p. 6 | Review and Herald, Vol. 45, No. 1. (1/1/1875)

The Poor Shut Out of the Churches.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

The following from a sharp little paper published in San Francisco, furnishes a practical illustration of James 2:1-6 and forcibly shows how the poor are virtually being shut out of the churches.

HOW WE CONVINCED A PSALM-SINGER.

Since the Jolly Giant commenced to show the people of this city that the churches were only places of amusement, intended for the wealthy, as a matter of course the psalm-singers and hypocritical bull-frogs were not pleased. To convince us that we were in error, a long-faced church-goer, belonging to “chain lightning Stone’s” place of amusement, called at our office last week, and invited us to attend worship, as he termed it, just one Sabbath, and see for ourselves that the poor were equally as well attended to as the rich. We complied without any hesitation, because our object is to do justice to all men, be they rich or poor.

But we made one proposal to the man of God, which was this:—

We said that we would go in the morning dressed like a gentleman, and we would go in the evening dressed like a laboring man, and if the same attention was paid us on both occasions, we would correct our former error and hold our peace forevermore.

Last Sunday morning, our managing editor donned his best Sunday clothes, a stovepipe hat, ornamented his editorial hands with a three-dollar pair of kids, and a handsome walking cane.

Repairing to Dr. Stone’s Church, he was met at the door by a well-gotten-up usher who rushed for him, knowing that he was a stranger, and presuming that he had four bits in his pocket for the plate. The usher preceded him to the fifth pew from the platform, and politely bowed him in. There were two charming ladies already in the pew; those dear angels tucked up their satin robes to make a place for him, and one of them, with a neatly gloved hand, opened the prayer-book, and graciously pointed out that part of the programme led by the actor for the opening chapter, and the other dear angel pushed the foot-cushion down so he could rest his “No. tens” thereon. Every attention was shown to him. The psalm-singer who called at our office sat upon the other side of the aisle, watching the whole proceedings, and from his appearance it was evident that he was well pleased. No doubt he thought to himself, Ah! now I got this fellow; we’ll hear no more about “bull-frog aristocracy.” The service, as they call it, but the show as we term it, was ended, and our chief editor returned home.

IN THE EVENING,

He dressed himself as a rough working man, clean, but unkempt, his hair uncombed, a “black-thorn” shirt, no collar nor necktie, his vest partly buttoned, and the whole make up the reverse of genteel. In this style he presented himself at the door; the same usher was there; ladies and gentlemen came, and were accommodated with seats, yet our chief editor was permitted to stand outside in the porch. The first act of the performance was ended; the usher came out and inquired from him, did he wish to come inside. Being answered in the affirmative, the usher stepped aside for a moment, looked vacantly around, stood at the door, looked out, looked in again, and finally stooped over to an old lady who occupied the pauper’s pew, and whispered something in her left ear. At this she got up and took a seat two pews higher up the aisle. After this was all done, and the second act of the performance about to commence, the usher again stepped out, and said to our chief editor, Well, if you wish to join the service this evening, you can come in. Our chief editor stepped in, and the usher pointed the vacant pew out to him; he took a seat; there was no book before him; there was no handsome lady to push the cushion over to his big feet. When the collector came around with the plate, he never came near that pew. In fact he had the whole pew to himself, and all the companion he had was an unpleasant, cold, whistling wind, that escaped through the chink in the door.

The performance was ended, and our chief editor returned home, a more convinced man about churches being exclusively for the wealthy than the psalm-singer would care to acknowledge. However, the man of God called at our office last Tuesday, and had to admit that we were right in our criticism, but endeavored to argue the errors away by saying that it was entirely the usher’s fault, and he assured us that if the minister, Dr. Stone, or the elders, knew of it they would be very much displeased.” Pshaw! we said, we did not live in this country for the last twenty-four years for nothing. We knew that the poor have no place in the churches in this city, and we defy contradiction and in proof of this assertion quote the above. We except the Roman Catholic churches in this general proposition.

Who can blame the poor for not going where they are treated thus? Where are the preachers who will reach the common people?

D. M. C.

Sabbatarian Landmarks in London.

By John Nevins Andrews

THE following note from Bro. Andrews should have been published with the letter of Bro. Jones on this subject, but was accidentally mislaid. It is yet of interest:—

In my brief notice of some of the memorials of the Sabbath cause in London, I attempted to mention but a few out of the very many. On reading my report in the REVIEW, Bro. Jones, to whom all these things are very familiar, and very dear, drew up a valuable memorandum of Sabbatarian landmarks in London, and he has sent it to me for publication. I think it worthy of a place in the REVIEW. The errors in spelling certain names in my report are typographical. The public house at the corner of the Alley of which Bro. Jones speaks is memorable from the fact that when Mr. James was arrested in his church near by he was taken into this house and compelled to pay for the liquor which his persecutors drank. I commend Bro. Jones’ letter to the notice of the friends of the Sabbath.

J. N. ANDREWS.

Neuchatel, Nov. 23.

Clarke’s Commentary on Dan. 9:24, and 12:4.

DAN 9:24. The above seventy weeks, or four hundred and ninety years, are divided, in verse 25, into three distinct periods, to each of which particular events are assigned. The three periods are:—

Seven weeks, that is, forty-nine years.
Sixty-two weeks, that is, four hundred and thirty-four years.
One week, that is, seven years.

To the first period of seven weeks the restoration and repairing of Jerusalem are referred; and so long were Ezra and Nehemiah employed in restoring the sacred constitutions and civil establishments of the Jews; for their work lasted forty-nine years after the commission was given by Artaxerxes.

From the above period of seven weeks the second period of sixty-two weeks, or four hundred and thirty-four years more, commences, at the end of which the prophecy says Messiah the Prince should come, that is, seven weeks, or forty-nine years, should be allowed for the restoration of the Jewish state; from which time till the public entrance of the Messiah on the work of the ministry should be sixty-two weeks, or four hundred and thirty-four years, in all four hundred and eighty-three years.

Chap. 12:4. Many shall run to and fro. Many shall endeavor to search out the sense; and knowledge shall be increased by these means; though the meaning shall not be fully known till the events take place. THEN the seal shall be broken, and the sense become plain. This seems to be the meaning of this verse though another has been put on it, viz.: “Many shall run to and fro, preaching the gospel of Christ, and therefore religious knowledge and true wisdom shall be increased.” This is true in itself, but it is not the meaning of the prophet’s words.

Artaxerxes and Ahashuerus the Same.

ARTAXERXES, after he had subdued all his domestic foes and competitors for the crown, in the third year of his reign, instituted a general rejoicing at Susa for half a year; and at a public banquet, when the queen Vashti refused to obey his summons, and show herself and her beauty to the princes and the people, he deposed her from being queen, by the advice of his council, and appointed Esther, a Jewess, in her place, in preference to all the other virgins, her competitors, in the fourth year of his reign. Esther 1:2. N. B. The royal title, Ahashuerus, in this book of Esther, is rendered Artaxerxes by the Septuagint Version, the apocryphal book of Esther, and Josephus.—Hales’ Chronology, Vol. 2. p. 481.

Note from Bro. Byington.

By J. Byington

I WOULD say to the brethren inquiring about my health that, through the goodness and tender mercy of our God, I am raised from a bed of sickness and again have a comfortable state of health. I have, since my recovery, spoken to churches as follows: Hastings, Gaines, Oceana, and Otsego. I have felt good freedom in trying to arouse the brethren to faithfulness, and to act. The labor has not been in vain. J. BYINGTON.

Information Wanted.

By John Harvey Waggoner

In regard to the Sabbath question, there are two things boldly asserted by Sunday-keepers to which I would like very much, in some way, to see an answer from you.

The first is this:

“Many bright luminaries of the Christian world, such as Dr. Kennicott, Mede, Kennedy, and Akers, have given positive proof from the Jewish calendar that the first day of the Jewish week was the creation Sabbath.”

The second is, that

“Moses nowhere calls the seventh day of the Jewish week the Sabbath, . . . but a Sabbath. It is true that in four places in our English version the seventh day of the Jewish week is called the Sabbath; but NOT ONCE IN THE SACRED ORIGINAL.”

These statements occur in A Sabbath Manual by Rev. Reuben Wescott, A. M. In regard to the last statement we would like to know the exact truth. Please answer through the REVIEW. Yours in Christ. E. P. FIELD.

Aurora, Neb., Dec. 6, 1874.

REPLY.

1. For a full reply to the first of these statements we refer to a small pamphlet by Eld. J. N. Andrews, published at the REVIEW Office, entitled, “Sunday Seventh-day Examined. A Refutation of the teachings of Mede, Jennings, Akers, and Fuller.” 87 pages, price 10 cents. We confidently recommend this as a complete refutation of the sophistries of the authors named above.

It is enough here to notice that the seventh day was sanctified at creation, as the day of Jehovah’s rest. And this same seventh day was kept by the Jews, as we learn from Ex. 16, the fourth commandment, and other texts. The evidence of Scripture is all against the above assertion. When the Lord commanded the Sabbath to the Jews, it was always as the seventh day—never as the first day. And this seventh day, according to the reckoning among the Jews, was identified as the day on which God rested when he made heaven and earth, the seventh day of creation week. A comparison of Gen. 2 : 1-3, and Ex. 20 : 8-11, ought to silence all such vain reasonings as that above referred to.

2. It is sometimes as bad to suppress the truth as to state a falsehood. The effect is precisely the same. In the Hebrew language there are other means of making nouns definite beside the use of the article. They are then called “definite by construction,” and are correctly translated into our language with the article. One means of determining a definite noun is given by Gesenius in his Lexicon, page 240, thus, “the predicate of a sentence does not take the article.” There are exceptions to this rule, but no exception to its application to the word Sabbath. This word is in predicate in Ex. 16 : 23, 25, 26; Chap. 20 : 10; Chap. 31 : 15 first time; Chap. 35 : 2; Lev. 23 : 3 twice; Deut. 5 : 14. In each case the article is omitted agreeably to the above rule laid down by Gesenius. In the following instances it is not in predicate; Ex. 16 : 29; Chap. 20 : 8, 11; Chap. 31 : 14, 15 second time, 16 twice; Chap. 35 : 3; Lev. 23 : 11, 15, 16; Deut. 5 : 12; and the article in the original is found in each of these instances. The word is as definite where the article is omitted as where it is used, in all of these cases; and the article is properly given in our translation.

A candid examination of a few facts of Scripture will show that the conclusion aimed at in the “Manual,” is forced, and does not harmonize with the plain statements of the inspired record. Thus Gen. 2 : 3, says that God blessed the seventh day. Ex. 20 : 11, says he blessed the Sabbath day. The conclusion we must draw from this is precisely expressed in verse 10. “The seventh day is the Sabbath.” As the word Sabbath means rest, and the Lord rested only on the seventh day, it follows that the seventh day, and no other, is the Sabbath of the Lord. This is certainly definite.

Ex. 20 : 11 literally reads; “wherefore the Lord blessed the day of the Sabbath,” and this is in strict harmony with Gen. 2 : 3. The day—the seventh day—received the blessing and sanctification. The seventh day is the Sabbath. Had the Lord blessed any other day than the seventh day he would not have blessed “the day of the Sabbath,” for this is the only day in which he rested, or sabbatized.

Had not the opponents of the Lord’s Sabbath day, or rest day, the power of popular opinion and popular feeling to sustain them, they would hesitate before bringing to notice views so strongly in conflict with reason and Scripture.

J. H. WAGGONER.

Glad Hearts Made Sad by Cruel Wrong

Glad hearts made sad by cruel wrong, On every side we see; And, when the mischief’s averaged round, How much will fall on thee?

The Coming War.

From the Watchman and Reflector we take the following:—

“There is something appalling in the spectacle which Germany and France present, to-day—two mighty nations straining every resource of which they are possessed, to be ready for the last desperate conflict between them. A conviction that such a conflict is inevitable seems to be universal. Both Germans and Frenchmen have accepted the fact as though it had been rehearsed to them from the book of fate. Victor Hugo spoke for them all in that response of his to the invitation to attend the peace conference at Geneva. He despaired of peace until the great duel between France and Germany shall have been fought. And so these two great peoples have settled down to this grim fact, and are only anxious each for itself that the storm of war shall not burst upon them unprepared. It is idle for Hugo to say that the fight is inevitable because it is a fight between great irreconcilable principles, between republicanism and imperialism. There is no principle at stake in the affair. It is a thing of passion, of fierce, relentless hatred on the one side, and of an insatiable thirst for revenge upon the other. It is this that causes the rest of the world to regard the war as certain and near at hand.

SIZE AND COST OF EUROPEAN ARMIES.—The following extracts are taken from a series of tables published in Vienna.

The Russian army comprises 862,000 men, 181,000 horses, and 2,084 cannon.

Germany has 37 divisions of infantry, 10 divisions of cavalry, 337 batteries of artillery, comprising 835,000 men, 96,000 horses, and 2,022 cannon.

Austria has 45 divisions of infantry, 5 divisions of cavalry, 215 batteries of cannon, making a total of 740,210 men, 58,125 horses, and 1,600 cannon.

English armed forces comprise 471,000 men; France 300,000 men.

The remaining States of Europe make up with the above a total of about 5,000,000 of men. If each man could earn on an average one dollar daily, here would be a total loss to the world of five millions of dollars a day. And the cost of support and wages of the men alone, including officers, will make five millions more, or ten millions a day, exclusive of the cost of arsenals, forts, ships, wagons, tents, hospitals, &c.—Sel.

The Hygienic Almanac.

By M. Wood

AMONG all well-regulated families, the almanac has become an indispensable article. There is always a nail reserved for the almanac to be hung upon, while many an article of greater value is carelessly laid aside in some obscure corner. Not so the family almanac. It occupies a conspicuous place in the old chimney corner. It is always in its place ready to be consulted in regard to sun and moon, wind and tide, and becomes the most familiar journal in the house. It is perused by all, from the oldest grandsire down to the youngest school-boy. Therein the mother, in many instances, has first learned to administer poison to her darling child. It is literally crammed with advertisements of patent medicines, sirups, pills, and a thousand and one sure cures, by which the public have been long deceived. They have become disgusted with such trash, and are famishing for something more substantial and reliable.

Those in charge of our publishing house at Battle Creek appear to have anticipated the wants of the people, and prepared and published an almanac which bears upon its pages the true principles of health. By so doing, a mighty blow was struck and a decided victory gained for the cause of reform in health. Even here at “the hub,” the Hygienic Almanac is meeting with rapid sales at the stores and depots. One little boy, eight years old, in two evenings sold fifteen almanacs. Here is an excellent opening for the children to do missionary work. A lady in this vicinity bought the Hygienic Almanac and became so interested in the reading matter therein contained that she must immediately show it to her neighbor. That almanac went the rounds of the neighborhood. What the result will be from this good-begun work the Judgment alone will reveal. Brethren, God has given us a work to do; let us do it, that it may be said to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” M. Wood.

Reply to B. F. Koons on Grant–Thurman Debate

To B. F. Koons: We do not know anything of the result of the debate between Grant and Thurman, having seen no report of it. There has been no debate in contemplation between the other parties of whom you speak. Your writing is the first we ever heard of it.

Wisconsin Meetings and Church Organization Report

By O. A. Olsen

Wisconsin.

SINCE my last report, I have held meetings as follows: Oct. 17 to 28, at Plum Creek; one was baptized, and five united with the church. A. T. and M. Society was organized. Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, at Arkansas. There is a company of about 25 here that have taken hold of the truth the past summer, under the labors of Bro. Downer. Nov. 3 to 10, in the vicinity of Maiden Rock. Our meetings were partly in English and partly in Danish. Nov. 11, 12, two meetings at Arkansas. The 14th and 15th at Burnside. From there I went to Clark Co., in company with Bro. Decker; held two meetings at Neesville Nov. 19, 20. At Maple Works, 21, 22. The friends here are strong in the faith.

The 23d we went to Loyal. The church here have built a meeting-house 26x36, which is finished, except seating. Temporary seats were put in for present use. This was the time of the general meeting for Clark and Wood Counties. There was a good representation of the friends in these counties. The blessing of the Lord was with us, and the friends were much encouraged. A. T. and M. Society was organized, in which the friends all took hold with commendable zeal. This will be known as District No. 13, of the Wis. T. and M. Society. Through the following week traveled to Leon in Monroe Co. On my way held one meeting at Plum Creek.

Dec. 5 and 6, at Leon. Here I found a company numbering from 40 to 50. When Brn. Decker and Atkinson came here with the tent the 6th of August last there were seven keeping the Sabbath; now, four months afterward, I find the number mentioned above. They have also built a meeting-house 26x36, which is very neat and comfortable. It is finished, and was dedicated at this meeting. Brethren were present from Victory, Liberty Pole, and Kickapoo Center. The Lord blessed us much in these meetings. The friends here seem to be thorough in the work, although so young in the message. Such things as tobacco, tea, and coffee, were almost entirely banished from the camp.

The Lord has blessed them much, and will continue to do so while they walk in the light and press toward the mark of their high calling. Five more took their stand with us at this time. Brn. Decker and Atkinson aided in this meeting. The 12th and 13th I was at Avon.

O. A. Olsen.

THE WORK IN SWEDEN.

By Charles Lee

We hail with joy the interesting news from our fatherland that the people are becoming awakened to the proclamation of the third angel’s message. A Baptist sister writes:— “What astonishing truths! They are light in darkness. Can I and my friends have the Herald another year? Tell us the directions, that we may send the money for it.”

A Baptist preacher who has recently embraced the Sabbath, and who is spending his life in the Lord’s service, writes: “The Herald has reached me, and I have read it. It is astonishing that such truths have been so long concealed, while one after another has searched the Scriptures and claimed to have noticed the law of God and the faith of Jesus. But when even the truth shines in their face, many still close their eyes to it. I preach every Sabbath evening, and where we are assembled there is a full house; and from all sides is the call made: ‘Come over and help us!’ The country is opening; the harvest is great; workers are few.”

CHARLES LEE.

Letter from N. Jenson on Family Converts

The following is a letter received since my visit:—

DEAR BRO. HANSON: We thought it would cheer you to hear from us in regard to the

cause here. Our interest in the truth is unabated, but on the other hand we feel very much encouraged. One more family has embraced the truth since you left us, making five families in all. We are also trying to spread the truth among others, and two families have commenced to read our publications. We pray that it may result in good. We feel the need of more tracts, in both the Danish and English languages. If you can send us some, please do so, and we will try to place them in the hands of those who will read them.

You remember that when you left us, I could not see the force of all you told us as you seemed to see it; but now I am fully persuaded that this is the last message of mercy to the world. Also in regard to man's nature: I now see the beauty and harmony of the Scriptures on that point. In fact, I am in full sympathy with all the views you presented, and desire to unite myself with the people of God. We hope the time is not far distant when you can again be permitted to come and minister to our needs.

Yours in hope, N. JENSON.

GOD—LOVE

By J. G. Holland

In all the crowded universe There is but one stupendous word; And huge and rough, or trimmed and terse, Its fragments build and undergird The songs and stories we rehearse.

All forms that human language tries, All phrases of the books and schools, And all the words of great and wise Are weak attempts or clumsy tools, To speak the word that speech defies.

That word ineffable to man, Though spoken through a thousand years, Or thundered in the fiery van Of all the myriad wheeling spheres, Unvoiced remains where they began.

There is no tree that rears its crest; No fern or flower that cleaves the sod, No bird that sings above its nest But tries to speak the name of God, And dies when it has done its best.

Like marble in the mountain mine, White at its heart as at its face, We chip its crystals, nor divine, The forms of majesty and grace That wait within the central shrine!

And the great word, all words above, Including, yet defying all— Soft as the cooing of a dove, And strong as the Archangel's call— Means only this—means only love!

One word presents creation's whole,— All space, all worlds, all living things; And love endows them with a soul,— The bright Shechinah, throned in wings Behind the temple's sacred scroll!

The love of home and native land, The love that springs in son and sire, And that which welds the heart and hand Of man and maiden in its fire, Are signs, by which we understand

The love whose passion shook the cross; And all those loves that, deep and broad, Make princely gain of piteous loss, Reveal the love that lives in God As in a blood-illumined gloss. —J. G. Holland.

Kansas Sabbath-Keepers Gain Thirty-One at Canola

By J. H. Cook; J. Lamont

Kansas.

We have just closed a series of meetings at Canola, Howard Co., Kansas, where the southern tent was pitched last summer. We leave them now with thirty-one Sabbath-keepers, all heads of families except one, where four months ago there was not one to advocate the cause of God’s down-trodden law. We have just closed a two-days’ meeting, in which the brethren of Canola joined the brethren at Elk Falls, numbering fifty-five Sabbath-keepers besides children. This was the largest gathering of Sabbath-keepers ever held in this part of the country. The meeting was truly encouraging; the Lord came very near in the meetings.

The interest at Canola and adjacent localities is still good. Calls come in where there is an apparent interest more than we can respond to. I leave Bro. Lamont here, probably for the winter, to labor as the way may open, while I go to Lafayette and Johnson Counties, Mo.

J. H. Cook, J. Lamont.

Green Co., Ky.

By S. Osborn

I HAVE now given twenty-six discourses, and eighteen or twenty have taken their stand on the Sabbath. The interest seems to be nearly as good as ever. There are four colored people who have decided to keep the Sabbath. The whole country is astir; scarcely anything is done but to talk on the new doctrine and go to meeting. The meeting-house is large, and it is crowded to its utmost capacity almost every night. The Lord is at work here. I feel his power more than ever before. I am persuaded God will give us the victory here in Kentucky yet. Some of the best men in the neighborhood have taken their stand for the truth, and this is beginning to stir the ire of the dragon. I made a mistake before in the county; you will see it corrected at the head of this letter. Pray for us. S. OSBORN.

Catalpa Grove, Ky., Dec. 23, 1874.

Nebraska Church Meetings and Sabbath Discussions

By Chas. L. Boyd

Nebraska.

CLOSED meetings near Seward, Nov. 22. Accepting a challenge, the three following evenings the Sabbath question was discussed, from which there seemed to be some good results. I leave a few here trying to keep all the commandments of God.

Sabbath and Sunday, Nov. 28 and 29, met with the friends near Cresco. The “go through” spirit is manifest among a part of this company. Nearly all present paid the full amount of S. B. quite liberally subscribed last spring.

Considering the extremely hard times, in consequence of drought and the grasshopper raid, this shows that the cause of the third angel’s message lies very near their hearts. Two were baptized at this meeting. CHAS. L. BOYD.

Taylor Co., Iowa.

By H. G. Buxton

SINCE my last report I have given twenty-seven discourses in Holt Center school-house. Three families, seven adults and eight children, decided to keep all God’s commandments. Left many friends, some investigating, and others almost persuaded. Obtained two subscribers for the REVIEW.

H. G. BUXTON.

AMONG THE NATIONS.

It seems from information received from Europe, Asia, and Africa, that there is no spot on earth where the gospel of Jesus Christ has been planted, but honest souls are prepared to investigate and receive the last notes of warning.

LIGHT IN NEW ZEALAND.

ABOUT one year since a sister who works in the Review Office sent the Review and Herald and some tracts to a friend in New Zealand. The following is from a letter which she has recently received from her friend, which shows that the Sabbath question is being agitated in New Zealand:—

“I have a friend in the South of New Zealand who has recently left these parts, and has read your Review, &c., and is anxious that I should continue to send them to him. I should like my brother to have mine when he comes up. I am sure my friend would remit any expense it might be to you to send two copies of the Review. If I was sure he was likely to remain in one place I would send you his address; but he is an interpreter in the House of Lords, and only remains in Wellington three months in the year. He will pay the postage from here. I believe if he was in America he would become a true convert to your faith. I noticed the Sabbath question was agitated in our Church Gazette last week. I believe many are pondering the question. Our bishop has been challenged to answer the Sabbath question. He did so in the paper last week, but made a very, very lame attempt. I am going to mail him some of your pamphlets on the subject, “Who Changed the Sabbath,” “The Seventh Part of Time,” “God’s Answers to Man’s Excuses,” and the “Seven Reasons for Sunday-keeping Examined.” And as I shall send them anonymously I shall not get them back. Could you send me another copy of each? as I value them. Your interpretations of prophecy I am convinced are correct. I read many of them with widely different views from those I once entertained.”

NEWS FROM NORWAY.

By R. Lorenzen

A sister writes from Chicago, as follows:—

“It gives me great pleasure to receive the visits of our dear paper, Advent Tidende, from month to month. Each number, it seems to me, is better than the previous one. I would not be without it, even if it should cost $10.00 a year. On the other hand, I can readily do without the articles of luxury, which it speaks against, such as jewels, artificial flowers and fashionable articles of dress, coffee, tea, etc.

“May the Lord continue to bless our dear paper, and all those who are employed in preparing it. May it bring light to many who are now sitting in darkness, and, instead of following the laws and doctrines of men, may they receive “the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” I will try to get as many new subscribers for the paper as I can.

“Eld. Cornell held two meetings here. He stopped over Sabbath and Sunday on his way from California. We are grateful for every opportunity of hearing the word of God, and feel that the Lord has been very near to us. We want to be prepared for translation when Christ comes.

“We have received a letter from sister Reirsen in Norway. Among other things, she says: “You may believe, dear sister, that there are many voices calling upon us, and you may rejoice that you are among a people who love God and his commandments. My husband and I wish that God would either let us go over to the dear friends across the ocean, or that he would in his providence send somebody from America to preach the third angel’s message, which is now sounding among you, as there are many who are longing to hear the last message of mercy. We have commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and rejoice in the soon coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The people here have become interested in reading the Advent Tidende, and as they cannot resist the truth, we hope that some will receive it, and be prepared for the glorious coming of Jesus, and thus have a home in his everlasting kingdom.” “R. LORENZEN.”

November, 1874.

LINCOLNSHIRE, ENGLAND.

A sister living in Tuscola Co., Mich., has been sending the Review and other publications to England. The following is from a letter written by her:—

“I must tell you the good news which I received from home. Father is so much better as to be able to write me a letter. He and his wife are keeping the Sabbath. They spend the day in reading the Review, our tracts, and the word of God. The minister who preaches where they attend meeting Sunday morning, is very much interested in reading our publications, and those to whom I send the Review like it very much. This to me is good news indeed. I think that my efforts have not been fruitless, and I am encouraged to still try to spread the truth.”

SABBATH-KEEPERS IN SCOTLAND.

THE following is from a letter written to the Vigilant Missionary Society in New England from a sister in Scotland:—

“I thank you sincerely for your very kind and sympathizing letter. It gives me great pleasure, though coming from one I have never seen and can scarcely ever hope to see in this life. Sympathy is always welcome whether coming from friends who are near or those who are far off. I fully appreciate the spirit in which you endeavor to direct my thoughts to the hope of future happiness amid the trials of this present life.”

In speaking of the Sabbath Conference held at her house when Bro. Andrews was there, she says: “I suppose you have already heard of the Sabbath Conference held at our house on the 8th of October. You will doubtless be pleased to hear that we have held prayer-meetings here every Sabbath evening since then. These meetings are usually attended by six persons, including my mother and myself. Five of us have decided that the seventh day is the true Sabbath. The sixth I believe is convinced, being regular in attending the meetings. I feel much obliged to you for your kindness in sending me tracts. But I am sorry to say they have not reached me.”

DACOTAH TERRITORY.

By O. F. Frederickson

The light of present truth was first spread here, by reading the Advent Tidende nearly two years ago. Several families commenced to observe the Lord’s Sabbath, but after a few months a worldly spirit crept in, and through discouragements, all but one family lost their interest in the truth, and finally gave up. This family continually called for ministerial help. Finally, the Lord sent our brother John F. Hanson to teach the truth in our midst, and the cause has moved steadily forward since that time, for which I bless the Lord.”

Since going forward in the ordinance of baptism I have felt the sweet blessing of the Lord continually, and my peace has been like a river.

There are now four families of us who have covenanted together to keep God’s holy commandments, and we feel his blessing each week in our Sabbath meetings, which continue full of interest to us who want to learn the way of truth more perfectly.

We feel the greatest gratitude to God for the labor received from his servant; and have it in our hearts to make payment for the same; and would do so if the grasshoppers had not left us so destitute, they having taken nearly all our crops, leaving us barely enough for bread and seed; but we hope by the blessing of the Lord, to be able in the future to help in his cause. In behalf of the friends, O. F. FREDERICKSON.

Western Iowa.

By J. W. McWilliams

I am now at Crescent City, near Council Bluffs, Iowa, preaching to a congregation composed of Mormons, Methodists, the Hope of Israel party, Morrisites, spiritualists, and others. The Lord has blessed the truth spoken in weakness to the good of many souls, and some have decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and prepare for the soon coming of the Saviour.

I spoke on the subject of spiritualism last Sunday afternoon. At night, when I entered the house, I saw the following written in large letters on the blackboard: “Spiritualism is gone up; Mormonism, dead; and the Adventism good. Stand from under.”

I have met with the Danish church, in this vicinity, organized by Bro. John Hanson. They are a good people, and have a good understanding of present truth. They seem to be more in earnest than some of our own people, and I know that they are more punctual in the transaction of business matters than some of our churches with which I am acquainted.

I called on the friends and brethren at Missouri Valley on my way to this place, and found some of them holding on to the truth. They have to stem the tide of opposition, which is strong. I presented the subject of Systematic Benevolence to them for the first time, and they subscribed about $20.00. I left them somewhat encouraged. I do not know where Bro. Bartlett is. I have not seen him for two months. Hope that he is laboring somewhere. There are many calls for labor in the vicinity of our tent labors.

I ask an interest in the prayers of the brethren. J. W. McWILLIAMS.

Crescent City, Iowa, Dec. 3, 1874.

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