Earlier text: DOCTRINAL TRUTHS OF THE BIBLENIGHT air and damp weather are held in great horror by multitudes of persons who are sickly or of weak constitutions; consequently, by avoiding the night air, and damp weather, and changeable weather, and weather that is considered too hot or too cold, they are kept within doors much the largest portion of the time, and as a matter of course continue invalids, more and more ripening for the grave every hour; the reason is, they are breathing an impure atmosphere nineteen-twentieths of their whole existence. As nothing can wash us clean but pure water, so nothing can cleanse the blood, nothing can make health-giving blood, but the agency of pure air. So great is the tendency of the blood to become impure in consequence of waste and useless matters mixing with it as it passes through the body, that it requires a hogshead of air every hour of our lives to unload it of these impurities; but in proportion as this air is vitiated, in such proportion does it infallibly fail to relieve the blood of these impurities, and impure blood is the foundation of all disease. The great fact that those who are out of doors most, summer and winter, day and night, rain or shine, have the best health the world over, does of itself falsify the general impression that night air or any other out-door air is unhealthy as compared with indoor air at the same time. Air is the great necessity of life; so much so, that if deprived of it for a moment, we perish: and so constant is the necessity of the blood for contact with the atmosphere, that every drop in the body is exposed to the air through the medium of the lungs every two minutes and a half of our existence. Whatever may be the impurity of the out-door air of any locality, the in-door air of that locality is still more impure, because of the dust, and decaying and odoriferous matters which are found in all dwellings. Besides, how can in-door air be more healthy than the out-door air, other things being equal, when the dwelling is supplied with air from without? To this very general law there is one exception, which it is of the highest importance to note. When the days are hot, and the nights cool, there are periods of time within each twenty-four hours, when it is safest to be in-doors, with doors and windows closed; that is to say, for the hour or two including sunrise and sunset, because about sunset the air cools, and the vapors, which the heats of the day have caused to ascend far above us, condense and settle near the surface of the earth, so as to be breathed by the inhabitants; as the night grows colder, these vapors sink lower, and are within a foot or two of the earth, so they are not breathed. As the sun rises, these same vapors are warmed, and begin to ascend, to be breathed again, but as the air becomes warmer, they are carried so far above our heads as to be innocuous. Thus it is that the old citizens of Charlestown, S. C., remember, that while it was considered important to live in the country during the summer, the common observation of the people originated the custom of riding into town, not in the cool of the evening or of the morning, but in the middle of the day. They did not understand the philosophy, but they observed the fact that those who came to the city at mid-day remained well, while those who did so early or late suffered from it. All strangers at Rome are cautioned not to cross the Pontine marshes after the heat of the day is over. Sixteen of a ship’s crew, touching at one of the West India Islands, slept on shore several nights, and thirteen of them died of yellow fever in a few days, while of two hundred and eighty, who were freely ashore during the day, not a single case of illness occurred. The marshes above named are crossed in six or eight hours, and many travelers who do it in the night are attacked with mortal fevers. This does, at first sight, seem to indicate that night air is unwholesome, at least in the locality of virulent malarias, but there is no direct proof that the air about sunrise and sunset is not that which is productive of the mischief. For the sake of eliciting the observations of intelligent men, we present our theory on this subject. A person might cross these marshes with impunity, who would set out on his journey an hour or two after sundown, and finish it an hour or two before sun-up, especially if he began that journey on a hearty meal, because, in this way, he would be traveling in the cool of the night, which coolness keeps the malaria so near the surface of the earth as to prevent its being breathed to a hurtful extent. But if it is deadly to sleep out of doors all night in a malarial locality, would it be necessarily fatal to sleep in a house in such a locality? It would not. It would be safer to sleep in the house, especially if the windows and doors were closed. The reason is, that the house has been warmed during the day, and if kept closed, it remains much warmer during the night indoors than it is outdoors; consequently, the malaria is kept by this warmth so high above the head, and so rarefied, as to be comparatively harmless. This may seem to some too nice a distinction altogether, but it will be found throughout the world of nature that the works of the Almighty are most strikingly beautiful in their minutiæ, and these minutiæ are the foundation of His mightiest manifestations. Thus it is, too, that what we call fever and ague might be banished from the country as a general disease, if two things were done. 1. Have a fire kindled every morning at daylight, from spring to fall in the family room, to which all the family should repair from their chambers, and there remain until breakfast is taken. 2. Let a fire be kindled in the family room a short time before sundown; let every member of the family repair to it, and there remain until supper is taken. In both cases the philosophy of the course marked out consists in two things: First, the fire rarefies the malaria and causes it to ascend above the breathing point; second, the food taken into the stomach creates an activity of circulation which repels disease.—Hall’s Journal of Health. Life is full of ups and downs—
Valleys, plains, and mountains.
Not forever are our tents
Pitched by pleasant fountains,—
Sometimes in the burning sun,
Sometimes in the shadow;
Now we climb the rocky steep,
Now we tread the meadow. Life is full of ups and downs—
Made of gains and losses,
Flowers that grow on prickly stems,
Crowns that hang on crosses.
Summer breezes fan our cheeks,
Wintry blasts affright us;
And when snow’s white mantle rends,
Spring’s fair sights delight us. Murmur not at ups and downs;
They are needful changes;
He can never err in aught
Who thy lot arranges.
Seek not, as the highest good,
Thy content and pleasure;
Wings have they to fly thee still,
Seek a better treasure. Would’st thou make life’s ups and downs
Easier seem and brighter,
Share thy fellows’ heavy load
Thine shall be the lighter.
Smooth the pillow of the sick,
Sweet shall be thy slumber;
Will to bless shall bring to thee
Blessings without number. Who would dread these ups and downs,
Since they bring us nearer
To the outer wall of life,
Where the light grows clearer?
Nearer to the heart of Him
Who, with gentle guiding,
Leads through all life’s weary ways
Into peace abiding? Love can take from ups and downs
All the pain and trouble;
For the joy we give away
Comes back more than double;
Love to Christ and love to man,
And a heart forgiven,
Make the ups and downs of life
Just the path to Heaven. —The Cottager and Artisan. How the Traffic in Church Livings Goes On in England.
Last night, says a London letter of the 28th ult., a very temperate and quiet expose of this abuse of church patronage was given in the House of Commons, and it very opportunely comes before the public and the press at this moment. It appears that a regular system of Stock Exchange in these “livings” has been going on for some time, and that there have been “bulls” and “bears,” and “puts and calls,” and “rigs and corners” of clerical brokers as vigorously and as unscrupulously indulged in as ever Capel court or Wall street has seen. At present there are 2000 livings, or about one-fourth of the whole salable patronage of the Church of England, on the market. They are offered to any one by public notice, just like second-hand furniture or broken-down horses. No questions are asked as to qualifications or sentiments or views of the intending buyer. He pays his money and takes his choice. The idea that even a Brahmin or Buddhist may purchase, by proxy, of a white-looking curate such a fat investment is rather serious. That “the care of souls” is put up at auction and knocked down to the highest bidder is no secret. It is done in civilized England. It was proved by testimony that many of these clerical brokers frequently sold good livings for prompt “spot” cash to preachers with damaged moral reputations. Bishops admitted this, and said they had no power to cope with the evils of simony. Yet to do away with private patronage in “livings” in the Church of England would be one of the most serious wounds to the “material interests” of the “Establishment.”—Sel. Not long ago, on inviting a good brother with whose presence we had not been much favored of late at our social meetings, to be more mindful of his duty on that point, we received for a reply the assurance that he should not attend as frequently as in former times, as the meetings were not as interesting as they used to be. Now, I thought, the church is not altogether unlike a boat’s crew upon the Niagara,—the current is strong, and the falls not far distant. With their united efforts, the crew can make perceptible though slow headway. A becomes discouraged, and declares that he will do but little more till he can see the boat move faster against the current. B and C decide to follow his example; and tell the captain that if he can alone propel the boat rapidly away from the impending danger, they will lend a helping hand, otherwise, the boat may go over the falls. The captain tugs at the oars; but the boat is so loaded down with the weight of those useless complainers that it is in vain, and all go over the abyss of surging waters together. Now, if there is ever a time when a church needs the presence and help of strong, active members, it is at a time of spiritual declension or of severe trial; and for any one to stand aloof, and complain about the bad state of things, is altogether wrong, and must meet the frown of the great Head of the church. Why not confess at once, what is true in the case, that such individual complainers are themselves at fault? If Bro. A keeps away from meetings because they are not very spiritual and lively, Bro. B can just as properly do likewise; and the leader might be left entirely alone. Here the boat’s crew have the decided advantage; for they are all present to witness the slightest success of the captain, whereas the members of the church are all absent, perhaps sleeping over a hearty Sabbath dinner, and the solitary leader, with none to lead, might be too diffident to report a good meeting. We would say to every strong brother or sister, Stand at your post of duty; endure hardness as a good soldier of Christ; tug hardest at the oars when the tide is strongest. You cannot habitually absent yourself from the public assembly without wronging your brethren, and wounding the cause of God. To the weak and back-sliding we would say, You cannot afford to lose any of the means of grace; they are among the Heaven-appointed means of spiritual growth and vigor. A. SMITH. A Universal Moral Panacea.
A reader of the Hebrew Leader proposes the following remedy for the ills of the flesh and spirit, composed of leaves, plants, and roots, which, if taken without a wry face, will make any man respectable and happy:— Leave off drinking. Leave off smoking. Leave off chewing. Leave off snuffing. Leave off swearing. Plant your pleasure in the home circle. Plant your business in some honorable employment. Plant your faith in Truth. Root your habits in industry. Root your feelings in benevolence. Root your affections in God. For directions, see the holy Scriptures, and beware of counterfeit creeds and quack theologians. Rules for Sound and Restful Sleep
To sleep well, go to bed with warm feet, an empty stomach, and an unexcited brain. Be sure to keep a clear conscience. Then shall your sleep be dreamless, and your days long in the land. The Daily Leader of July 11, 1877, published at Bloomington, Ill., says:— “The seventh of July passed, and again the over-confident Second Adventists are compelled by the force of circumstances to admit that they were mistaken in their figuring as to the day appointed for the final destruction of this earth.” We calculate to keep pretty well informed in regard to the doings of that class of Adventists who are continually dabbling in time; but we did not know of any one’s setting the 7th of July as the time for the Lord to come; and we do not believe that any one did set that day. We are well aware that there has been enough of the foolish work of time setting with a certain class of Adventists to justify to a great extent the disgust expressed by many secular and religious journals. But when papers get into such a chronic habit of sneering at the Adventists that they will manufacture times for them, and then hold them up to ridicule, that, to borrow from the vocabulary of their own slang, is getting altogether “too thin.” U. S. A comment on the following article from the Detroit Evening News, was made eighteen hundred and forty-six years ago, and may be found recorded in Luke 21: 25, 26:— “Midsummer is upon us, with the usual general collapse of trade which follows the Fourth of July, and nothing is to be done now but close up and review the spring and early summer business, and wait through the dog days for the renewed activity which movement of the crops produces in the fall. It is a good time to look back and consider whether the hopes indulged during the winter of the revival of trade this season have been justified by the commercial history of the last six months. With no love for a pessimist view of things, we confess that there is very little in the retrospect to cheer, or encourage hope for the future. It is but a repetition of the experience of every season since the panic of 1873. “It is hardly necessary to refer for proof to the reports of the commercial agencies, or to the appalling number of bankruptcies that have occurred. The latter show a slight decrease in aggregate amount when compared with those of the first half of 1876, but exceed the aggregate of 1875 by nearly twenty-three millions, and in the number of separate failures surpass even 1876 by 149. The slight decrease in amount is less an indication of improved prospects than of decreased credit. “But it does not need statistics to convince every one in business, even of the humblest kind, that the times have grown harder instead of better since 1873. The government of India measures the distress among the teeming millions of Hindostan by the amount of trinkets brought to the mint for coinage, the people thus turning their ornaments into food as the latter grows scarcer and scarcer. There are many analogous measures of distress in America. The street car companies are pinched all over the country, and particularly miss the thousands of fares for short rides, only those riding now who are compelled by distance. The cheap papers everywhere are beginning to drop off in circulation—while the high-priced ones are consolidating or going out of existence by the dozen—the masses feeling unable to spare even so small a sum as two cents. Shop-keepers of all sorts complain that purchasers select the cheapest and coarsest goods, and people now haggle at prices who in former times never asked the cost of an article. “All these symptoms are more numerous and marked this year than ever before. That there is not so loud a cry of distress as there was in the winters of 1873 and 1874 can be accounted for not by a decrease of suffering, but by an increase of indifference to it, both in those who endure it and those who are usually called upon to relieve it. “Nor does the future show any sign of a sudden change from this deplorable state of things. The condition does not seem to be an abnormal, but a natural one, which gives no sign of being thrown off, or rallied against by the patient. We have apparently reached, very prematurely, the condition of European communities where wholesale human suffering is the rule, where the increase of the species constantly keeps in advance of the increase of food, and where the very law of nature operates to make misery inevitable. “One thing seems certain. It is vain to look forward to any such state of affairs as we were some time ago accustomed to call good times. The times we have would not be regarded as so dull, but for the unhealthy fever to which we had been toned up by the unnatural temporary conditions of a few years ago. Some merchants have already recognized this, and instead of trying vainly to adjust the times to their expectations, have adjusted themselves and their business methods to the times, and have ceased growing. The quicker business men generally make up their minds that the present commercial conditions—as far at least as they are governed by the wants of the people and the ability of the people to supply those wants—are permanent, the quicker will the enormous annual aggregate of bankruptcies show an appreciable decrease.” HISTORY IS BEING MADE.
By R. F. Cottrell
It has often been truly said, “Prophecy is history in advance;” hence written history is the record of the fulfillment of prophecy. From the days of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to the present time, history has been verifying the prophecies by their exact fulfillment. And still history is being made. The present state of the world—its moral corruption, and the angry state of the nations, their distress and perplexity—perfectly fulfills the prophetic picture of the last days. Prophecy has not only sketched the history of the successive reigns of the great kingdoms of the world, described their state of anger and perplexity, but it has described the closing history of the church of Christ. The closing work of the church is most particularly described in Rev. 14:6-12, her last trial is foretold in chap. 13:11-18; and her final deliverance is promised in chaps. 14:4-5, and 15:2-4. Under the symbol of three flying angels (Rev. 14:6-12), is particularly described, in successive order, the closing work of the church on earth. And that which is thus described in prophecy is becoming history. In the fulfillment of this line of prophecy, as well as in those that relate to the nations of the earth, history is verifying prophecy. On this subject history is being made. Events in the history of the church in our own day are fulfilling with perfect accuracy the promise of God in this prophecy of 1800 years’ standing. Go back to 1844, and a little before, and the whole enlightened world were startled by the thrilling cry, “Fear God, and give glory to him, for the hour of his Judgment is come.” Unbelief may call this movement a great mistake; but the word of prophecy was verified, the promise of God was fulfilled. That the proclamation was made, cannot be disputed: it is a fact of history which it is vain to deny. In the Judgment there will be no excuse on the ground that the promise of God was not fulfilled. In the fall of 1844, the saying was heard throughout the ranks of believers in the first message, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen,” etc. Unbelievers in the advent at hand were little affected by it; but the fact exists,—the promise of the prophecy has been fulfilled. And now for more than a quarter of a century the warning of the third and last message has been rising to the notice of mankind. A people have arisen, and are increasing in numbers, who believe that the proclamation of this solemn warning is their specific work. This work, promised before, is becoming history; and the believer in revelation may rely upon it as securely as he can on those prophecies which marked out the regular succession of the kingdoms of the world. Prophecy is as truly fulfilled in these messages, as in the succession of the four great kingdoms of antiquity. The veracity of God is as truly pledged to the fulfillment of these messages, as to any promise he has ever made; and those who teach that the end is at hand, and yet ignore this last message, are exhibiting to the world a most astonishing evidence of unbelief in prophecy, as if the end could come, and this most important, promised warning not be heard! We will give a brief sketch of the history of this work. First, however, let it be observed that the message, though plain and simple, is the most unwelcome to the popular mind that could be imagined. It is in direct opposition to the cherished traditions of almost the whole Christian world, and in conflict with the customs and worldly interests of this money-loving and pleasure-seeking age. With these disadvantages, it is evident that, were the work not of God, it would have come to naught, and not have gained in the estimation of the most candid and devout, during the last thirty years. But is it declining? Has it the symptoms of speedy dissolution? We will see. From a very small beginning the work has spread in this country from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean. Almost, if not quite, every State in the union has believers in it. They are found also in the territories; in Dakota, Washington, and Oregon; also in both the Canadas. And this is not all. Believers have come to light in England, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Prussia, Switzerland, France and Italy; besides a few in Africa, Australia, and the islands of the Pacific. Besides the scattered, unorganized believers, there are fifteen State Conferences; and during the warm season of the year, these organizations send out into new places nearly fifty tents, from forty to eighty feet in diameter, which are removed from place to place, and serve as meeting-houses in which to preach to the people. But as the press is one of the most effectual means employed in the dissemination of the light of this message, we will take a brief view of the progress of the work in the publishing department. When the first number of a paper presenting the fulfillment of the third angel’s proclamation as “present truth” was printed, the whole edition was carried to the post office in a carpet bag. In contrast with this, the mail matter sent out from our Office at Battle Creek, Mich., alone, sometimes exceeds two hundred bushels in a week. At first, the pioneers in this work had to hire the printing done; but after a while a hand press was bought by the friends of the cause, and an office was established, where the work was done by believers in the truths advocated and who rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment. Soon it was seen that the increasing work could not be done with a hand press, and by voluntary contributions a first-class power press was purchased. Then the building in which the work was done proving insufficient for the growing work, a commodious brick building, two stories high, with a basement, was erected which served the purpose well for a while; but a second building of the same size, and after that a third, have been added to meet the growing demands of the cause. About sixty hands are employed in them to do the work. Here are published our leading paper, the REVIEW AND HERALD, weekly, and the YOUTH’S INSTRUCTOR, HEALTH REFORMER, a paper in the Danish language, and another in the Swedish, monthly. Publications in six different languages are sent forth from this Office. But this is not all. Another weekly paper of the size of the REVIEW, called THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, is being published on the Pacific coast. An office building, like those at Battle Creek, has been built, and furnished with power presses and all the materials necessary to carry on the work. Still further, we have missionaries in Switzerland, France, and Denmark; and a paper has been published in the French language in Switzerland for about a year, which is being sent to almost every country where that language is spoken. We do not speak of these things to boast. “Boasting is excluded.” But when we see what has been accomplished, we can truly say, “This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” and we speak of them only to assist the faith of the inquiring reader to believe37that God still lives, and is doing the very work promised in the prophecy of the last warning, 1800 years ago. Our doctrines are sustained by the positive and unambiguous statements of the Bible. And yet one of the strongest evidences that our mission is from Heaven and not of men, is the fact that the very work which was promised in prophecy is now being done. Those so devoid of faith as not to accept of the evident fulfillment of God’s word of promise, and who shall refuse obedience to the call of God to reform and make preparation for the end so evidently approaching, will be left without excuse in that day. O my soul! God has given thee the light; he has done all that could be done to warn and prepare thee for the coming, decisive day. He described in prophecy a three-fold warning, which is now evidently being fulfilled before thine eyes; and if thou shalt fail of the needed preparation to stand before the Son of man at his coming, the fault will be thine own—the “great white throne” will remain untarnished by a single spot. THAT PUZZLE.
By Uriah Smith
A CORRESPONDENT writes from Ohio, under date of July 11, and another from New York, under date of July 17, inquiring who will compose the 144,000, and asking an explanation of those passages in Thoughts on the Revelation, which speak of this company as translated from among the living, and yet as including all those who have died in the message. Thus it is said on p. 244: “The 144,000 are the living saints who will be translated at the second coming of Christ.” Again, p. 258, speaking of those who die in the Lord, as stated in Rev. 14:13, it says that they are “doubtless that company spoken of in Dan. 12:2, who are raised to everlasting life at the standing up of Michael. Thus escaping the perils through which the rest of the 144,000 pass, they rise and share with them in their final triumph here, and occupy with them their pre-eminent place in the kingdom.” Now it is asked how they can be translated from among the living, and yet some of them be those who die in the Lord, and are brought up from the dead? Easily enough as we view it. Consider that we suppose those who die under the message are raised according to Dan. 12:2, a little in advance of the general resurrection. They are raised mortal. They then stand with the 144,000 just as if they had not died. They are accounted as the living; and when the Lord appears they are translated like the others from among the living. Thus the 144,000, all of them, are the living saints upon the earth when Christ appears; and yet a portion of them have for a while been in their graves? But it may be asked, why include those who die in the message among the 144,000? We answer, Because an especial blessing is pronounced upon those who die in the Lord under this message; and we can conceive of no especial blessing to come upon them over the other righteous dead except to be numbered with the 144,000 at last, and share in their special blessings, while at the same time escaping many of their trials. And again, the third message is symbolized by the sealing work, brought to view in Rev. 7:1-4. As the result of that work 144,000 are sealed. But those who are brought to Christ by that message, and then die, are saved as the result of that work, and hence must be included in the 144,000 sealed by it. There are some expressions used in reference to the 144,000, as a body, to which these who die and are raised are exceptions. Thus, as a body, the 144,000, passing through the time of trouble, are said to have come out of great tribulation; but these escape the most of it. As a body, they have to brave the wrath of the dragon; but these are almost entirely delivered from it. As a body, they pass through the plagues, when the sun scorches men with fire, etc.; but these witness none of these awful judgments, but the final scenes. Such were the views held when Thoughts on the Revelation was written, and we see no discrepancy between any of its statements. U. S. RAILROAD RIOTS.
By Uriah Smith
Fearful scenes of riot and bloodshed are reported along some of the lines of eastern railroads, especially in Western Pennsylvania. The employees are striking for higher wages, and taking measures not only to prevent others from entering the employ of the roads, but to stop the running of trains. In Pittsburgh it is reported that 150 locomotives and 400 loaded freight cars were destroyed July 23, and 25 persons killed. It has assumed the proportions almost of a civil war, and what is worst, the spirit is spreading, and involving other roads. Unless matters are speedily adjusted, there will soon be an entire suspension of freight traffic between the east and the west. It is a part of the long impending conflict between labor and capital, fostered by the spirit of communism, trades unions, working men's associations, etc., that is abroad in the land, and is one of the disturbing elements of the troublous times of the last days. U. S. Truth Seeker: We cannot supply all the back numbers of the Review containing notes of the Discussion in Kansas. No. 3, Vol. 49, is missing. T. Hoover: We consider the word stones, in 2 Cor. 3:7, equivalent to “tables of stone” as used in the Old Testament, the plural idea there being expressed in the word, tables. If the transaction recorded in Josh. 8:31, 32, was in fulfillment of the instruction given in Deut. 27:2, 3, then the stones were plastered with plaster, and the words were written on the plaster. Or if we say that they were written on the stones, they were still only “written on,” they were not “engraven in,” the stones. 2 Cor. 3:7, evidently refers to the time when Moses’ face shone, and that was when he came down from the mount, from an audience with God. The engraving on the stones referred to was in existence at that time. But this was forty years before the altar of stones was set up by Joshua, and covered with a copy of the ceremonial law. “What is the meaning of the words of Christ in John 20:28; Matt. 16:19; 18:18? ‘Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven,’ etc. Do they not give some ground for the Romish doctrine of the priest’s power to forgive sin?” L. A. Thurston. Ans. The words of Christ are addressed to his people as a body, not to any exclusive order. The Holy Ghost is not to be monopolized by a few. All the church are to share in it. And when a church is standing in the light and liberty and counsel of God, its acts are not to be lightly regarded. Heaven ratifies its action in reference to those matters which come within its jurisdiction, such as the decision it passes upon any course of action, the acceptance of members, or the rejection of them from its communion. E. S. THE CAUSE IS ONWARD.
By S. N. Haskell
We have only to open our eyes to existing facts to be convinced, not only of the progress of this work, but of its divine origin. By progress we do not mean that the masses are being converted to present truth; but that there are unmistakable omens of this work’s reaching its final triumph,—of the nearness of the coming of the Son of man and the closing work of probation. The providence of God is leading the way by preparing hearts for the reception of the truth, and by influencing men of piety and learning to embrace it, and thus connect their influence with the special work of saving souls. The Sabbath reform, in connection with the doctrine of the second coming of Christ, is gaining friends everywhere. In Rome, right under the thunders of the Vatican, where antichrist, who changed the law of God and proclaimed his right to do it, has his seat, the Sabbath controversy is revived, and the Sabbath is there vindicated. Atheistical France also furnishes witnesses to God’s down-trodden Sabbath. In fact, every nation of Europe has either small companies or scattered individuals that have separated themselves from formal Christianity and taken their stand upon God’s down-trodden law, and have also expressed their faith in the speedy return of our divine Lord. One prominent feature of this work is the missionary spirit begotten in the hearts of those who receive it. When the truth of God once takes possession of hearts, it begets an interest for others. It was thus at the first advent of Christ. When Andrew learned of Christ “he first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias.” It was the same with Philip. He, too, went in search of Nathaniel, and saith unto him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Thus it ever has been with those connected with the work of God; they at once become light-bearers, and the light is communicated to others. The following will serve as an illustration of a multitude of instances which are of daily occurrence in connection with the truth: “About two years ago, the REVIEW was sent to a lady in Switzerland who could read English. She became interested in the truths it advocates, and forwarded it to her brother, who also was familiar with the English language. He became interested, and forwarded the paper to a friend of his, an educated physician, in Italy, who also embraced the truth, and sent the paper to a brother physician. He, too, took his stand upon the law of God, and gave the paper to his friend. The following I quote from a private letter from the gentleman in Italy: “I have given the paper and publications to a gentleman who has gone to Alexandria, in Egypt, who assures me he shall preach the doctrine there, having fully received the Sabbath and advent views.” Another feature of present truth is the union and harmony existing among believers, whether in Europe, Asia, or Africa. No schism rends this people. It is the truth, accompanied by the Spirit of God, that has brought together a people from every nationality, from every rank and grade of society, from every sect and denomination, and also from the ranks of skepticism. Scarcely a company of a score can be found but that many different denominations will be represented, in connection with those who have never made a profession, thus showing that it is not a certain caste of minds which thus unites the believers, but something more permanent. It is God’s work, and the truth, accompanied by his Spirit, is uniting a people who love his law and revere his holy name. There have been those ever since the rise of this work that have, from time to time, gone out from us, because they were not of us; and in nineteen cases out of twenty, where this has been the case, they were the subjects of church trial months before they left, not on account of some doctrinal point, but for some unsubdued trait of character, which was ever causing themselves and others trouble. There are divine characteristics and evidences that, more than mere theory, hold the people. The work is still enlarging, and its influence is becoming far more extensive, notwithstanding the bitter opposition which arises from the carnal hearts of those who are “not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be.” The truth, like its Author, does not depend upon popular favor for its success; but quietly, like the rays of the rising sun, it finds its way to dark hearts, being attracted by hearts that are willing to yield to God. And the genial rays dispel the gloom, and lift the soul and connect it with Heaven. These are some of the characteristics of this work, and certainly they bear the divine mark. We therefore conclude that the work is from Heaven. “AT MY HOUSE FIVE WEEKS.”
By Dudley Marvin Canright
THIS is what a brother said to me the other day with regard to one of our preachers. He came there to give a course of lectures, had a good interest, held meetings nearly every night, and continued them for five or six weeks. He made it his home with this brother, which was a very convenient place, and there he staid every single night for five long weeks. The people were interested, came to hear night after night, but he did not visit among them only now and then for a brief call, or perhaps to take dinner. Any one could tell what the result of such a course would be, only half a dozen came out, and no church raised up. The people lost their interest. The work was a failure. Such a course shows plainly that a minister has no missionary spirit, no spirit of labor and sacrifice for the people. He loves to preach while a good audience will come to hear, and what man does not? But the real hard labor, the sacrificing part of the business, that which really moves the people, gains their confidence, and wins them to the Lord,—for this he has no taste. He finds it easier to start a new interest, run it while he is popular, take it easy while the people come to hear, and then leave the field as soon as the easy part of the work is done. Another new field is entered, a fine interest is reported. Three or four embrace the truth and that is the end of it; and so this thing is acted over time after time. Really, more hurt than good is done. A good field is spoiled, souls are decided against the truth. So much has been said upon this subject through the testimonies and through our papers that I am ashamed to say any more; and yet it seems as though we must. The sermon, the mere preaching, is but a small part of the work generally. The visiting from house to house, talking with the children, praying with the family, these are the things that bring success more than the argument. Our ministers who have the best success, are the best hands at visiting; and many of our least talented brethren, so far as preaching is concerned, have good success in raising up churches, much better than more able sermonizers do; and it is simply because the latter don’t do this part of the labor. Of course, this is very hard work, and keeps a man busy. He will have to labor several hours with just one individual. This is not as flattering as it is to stand up and talk to a hundred. Nothing will win the sympathy and gain the hearts of a family so quick as to go and sit with them, talk with them, and share their hospitality. They then regard you as their guest, as a part of the family. Familiar intercourse with them lets you into their feelings, informs you of their objections, etc., so that you can preach more understandingly and feelingly to them. When we go into a neighborhood to commence religious meetings, to interest men in the truths of God’s word, why should we not go from house to house, and talk with the people, pray with them, and invite them to hear the word of God? What if they don’t attend our meetings? What if they are opposers, or not interested? Have we not a duty to do to them, and is not this just the way to get them interested, to make them friendly, to get them out to meeting? If they see that you really have an interest for them, that you care for their souls, then they will be much more likely to come and hear you. How can we expect success in giving a course of lectures when we neglect all the best means of securing success?