They can do a great deal, these four words. For overcoming difficulties there is nothing like them. Robert Morrison, a little English boy, had this spirit, as I will tell you. Robert was the youngest of a large family. The Morrisons were poor, and the children were early put to work, hard work too; and it took a great deal to earn a little bread. The parents were godly people, and brought up their family in the fear of God. Little Robert was often impressed by his pious father’s teaching, and his mother’s holy example, and by the time he was twelve years old he had given his whole heart to God.
About this time he went to Newcastle to learn a trade. While learning his trade, however, he did not forget all the good he had learned at home, nor did evil example draw him away from his Saviour. Often, while busy at work, he had his Bible open before him studying it; and often in the evening you might have found him kneeling in the workshop with a number of his little companions, praying to God—a little boys’ prayer-meeting. Sometimes, too, he could be seen with his Bible under his arm, going down the street; and if you watched him, you would have seen him turn into some poor cottage where an old man or woman was perhaps sick, to whom he had come to read God’s word. His little visits were like angels’ visits to these old people; and as he went away they said, “That little lad will be a good and great man yet.”
Certainly it was a good beginning, was it not? As he grew up he determined to devote his life to the work of God, and he chose the missionary service as the one best suited to his feelings; therefore, when the London Missionary Society wanted a missionary to go to China, they selected Robert Morrison.
But before going he must learn something of the language; and the Chinese language, you know, is one of the hardest in the world to learn. No one in England, at that time, was ever known to have learned it. Of course no one could be found to teach it; nor were there any books to help a scholar along. Was not this a difficulty? A great one, I should call it.
At last a Chinaman was found living in London, Yong-sam-tak. Yong-sam-tak said he would be Robert’s teacher. But where should they get Chinese books? A permit was gotten to search through the British Museum, and see if anything could be found there to suit his purpose. There is nothing like trying, you know. And what did Robert one day find but the best kind of Chinese book for his purpose? With this book, and the help of Yong-sam-tak, young Morrison sat down to his studies.
One day a gentleman came in, and, seeing its odd letters, asked what language that was. “Chinese,” answered Robert. “Chinese!” exclaimed the gentleman; “do you understand Chinese?” “Oh! no, sir,” replied the young man, “but I am trying to understand it.” “And what are you going to gain,” asked the gentleman, “by trying to learn so difficult a language that many think no European can ever master?” “All I can say is,” answered the young man modestly, “that I feel an earnest desire to learn it; and if zeal and patience can master it, I will.”
When he was thought fit to be sent out, he was allowed to go; and making his way round by America, he at last reached Canton, for this was fifty years ago, when a voyage around the world was attended with greater difficulties and dangers than it now is.
He found the people in Canton looked upon him with suspicion, and he was obliged to proceed cautiously. He put on the dress of a Chinaman, and took a low, cellar-like room, called a “godown,” where he lived in great secrecy. Here, day and night, he pored over his books, talking with the people, and preaching to them as best he could.
He was a hard student, and he made such progress, that in seven years he put the New Testament into the Chinese language. Then he was joined by another missionary, Dr. Milne, to whom he taught the language, and four years after, in 1818, they finished the translation of the whole Bible; that is, they gave to one half the heathen world the word of God in a language they could understand. Was not that a great and blessed work?
Twenty years after, the gentleman who saw young Morrison over his Chinese book in the Museum, sat on the platform of the London Missionary Society, and to his astonishment and delight saw him present the whole Bible translated into Chinese. Never fear, boys, mastering any great difficulty after that. “I’ll try,” and “I will,” can work wonders in the world. Industry and steadfastness, joined to a noble purpose, are the great powers of the world.
The Poor Man at the Well.
I SUPPOSE you never traveled far on foot. It is a very slow way. I will tell you of a poor man who did. Was he going home? Alas, he had no home. He was a very good man, and preached to people whenever they would stop and listen to him. He did not travel alone. There were twelve other poor men who went with him. They followed him wherever he went, because they loved to hear what he said about God and Heaven.
One day they stopped at a well. It was about noon, and they were tired, and hungry, and thirsty. There was a village a little way off, and his friends went to buy some food; so, being left alone, he sat down to rest himself by the side of the well. He could not get a drink of its cool water, because the well was deep, and no bucket was there.
Pretty soon a woman came to fill her jug with water, and the man said, “Give me some drink.” He spoke kindly; but the woman, seeing he was a Jew, answered him rudely, for she did not like Jews. Her answer did not make him angry. He only told her if she had asked him for water, he would have given her living water. The woman thought that was strange enough, since he had no bucket or pitcher, and the well was very deep; and she began to say there was no better water than that in the well, and she was sure he could give her no better. But the poor man said he could give her better water, “for,” he said, “whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again; but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst.”
The woman, I suppose, thought that would save a world of trouble, and she would not have to come every day to fill her jug; so she said, “Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.” Then what did the poor man do? He began to talk with her about her sins, and she was surprised to find he knew all about her past life. It quite frightened her. “I see you are a prophet,” she said. Then he told her who he was. Who was he? He was the Son of God.
When the woman found out it was Jesus Christ who was talking to her, she left her jug and ran back to the village. What for? To tell folks. “Come,” she said, “come and see a man that told me all I ever did. Is not this the Christ?” The people went with the woman to see the stranger at the well. There he was sitting, with his twelve friends around him, for they had brought him some dinner. But he did not eat; he was so glad to talk to the woman and the people. He wanted to save their souls; for, you know, he came into the world to save our souls from death.
The people were glad to hear him talk. They saw he loved them, and they begged him not to go any further, but to stop with them. So he went into the town and stayed two days. He told them about God, and about sin and Satan, and that he had come to save them by dying for them. A great many people believed what he said, and they could not help loving him. They did not believe at first, when the woman told them; but as soon as they heard for themselves, “Now,” they said, “we believe that this is the Saviour of the world.”
Did he give them water to drink? He gave them water from Heaven. What kind of water is that? The blessed Spirit of God. When people have that in their hearts they love God, and are very, very happy. Not anything else can make you happy always—not money, nor new clothes, nor picture-books, nor toys. These delight you for a little while, but the pleasure is soon over. If you love God you will always be happy; you will thirst no more.
Jesus is not sitting by the well now. He is sitting on his throne in Heaven. But if you speak to him he can hear you. He sees you, he knows all about you. If you do naughty things he knows it. Everything you do is written down in God's book. Do you not want to be very happy, my dear child? I know you do. Then pray to him, “Give me thy Holy Spirit, O Lord Jesus, and make me a holy child.”
BE PLEASANT.
When little ones worry,
Their parents feel sorry,
And all who are near them look sad;
But when they are good,
And smile as they should,
Their friends are contented and glad.
How much better it is to be cheerful and sing,
Than deserve to be called “a cross little thing.”
OUR MARY.
By Child at Home
In the cottage by the river,
Where the vines are climbing high,
Shading all the lowly windows,
From the sunbeams glancing by;
Dwells a little fair-haired maiden,
With soft eyes of violet hue,
And a voice of birdlike sweetness,
Chanting songs the whole day through.
When the twilight hour approaches,
Cheerfully she leaves her play,
And in accents soft she murmurs,
“Mary has been good to-day.”
Yet her nature is but human,
And sometimes she disobeys;
On her brow the dark clouds gather,
Tears of passion stain her face.
Soon the sun comes breaking through them,
And with voice subdued and mild,
At my knee she sadly whispers,
“Mary’s been a naughty child.”
When the shadows fall around us,
Closed the day with all its care,
Little Mary, low and softly,
Says her simple evening prayer.
“God, take care of little Mary,”
Breathe those lips of rosy red,
And repeating “Now I lay me,”
Close she nestles in her bed.
May “Our Heavenly Father” guide her,
In her life-path here below;
That at last our darling “Mary”
To his arms of love may go.
—Child at Home.
Wanted.
By James White
THOSE brethren coming to the Campmeeting who have more of the following-named books on hand than they want for immediate use, are requested to bring them to the meeting if convenient:—Spiritual Gifts, History of the Sabbath, How to Live. If they have too large quantity of any other books which they wish to return, we will receive them there.
If any have the above-named books which they can spare, or any other publications they wish to return, and cannot bring or send them to the Campmeeting free of expense, they may send them to the Office as railroad freight.
I would, however, urge those who have the named books, to bring or send them to Campmeeting, if possible.
JAMES WHITE.
Life Incidents Available
By Editor
We are happy to announce the arrival of a quantity of Bro. White’s “Life Incidents” from the binder. Of the nature of this work, brethren have spoken quite freely in late numbers of the REVIEW. We endorse all that has been said, and bespeak for it a rapid and unprecedented circulation among those who would be interested in such a work, everywhere. It is especially adapted to the wants of those who had an interest in the great Advent movement of the past. See to it that it is placed in the hands of all such. The book is larger than at first announced; and while nothing is added to the price on this account, the government wants four cents more for transmitting it to you, so that the postage will be 16 cents instead of 12. Let the pile disappear before your rapid orders.
New and Important Work.
By James White
THE Association has just published a pamphlet entitled, “The Visions of Mrs. E. G. White, a Manifestation of Spiritual Gifts According to the Scriptures.” It is written by the editor of the REVIEW. While carefully reading the manuscript I felt very grateful to God that our people could have this able defense of those views which they so much love and prize, and which others despise and oppose. This book is designed for a very wide circulation. There will be 2000 copies upon the camp ground. Price 20 cents. Postage 2 cents. JAMES WHITE.
Our First General Campmeeting.
By James White
This meeting is to be held at Wright, Ottawa Co., Mich., Sept. 1-7. It is our first effort at holding a Campmeeting, and it is hoped that all the friends of the cause will overcome small obstacles in their way, and be on the ground in good season. This meeting must be sustained by the presence and help of all the friends. Only a very few such opportunities can be enjoyed in this mortal state, and those who let worldly cares and interests prevent them from enjoying this one, will sustain a great loss. You who need the benefits of this meeting, and are inclined to attend it, yet see small difficulties in your way, let me urge you to surmount these, and appear before the Lord with his people at this General Convocation.
JAMES WHITE.
Testimony to the Church, No. 16, is now ready. The response to my proposition to publish it with donations, and mail it to all, has met with so feeble a response that the plan is given up for the present. We shall send of No. 16 to the few persons who have donated. There will be a supply upon the camp ground. Price, post paid, 15 cents. JAMES WHITE.
Not Yet.
By G. W. A.
A DIFFICULTY arises in the minds of some, because the Lord in the use of the gift which he is pleased to employ, says so little about the good qualities in the person reproved, but, on the contrary, dwells mostly upon that which is wrong.
There may be several reasons offered why this is so. 1. There are many wrongs to be corrected before we shall be prepared to stand in the Judgment. 2. One prominent office of the Comforter is to “reprove.” But 3. Perhaps the main reason why so little is said in favor of poor mortals is, we cannot bear it. The time for God to say “Well done,” is still future. Let no one then despise that chastening of the Lord which is so “profitable,” but ever remember that “open rebuke is better than secret love.”
G. W. A.
Note from Bro. Sanborn.
By I. Sanborn
SINCE my last report I have come to Trempeleau county, one hundred and sixty-two miles north of Cassville, Wis., and five miles from Trempeleau village which is on the Mississippi river, and five miles from Galesville, the county seat, in a beautiful farming district, where I have commenced to deliver a series of discourses on the third angel's message. I have given three discourses to large and attentive congregations. We hope for a good interest here, although there is a strong sectarian influence to compete with. Still the Lord can do great things for those that trust in him. I trust I shall have the prayers of God's people, that many of these people may be converted to keep God's holy law.
I. SANBORN.
Trempeleau, Aug. 10, 1868.
The Interest in Iowa.
BRO. BUTLER appends the following to a business letter: “We still continue here with a good interest. There are about seventy keeping the Sabbath, all new ones, and many more who are nearly convinced. There are other places all around here where there are excellent openings. A man and his wife came here fifteen miles to-day, on purpose to see what we are, and to talk with us. He was a very candid Baptist. Truly the harvest is great, and the laborers few.
Yours truly,
GEO. I. BUTLER.
To the S. B. Treasurers and Preachers of Illinois and Wisconsin.
By T. M. STEWARD
I would inform you that the first quarter of our Conference year will close the 3d of Sept., and I shall expect by previous arrangement to see your reports all in by that time. Send to Rockton, Ill. Be punctual, or I shall feel at liberty to publish you.
In behalf of Ill. and Wis. Conference.
T. M. STEWARD, Sec’y.
Danish Tracts.
By JOHN MATTESON.
We have divided 300 copies of “Liv og Død” into three tracts. 1. Life and Immortality. 2. Saint’s Inheritance. 3. The Punishment of the wicked. Price of the first two, 15c, and the third, 10c. These will be handy for distribution, or where you desire to have friends instructed on only one of these subjects at first. Send in your orders to the Office.
JOHN MATTESON.
Danish Hymn Book.
By John Matteson
As many of our friends are anxiously waiting for such a work to appear, I would say that I have got 116 hymns composed. I intend to have about 200. I have not strength nor time to finish the work now, but if the Lord is willing, it may be printed in the course of the winter.
JOHN MATTESON.
Homes in the West.
By DAVID SMOUSE
THERE have been inquiries made by some of the brethren who are seeking new homes. I would say to those dear brethren, and especially to those who have not the privilege of attending meeting, and the influence and helps of experienced brethren, that homes can be obtained in this county so that they can attend Sabbath meetings at one of the three following places: Brighton, Washington, and Pilot Grove.
Farms can be had for from $25 to $40, per acre. Raw land from $10 to $15 per acre. This needs only to be fenced and broke, and then it is ready for use.
Any of the brethren wanting any information can address me at Washington, Washington Co., Iowa.
DAVID SMOUSE.
Licentious Spiritualism
LICENTIOUS Spiritualism has, at least, one active and earnest opponent in the person of Wm. B. Potter, M. D. From him we have just received two tracts issued in pursuance of his work of exposing what he terms “disorderly Spiritualism. Of this work he says:—
“The good of the cause requires it. The wrongs of ruined daughters, deserted wives, and worse than orphaned children, demand it. My reason and conscience compel me to oppose the cause of all inharmony and immorality, unrestrained passion, ‘Free-Love.’
“In conclusion let me say to the many victims of ‘Free-Love,’ that it is useless to ask me to expose individuals, no matter how great their crimes; but your wrongs as detailed in your letters make me more earnest in my work.
Rest assured I shall never cease to fight the cause of all villainies, unrestrained passion, ‘Free-Love.’
Appointments.
By A. A. FAIRFIELD; J. L. MILLER
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
A MEETING for the brethren of Vernon and Fairfield with the Mt. Pleasant church will be held at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Sept. 5, 6, commencing with the Sabbath. Those desiring baptism will have opportunity at this meeting. Bro. Butler is expected.
A. A. FAIRFIELD.
THE next Monthly Meeting of the Vassar and Tuscola churches will be held at Tuscola Village, Mich., Sabbath, Sept. 5, 1868. Brethren and sisters, let there be a general turnout and fill up the vacant seats. We would gladly welcome a messenger.
J. L. MILLER.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the Review & Herald to which the money received pays,—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Papers. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
$1.00 each. S G Wood 33-10, Mary Shrott 33-10, M T Connett 33-8, D H Bean 33-8, S Baker 33-10, J Starr 33-8, M E Rathbun 33-14, M A Higley 33-16, V N Davis 33-10, J T Mitchell 34-4, D Stroud Jr., 33-1.
$1.50 each. J T Jewell 33-10, Chas Seaward 33-1, H Merrill 33-8, S Shurly 32-1, N A Lord 33-7.
$2.00 each. S H Peck 34-1, Mrs Luke Waite 32-10, Wm Stull 34-10.
$3.00 each. L B Caswell 34-1, Wm A Raymond 34-1, B Armitage 34-1, A A Fairfield 34-1, A Cartwright 34-7, J P Sanders 34-7, J Edgarton 34-1, E Kellogg 33-11, F Davis 34-8, P M Cross 34-5, M N Cross 33-17, Jane Peck 34-17, E W Searle 33-18, Miss M A Cruzan 34-8, S Wright 33-14, L Gerould 34-1, John Young 34-10.
Miscellaneous. Adam Snyder $1.75 34-1, J Bailey 1.25 34-1, M Edson 3.50 33-1, John Blair 3.66 33-1, E Church 1.25 30-1.
Books Sent by Mail.
Mrs C Bee 50c, D K Walling 13c, Geo Walling 12c, Wm V Field 25c, S B Caswell 88c, A H Clymer $1.00, T E Thorp 1.25, H Hunter 40c, H W Warden 75c, Mrs Charles West 2.20, J Collier 2.50, E W Searle 50c, John Murray 1.00, Wm A Hicks 1.40, W Wright 1.50, J E Cowin 2.25, C K Farnsworth $.80, G R Stockweather 50c, Jane Shory 1.00, J T Mitchell 1.00, J M Moffitt 58c, M T Connett 58c, E Goble 58c, R Wells 58c, A Clabaugh 58c, Mary Patch 50c, J M Patterson 66c, Geo W Needles 12c, C H Sweet 20c, Mrs J N Rodgers 1.00, Mrs Florella Padden 1.00, J W Tripp 25c.
Books Sent by Express.
B Armitage, Darlington, Wis., $4.00.
Cash Received on Account.
A A Fairfield $2.00, Eld A C Bourdeau 33.50, Lewis Bean 10.00.
Received on Book and Tract Fund.
C A Osgood 50c, A H Clymer 58c.
Receipts for Benevolent Fund.
Benj Armitage $10.00, Wm Carpenter 10.00, Mrs Fanny Glascock 3.75, H P Wakefield 1.50, Mrs H P Wakefield 50c, L Gerould 10.00.
Michigan Conference Fund.
Church at Oakland $23.00, Oneida 11.00, Alma 26.00, Vergennes 20.00, Edenville 21.20, Henrietta E A DeMill 5.00, Mrs Marietta DeMill 1.70.
For California Mission.
Geo T Lay $25.00, Henry Pierce 10.00, H Cox 5.00, H P Wakefield 1.00, Mrs H P Wakefield 50c.