so that he needs rest. Brethren, pray for us. Potsdam, N. Y., Aug. 9, 1876. VIRGINIA TENT.
By E. B. Lane; J. O. Corliss
During the last week we have held ten meetings in the tent, and Mrs. Lane has held three at Soliloquy. We have made thirty family visits, and obtained one trial subscriber for the Review. At the Sabbath meeting, about twenty-five were present, six or more of whom are keeping the day. Many others are deeply interested. We look for an ingathering here. The past week has been unfavorable for meetings on account of rain, yet the average attendance has been about fifty. The tent has suffered some from mildew. Invitations come in from all parts for us to hold meetings with them.
E. B. LANE,
J. O. CORLISS.
Alma, Page Co., Va. LOUISA CO., IOWA.
By R. M. KILGORE; J. H. MORRISON
We pitched the tent at Wapello yesterday, and shall begin meetings to-night. The people here are kind and courteous and have granted us every favor asked. This is a village of about fifteen hundred inhabitants, the county seat of Louisa County. We shall earnestly pray and labor that good may be accomplished. Brethren, pray for us. Our address will be Wapello, Louisa Co., Iowa. R. M. KILGORE,
J. H. MORRISON. SHELDON, ILL.
By G. W. Colcord; Dennis Morrison
Our meetings are well attended. These people seem to be deeply interested, and some have already decided to obey the commandments of God, rather than the traditions of men. Bro. R. F. Andrews is expected this evening. Pray for us. G. W. COLCORD,
DENNIS MORRISON. Friendship, Aug. 6, 1876
By H. W. Decker; A. D. Olsen
We have been at Friendship three weeks. The first week the interest was poor, attendance small, and the prospect rather discouraging; but the interest has since steadily increased. A few have decided to obey, and there is a good prospect that others will move soon. H. W. DECKER,
A. D. OLSEN. FARM HILL, MINN.
By L. H. Ells; W. B. Hill; S. Fulton
July 9, we commenced labor in the tent two miles north of Farm Hill, in the edge of Wabashaw Co., in the midst of a thickly settled, thriving, farming community. The religious denominations are Episcopal and Wesleyan Methodists, and Baptists. Our meetings, thus far, have been well attended, the congregations ranging from one hundred to three hundred and fifty. The people have listened with marked attention to the words spoken, and God has given us great freedom in presenting his truth, for which we praise his holy name. We have now come up to the time of harvest, and it has been thought best to postpone the evening meetings for three weeks, and to renew them again Aug. 20. The postmaster of the place has taken his stand to keep all the commandments. May God bless him, and may others soon join him, is our prayer. Notice has been given that opposition sermons will be preached. We request the prayers of God's people, that we may have wisdom to move just right, and that the greatest good may be accomplished. We deem this an important point, and the enemy will doubtless do all he can to hinder the work. L. H. Ells,
W. B. Hill,
S. Fulton. I now have the subject of the Sabbath fully before the people. This has reduced my congregations some, but I have now about one hundred regular attendants. The ministers of the place have not been at the place since I introduced the Sabbath question. One unfavorable feature is, there seems to be no desire to read. I have sold but one dollar's worth of books, and the people are loth to take our tracts when given to them; yet I hope for some success. I commenced lecturing at Bear Wallow on the evening of the 4th inst. I have now given five discourses. I never had a better interest nor better attention. Harvest is over, and now we can get a hearing from the country. It is a Disciple neighborhood, and they would not consent to have me preach in the tent, but insisted that I must accept of their house of worship. They said I should have it unmolested as long as I wanted it. I am alone, have no tent master even; so I take my family along to assist what they can. We live in our tent, which we pitched close by the meeting-house. It reminds us of the way Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob used to live. The meeting-house is commodious and airy. I look for some success here, if we do our duty. The preachers are being stirred some on the kingdom question. My prayer is that God may help us, and that this meeting may be a success. Pray for the cause here. S. OSBORN.
Bear Wallow, Hart Co., Ky., Aug. 9. MAINE
By R. S. Webber; S. J. Hersom
We put up our tent at Sebago Lake; but after we had been there a few days, we learned that the Temperance people were going to hold a camp-meeting there, so we staid till just before their meeting commenced and then moved our tent to Brunswick. We commenced meetings July 30. Aug. 3, we took up the Sabbath question, and four from Freeport have already commenced its observance. We have given eleven discourses to this date, Aug. 7. The interest is good, and we hope to see a good work done here. We have not had less than two hundred out. Last evening we had about six hundred, and they listened with the deepest interest to a sermon from Rev. 14: 6. R. S. WEBBER,
S. J. HERSOM. PARSONS, KAN.
By A. J. Stover
Our meetings are progressing finely. Two have decided to go with us; others are interested. We have good order, and enough of opposition to make it interesting. Pray for us. A. J. STOVER. WESTERN KANSAS TENT.
By J. Lamont; N. W. Vincent
Our interest still continues. Our congregation was larger last Sunday night than at any previous meeting, although there was a quarterly meeting just across the street. At the close of their meeting an appointment was made to preach on the Sabbath question the next Sunday night. This has been fulfilled to-night, the 6th inst., ourselves and our congregation being present. We review Tuesday night. Ten signed the covenant yesterday, and one to-day. Three were baptized this morning. J. Lamont,
N. W. Vincent. Council Grove, Aug. 6, 1876. SOUTHERN INDIANA.
By D. H. Oberholtzer
Last Sabbath and first-day, July 29, 30, I met with the friends in Clay County who came out on the Sabbath and kindred truths under my labors last winter. I held five meetings with them with a good attendance. A deep interest was manifested at each meeting. On the Sabbath I spoke on health reform, and all seemed to be glad of the light on this subject. Each one took part in the social meeting, and there were some as good testimonies borne as I ever heard. After the services on Sunday afternoon, we repaired to the water, and five were buried with the Lord in baptism. The ordinance was administered by Bro. Randolph in presence of between two and three hundred people. It was pleasant to see husband and wife go down into the water together; may they thus pass through this world and enter into the kingdom of God. And may all the members of this church remain faithful in the good cause, resting assured that in due time they shall reap if they faint not. Sabbath and first-day, Aug. 5, 6, were good days for the church at Patricksburg, Indiana. It was our quarterly meeting, and the brethren came over from Clay Co., a wagon load came from Spencer, and one brother came from Monroe Co., a distance of about forty miles. All went to work. Nearly all took part in the celebration of the ordinances on the Sabbath, and the best of feeling prevailed throughout. On first-day an invitation was extended to the unconverted, and three responded, expressing a desire to be united with the church. All felt their need of a church-house, and a movement was set on foot to build one. If a proper spirit of sacrifice is manifested by all, and the blessing of the Lord attends our efforts, we trust we shall soon have a commodious house of worship at this place. All were much encouraged, and went home determined to serve the Lord with increased diligence. May the Lord help them to carry out their resolutions is my prayer. I desire the prayers of God's people, that I may continue faithful, and meet all the dear people of God in the kingdom. Patricksburg, Owen Co., Ind., Aug. 7, 1876. To Sabbath-School Workers in Kansas.
By J. N. Ayers
Dear Brethren: You are engaged in a great, a noble work. Among the several agencies which God designs to bless to the upbuilding of his cause and kingdom the Sabbath-school ranks second to few, perhaps to none. Here we feed the “lambs” as well as the “sheep.” Here we give our “babes in Christ” the “sincere milk of the word,” thus securing their growth in grace and in the knowledge of truth. But we are fully persuaded that our present Sabbath-school system, if system it may be called, is very defective, and very little is accomplished compared with what may be done by a good system properly carried out. One great need of our schools is co-operation, that each may help the other. This will almost at once bring the poorer schools up to the standard of the better ones, and then all can advance together. But in order to secure this co-operation, we must have organization. With this the needed reformation can be brought about. Our churches accomplished comparatively little before they formed Conferences. But since this general organization has been effected their efforts have been most signally blessed. The haphazard distribution of tracts and other publications during a period of twenty-five years, makes a very unfavorable show compared with what has been done since the organization of the T. & M. Society. This shows the difference between system and the want of it. While we cannot do everything at once, we can begin to do something now; and we earnestly recommend every school that has not already done so to immediately obtain a “Bible Lessons for Youth” by Bro. G. H. Bell; and let not the youth only, but the older ones also, carefully study it, lesson by lesson. Most persons will be surprised to see how much better they can explain and defend the great truths of the Bible after a thorough study of this book than before. After this is done and we have a complete State organization, lesson papers can be prepared on the same plan that the International Sunday-school leaves now are. Then with regular reviews, Institutes, lectures, etc., our Sabbath-schools will be what they ought to be. Rock Creek, Kan., Aug. 2, 1876. MY EXPERIENCE.
By C. K. DRURY
THE Lord works in mysterious ways to call people from darkness into the light of the truth. Up to the summer of 1874, Seventh-day Adventists were a people wholly unknown to me. My attention was first called to them by reading an advertisement of a camp-meeting, to be held in Wolcott, Vt. I thought they must be very curious people, trying to make Sunday out of Saturday. I supposed there was no truth in their position, and thought no more on the subject for one year, when my attention was again called to them by reading a similar notice, for the meeting at Essex Junction. This impression did not leave me so easily; for I often found myself reading the notice. One day while reading and reflecting upon it (some unseen power held me as if fixed to the spot), the words, "Seventh-day Adventists," ran through my mind with thrilling effect. Why those words should so forcibly impress me, I could not then understand, but I do now. I then and there resolved that I would investigate and know if these things were true. At last the long-looked-for time arrived; for I was anxiously waiting. I attended about every meeting. At first I was most favorably impressed, although convinced of the truth, but before the meetings closed, I could see that this people were right in keeping the seventh day, but I had not fully made up my mind to obey. When the first Sabbath came, I started for the "camp," and it was truly a Sabbath to me. Every thing seemed to say, This is God's holy day. I was not quite ready to give up and keep this Sabbath, so after services I returned to my office. I went about my work the next Sabbath, but nothing went right, so I worked but half a day. I was fully persuaded that it was my duty to keep the Sabbath, but a thousand objections raised their puny heads, like, "You can't, what will become of your business?" "Don't be so foolish," &c.; while, on the other hand, I could see, as distinctly as if written in letters of gold, Duty, duty, duty. I dared not go back, and say I had never received light; to go forward seemed like lifting a load far too heavy for me. And truly it was too much for a mortal to undertake in his own strength. I was about ready to shrink from duty and turn again to my former faith (Methodism), but alas! my former hope had fled, never more to return. It could not stand in the light of the truth. Then there was nothing to be done but to put my trust in One who is mighty and able to save, and who will succor all that come to him. I did this; and when the next Sabbath came it found me ready and willing to keep it. And after nearly one year in connection with this Sabbath-keeping people, I can with an honest heart say, If there is a people who can rejoice in the promises of God, it is the Seventh-day Adventists. There is a great work to be done. There are many precious souls to be saved, and the time is short. The perils of the last days are upon us. My brother, my sister in the present truth, let us labor while the day lasts. Let us not fear the face of clay, but stand up and declare these precious truths to lost and sinful man, that we may stand acquitted, and be accounted worthy of eternal life in the day that the Lord shall make up his jewels. I feel that I have a personal duty to perform in the closing work of the third angel's message. The thought comes to me that some one else can perform it for me; but what would be my plea in the Judgment if I knew my duty and performed it not? I dare not risk it. No other person can do my work for me. The Lord knows who can do certain duties best, and if he calls me it is my duty to respond. I do truly feel that he calls me to share in the closing work of the last message of mercy. It may be to preach the word, or it may be to go from house to house in the missionary work and thus spread this good news, to point sinners to the broken law, and to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. To do this, we must draw near, yes, very near to God, and live humbly before the world. Reader, let us search our hearts anew and drive out every thing not in accordance with the will of God, that it may be well with us when we shall be called to render up our account for the deeds of this life. I desire to so consecrate myself to him that the language of my heart shall be— "Lord I desire with thee to live
Anew from day to day,
In joys this world can never give,
Nor ever take away. "Blest Jesus, come and rule my heart,
And make me wholly thine,
That I may never more depart,
Nor grieve thy love divine." Essex Junction, Vt., Aug. 2, 1876. SOUTH-WESTERN IOWA.
By J. Bartlett; G. V. Kilgore
After holding meetings over five weeks in Sidney, we closed last night. The attendance and interest were good all the time, and we were hindered very little by rain. Sixteen signed the covenant. We intend to follow up the interest there. To-day (Aug. 8) we came to Plum Hollow. With the help of the inhabitants, a center pole was procured and the tent pitched, free of charge. To-morrow evening we intend to begin meetings. Pray for the cause and for those who labor therein.
J. BARTLETT,
G. V. KILGORE. After returning from Dakota Territory, I spent about a week at home with my family. Last Sabbath I met with the church at Nevada, Story Co., where I found all the brethren still walking in the truth, and their numbers increasing. On Sunday, I was with the church near Marshalltown. Here the brethren were all in their places and of good courage in the Lord. Five more were received into the church; and four were baptized, making in all seven who have been baptized since the camp-meeting. Others are deeply interested, and will soon go with us. I expect to begin tent labor next week, with Bro. Morrison, in Wapello, Louisa Co., Iowa. TENNESSEE
By Orlando Soule
About the time of my last report, word was circulated that I must leave the country or I would be disposed of some other way, and then Sabbath-keepers would have to give up their foolish notions, as they are called, or they would share the same fate. All things considered, I thought it my duty to remain with the brethren until things were more quiet. While thus waiting, many events occurred which show clearly that we are far advanced in the work of the third angel's message; and that the two-horned beast, now a hundred years old, is laying aside the innocency that made him so great; and his subjects stand ready to stain their hands with the blood of persecution. Among the many incidents that might be told in proof of this, I will relate one. One Sunday, while at a private house writing, and knowing nothing of it until it was past, a mob, composed of professors and worldlings, visited a house of worship where they thought to find me. Being disappointed, they inquired for me, and were told that I was at another place, three and a half miles away. They immediately repaired thither through a drenching rain, to be again disappointed. If men will do such things now, without the sanction of law, what may Sabbath-keepers expect in the near future, when the laws will be framed to uphold these opposers in their work? While thus detained I had a severe attack of fever and ague, which made my stay longer than I had intended. I am now able to visit some, and expect to enter a new field soon. Brethren, pray for the work here.