WE are very happy to give good reports from the work in Europe. August 29th Bro. Andrews says :—
I have no word of discouragement to write from this mission. God is here by his Holy Spirit to help in the accomplishment of his work. I am certain of this, though I have plenty of things to try my faith. I see the hand of God in the work, but it does not follow that there are no obstacles to be surmounted. I find as many as Satan is permitted to throw in the way, but hitherto the Lord has helped me. What he has done in the past he will still do in the future. And with his help nothing is impossible.381In Germany things go well. The Lord is blessing the labors of Bro. Ertzenberger not only for the instruction of the Sabbath-keepers but for the benefit of the public. He is at work in an entirely new field, the city of Solingen. His first congregation was 300 persons; and it has continued to increase. There seems to be deep feeling among the people. With God’s blessing there is reason to hope for important results from this series of meetings. I feel that God is truly with Bro. E. But I will say that he has had to meet the cruel working of Satan in Germany. It is here as in America. If there is any thing to do for the Lord, Satan will do all in his power to injure and to defeat the work.
The first object which I am seeking to accomplish is the publication of a paper in French. I cannot express the intense anxiety of my heart to bring this to pass. Nor can I well state to those not here the difficulties in the way of the undertaking. This work will not be delayed an hour after it is possible to begin. Suitable help is lacking; those that are most competent to assist are so situated that they need to spend nearly all their time in their own business. But I hope with the help of God’s providence we may soon make a commencement. This may seem to our friends in America like a small thing, but it will be to us a great event. It will be as though we had ascended one hard hill, though we are well aware that other hills not less difficult are before us. But with God’s help all things are possible. I cannot doubt that God will grant success. What could be done in America if we had no papers? Comparatively little. And here in Europe, if possible, such instrumentality is even more necessary than in America.
Our brethren and sisters stand firm in the truth as far as they have learned it. But their courage and their missionary spirit are less than they were before their troubles came upon them. I have no doubt but they will regain the lost ground, and yet stand far in advance of their past attainments. But the brethren in America know well that this is not accomplished without earnest effort, and that even then time is necessary. I have sought by every means in my power to change this state of things. But I have not found the task an easy one. I have found very kind friends, but I cannot say that they know the value of reproof, even as fully as do our brethren generally in America. The German brethren were cut to the heart and melted to tears by words of admonition and reproof which would by no means produce the like effect among the Swiss.
I have received from the Office a generous supply of Health Reformers. I have taken some pains to procure the names and address of those who have some interest in Christian temperance, and who are able to read the English language. I shall, therefore, if God will, send them to every person of this class whose address I can procure. I have already sent to persons in Paris, Geneva, Lansanné, and Basel. With these also I have sent Reviews, Voices, SIGNS, and Instructors. I intend also to send them to Germany and to Holland. Though I have many papers from our Office since coming here, I have only a few on hand; for I have freely distributed them wherever I could find readers. I hope to report good fruit from the seed thus sown.
Yesterday another person was baptized; she has become a Sabbath-keeper since our first baptism. We have here several persons who might make valuable laborers in the cause of God; but the most are so circumstanced that I know not how to get them into the work. My anguish of spirit is very great to see the work thus hindered. I long to witness the great salvation of God. I have had to labor under great difficulties. I think God is about to work in power in Switzerland, and to place in my hand greater facilities for the advancement of his work. I want men who can and will throw their whole energies into the work. I think I am willing to labor and to suffer. If I am not, God give me a heart that shall be thus willing.
Again, Bro. Andrews writes, Sept. 20:—
Before the assembling of the General Conference my interest with respect to it was great. During all its sessions, my heart ascended to God for his presence and his help at this important gathering. It seems to me that God has heard prayer. My heart has been cheered by what I have read, and my hand strengthened for renewed toil in the work of God. It is true that I cannot participate in all the labors and burdens which come upon those who work in America, but I have others in their stead which make my life one of great anxiety.
God is with Bro. Ertzenberger in Germany. The way is opening before him, so that God’s hand is very manifest. He is at work in Solingen, an entirely new field, and there is much interest among the people. He learned of a company of eight Sabbath-keepers, perhaps thirty or forty miles north of S., and visited them. He found them observing the Sabbath from sunset to sunset, holding the immersion of adult believers as the only scriptural baptism, and also believing in the near coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven; and though living in a land of inveterate tobacco-users, they wholly discard the foul and poisonous weed.
What is of still deeper interest, he learned from them that in Eastern Prussia, near the Russian frontier, there is a considerable number of Sabbath-keeping Christians, and that from them these persons received the Sabbath. These things awaken in my heart the most intense interest. What shall be done for Germany? God has gone before us. It is most certainly a call to us to follow. Bro. E. is faithfully laboring in a place where there is great interest on the part of the public. His hands are more than full already. Yet very soon, if God will, these Sabbath-keepers of Eastern Prussia must be visited. The German Methodist brother who has commenced to observe the Sabbath this summer bids fair to become a useful laborer among the Germans. He seems to me to have the true spirit of the work. I hope much from him. It is for his use especially that I desire German tracts.
In Italy there are a few Sabbath-keepers. The first person in Europe to receive the Sabbath and the Advent faith from Eld. M. B. C. was sister Catherine Revel. She resides not very far from Turin. Her faith has continued steadfast under great discouragements. The truth having been planted there, I am not willing that it should receive no attention, and be left for Satan to extinguish. My anxious care for a long time has been to find some one who would go with me to Italy as Bro. E. went with me to Germany, and who would stay to labor in Italy after I should finish my work and return.
My anxiety for Switzerland is inexpressible. Here are between seventy and one hundred good, sensible, kind, true-hearted Christian Sabbath-keepers. None among them are wealthy; perhaps none are above a very moderate competence, but none are in distressing poverty, and none are so helpless as to be entirely dependent upon others. I think highly of these dear Christian friends, and yet the first great want of the cause in Switzerland is the thorough conversion of the Sabbath-keepers. The real missionary spirit is certainly lacking. They will give of their means, but I fear they have not yet learned but in part to give themselves, to God. It seems to me that they do not understand what it is to be a living sacrifice themselves. In this important matter I cannot report the progress that I would. I hope sometime, with God’s blessing, to speak of the great things which he has wrought for the Swiss Sabbath-keepers. In many things God has sent us help, but the burden upon my heart is still heavy. Among these brethren are several persons who seem to me capable of becoming public laborers in the cause. But each one now has the burden of his own affairs upon his hands, and this is about all that each can well attend to, and they have not the zeal and interest in the cause of God which would carry them very far beyond this.
In the matter of publishing a French paper no one is thoroughly competent to assist in the difficulties of the French language, and those most competent to help, especially if they could take some time to post themselves, do not see how to devote much time to such work. It is in the highest degree important to have a paper at the earliest day possible. Under difficulties which have severely tried my courage and patience, I have labored to prepared for this. I pray God for such helpers, and for such assistance from his Spirit and providence, as shall make this possible. We have printed three thousand copies each of the first five tracts which have been prepared for translation. We have funds for printing others so soon as they shall be translated.
Individual Sabbath-keepers are scattered in Holland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and in Central Europe. With respect to these, I renew the suggestion made in a former letter. It is true that we lack experienced laborers for the work in the United States. I will therefore make no direct request for the coming of any of these useless in the providence of God it shall seem duty for some of these to be sent. But I do ask whether there are not young men of some or all of the above nationalities who have a good understanding of the truth, a knowledge of English as well as of their own language, a voice adapted to public speaking, and a real missionary spirit, who might be sent as helpers! If the General Conference Committee can find such persons, and if they see fit to send them, I will go with such brethren to their several fields of labor and remain with each till he shall be fairly under way in his work, and then as I shall be compelled to leave him. I will maintain constant correspondence with him and hold myself in readiness to go to his assistance at any time. I ask special attention to this suggestion, unless some other seems better. But I beg for something to be done. God has been at work in these countries, not only through Sabbath publications from America, but, that he may show that this is his work, he has been raising commandment-keepers among people who have no knowledge that such Christians exist in the United States. I plead, then, for strong young men in the cause of Christ. And if in addition to these any of our experienced laborers may be sent to Europe I shall be more grateful than I have words to express. Undoubtedly we shall need pecuniary assistance. Yet I do not plead for this. But I beg with tears for men, true-hearted men of God, to enter this great harvest field. As to means, I feel safe to pledge the brethren in Switzerland and in Germany to do their whole duty. I have frankly said that in my judgment those of this country are not fully possessed of the true spirit of consecration and of sacrifice. But they have experienced reverses which have had their natural effect. I am encouraged, however, to hope that they will yet stand in the front rank with those who live alone for Christ.
As it is God alone who can give the increase or make the work in Europe a success, I request that all who have an interest in this work will offer fervent prayers to God that his special blessing may attend it. Deeply do I feel that the period for our work is now. We are hastening to the Judgment, where we shall be rewarded according to our works. It will be a terrible mistake if we come up to this great day of decision with our work undone, or done in so imperfect a manner that the Judge will not accept it. My heart is wholly bound up in this sacred work. I have no desire but to live in the service of God. I do not ask that my burden shall be light, nor my situation pleasant, but I pray that while I live I may be the means of leading men from sin to righteousness.
J. N. ANDREWS.
Unity of the Church.
By Jos. Clarke
It is natural to the carnal heart to endeavor to win, not only its own share of riches, honor, and happiness, but to aggregate to itself, all, without regard to others. This is the carnal heart; but the people of the Most High God are not thus governed and led. They are taught to regard the good of others, to love their neighbor as themselves.
The child of God regards himself as only a part of the great whole. He has duties towards others which he cannot evade if he would. This principle of unity is comprehended in the command to love the Lord with all the soul, and mind, and strength. This command, if obeyed, lifts man out of the deep ruts of selfishness, and exalts him to high and noble motives and aims.
It is always ennobling to love those who are our superiors in rank, ability, and goodness. This being so, it must appear that love and reverence for the greatest, and best, and noblest Being in the universe, conclusively shows that the one who exercises this love is on the way to a higher and more excellent life; for he cannot continue to love God without aspiring to be a partaker of his divine nature.
Union with God will also produce in the soul union with those who are like God, and with those who are members of his family. All the teachings of the word of God go to prove this unity, not only with God and his people, but they show a divine compassion for the sinner, and a desire for his present and future good. Those who do partake of this nature, stand ready when occasion demands the sacrifice, to lay down time, and talent, and treasure, and even life itself, if it is called for, in behalf of the salvation of their fellow-men.
The Saviour, in teaching his disciples to pray, regards this principle of care for others, and recognizes the unity of our race. Instead of praying, "My father," he prays, "Our father who art in Heaven." And so in the whole prayer, there is not one petition for favors in the singular number, but all of them are carefully worded so as to include all the race: "Forgive us our debts," not forgive me my debts. Me and mine, or I and mine, are not once used; but "ours" and "us," in all cases.
This is a remarkable thing, that the Saviour, in teaching his disciples to pray, should so carefully guard against egotism and selfishness as to frame this model prayer in such a way as to frown upon any prominence or undue setting up of one's own case as of superior merit; but it does teach, by this style of petition, that when we ask favors from God we should ask it for others also. Forgive us our sins; give us daily our needful food; keep us from temptation; deliver us from evil; not merely ask for blessings upon self and family, but for all our race wherever they may be.
Sympathy for the race, of which we form only an infinitesimal part, will not detract from our dignity, nor will it prevent the divine blessing; but it will elevate us in the scale of purity and holiness, and bring us into the most sacred union with those holy beings who are God's messengers, and with that Being whose name is too sacred to be spoken by unhallowed lips.
Jos. Clarke.
A Sensible Spider.
By James White
THE subject of the intelligence of the lower animals and of insects has become one of great interest since the assumed evidences of the natural immortality of man have been more closely examined. A few years ago no argument was more ready than this: “Matter cannot think; matter cannot reason. Thought and reason are attributes of spirit, and evidences of immortality.” But as the evidences accumulate that the lower animals and even insects do think and reason, this argument loses all its force. One by one the props of superstition give way, and the truth is being acknowledged by thousands that Jesus Christ “brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
Among the incidents which have been published of late years we have seen none more interesting than the following:—
“Some years ago, when living in a lonely way, I took pains to cultivate the acquaintance of a remarkably well-developed spider, who had formed a beautifully symmetrical web in one corner of my room. In order to propitiate his favor, I fed him regularly with such food as I thought adapted to his taste, and after a while he seemed to rely upon me entirely for his supplies, relapsing, as human beings often do under similar circumstances, into a condition of luxurious ease and inactivity. One morning, by way of testing his temper, I threw a small bit of wet tobacco into his web. He, supposing it to be his usual morning fly, rushed toward the tobacco with hungry avidity, and instantly ran away to a remote quarter of his premises with still greater velocity.
“I was aware that the presence of such a nauseaus substance as this in his domicile would be very offensive, and I also knew that he would not venture as near to it a second time, as would be necessary in order to remove the article; and my curiosity was excited to see what course he would pursue. After a while he crawled to the upper part of his web and shook it with all his might, but was unsuccessful in dislodging the offending substance. He then returned to his accustomed place in the center of the web, and for a few minutes appeared to be thinking the matter over. At last he stepped out with an air of confidence that satisfied me he had hit upon something, though I was unable to conjecture what it would be. True enough, he had solved the problem, and accordingly he went to work at once to saw away a circle round the tobacco, some two or three inches in diameter, until the whole concern fell out together, after which he repaired the damage and all was right again. I think, however, that from this time my spider-friend never gave me his entire confidence.”
We admire, not only the method and calculation displayed, but the good sense to so apply skill as to get rid of such a filthy enemy without coming in direct contact with it. How much wiser than many human beings. How many dwellings there are in the land which ought to be served as the spider served his, broken up to get rid of this abominable nuisance. Until our senses become so blunted and our taste so perverted that we should prefer a scorpion to an egg, or a serpent to a fish, we too would withhold our confidence from him who would try to satisfy our wants with tobacco. We would banish it from our household even if we had to break up a board or remove a beam. Noble spider! how many “half-unreasoning” humans might profit by your example. J. H. W.
The Need for Honest Men
By Editor
THE GREAT WANT. — In view of the corruption that exists in the political world to-day, the words of Dr. Holland, which we insert here, speak volumes of the great want of the day : —
God give us men ! a time like this demands Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands ; Men whom the lust of office does not kill ; Men who the spoils of office cannot buy ; Men who possess opinions and a will ; Men who have honor ; men who will not lie ; Men who can stand before a demagogue, And spurn his treacherous flatteries without winking ; Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog In public duty, and in private thinking ; For while the rabble with their thumb-worn creeds, Their large professions and their little deeds, Mingle in selfish strife, lo ! Freedom weeps, Wrong rules the land, and waiting Justice sleeps.
Missionary Department.
By John Norton Loughborough
"In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good." Eccl. 11 : 6.
Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Cal., State Tract and Missionary Society.
The society convened 9 o'clock, Sunday, Sept. 26, on the Fairfax Camp-ground.
Meeting opened with Eld. Loughborough in the chair. Minutes of the last meeting read and accepted. Remarks were made by Eld. Loughborough that it might prove to be desirable to redistrict the State, and elect new officers.
Moved and Carried That the Chair appoint a committee to consult concerning redistricting the State and appointing new officers for the coming year. A committee was appointed to scatter tracts and SIGNS OF THE TIMES to visitors who might come upon the ground during the day. This committee consisted of the district directors who were present, as follows: District No. 1, T. M. Chapman; No. 2, Wm. Harmon; No. 3, J. W. Bond; No. 4, J. S. Howard; No. 6, J. H. Disher; No. 7, D. B. Rickey; No. 8, H. H. Stevenson. The director of No. 5 being absent, Alfred Mason was appointed to act in his place. The directors were instructed to use the help of such district secretaries as might be needed to assist them during the day. After remarks of caution and advice as to the manner of working, the meeting adjourned to the call of the Chair.
SECOND SESSION.
Sunday, 5:30 P. M. The President appointed as Committee on Nominations, M. G. Kellogg, J. Dimmick and Ruel Stickney; Committee on Resolutions: J. H. Waggoner, Wm Saunders; as a committee to inspect the books of directors and secretaries: J. W. Bond, Lucie Bush and May Kelsey. Report of the workings of the society for the past year read as follows:
No. of families visited, 745; of ships, 65; of letters written, 676.
Money received for memberships - $99.00
" " By Donations - 154.10
" " From Booksales - 46.36
" " For Widows and Orphans 4.50
Total amount received, $303.96
No. of new subscribers for Review, 67; for Instructor, 216; for Reformer, 147; for SIGNS, 415.
No. of Reviews distributed, 645; Instructors, 223; Reformers, 297; SIGNS, 1,783.
No. of pages of tracts and pamphlets loaned 75,740; value of the same, $61.57.
No. of pages of tract and pamphlets given away 286,319; value $259.14.
Books furnished to Libraries 4, value $4.00.
Total No. of pages 362,059, value $324.71.
The report which showed more than 3 times the amount of work done this year than last, was accepted. Eld. Loughborough suggested that the directors consider themselves a committee to solicit memberships. Remarks were made by Elder White concerning the publishing interest as connected with the society, saying that efforts should be made by the members for the extension of the circulation of the SIGNS; and giving encouraging reports of what has been done by the eastern societies by the circulation of tracts and papers only. Meeting adjourned to the call of the Chair.
THIRD SESSION.
Monday, Sept. 27, 5:30 P. M. Report of the Nominating Committee read as follows: "We nominate for President: J. N. Loughborough; for vice president, and to act as director of district No. 1, T. M. Chapman, of Petaluma; Secretary, Lucie Bush, Woodland; Treasurer, W. C. White, Oakland; for director of district No. 2, Wm. Harmon, Healdsburg; No. 3, W. A. Pratt, St. Helena; No. 4, John Judson, San Basquol; No. 5, G. C. Martin, Woodland; No. 6, J. H. Disher, Red Bluff; No. 7, D. B. Rickey, Oakland; No. 8, H. H. Stevenson, San Jose; No. 9, Charles Chittenden, San Francisco. We also recommend that District No. 4 as now existing be united with No. 3, and the two hereafter be designated as district No. 3. That the counties of San Bernardino, be separated from district No. 9 and a new district be formed to be designated as district No. 4." Report excepted to be thought upon and taken up for action at the next meeting. Adjourned to call of the Chair.
FOURTH SESSION.
Wednesday, Sept. 29, 5:30 P. M. Nominating Committee's report changed as follows: Bro. Mavity should retain his old position as director of district No. 3, instead of Bro. Pratt as suggested. J. N. Loughborough was then elected President for the coming year; T. M. Chapman was elected vice president and to act as director of No. 1. W. C. White declined to accept an election, and Emma L. White was elected Treasurer. Lucie Bush elected Secretary for the coming year. Board of directors elected in a solid vote.
Treasurer's report was read showing:
Cash on hand, Oct. 9, 1874 - $554.89
Received on SIGNS - 5.25
" " Book Sales - 157.54
" for memberships - 121.00
" By Donations - 166:30
" On T. and M. fund - 41.00
Interest - 15.95
Total receipts, $1061.93
Paid out for books and freight - $603.21
For extra copies of SIGNS for missionary work - 111.30
For postage - 10.87
For wrapping cord - .40
Review subscription - 2.00
For printing 5,000 supplements - 10.00
Pasting supplements in SIGNS - 1.13
Total amount paid out $738.91
Amount on hand - $323.02
G. D. Hager, Treas.
Report was accepted and remarks were made concerning finances of libraries. It was inquired if the Danish and Swedish publications could be drawn from the libraries the same as American, and was answered that they could although costing a little more. The Danish brethren donated the money due them from the camp-meeting fund, to the society. Remarks were made on finances and future operations.
Moved and Carried That the doings of this meeting be published in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Meeting adjourned.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Pres.
LUCIE BUSH, Sec.
Rolla, Missouri.
By George I. Butler
It may possibly interest some to learn how the cause prospers in this distant quarter of the field. It will be remembered that Bro. Nelson W. Allen and myself came here with the tent in the beginning of the season, and that at the last report some sixteen or eighteen had signified their intention to keep the Sabbath. Since that time, our experience has been peculiar. We have continued here much longer than we intended. But there never has seemed to be a time when we could feel clear to leave, as quite a number seemed almost decided, and there was still a good interest to hear.
From the first, there has been great opposition, and efforts have been made from all quarters to keep the people away from the tent. There have been public efforts against us from the pulpit, and insinuations have been made by ministers of the gospel that it was not a respectable place to go. But the fact was, some of the most respectable people in the place were constant attendants, and not a single disorderly act of any consequence was seen there during the whole season.
After a while, however, the local clergy got tired of attacking us and left us in quiet, as they found to their cost they were hurting themselves more than us. Since that time, several from abroad have come in on purpose to break our influence. One Disciple minister came and preached night after night. The people soon got sick of hearing him, and many of his own church would not attend his meetings. He said he “had been fighting this doctrine for fifteen years, and was going to keep on fighting it, and when he could do so no longer, he would stand off and make mouths at it.” He stated this in the pulpit. Our interest continued good. We knew, however, that the Disciple church were trying to get some one from a distant who they thought would be sufficient for the task of destroying our influence here.
About this time I went to the General Conference, and it was over three weeks before I came back. Bro. Allen continued meetings alone as he had strength during my absence, and kept up the interest very well. When I returned, I found Dr. A. G. Lucas here fighting us with all his might. He had given five or six sermons, and was evidently intending to do his best to hurt us. They had sent some two or three hundred miles for him, and their most prominent member here stated in public before he came that he did not suppose there was a man in the United States better prepared to show up our views than he was. Dr. L. is an old debater, and ten or twelve years ago held three debates with Elds. Cornell and Snook, so he was pretty thoroughly posted. The people greatly desired him to speak one evening and he speak the next; but he would not consent to this, so I commenced reviewing his discourses. Bro. Allen took notes of his sermons at the court-house, and I reviewed at the tent. This did not please him, as I took the larger part of the congregation with me. This continued several days. He found he was gaining nothing in this way, so he put out a hand-bill concerning “S. D. Adventists and Mrs. E. G. White.” In his discourse he made many statements which were untrue, and did his best to bring us into contempt and derision, getting his inspiration, partially at least, from Mr. Carver and Miles Grant. We put out a hand-bill the following day, in which we stated that his discourse would be reviewed and his false statements exposed. His whole effort only hurt himself and his own influence.
At last, seeing he could accomplish nothing this way, he sent me a written challenge for a discussion. I had thought I never would engage in discussions with any one. I have such a distaste for them that I have always been careful not to throw out banters for them. I have held one in my life, while he was old in the business. But circumstances were such that I saw no other way. We had been contending against opposition every step of the way, and now to decline when squarely challenged, I felt would jeopardize the cause in this whole section of country, and our young friends would never hear the last of it. The people voted for the discussion, and I finally consented.
The discussion is just closed, after holding eight continuous night, most of the sessions being two and a half hours in length. The subjects of the Sabbath, the first-day, the state of the dead, the end of the wicked, and spiritual gifts, have been canvassed. We feel that God has given us a glorious victory on every one of these questions. On some of them, I think I never saw a disputant so badly worried. He is a shrewd, keen, wily man, ready to attempt any advantage, whether fair or otherwise. But his dodging and throwing dust did not save him in the eyes of the community. All our friends feel greatly pleased over the result, while we have made many friends from those who were prejudiced against us, and many of his own partizans have admitted his defeat. Some of his members have said that this debate was the worst thing for them they could have had. I think I never felt more free in speaking than in this debate. I know the Lord helped me to show up his sophistries, and make the truth stand out clearly. My great effort was to make the weight of evidence in favor of the truth appear, rather than to follow his dodges and quibbles. The debate has decided several, and the prospect of good from it, I think, is great. We were morally forced into this fight, and now I think they will leave us in peace to close up our work here, and go to other fields. Of all the debates I have ever attended, I think this is the most decisive victory, on the whole, in the eyes of the community. So, as the result of his three weeks' effort against the truth here, after coming two or three hundred miles, and laboring very hard, he leaves our friends double in number, the present truth standing firmer and clearer than ever, and his own adherents discouraged.
The Lord has been greatly blessing us and to him be all the praise. As nearly as I can learn now, there are from twenty-five to thirty keeping the Sabbath here and near here as the result of our efforts in this place this summer. We shall stay here but a short time to close up the work as well as we can, and then I shall return to Iowa to labor. I never felt to more highly appreciate the strength of our positions, and the privilege of laboring in this cause, than now.
Bro. Allen has greatly assisted me in taking notes and in other ways. God is blessing him. His health has been very poor, so that probably he will work with his hands to recover his health. When I first returned he was unfit to labor at all, but we believe God has heard prayer in his behalf, and he has been steadily gaining ever since. My health and courage are good.
Geo. I. Butler.
What Hast Thou Done for Me?
By Frances Ridley Havergal
I GAVE my life for thee,
My precious blood I shed,
That thou might'st ransom'd be,
And quickened from the dead.
I gave, I gave my life for thee;
What hast thou given for me?
My Father's house of light,
My glory-circled throne,
I left for earthly night,
For wanderings sad and lone.
I left, I left it all for thee;
Hast thou left aught for me?
I suffered much for thee,
More than thy tongue can tell,
Of bitt'rest agony,
To rescue thee from hell;
I've borne, I've borne it all for thee;
What hast thou borne for me?
And I have brought to thee
Down from my home above,
Salvation full and free,
My pardon and my love;
I bring rich gifts to thee;
What hast thou brought to me?
Oh, let thy life be given,
Thy years that yet remain,
World-fetters all be riven,
Give me thy joy and pain;
Give thou, give thou thyself to me,
And I will welcome thee.
—Miss Frances Ridley Havergal.
San Francisco Tent Meeting.
By John Norton Loughborough
THIS meeting, which has been in progress nearly two weeks, is well attended with a class of intelligent hearers. We have tried to heed Bro. White's counsel to advertise thoroughly which has served to draw in the people.
Four numbers of a little paper called The Tent Meeting, have been circulated, and besides these 17,000 bills have been distributed in the cars and otherwise. These bills and papers not only advertise our meetings but each contains choice reading matter, and a piece of music which gives them a tone far above ordinary bills. They are not only eagerly sought for but read and preserved.
The Lord has given freedom in the preaching, a deep interest is awakened, people take books quite freely, and we hope for good results. Pray earnestly for the success of this effort in San Francisco. J. N. L.
Sister Schrack writes from Stockton:
By Editor
“I feel to thank God daily that my eyes have been opened to a knowledge of the truth of God’s holy commandments that I was ignorantly transgressing. It is evident to me from what I hear on every hand and in every land, that the time draweth near when our Saviour will appear; and I often shudder as I realize my imperfections; a weak, sinful creature. But the desire of my heart is, that I may live nearer to God than I have ever done. I read the Signs of the Times, and derive great consolation from it.”
Health Department.
By Uriah Smith
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." 3 John 2.
A Lesson from the Arabs.
The old proverb says, "It is right to be taught by an enemy." So it is right to receive instruction, if we find ourselves in need of it, even from a class whose name has become a synonym for all that is wild and uncultivated, mischievous and evil. However much the Arabs may be deserving, in some respects, of the epithets that are applied to them, in others they furnish an example of good sense and wisdom, by which the nations of Christendom would do well to profit.
About the middle of the eight century, according to Gibbon (vol. v., p. 300), their correct habits of living reduced their physicians to a starving practice. He says:—
"Under the reign of the Ommiades, the studies of the Moslems were confined to the interpretation of the Koran and the eloquence and poetry of their native tongue. A people continually exposed to the dangers of the field must esteem the healing powers of medicine, or rather of surgery; but the starving physicians of Arabia murmured a complaint that exercise and temperance deprive them of the greatest part of their practice."
We have italicized the words to which the reader's attention is especially called. Such was the picture exercise and temperance held up before the world a thousand years ago. Such is the lesson they have ever taught when their claims have been heeded. Nature is ever true to her own laws. The same beneficent results will follow obedience to those laws on the part of the human family, now as then. All that nature wants is a chance to act. For this she has all along been pleading; and that compliance with her claims would secure a blessing, she has all along been demonstrating. Yet the world seems to be farther to-day than ever before from learning the lesson. Why have such an unparalleled regard for the doctors as to be willing to support them at the expense of our own health, comfort, time, and money? In exercise and temperance, with their accompanying health of mind and vigor of body, let us be Arabs, though the doctors starve.