“YE are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” Matt. 5:14. Thus the Son of God addresses his disciples. How divinely exalted the position of the humble followers of Jesus! The few who unreservedly consecrate themselves to God, and constantly labor to glorify him and advance his precious cause through sacrifice and self-denial, and scorn and reproach from without, evince that they are living branches of the “true vine.” The Creator of the heavens and the earth holds them in a high and sacred estimation. He is their God and they are his people. Such are the light of the world.
Their communion is with God, who “is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” And they have fellowship with his dear Son, “the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” Standing in close and holy connection with the Father and Son, the church become reflectors of the divine rays of heavenly light, as the moon reflects the light of the sun.
Sin and rebellion, moral darkness and spiritual death, are every where in the world. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises (or virtues, margin) of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Pet. 2:9. What language can more strongly express the favor of God toward his people? or their duty to reflect back his love and favor upon the world, from whence they are chosen?
“Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” Phil. 2:15.
The sacred volume of inspiration unfolds to the people of God, the promise of inconceivable blessings, affording untold comfort and consolation in the deepest trials and afflictions. It is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Through the channel of a living and consecrated church, the Lord addresses the world. Through them, beams of divine light and truth are sent out to guide anxious souls to the haven of endless rest, as the towering light-house of Eddy-stone directs the storm-stricken mariner to a port of safety. “Ye are the light of the world.” As the lighted candle or lamp is designed to give light unto all that are in the house, so should the disciples of Christ, ever, and everywhere, let their light shine. Sacred, refining, and saving truths are committed to the servants of the Lord. A practical demonstration of which will go much farther toward winning and saving souls than much talk upon the theory thereof. “For it is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.”
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.”
God sends forth his people into his vineyard, not to sit in idleness, but to save souls, to gather with the Master, “to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified.” Acts 26:18. How exalted the work, though feeble the instrumentality. But inexpressibly great the result with him who goeth forth guided by the wisdom of Heaven, leaning for strength upon the all-powerful arm of Him who hath called him.
“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
“This hope cheers the prospect that’s gloomy and drear,
And points to the haven of rest that is near.”
On faith and obedience, light should constantly and incessantly shine out from the church. A living faith in God and the holy Bible will lead its possessor to a life of devotion and obedience. Faith and works go hand in hand. Present truth reveals present duty. The last sound of mercy to the last generation of men is now heard in the proclamation of the third angel’s message. Rev. 14:9–12. This message requires obedience to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
The down-trodden Sabbath of the fourth commandment is being restored. How many professors, and even ministers, say, “I would keep the seventh day if the majority did.” But he who sanctified the Sabbath in Eden, and commands its observance, calls for tried men, men of moral courage and fortitude, who will stand by the right, even though in the minority. Light on the law of God must be borne to a world lying in darkness. Who will let his light shine with reference to this all-important truth?
Jesus is quickly coming. The welcome tidings are sounding. The response of an obedient and faithful church is, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Here the church are not in darkness. “Ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” 1 Thess. 5:4, 5.
As Noah was warned of the approaching flood, and prepared an ark to the saving of his house, thereby escaping the doom of the ungodly, and as the disciples, through faith in the warning given by Jesus, escaped the impending judgments which hung over Jerusalem, utterly destroying that devoted city, and the unbelieving and disobedient Jews by tens of thousands, so will the remnant church have faith in the signs which unmistakably herald the coming of the Son of man, and make the needful preparation to welcome him with joy and gladness. They “look for him,” and “love his appearing.”
“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless.” An intelligent and consistent faith in the immediate coming of Jesus will awaken the believer to a vivid sense of the importance of a preparation of heart to meet him in peace. To be cleansed from all sin, to have a sanctified heart and life, guileless lips, and a faultless tongue, we must be “purified, and made white, and tried.”
This blessed hope is not a wild and delusive theory, as popular professors regard it. No; it leads to a close examination of the heart, of every motive by which we are actuated, and to the putting away of all evil, in thought, word, and deed. “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3. Oh, what a work to get right in the sight of the great Searcher of hearts! And yet there is time, and the means and helps ample and abundant, if we walk in the light as it shines upon our pathway. Says the apostle, in speaking of the last church, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess. 5:23.
Now the glorious light of the concluding message of mercy must be carried to those who sit in darkness and in the region and shadow of death. It must shine forth in the sacrifice, self-denial, consecration, humility, love, watchfulness, and prayer, of the true church. The end is near! Souls must and can be reached by the light of revealed truth. They can be turned from sin and transgression, from the traditions and long-cherished errors of the present age. They can be brought to love God, to honor his righteous precepts, and reverence and keep his holy Sabbath. He bids his people move out in faith, and he will attend by divine power, in winning souls to him. An inestimable reward lies before the faithful.
“They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.” Who would not suffer with Jesus now, with the promise of reigning with him in the kingdom of God? Who would not hear the words, as they fall from his lips with accents superlatively sweet, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord”? There all the ransomed of the Lord meet to part no more. No tears nor death there. My soul says, It is enough. Praise the Most High for some humble place with his dear people here, in hope of rest in Heaven; “of an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away.” A. S. HUTCHINS.
Superficial Culture of the Age.
FROM an excellent essay on the “Importance of Radical Training,” by D. E. Maxwell, D. D., read before the Alumni of Alfred University, and published in the Sabbath Recorder of July 11, 1872, we take the following extract showing the present degraded state of popular taste and sentiment. It is calculated to lead one seriously to inquire what can be expected of an age in which the tastes and feelings of the masses are influenced by such motives and run in such channels. He says:—
There may be good reasons why Horace Greeley should not receive the suffrages of the American people for President. I think there are. But some of us will keep insisting on better reasons than those suggested by the caricatures of Harper’s, and yet those eminent journalists know full well that up to date, their strongest hold is upon those superficial qualifications of the American voters which would be much sooner moved to party lines by the picture of the great journalist riding to the Cincinnati convention on a pig, than by any solid reasons for the fitness of things. And on the other hand, we have the saddest commentary on the truthfulness of our indictment against the superficial culture of the age, in the fact that the pictures of our staunch standard-bearer must be considered incomplete if not rounded out by the professional whiff of smoke, which they say Gen. Grant can beat any other American in making. Since the days of “Tippecanoe and Tyler too,” when log-cabins, raccoons, and hard cider, elected a President, I have not had a more painful illustration of my theme than the other day, when in a Grant ratification meeting in New Jersey, one of the speakers made what he seemed to think his best point, and which brought down the house, to his most evident satisfaction. He said Grant was passionless, emotionless, and never to be credited with feeling, and esthetical satisfaction, by any thing, except when perchance he succeeded in projecting a more than commonly graceful curl from the outward end of his ever present Havana. (Great cheers). It is humiliating enough to meet this vulgar habit and abominable vice all along the highways and byways, and be compelled to inhale the fetid stench second hand, from every loafer’s mouth and nose, but it is intolerable to have it thrust upon us as one of the chief excellences of a presidential candidate, and to know that the American people are yet so superficial, so vulgar, as to be moved upon by just such appeals, as men riding pigs and whiffing smoke from a roll of tobacco leaves, more than by anything that appeals to sound sense and correct thinking as to what kind of a man he should be who aspires to stand for the suffrage, and be the representative man of a professedly enlightening and Christian nation.
Rum drinking and tobacco smoking and chewing are the giant twin vices that are to-day debauching the American people, undermining their physical, mental, and moral health. The figures which stand for the extent of this practice are perfectly staggering, and the statistics of their destruction of health and life and happiness, as well as their debauching effects upon the public morals, are still more bewildering, and yet, as a people, we have scarcely yet thought through the skin of this subject. No man can tell how many young men have been led to the cup that has in it the “poison of dragons and the cruel venom of asps,” by the example of our great statesman, Wm. H. Seward. The last time I saw him he was pouring down his throat a full glass of intoxicating liquor, right before five thousand young men whom he had come to see and bid be good soldiers, and yet that wicked example, he then set them, was more than everything else what prevented men from being good soldiers, good citizens, good Christians, good husbands, good fathers. Who can tell how many young men will be led into the degrading servitude to tobacco, or confirmed in it, by the pictures, too true to life, of the man standing for us all, with the inevitable badge of his own weakness, and slavery to lust, blurring his otherwise manly face?
I do not wish to complain superciliously. I only wish to compass the theme set me. Let us train ourselves to think all through and through the problems of the hour, and adapt our instruction to the cultivation of such thorough thinking and acting as shall take hold of the heart of men and outwork all manliness of endeavor.
THERE was wisdom in this act of Nicodemus, coming to Jesus by night, when the excitement and labor of the day was over; it might not have been altogether cowardice, or fear of public opinion, which caused Nicodemus to go to Jesus by night, but a wish to have the whole attention of the noble personage who had so wonderfully appeared, and who had done such mighty deeds, and had spoken so wisely at all times.
Nicodemus was an appreciative man. He could not sleep after hearing the great Teacher. His mind was deeply stirred, and he wisely chose to see the Master alone. He was not disappointed; for words of wisdom continued to flow from the lips of the wonderful man. The timid but candid Nicodemus was won to the truth, and when cruel hands had crucified the great and good, the wonderful Teacher, Nicodemus stood ready to do what kindness his ability afforded (see John 19 : 39); for however timid he might have been before his conversion, he was fearless now.
One thing we learn from the case of Nicodemus: that he who goes even timidly to the Master, by night, will soon be disposed to defend his cause by day. The doctrines of Christ have a tendency to dispel all foolish fears, and to make a man bold in the cause of God.
Why should we fear? Should light hesitate to shine, apply to the fountain-head for a new heart and you will not be ashamed of Christ, or of his cause, or of his people.
JOS. CLARKE
Bridgewater, Me.
By J. B. Goodrich; W. H. Blaisdell
WE closed our meetings in this place yesterday, Aug. 11, after having remained here six weeks. The interest seemed to increase steadily until our meetings were brought to a close. Our last meetings were very solemn and impressive. The Spirit of the Lord in a special manner seemed to rest down upon us. In our very last meeting, some decided to obey the truth and become commandment-keepers. We feel that the Lord has especially blessed our feeble and unworthy efforts, and to him be all the glory. Many who at first were prejudiced against us are now rejoicing in the truth.
While it became more and more evident from week to week that God was at work in this place, it could be plainly seen that Satan was at work also. Threats and attempts were made to cut down our tent by night, and we think that God especially guided and protected us, or it would have been done. It seemed that the Lord had raised up for us strong and faithful friends who were ready to stand by us in these hours of trial, for which we feel truly thankful. It appeared that this mob-like spirit, thus manifested toward us, was fostered, cherished, and helped along, by some persons who make high professions of godliness, and who should have been the first to have cast their influence in favor of law and order.
But, notwithstanding all the efforts of Satan against us, our meetings were generally characterized by good order and solemnity; and much credit is due the magistrate in this place for his timely advice and earnest efforts to maintain good order, and for granting us the privilege of worshiping God according to the dictates of our own conscience; and we are happy to say that he and his wife are now rejoicing in the truths of the third angel’s message.
About forty have decided to keep the Sabbath since we pitched the tent in this place. Others are convinced that we have the truth, and we hope that they will soon take up the cross and be numbered among the commandment-keepers.
Yesterday, three willing candidates went forward in the ordinance of baptism, and we hope to see others follow soon. We have established a Sabbath-school and meeting in this place, and the necessary officers have been chosen. It seems that the work is not yet done here, and we should not feel like leaving now, were it not for the fact that our coming State Conference and camp-meeting are so near at hand.
May the Lord bless these dear brethren and sisters who have so nobly taken their stand on the side of truth, and may they succeed in the work of overcoming, and finally receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.
J. B. GOODRICH,
W. H. BLAISDELL.
Bridgewater, Me., Aug. 12, 1872.
AFTERWARD
By Sel.
Now, the sowing and the weeping,
Working hard and waiting long;
Afterward, the golden reaping,
Harvest home and grateful song.
Now, the pruning, sharp, unsparing,
Scattered blossom, bleeding shoot;
Afterward, the plenteous bearing
Of the Master’s pleasant fruit.
Now, the plunge, the briny burden,
Blind, faint, groping in the sea;
Afterward, the pearly guerdon
That shall make the diver free.
Now, the long and toilsome duty,
Stone by stone to carve and bring;
Afterward, the perfect beauty
Of the palace of the King.
Now, the tuning and the tension,
Wailing minors, discord strong;
Afterward, the grand ascension
Of the Alleluia song.
Now, the spirit, conflict-riven,
Wounded heart, unequal strife;
Afterward, the triumph given,
And the victor’s crown of life.
Now, the training, strange and lowly,
Unexplained and tedious now;
Afterward, the service holy,
And the Master’s “Enter thou!”
—Sel.
From the Vermont Tent.
By Daniel T. Bourdeau
The tent remained at South Starksborough, or Jerusalem, over two Sundays. Sixteen discourses were given. There were nearly fifty persons in attendance last Sabbath. Three decided to keep the Sabbath. We think this is encouraging for an effort of thirteen days. We had to take down our tent yesterday to have it at our camp-meeting. The interest was good. Some were out from Lincoln. These two places should not be neglected. We left appointments for the Sabbath and Sunday after our camp-meeting, which several of those who heard us design to attend.
We were told that Jerusalem was a hard place. True, they are mostly sinners in J. But Christ came to call sinners to repentance, and we feel freer in such places than we do among proud, formal and bigoted professors. Our hearts were touched to see such a good attendance in the busiest season of the year, and to hear of several women who would help in the hay-field that their husbands might attend the meetings. There is force to these words of Paul: “Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.” Rom. 12:17.
On our way to camp meeting. D. T. BOURDEAU. Aug. 12, 1872.
Fish Lake, Wis.
By P. S. Thurston
SINCE camp meeting, we have been trying to advance spiritually. Held meeting and baptized two at the Tamarac school-house. At our last monthly meeting, in the brick school-house, two were baptized and added to our number. The interest seems to be deepening in some hearts, and we anticipate a profitable time when Bro. Sanborn returns. May the Lord help us all to do his will and reach home at last.
P. S. THURSTON.
Granville, Vt.
By A. S. Hutchins
MET with the brethren here on the 27th and 28th ult. Some disappointed in not seeing more from other places. Trust our meetings were very profitable. On the Sabbath, spoke with freedom twice. The truth was well received by believers and friends. One was added to the church.
On first-day, the school-house in the place being occupied by the Methodists, we had no preaching. Near the close of the day, quite a number came together on short notice for prayer-meeting. Spoke to them a few moments on the “perilous times” of the last days.
Let it be borne in mind that we have a special work to do in getting ready for the immediate coming of our Lord and Saviour. Truths, the most solemn and weighty, are to be borne to the world, which will prove a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. The doctrine of the speedy coming of Christ must be proclaimed. The down-trodden Sabbath of the Bible must be restored.
We owe those who see no beauty or scriptural harmony in the present work of the remnant church a duty, but it is not to return to them, it is in meekness and love to lead them to a knowledge of the truth. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Aug. 14, 1872.
Wathena, Kansas.
By R. J. Lawrence; T. J. Butler
WE commenced meetings in this place July 12. Our congregations have ranged from fifty to four hundred. We have had no disturbance to speak of, outside or inside of the tent, but good attention has been paid throughout. But the people seemed to be suspicious that there was something hid, so they watched to see it develop. They could find no real fault with what they heard. It was according to the Bible.
Finally, an Eld. Finney, Disciple, a nephew of Prof. Finney, of Oberlin College, heard us on the change of the Sabbath, and challenged for a debate. The challenge was accepted, and the question discussed three days, having two sessions of two hours each day.
At the close of this debate, several took a stand on the Sabbath, and the interest increased to the close. On Thursday P. M. of last week, we had a meeting for the purpose of ascertaining how many would covenant to keep the Sabbath, and hold Sabbath meetings. Twenty-nine names were given in, and the list has since been increased to thirty-five.
Last Sunday, eight were baptized, and three more on Monday morning. This includes those that embraced the truth last spring at Palermo, and west of that place.
One week ago, we were invited to go to Burr Oak Bottom, twelve miles north, where we spoke five times, returning Tuesday. Four decided to keep the Sabbath, and a deep interest was left on the minds of the people.
We closed our meetings here last Sunday evening, took down the tent yesterday, and shipped it for Half Rock, Mercer Co., Mo., near where Bro. T. J. Butler lives. He has gone to make preparations, and pitch the tent in that place. I remain here one week before joining him there.
Bro. Chaffee has been with us in this meeting. He spoke once, and helped much in singing and taking care of the tent.
We gave thirty-five lectures, besides the debate, and five north. Sold twenty-three dollars' worth of books, and gave away quite a quantity. Got six subscribers for the Reformer four months, and five subscribers for the REVIEW. The interest was at the highest point when we closed. I intend to spend the week in visiting and helping to secure a place to hold meetings. Times are hard here. Wheat crop an entire failure, money scarce. Books sell slow. Many more would take the paper if they had money.
Brethren, pray for us, and for this large young Conference, and that the truth may prosper in our hands.
R. J. LAWRENCE,
T. J. BUTLER.
Wathena, Aug. 20, 1872.
The Right Way Found.
[We are rejoiced to receive the following communication from one who, after a careful examination of various views, is convinced that the position of S. D. Adventists is in the main in accordance with the infallible word of God, and that he cannot hope to evade the commandments of God and have eternal life. We trust he will not long be alone in his neighborhood, rejoicing in the advancing light of present truth.]
DEAR BRETHREN: I think I speak my true sentiments when I say I am thankful to God that some kind friend sent me the REVIEW AND HERALD. At first, I scarcely read it, and when I did, it was with prejudice. I then read it to find out what I supposed to be weak points, and determined to answer them to my satisfaction, as I went along. I have been in the habit for many years of reviewing in writing, for my own reading and diversion, various theological views.
Your paper suggested thoughts which I followed out from the Bible and other helps. I was soon astonished at the firmness and reasonableness of the positions, and chided myself at my ignorance that I was not able to set aside what I supposed to be fallacy. You may think I have become interested in a paper, in a doctrine, because I am not acquainted with any other, and have fallen in with it on account of the novelty. This is not the fact. I have been twenty years reading and studying theology, as a layman and local preacher in the M. E. church. I have carefully weighed with much research the doctrines of Universalism and Spiritism, and have investigated the points of difference between the churches. I read the Baptist Examiner, Christian Union, North-Western Christian Advocate, Times, and the Crisis. I have also read largely of infidel writings. After a careful study, I am convinced that the doctrines in the main advocated by your paper are the teachings of the Holy Writings, and feel constrained, to write you. Perhaps my “countenance” will sharpen yours. It might give you a little help that one, though weak and unknown, was about determined to cast his lot with yours. I realize the detriment it will be to my worldly prospects to keep the commandments, but I cannot hope to evade them and have eternal life. There are none in all this country, so far as I know, of like faith.
Yours in hope of life through Jesus our Lord and Saviour. DR. E. TUCKER. Mecosta Co., Mich.
Flushing, Mich.
By I. D. Van Horn; S. H. Lane
Another week has passed since our last report. The interest to hear the truth has not abated in the least; and notwithstanding our tent is located in a newly settled country, the people come night after night from quite a distance and listen with marked attention to the word spoken. Our congregations range from one to three hundred.
Last Sabbath was a good day with us. We held a meeting in Flushing, also one in the tent, which is, as we stated in our last report, pitched six miles west of Flushing. There were about forty-five at the tent, and nearly forty at Flushing, the greater part of each congregation being those who have of late embraced the truth. Seven more expressed their determination to keep the Sabbath, by rising to their feet, four of whom signed the covenant to keep all the commandments of God. In the afternoon, we held a Bible-class at each point. All seemed interested.
Sunday forenoon, the people came in from all parts of the country, from eight to ten miles distant. The Spirit of the Lord seemed to accompany the word spoken in the forenoon and evening. In the afternoon, we held a Bible-class. The congregation became deeply interested, so much so that quite a number of questions were asked relative to our views. There is yet a great work to do here. We request the prayers of the people of God.
I. D. Van Horn,
S. H. Lane.
Minnesota Tent.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
WE had hoped by this time to have something favorable to report; but are sorry to say that this is not the case. This was the most favorable location we could find, a village of 300 inhabitants, with a good farming country around, quite largely Americans. The truth had never been preached here and the way seemed to open favorably, so we pitched our tent and commenced meetings. The weather is good, roads are fine, good moonlight nights, and we have done all we could to advertise our meetings; and yet it is the same here as in every other place we have tried, little or no interest.
We commenced with an audience of fifty, and this has dropped off to about thirty, with no interest in those who do come. This is the fourth time I have pitched the tent in this State this year in the most favorable locations I could find. The result has been the same every time. Nor is there any way that opens before us. No one asks for any labor; though I have been in the State several months, and have inquired, and written, and traveled, as extensively as I could, yet I have never had a single invitation from any soul—Sabbath-keepers or any one else—to come and hold meetings in their place.
Wherever we have gone, it has been uninvited, and entirely among strangers. Have had to go directly to a tavern, pay the highest rate for board and everything we had, even to a box of matches. We have sold no books of any account, nor obtained but very few subscribers for the REVIEW. Of course, under the circumstances, we cannot feel otherwise than a good deal discouraged. We know there are people who want to hear the truth. In coming to this State, we felt numerous promising fields, where scattered brethren and interested friends were earnestly calling for help, offering to bear our expenses, furnish us a home, &c., if we would come and help them. And now to labor under such circumstances as these, at times, seems a little more than we can stand up under long. We shall probably soon have to close our meetings here. There is no opening before us—no calls for labor that I know of.
If there are any friends to the cause in Minnesota, who want labor where they are, and can obtain a house in which to hold meetings, and will board us while there, we are ready to go. If not, we shall return home; or we are ready to go to any other State where the people do want to hear. We are at your service, brethren, and we want to hear from you immediately. We cannot consent to have these fine fall months go by without some prospect of doing good. D. M. CANRIGHT.
Hutchinson, McLeod Co., Minn., Aug. 18, 1872.
Ruling One’s Spirit
He who can suppress a moment’s anger may prevent days of sorrow.
He who rules not his own spirit will likely be ruled by an evil spirit.
New York Camp-Meeting.
By George I. Butler
This important meeting has closed, and we trust it has been one of profit to the cause. In company with Eld. Littlejohn we reached the ground Wednesday morning, and found quite a number of the brethren there, though most of the tents had not arrived. But they came in a short time, and soon there were thirty very nice looking tents up besides the large, sixty-foot tent. Yet the meeting was not as large as I expected. I should judge there were upwards of three hundred present. Bro. Haskell was with us, and assisted much in the tract-society and other business meetings, as well as in preaching.
The meetings were from the first interesting and solemn, and truly heart-searching times. Friday afternoon, Bro. Littlejohn called those forward who desired prayers, and almost all the congregation came to the front seats, and with weeping and brokenness of spirit many confessed their need of more of the blessing of God. Nearly all of these were persons who have made a profession and belonged to the church. We were sorry that the friends of the cause had not brought more of their unconverted friends with them. There are generally many persons in different parts of the field who are acquainted with our views more or less, who have not taken a stand with us entirely. They feel favorably disposed toward the truth as far as they know it. They need something to move them to take a full stand, and there cannot well be a more fitting place to accomplish these results than a camp-meeting, where our people are trying to draw near to God.
The spirit of the place is solemn, the preaching calculated to search the heart and bring it to a point of decision. People are far more likely to act sensibly at such a time, when sacred truth is made prominent, than when under the influence of the worldly spirit at home. We exercise an influence upon each other when we associate together, and we should avail ourselves of every legitimate means to overcome the worldly spirit so prevalent around us, and bring those to such meetings who need them. They should be searched out and persuaded to come, and be helped to see the truth in its fullness. We were sorry there were not more than ten or twelve such persons at our meeting. Several of our S. D. Baptist friends were with us, and took part in our social meetings, and to some of them we became much attached.
On Sunday, the outside attendance numbered some 1500. Seven were baptized Monday. The workings of the Tract and Missionary Society seemed to be beneficial to the cause, and a good degree of interest was manifested by its members. There was an increase of subscribers for the Reformer of over two hundred, and also of the Instructor, in its bounds, as well as some for the Review, and an improvement of some three hundred dollars in the arrearages on our periodicals since the establishment of the society, besides the scattering of many tracts and pamphlets. Surely, these things show some success, and give ground for encouragement.
Bro. Harmon Lindsay was designated by the Conference to represent New York, in company with Bro. Abbey now at Battle Creek, in assisting, as Providence should open the way, in helping forward the work. He expressed his design to act in accordance with this choice as soon as he could consistently do so. There seems to be a determination on the part of this Conference that the work shall go more in new fields, as will be seen by the resolutions passed in the Conference. We trust there will be encouragement in store for the friends in New York, and hope that God's blessing will rest upon them.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Richmond, Va., Aug. 15, 1872.
Experience.
By Hattie S. Smith
EIGHTEEN months ago this morning, July 3, 1872, I decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. I had been investigating the subject of present truth, having traveled through wet and cold, storm and shine, to learn what I could about what was to me, then, a “new doctrine.” I had made up my mind to read the New Testament through again, and also to read the “History of the Sabbath,” before I formed an opinion as to which day was correct.
But I did not go mourning long. The Lord made known his will, and I tried to obey. Before day-break I meditated on his word, and felt a willingness to forsake the keeping of the first-day, though dear relatives and friends for a moment stood in the way, and I asked myself the questions, Will the Lord be as “a wall of fire round about” me? Will the Lord sustain me? Instantaneously the response seemed to come, “The Lord will provide;” and I was happy in my choice.
Through the instrumentality of Eld’s Rodman and Haskell, and other friends of the cause, I was enabled to learn just such truths as I needed at the time, and I trust I profited by them. To-day, the Seventh-day Adventists have my sympathies in their peculiar faith, and in the reforms they advocate. Never for a moment have I regretted making their acquaintance, for their religious belief was just what I needed to strengthen and sustain me under affliction, and to comfort me in my daily life.
Over fourteen years ago, I became connected with the Baptist denomination, and for some time I hesitated to withdraw myself from that body as my mother and two sisters were also members of the same church. At length, I concluded to ask for a letter of dismission in the following manner: I wrote out a sort of synopsis in the form of a letter, and attended one of the covenant meetings, and asked the privilege of reading the letter, as a member of the church. I accordingly read what I had to say in regard to my late experience and my new views, and before the exercises closed, they voted to give me “a letter of Christian character, in good and regular standing.” I was of course gratified to get such a letter. When they recognize in me a “Christian character” they as much as say that I do no wrong in embracing the commandments of God, and really acknowledge me none the less Christian, virtually acknowledging the fourth commandment as well as the rest. Since I left the church, their pastor has preached against the Sabbath, and I hear that one member has said that he would keep the first day if it was wrong.
I would not give up my love of Bible-reading, nor, spiritually speaking, be set back where I was two years ago, for any consideration. I love the cause of present truth, and it does not terrify me as it used to, to read some portions of the book of Revelation. On the other hand, it inspires me with a new and more earnest faith, gives me new hopes and fresh courage to peruse with increasing interest the subject of the third angel’s message and what is shortly coming to pass on this earth.
All to God I owe, and I will try to persevere in life’s duties, looking to the right source for sustaining grace to help me through the unseen future. The REVIEW helps me much, and I read every item it contains, caring less and less for popular literature or story papers.
HATTIE S. SMITH.
Washington Co., R. I., July 3, 1872.
The Abiding Word.
NO ARMY ever survived so many battles as the Bible; no citadel ever stood so many sieges; no rock was ever battered by so many hurricanes and so swept by storms. And yet it stands. It has seen the rise and downfall of Daniel's four empires. Assyria bequeaths a few mutilated figures to the riches of the British Museum. Media and Persia, like Babylon, which they conquered, have been weighed in the balance and long ago found wanting. “Greece faintly survives in its historic name;” “’Tis living Greece no more;” and the iron dome of the Caesars is held in precarious occupation by a feeble hand. And yet the book that foretells all this survives. While nations, kings, philosophers, systems, institutions have died away, the Bible now exercises man's deepest thoughts, is examined by the keenest intellects, stands revered before the highest tribunals, is more read, and sifted, and debated, more devoutly loved, and more vehemently assailed, more defended and more denied, more industriously translated and freely given to the world, and honored and abused, than any other book the world ever saw. It survives all changes, itself unchanged; it sees millions of other books engulfed in the stream of time, yet it is borne along triumphantly on the wave; and it will be borne along, until the mystic angel shall plant his foot upon the sea, and swear by Him that liveth forever and ever that time shall be no longer. “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth and the flower thereof falleth away; but the word of the Lord endureth for ever.”