Alstrup, March 13.—I am here again in this place to hold a few meetings and to write for Advent Tidende. Some are becoming weary in the way, but others go forward. Some visit us from Jetsmark, where I held a few meetings the past winter. They request me to hold some more meetings with them.
At Tylstrup Hede also the truth has progressed some during the past week. But the situation is very different from what it is here. The majority of the people have no desire to hear, but deride all who do attend the meetings, and make every effort possible to hinder them from attending. I have held two meetings in Sulsted and two in the city of Tylstrup, but there are only a very few there who care anything about seeking God. The people are much addicted to strong drink, and wickedness and pride exist to a great degree. Superstition and unbelief have blinded them. They glory in their iniquity, and seek after worldly things.
At Tylstrup Hede the vice of intemperance also rules with great power. It seems as if Satan has much more power in this country than in America. But there are, however, a few who willingly search the Scriptures, and the word of God has made a deep impression upon their hearts. They are as brands snatched from the fire. Sabbath evening we held a Bible-class. It was of great encouragement to all. Sabbath was a good day for us. The good Spirit of the Lord was present at our prayer-meeting in the forenoon, and quite a number took part with us in the worship of God. A prayer-meeting has never before, to my knowledge, been held in this part of the country. There were more than twenty persons who kept that Sabbath and together tried to draw near to God. At the meeting in the afternoon, when we preached to the people, there was deeper feeling and more brokenness of heart than we have witnessed at any previous meeting. May the Lord himself establish this work to his name’s honor and to the salvation of souls.
Tylstrup, March 18.—We read Bro. White’s remarks about the European mission last week. It rejoices us to receive such encouragement from our friends in America. It gives us new strength and courage. We are very grateful, dear brethren, for your support, temporal as well as spiritual. Our dear Saviour has not forgotten us either. He blesses our feeble efforts. In his name we would renew our covenant with the Lord and with our dear brethren, and strive to labor to the glory of God and for the salvation of precious souls in this part of the great harvest field.
Some letters that we receive are unpleasant, but others are encouraging and show that the truth makes an entrance here and there, both in Denmark and Norway.
I held two meetings in Alstrup last week. At the last meeting, two Friends (Quakers) from Vejle were present. I let them occupy most of the time. They are friendly to us, and expressed astonishment to see so many devout hearers. There were over two hundred persons present. They said they were accustomed to see but few, if any, more than twenty present.
This week I spend with the friends in Tylstrup. About thirty persons were present at the Bible-class Sabbath evening, and twenty-six children attended the Sabbath-school. The Lord blessed us also in our prayer-meeting, and in preaching in the afternoon. The Spirit of the Lord has found a place in some hearts, and they strive by the grace of God to go forward in the way leading to eternal life.
John G. Matteson.
European Powers Alarmed Over Russo-British Crisis
EUROPE is profoundly disturbed. Russia has refused to submit to the terms dictated by England. England has refused to obey Russia’s demand for the withdrawal of the English fleet from the Sea of Marmora. England will not withdraw her ironclads from the neighborhood of Constantinople unless Russia will withdraw her armies from their present nearness to the same point. Lord Derby resigned the Secretaryship of Foreign Affairs in the British Ministry, unwilling to be longer responsible for the rash and warlike measures which the Beaconsfield administration had resolved upon. Austria has given up trying to bring about a conference of the Powers. England has called out her reserves, and Russia is putting forth every effort to strengthen her positions at the front. In the event of an open rupture between the Bear and the Lion, the Turk, as a “neutral,” is hoping for some possible mitigation of woes. The Hungarian Diet is ravenous for a chance to have a brush with the always hated Slav. Lord Salisbury succeeds Lord Derby as Foreign Secretary.
NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
Western New York.
I have not reported for some time, but have been busy, laboring with the churches in this vicinity, and with families at their houses; and have seen encouraging interest and indications of the advancement of the cause. Have visited Eagle Harbor, the field of Bro. Reynolds' recent labors, twice. On the latter occasion, another candid, conscientious soul ventured the resolution to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, causing joy on earth, and, we believe, in Heaven. The brethren have hired and fitted up a hall, in which they hold two meetings a week. Bro. and Sr. Gaskill are laboring earnestly to sustain the cause there, and with good success; for the meetings continue to be well attended. March 28. R. F. COTTRELL.
Covington, Pa., April 2.
The interest here still continues. Have learned of several more during the week past that have decided to keep the Sabbath. Our last Sabbath meeting was an interesting occasion. Backsliders and sinners took part with us, and expressed their purpose to seek the Lord and keep his commandments.
Those who were urging the discussion have decided to postpone bringing their man until I get away. I shall remain a while longer, but shall hold meetings but a portion of the time and spend most of my time visiting. S. B. WHITNEY.
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA.
[Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.]
In the Signs of March 28, Eld. Loughborough gives interesting particulars of the Oakland church, with which he had spent the preceding week. Those who have lately received the truth there are earnest in the work, and making progress. The119prayer and social meeting Tuesday evening, and the three district meetings Friday evening, were full of interest, and the time was well filled with spirited testimonies. The discourses on the Sabbath and on Sunday evening were listened to by good audiences. The Oakland V. M. Society has some valuable accessions to its corps of workers, and this society is doing effective work in spreading the truth.
MAINE
Report of Labor.
We have been favored in Maine with a visit from Bro. Haskell; and although the roads were so extremely bad that but few could attend, yet the meetings at South Norridgewock, Somerset Mills, Richmond, and Allen’s Corner, Deering, were good and profitable. I very much regret that the going was such that we could not have a general meeting, and earnestly invite Eld. Haskell to visit us again at a convenient time, and hold at least two or three general meetings, one of these to be held at Linneus, Aroostook Co.
Has not the time fully come for advance steps to be taken in this State? Is not the Lord just as willing to work for us in Maine as for those in other states? I believe he is, when we put ourselves in a position to receive his blessing and to work effectually in his cause. Calls are coming in from every quarter, and the cry is, Come over and help us. The Lord is coming, and it is time to awake and put on the whole armor of God.
I met with the church on Crotch Island, March 26. Found them all firm in the truth. The 27th I spoke to the friends on Long Island, and was rejoiced to find the constable who so kindly protected me last January when the man came to the house armed with an ax, keeping the Sabbath, with his wife, and still others are interested. I am reminded of the statement in 2 Cor.: “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” Those who embrace the Sabbath readily leave off the use of tea and tobacco. This is just as it should be.
At Brunswick, March 31, we ordained an elder and deacon for the church. May the Lord add to their number daily such as shall be saved. J. B. GOODRICH.
Somerset Mills, April 2, 1878.
Aroostook Co.
Commenced meetings on Silver Ridge plantation, Aroostook Co., Feb. 25, and continued them until March 23. As a result, eleven are keeping the Sabbath. I took an expression of the congregation to ascertain how many believed we had the truth according to the Bible, and about thirty raised their hands.
We met with some opposition from the Congregational minister. When I asked him for his authority for keeping the first day of the week for the Sabbath, he said they had not a “Thus saith the Lord” for it, and did not need one, since they had the whole Christian world in favor of Sunday-keeping. I believe it is better to have a “Thus saith the Lord” for our guide, and stand alone in the world, than to go with the multitude and have a “Thus saith the Lord” against us. S. J. HERSUM.
KENTUCKY
By S. Osborn
Closed my meetings near Shepherdsville, Bullitt Co., for the present, last night, March 31, with a better interest than I had when I commenced; but the business to be attended to at the quarterly meetings required my presence. Eight or nine embraced the Sabbath. Almost the entire neighborhood say they are convinced on the Sabbath, but some ask for a little more time to consider.
I find just as good fields for labor near where meetings have been held as in entirely new places, providing the Sabbath-keepers live out their faith so the people can have confidence in them. I would therefore appeal to our brethren and sisters in this Conference especially, If you want your neighbors and friends converted, live out the truth. S. Osborn.
KANSAS
Clarion, April 1.
Our meetings at this place are prospering finely. The attendance and interest are still increasing. Twelve or fourteen have already decided for the truth.
Our debate begins on the 3d inst.
J. Lamont. G. H. Rogers.
Ottawa, March 28.
At the place where I am now laboring, eight miles north-west of Ottawa, four have signed the covenant, and one or two more are keeping the Sabbath. Prejudice is as strong here as in any place where I ever labored. My congregations have been small, and there is not much hopes of raising up a church at present.
Smith Sharp.
THE SHEPHERD'S CALL.
A shepherd on the mountain bare
Leads forth his flock to pastures fair;
And soon with watchful care and guard
He brings them to the river ford.
The fields beyond are fresh and green,
But swift the river runs between;
Then, crossing first the rapid stream,
He calls each one to follow him.
The timid flock upon the brink
Now for a moment stand, and shrink;
Then forward all with one consent,
Upon that winning voice intent,
And keeping close the path he tried—
The most are safely at his side—
But some with weak and careless step
Arrive at length with many a slip.
And some in fear go shiv'ring through,
But gain the shore in safety too;
And others, though they buffet strong,
Far down the stream are borne along;
Yet, still above the waves, they hear
That constant call ring sweet and clear:
And, though the billows rush and roar,
They struggle on and reach the shore.
If we our Shepherd's call obey,
And closely follow in the way,
Then safe will be our passage o'er;
For he has told the path before.
Should trouble, like a flood, prevail,
And all our efforts seem to fail,
Remember, he is calling yet,
He never will his own forget.
That tender voice, so sweet, so clear,
Reveals his presence ever near;
And we may then fresh courage take,
He never will his own forsake.
—The Illustrated Christian Weekly.
MASSACHUSETTS
By C. W. Stone
East Salisbury and Ipswich.
OUR meetings at East Salisbury closed with a good audience, Sunday, March 31. Only four had then taken a decided stand with us; but we have good reasons to believe that others will soon do so. One man promised us he would not violate another Sabbath. Another man and his wife have attended nearly every meeting, though living four miles away. They were present at our last Sabbath meeting at Newburyport. We think they will soon decide for the truth.
Bro. Haines and I commenced lectures at Ipswich, April 2. They are held in the hall in which our brethren meet. We have had two meetings. The opening is very encouraging. The brethren and sisters here have shown a commendable interest in visiting the people and inviting them to attend, and also in preparing everything for the lectures. Pray that the Lord may give us help at Ipswich.
C. W. Stone.
CANADA
By A. C. Bourdeau
Since I wrote my last report for our good paper, I have held meetings in Frelford, Bolton, and Stukely; have baptized four new converts, organized the Bolton, and Stukely church, ordained their elder and deacon, and enjoyed a refreshing season with them in attending to the ordinances of the Lord’s house.
Friday, Feb. 15, I came to Barford. Arrangements were made to have us occupy the Adventist chapel in Dixville, a village in Barford. Bro. and Sr. Hutchins came from Vermont, and were here with us over Sabbath and first-day, till the 18th. Bro. H.’s sermons were in his usual ready and familiar style. All appreciated the word spoken. Bro. Owen assisted in the work nearly two weeks, till the 26th. I have since continued to preach in the Adventist chapel evenings, and Sabbaths and Sundays; and Mrs. B. and I have spared no pains in visiting from house to house.
In our labors here we have had to encounter influences and oppositions of a very trying character; but the Lord has helped, and the truth has prevailed every time. To God be all the praise.
Sunday afternoon, March 10, a Baptist minister from Coaticook, known as a learned man, by invitation, gave a discourse in Dixville in defense of Sunday-keeping. I reviewed him the same evening; and the result was that before the next Sabbath twelve persons fully decided to keep the day enjoined in the fourth commandment. Truly they “can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.”
Up to this date, March 25, twenty-four have embraced the truth, and forty are now keeping the Bible Sabbath in this place. The two Sabbaths just past have been precious days to us. As one after another arose in the meetings, and in tears expressed their appreciation of the truth, our hearts were full, and we felt to praise the Lord aloud. After the close of the Sabbath, the 23d, I commenced to organize the Barford church. Sixteen have united together in Christian fellowship, and nine more have expressed their desire to unite with them soon. A leader and a clerk have been appointed, and we have taken measures to lay out about seventy-five dollars in completing the chapel which our Adventist friends erected in 1873.
A. C. Bourdeau.
SIGOURNEY, IOWA.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
We began meetings here Thursday evening, March 28. The temperance society had appointed a meeting in our house for that evening, and so invited me to speak to them, which I did. The house was full. The next night we could not seat the people; so we hired the opera house, and promised the people plenty of room. But this was also soon filled. Sunday evening many had to go away. The two following evenings we had a crowded house. Thus far we have found all our meeting-houses too small to hold the people. Times are changing; men are becoming hungry for the truth. We feel sad that such interests cannot be followed up.
We had a large attendance of our own people, the largest ever convened here. All seemed to be of good courage. Sabbath afternoon more than a dozen made a start to be Christians.
We spent most of our labor in setting before the brethren the history of the message, its present extent and wants, and our duty to it. I spoke half a day on S. B., and then took the pledges of all present. About $1200.00 were pledged; $200 were pledged on the new tents, and several hundred on the foreign mission.
Monday and Tuesday nearly all remained, and we had a pleasant and profitable time instructing them in keeping the clerks' and S. B. books, and the duties of different officers. Finally we had a long talk with the preachers about the way to become successful laborers. At the close of the last meeting, Bro. L. McCoy was ordained to preach the gospel.
All expressed themselves much pleased and profited by these meetings. Meetings of this kind are just what is needed to wake up the talent and interest of the brethren and sisters. There are means and talent enough in this Conference to do a mighty work. It is decided to run nine or ten tents this season; and others will go out without tents. Bro. Farnsworth is an able speaker and a stirring man; so we hope much for the cause in Iowa.
It is five years since I was here last. I highly enjoyed the privilege of meeting old friends again. A large number of my former friends, the first citizens of Sigourney, who were friendly to us and to the cause then, attended our meetings here, and were as friendly as ever. We hope for many of them yet. D. M. CANRIGHT.
TENNESSEE
By G. K. Owen
Turnersville, Robertson Co., March 29.
We commenced lectures in Turnersville, March 17. After giving seven lectures in the Methodist church, the minister came with the lock-out argument, by which he displeased and surprised even his own members, at the same time awakening a stronger sympathy in our favor. A hall was offered us free, and immediately prepared, in which we have since continued our meetings, with increasing interest.
We earnestly request the prayers of God's people, that we may be strong for this work. G. K. OWEN.
NEBRASKA
By Chas. L. Boyd
In consequence of the anticipated removal of some of the members of the Farmers Valley church, their quarterly meeting was held two weeks earlier than the usual time. Some of this church have been rather negligent about attending meetings. Efforts were made to correct this error.
Bro. N. H. Hopkins was elected and set apart for the office of deacon, to take the place of Bro. Fairbank, who is about to move away. One was received into the church.
Last Sabbath I spent with the friends at New Erie, where the work is still progressing. On my way to Farmers Valley I preached at Watson. An earnest desire was expressed for a course of lectures; and by vote I was requested to hold meetings here at my earliest convenience.
The fields are white. Where are the reapers? CHAS. L. BOYD.
Beaver City, Furnas Co., Neb., March 31.
MICHIGAN
By Gustaf A. Carlstedt
Holton, March 29.
Last Sunday evening, the Methodist minister on the circuit preached on the immortality of the soul. His sermon was full of misrepresentations and false statements. It has been the theme of conversation here all the week. I reviewed him last evening before a crowded house; many had to stand for want of seats. The most of those present expressed satisfaction, and the Methodist minister has fallen a great deal in the estimation of the people. I sold several packages of tracts on the immortality question at the close of the meeting.
Two persons have commenced to keep the Sabbath, and several more are weighing the matter in their minds. Many are convinced of the truth. Have obtained one subscriber for the REFORMER. Will meet with the brethren at Twin Lakes tomorrow. GUSTAF A. CARLSTEDT.
ALABAMA
By A. O. Burrill
Owl Valley, Cherokee Co., April 1.
WE reached Gadsden, which is about fifteen miles south of Bladen Springs, March 16, expecting to find our tents, which we had ordered a month before; but we were disappointed. After remaining a few days and setting everything in order as far as we could, we came into the country, where we found a church of Baptists, and three ordained ministers, that had been cut off from the Baptist association, because they had embraced the Bible doctrine of the sleep of the dead and the annihilation of the wicked. Here we found warm friends and attentive listeners. Bro. Ellett holds meetings at their house of worship, and I am holding meetings five miles from there. One minister and quite a number of the members have begun Sabbath observance.
We never have seen so many openings before. We shall complete the work here now before we put up the tent. The climate here is delightful. It has been warm enough for tent labor for a month.
Address me at Gadsden, Ala.
A. O. BURRILL.
“JUDGE NOT.”
By Eliza H. Morton
Gossip and slander are evils alarmingly prevalent at the present day. The habit of criticising the acts of others is generally formed in childhood, and grows with the growth until it becomes almost second nature. It is so easy to see our neighbor’s faults and so interesting to talk them over with congenial spirits, that many of us often yield to the temptation.
The text, “Judge not, that ye be not judged,” is frequently met with the words, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” It is supposed by some that the latter text gives any permission to expose the foibles of their fellow-beings. This is a mistake. It is true that we may know those whose lives are impure, but it is not true that we are at liberty to blacken their characters still more by scandal. It is no small task to govern the tongue; but it must be done, or ruin will be the result. Jealousy causes much evil speaking, and envy still more. Such feelings should not control the life or dwell in the heart of the Christian. Our mission is, to help the erring, encourage the faint-hearted, and to “do to others as we would be done by.” If evil meets us on every hand, we know that,—
“However hid by saint-like face,
The current of that life which flows
Away from Heaven, away from grace,
God knows,”
And in his own good time he will “judge the secrets of men” with a righteous judgment.
Parents, beware how you speak disparagingly of others before your children. By so doing you will sow seeds of wrong which will hereafter bear a plentiful harvest. Brethren and sisters, be true to your trust, and you will not fear to be judged with the same judgment you have exercised, and in the great day, when you stand before the “Judge of all the earth,” joy will lighten your faces, and peace dwell in your hearts. ELIZA H. MORTON.
CHEAP TALK.
The truthfulness of the very common expression that “talk is cheap,” might seem unquestionable to the careless and unobserving. But to individuals whose consciences have not lost their discriminative power, and whose religious experience is not mere automatic operations, words are not so valueless.
There is no such thing as cheap talk, yet it is an undisputable fact that there is very much of idle and trifling conversation, and frivolous talk. There is no account opened in the heavenly Ledger to cheap talk. “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of Judgment.” The final audit will show that words spoken hastily or ever so thoughtlessly were caught by the attentive angelic ear, and the ready pen of the heavenly accountant registered every word. Can talk be considered cheap, when by our words we are condemned or justified? A man’s words furnish a criterion by which to judge of his spiritual condition. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. James, in speaking of the uses of the tongue, uses convincing language, and employs strong figures to impress upon his readers the restraint which it is necessary to place upon the unruly member.
The words of a person professing to be a follower of Christ, who exhorts others to holiness, yet manifests none of the fruits of the Spirit in his life, may, in a certain sense, be considered cheap; yet James employs a fitter term, “If any man among you seem to be religious and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, that man’s religion is vain.” All his exhortations fall powerless upon the ear and are echoless in the heart of the listener.
David, in considering the character of a citizen of Zion, asks the pertinent question, “Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” and receives this comprehensive answer, “He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth [not with his lips, notice, but] in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoreth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.” Although vows have been taken and agreements entered into that afterward prove not a success financially, the individual is not released. God requires that he should maintain honesty, uprightness, and integrity of character, notwithstanding he has sworn to his own hurt. Here is a test for the selfish man, that he forfeit not his word and honor.
God would have men speak words of soberness and truth. “Let no man deceive you with vain words; for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.”
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer.”
“WHO ARE THE AARON BURRS NOW LIVING IN CHRISTIAN HOUSEHOLDS?”
By Austin Phelps
Of the eminent men in American history, no one has come to the close of life under a darker cloud of reprobation from God and man than Aaron Burr. He was the son of parents eminent for piety. His father was the venerable president of a Christian college. His mother was the daughter of the Rev. President Edwards, a most godly man, and herself also a woman renowned for her rare Christian culture. The family extended far back in a luminous pathway of Christian faith and prayer. What an accumulation of holy forces concentrated upon Aaron Burr’s boyhood and early manhood! They surrounded him in no hard, repellent forms, but in the genial graces and beautiful adornments of educated Christian society. The piety of his father was lighted up by a mirthful humor. No happier men ever lived than the clergy of that age. The best education of the times, too, was his. Thus directed, so far as home and inheritance and circumstances could do it, toward Heaven, he entered on his active manhood.
When approaching his twentieth year, he became interested in the salvation of his soul. The Spirit of God then clearly set before him the great alternative, and pressed his decision on the side of virtue and religion. He retired some weeks to a rural town in Connecticut, for the sake of settling once for all the question of his religious character. Nobody knows what was the history of those critical weeks; through what conflicts he passed; how near he may have approached to the God of his fathers; nor what fatal influences turned him back. But he came home resolved, as he said, “never again to trouble himself about his soul’s salvation.”
To all appearances he kept that resolution to the last. The die was cast, as he meant it should, be “once for all.” It is not known that he was ever again seriously disturbed by religious convictions. He entered on what promised to be a brilliant public career, without God and without hope. He passed through it a godless man. He ended it, disappointed in his ambitions and soured against all the world. He died in obscurity, abandoned by old friends for years before, unsaluted by them as they passed him in the street, with the guilt of murder on his soul and the brand of Cain on his brow. So far as man can know, he went speechless to eternity, with a seared conscience and a hardened heart. God suffered him—as he generally does such men—to die as he had lived.
His was a representative history—representative of those who break the line of ancestral piety, and force their way to an irreligious life and death, in defiance of God’s protective plans for their salvation. It is an appalling question—do not angels pause and “lean on their harps” to catch the answer?—“Who are the Aaron Burrs now living in Christian families?”—Professor Austin Phelps, D. D.
A FEARFUL RISK FOR GIRLS.
The pastor of a church in one of our large cities said to me, not long ago: “I have officiated at forty weddings since I came here, and in every case, save one, I felt that the bride was running an awful risk. Young men of bad habits and fast tendencies never marry girls of their own sort, but demand a wife above suspicion. So pure, sweet women, kept from the touch of evil through the years of their girlhood, give themselves, with all their costly dower of womanhood, into the keeping of men who, in base associations, have learned to under-value all that belongs to them, and then find no repentance in the sad after-years. There is but one way out of this that I can see, and that is for you—the young women of the country—to require in associations and marriage, purity for purity, sobriety for sobriety, and honor for honor.”
“There is no reason why the young men of this Christian land should not be just as virtuous as its women, and if the loss of society and love be the price they are forced to pay for vice, they will not pay it. I admit with sadness that not all our young women are capable of this high standard for themselves or others, but I believe there are enough earnest, thoughtful girls in the society of our country to work wonders if faithfully aroused.
“Dear girls, will you help us, in the name of Christ? Will you, first of all, be true to yourselves and God; so pure in your inner and outer life that you shall have a right to ask that the young man with whom you marry shall be the same? The awful gulf of dishonor is close beside your feet, and in it, fathers, brothers, lovers, and sons are going down. Will you help us in our great work?”—Sel.
TRUST
My little girl, the other day
(Three years of age a month ago),
Wounded her finger while at play,
And saw the crimson current flow.
With pleading optics raining tears,
She sought my aid in terrors wild;
I smiling said, “Dismiss your fears,
And all shall soon be well, my child.”
Her little bosom ceased to swell,
While she replied, with calmer brow,
“I know that you can make it well,
But how, papa, I do not know.”
Our children oft entreat us thus
For succor or for recompense;
They look with confidence to us,
As we should look to Providence.
For each infantile doubt and fear,
And every little childish grief,
Is uttered in a parent's ear
With full assurance of relief.
A grateful sense of favors past
Inclines them to petition now,
With faith in succor to the last,
Although they can't imagine how.
And shall I doubtingly repine
When clouds of dark affliction lower?
A tender Father still is mine,
Of greater mercy, love and power.
He clothes the lily, feeds the dove,
The meanest insect feels his care;
And shall not man confess his love—
Man his offspring and his heir?
Yes; though he slay, I'll trust him still,
And still with resignation bow;
He may relieve, he can, he will,
Although I cannot yet see how.
—Sel.
A REGION OF WONDERS.
A CORRESPONDENT who has been visiting a portion of California known as the Big Meadow, thus describes some of the natural wonders he saw there:—
Two miles from here are the Geysers. One of them, as clear as crystal, throws boiling water about twenty-five feet high; the next is a mud spring, and throws about ten feet, while the other is only a boiling spring and changes every other year to a blood red. Besides these, the whole canyon is nothing but steam escaping for over one hundred yards. One mile and a half from here is a boiling lake of the consistency and color of soapsuds. It is four hundred yards long and two hundred wide. Two miles further on is Hot Spring Valley. Here, within a distance of one hundred yards, are between two hundred and three hundred boiling springs—no two alike, and showing every kind of mineral imaginable. Half a mile from here, over the mountain, is another lake, with neither inlet nor outlet in view, and it is also full of large trout, and the water is as clear as crystal. It is four miles from here to Morgan's Valley, where can be found, it is said, the best sulphur springs in the world. Following up the canyon there are nearly a thousand different kinds of mineral springs, including all kinds of “paint” springs. One of these springs has cost the cattle men about $10,000 within the last nine or ten years. It is apparently arsenical. It is death to man or beast if only tasted. Seven miles further on is Lassen Butte. From here one of the grandest views is obtained. In the far distance is the sea, and nearer is our beautiful Sacramento river, winding through the broad valley for a hundred miles or more. There is plenty of chance to hunt all over this wide range for either bear or deer, and it does not take much trouble to find either of them.—Bible Banner.
What True Life Consists Of
THE mere lapse of years is not life. To eat and drink and sleep, to be exposed to darkness and the light; to pace round in the mill habit, and turn thought into an implement of trade,—this is not life. In all this but a poor fraction of the consciousness of humanity is awakened, and the sanctities still slumber which make it worth while to be. Knowledge, truth, love, beauty, goodness, faith, alone can give vitality to the mechanism of existence. The laugh of mirth that vibrates through the heart, the tears that freshen the dry wastes within, the music that brings childhood back, the prayer that calls the future near, the doubt which makes us meditate, the death which startles us with mystery, the hardship which forces us to struggle, the anxiety that ends in trust,—these are the true nourishment of our natural being.
Religion Is Fit Living, Not Preparation to Die
RELIGION is thought of by many as a preparation to die. This is a mistake. Religion is fit living; but fit living cannot leave one unprepared to die. Hence you are not so much concerned how you shall die as how you ought to live. To live well is to make good dying inevitable. The living is your duty; the dying is in God's care. To live is the matter of to-day, the duty next to you; to die is in reserve for that future known only to God. Religion is the spirit of Heaven permeating, enlivening, elevating, sweetening, all your earthly life. It is to be to you a sunlight, an atmosphere; it is to pervade your existence, to inspire your efforts to build up the Redeemer's kingdom and to bless men, and to bring your whole being into harmony with the divine economy.—Sel.
JESUITISM
A contemporary is authority for the statement that in New Mexico where there are many Roman Catholics, “a law has just been urged through the territorial legislature by the Jesuits, placing the whole public education in the hands of the Society of Jesus. The governor very properly, and with manly reasons, vetoed it; but it was passed over his objections. As it is manifestly unconstitutional, appeal is to be made to Congress to forbid the act. But the act of the Society is both significant and instructive. The Jesuit politely accepts, but when he has the votes, he knows no golden rule with Protestant heretics! He demands, and, if possible, will hold, the whole!”—Religious Intelligencer.
Obituary Notices.
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.”
Died, near Convis, Mich., March 28, 1878, sister Mary A Sisley, wife of Bro. John Sisley. For years her health has been failing, and she fell a victim to consumption after an illness of two years, at the age of 39 years and 7 months. She embraced the cause of Christ in 1863, and has since been a worthy member of the S. D. A. church in Convis. She died peacefully, trusting in her Saviour, and left to a large circle of mourning friends the brightest evidence of her acceptance with God. The funeral discourse was given by the writer, from the first part of Isa. 53:4. Geo. C. Tenney.
Fell asleep in Jesus, Feb. 20, 1878, at Sterling, Blue Earth Co., Minn., Ella Rose, daughter of Bro. and sister C. N. Plumb, aged 2 years and 7 months. Her death, which was caused by pneumonia, was very sudden; but she will soon come again from the land of the enemy. Words of comfort were spoken by Eld. J. E. Conrad (Presbyterian), from 1 Thess. 4:15. Emma Merickel.
(Signs please copy.)
Died, at Kingston, Minn., March 20, 1878, sister Sallie A. Bogar, aged 19 years and 4 months. Together with her brother and sister and mother, she embraced the present truth three years ago. She was beloved by all who knew her, and was the comfort of her widowed mother. Words of comfort by Bro. W. B. Hill. Text, 1 Cor. 15:26. Mrs. A. Cook.
Died of consumption and liver complaint, at St. Charles, Mich., March 23, 1878, Emerson A. Edson, aged 29 years. He was born in Ashfield, Mass. Has kept the Sabbath from his youth, his parents being among the pioneers of the present truth. He bore his sickness with marked patience. He leaves a wife and brother to mourn their loss, but they have a blessed hope to sustain them in their sorrow. Funeral discourse by Bro. H. S. Guilford. A. Graham.
Speaking Disparagingly of Others Before Children
By Eliza H. Morton
However hid by saint-like face,
The current of that life which flows
Away from Heaven, away from grace,
God knows,”
And in his own good time he will “judge the secrets of men” with a righteous judgment.
Parents, beware how you speak disparagingly of others before your children. By so doing you will sow seeds of wrong which will hereafter bear a plentiful harvest. Brethren and sisters, be true to your trust, and you will not fear to be judged with the same judgment you have exercised, and in the great day, when you stand before the “Judge of all the earth,” joy will lighten your faces, and peace dwell in your hearts. ELIZA H. MORTON.