Earlier text: Prophecy: History Written in AdvanceVisions and Prophecy.
By George I. Butler
HAVE THEY BEEN MANIFESTED AMONG SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS?
Perhaps there is nothing in this age of the world that excites greater prejudice than the claim that visions and miraculous manifestations of God’s Spirit are to be witnessed in our time. There are a variety of reasons why this is so. So many have put forth claims to supernatural powers who have given evidence either of fanaticism or downright infidelity that it is not to be wondered at that sensible people who believe the Bible should look with great suspicion on everything of the kind. Swedenborg and Ann Lee appeared in the last century with their spiritualizing systems, denying the literal teaching of the Scriptures; the former claiming that the last judgment was accomplished in the year 1757 and the second coming of Christ took place in the introduction of the doctrines of the New-Jerusalem church as set forth by him, while the latter claimed that Christ’s second coming was accomplished in her person. And both of these set forth claims to great spiritual illumination. In the present century, Joseph Smith and the Mormons have appeared, claiming supernatural power, believing that the New Jerusalem would be built under their auspices in the State of Missouri. And finally, the spiritualists have appeared, with their thousands of mediums, claiming that Christ’s second advent is fulfilled in modern spiritualism. It is a noticeable fact that all of these parties put forth doctrines subversive of the teachings of the Bible concerning the second coming of our Saviour. We are warned of these in our Lord’s discourse which gives the signs of his coming. Matt. 24: 11, 23, 24: “And many false prophets shall arise and deceive many.” “For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that if it were possible they shall deceive the very elect.” It is remarkable that these have all arisen in this late age of the world, and all of them hold views on the subject of the Lord’s coming calculated to blind the minds of the people in regard to that event, and that the Scripture has placed their appearance in close proximity to the time when the Saviour shall come at that very point when the signs should be seen. Shall we argue173that there certainly will be no genuine manifestations because we know that false ones are in existence? Does the presence of counterfeits demonstrate the absence of all genuine money? Satan has most generally wrought in the world most powerfully when the Lord has been at work. It is a well-known fact that Seventh-day Adventists have believed that true visions were in existence among them for years in the past. This claim has subjected them to no small amount of obloquy. We propose to set before the readers of the REVIEW some of the reasons why they have believed so. Holding such views, the public are entitled to know our reasons for them. The subject of visions is an important one. When in vision, we understand the Spirit of God takes possession of persons’ minds, so that, for the time being, they are entirely unconscious of what transpires around them, and they are shown whatever God desires them to know, either that they may reveal it to others for their instruction, when they are brought back to their natural condition, or may understand it for their own benefit. When the Spirit thus takes possession of the mind during one’s waking hours, it is called a vision. When during one’s sleeping hours, a dream. Not such dreams as come through the multitude of business or from ordinary causes, but such dreams as Nebuchadnezzar’s, and others spoken of in the Bible, when things were shown to them that they could not have otherwise known. Visions were an important agency in the revelation of God’s will to man. Abraham, the father of the faithful, had visions. “After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision.” Gen. 15: 1. The prophets in David’s time had visions. “Then thou spakest in vision to thy Holy One, and saidst, . . . I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him.” Ps. 89: 19, 20. Isaiah’s prophecy was given through vision. “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.” Isa. 1: 1. Then follow the sixty-six chapters of his writings, all given through vision. The prophecy of Ezekiel was shown in the same manner. “Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.” Eze. 1: 1. Then follow the forty-eight chapters of his book. Daniel, whom Nebuchadnezzar found better than all the wise counselors of Babylon, was well acquainted with visions. “And Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” Dan. 1: 17. We know he had several most important ones. The prophecies of Obadiah and Nahum were also given in vision, as the reader will see by reading their first verses. And in the New Testament we also have many such instances. Zacharias had a vision; Luke 1: 22; Cornelius also; Acts 10: 3; the apostle Peter likewise; Acts 10: 10; Ananias, who was sent to stricken Paul to open his eyes, was directed through vision; Acts 9: 10. The book of Revelation was given in this manner; Rev. 9: 17; while the great apostle to the Gentiles, the most eminent of all the Christian teachers, had very many visions. “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell; God knoweth); such a one caught up to the third heaven.” “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh . . . to buffet me,” &c. 2 Cor. 12: 1, 2, 7. The apostle Paul had many visions then, and instead of being ashamed of them, he was in great danger of becoming proud, so much so that God sent a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble. Who knows how many of Paul’s letters to the churches were written by means of the light given in vision. Says the wise man, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Prov. 29: 18. And among the threatened judgments of God against Israel for their sins was this: “Therefore night shall be unto you that ye shall not have a vision.” Micah 3: 6. And when the prophet Jeremiah was lamenting over the terrible distress which had come upon his people for their sins, one important cause of mourning with him was that the “prophets find no vision from the Lord.” Lam. 2: 9. From these scriptures it will be seen that visions were a most important link of connection between God and his people. A very large portion of the Bible was given through vision. If we reject visions from our system of religion, we must reject much of the Bible. Indeed it is quite likely where the phrase occurs, “And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,” which is so very common, that “the word” came in this very manner. Notice the expression in regard to Abram above quoted. “The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision.” In Numbers 12: 6, there is an important testimony which demands the reader’s attention, for it is very decisive on this point. The Lord God speaking to Aaron and Miriam from the pillar of cloud, says, “Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” This then is the manner in which the Lord spoke through the prophets. By the power of his Spirit he takes complete possession of the mind, impressing upon its tablets those things which he is pleased to reveal. Then when restored to the natural state, the chosen person could speak or write out those words of instruction for others’ benefit. Events passed before the mind in vision like a moving panorama. These in the normal state brought up again by the aid of the Spirit of God are conveyed to others. Thus visions are the medium through which prophecy is conveyed to the world. And we cannot reject one without virtually rejecting the other. The scriptures above quoted also show the great importance of visions. People in this age scout everything of the kind. Not so anciently. It was a matter of great solicitude that God should thus manifest himself. If it was a matter of such interest then, should it be a matter of indifference now? Was the old dispensation to be so much more favored than the new? It is well known that in those periods of Jewish history when there was no open vision, even when the canon of the Old Testament was made up, there was far less of spirituality and light than when the Lord spoke to the people in vision. The light of the Jewish age is compared to the light of the moon, while that of the gospel age is compared to the light of the sun. Rev. 12: 1. We are certainly entitled to look for as many manifestations of God’s presence then in this age as in that. Why, then, may we not expect that visions would be given all through the gospel age? Here we are met with the objection that all such spiritual manifestations were to cease with the apostolic age. That spiritual gifts were only designed to last that length of time, we are told that when God had completed the canon of inspiration we have no further need of spiritual gifts. If these positions be true, we have, of course, no right to expect visions in our time. Before proceeding further, we will examine the question of the perpetuity of spiritual gifts. Were spiritual gifts designed for the whole gospel age? or were they confined to the apostolic age? Should it be shown that God designed these gifts for the whole gospel age, then we have a right to look around us for their manifestation, when the conditions upon which they are promised are met. Let us notice the commission of the apostles as given by the Saviour just before his ascension to Heaven. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Mark 16: 15–18. “All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matt. 28: 18–20. It is by virtue of this commission that men have been authorized to preach the gospel ever since Christ ascended to Heaven. That it extends to the close of the age none can dispute. Going right along with it is the promise of special spiritual assistance, miraculous gifts. The commission cannot be confined to the apostles; no more can the promised assistance. Christ does not say, “These signs shall follow” the apostles merely; but these signs shall follow them that believe, or the “believers,” as Campbell renders it. In the apostles’ days they were not given to every one irrespective of character or circumstances. Conditions are always implied in God’s promises. All sick people were not healed in that age. Even the apostles themselves died, and Paul says on one occasion, “Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.” These gifts were never to be manifested in any age only when certain conditions existed. Among these were the following: When God’s glory would be advanced by it, when there was living faith in the church, and when people lived holy lives. These powers were conferred through the Holy Spirit, and by virtue of its influence alone. That Spirit is the agency by which every conversion is effected. In its name every believer is baptized. Every conversion effected by the Spirit is really a miracle, truly beyond all human power. If, then, every believer is to be baptized in the name of this agent, it must be evident that its manifestation was to continue as long as there were believers. So our Lord declares in Matthew, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” How was he to be with them? Never, since his ascension, has he been with his disciples personally. The promise contemplates, then, that he should be with them by his Spirit. That Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son; and it is through it that every miracle was performed. Here we have positive evidence that the agent by which miraculous gifts were manifested was to continue with the true church to the end of the world. We next notice the words of the apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost. “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.” Acts 2: 32, 33. Here we learn that a promise was given that the Holy Spirit should be sent, when our Saviour ascended to Heaven. This is evidently the same thing that is referred to in the commission. Peter says that those manifestations which these Jews were witnessing there on the day of Pentecost came in fulfillment of this promise. “Having received the promise he hath shed forth this.” The promise of the Spirit then, contemplates just such gifts. This promise is recorded in John 14: 15–17. “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him.” In chap. 16: 7, he says it is even expedient that he go away so that this Comforter may come. How important must be its coming then! How long was this Spirit of truth to remain with his people? Does the promise say? He is to “abide with them forever.” And this promise, Peter says, contemplates such manifestations as were seen on Pentecost. The apostle continues his discourse until the hearts of his hearers are touched, and they anxiously inquire, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all who are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2: 37–39. What promise is this? The promise of the Holy Spirit which Christ made to his sorrowing disciples some forty days previous to this, and the same that he refers to just previous to his ascension, in the commission. Who were to share in this promise? Not the apostles merely, but those who were to be converted by their preaching. Was it to be confined to the first age of the church? Not exactly. It was not only to those whom the apostle was addressing, but to their “children and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Has not the Lord been calling anybody since the apostolic age? Is he not calling men in our age? We know he is. All classes of Christians believe it. Then this promise is unto them. The Bible says so, and we have the right to believe it. When the conditions are met upon which this promise is based, we have a right to expect the fulfillment of this promise. And we see it contemplates spiritual gifts, for these were “shed forth” in fulfillment of it. The world cannot receive the Spirit. It is only for those who live holy lives of faith. The promise certainly reaches to the close of time. Growth of Spiritualism in San Francisco, Cal.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
The following from the San Francisco Chronicle, April 13, 1874, will give some idea of how spiritualism is spreading on this coast:— GREAT SPIRITUALISTIC SEANCE AT CHARTER OAK HALL.
A “Chronicle” Reporter Hobnobbing with Disembodied Souls—Who They Were, and where They Came from—Something about the Remarkable Growth of Spiritualism. The recent anniversary celebration of the Rochester rappings, the death of Judge Edmonds, and the coming of Gerald Massey, have all tended to a remarkable activity among the spirits, and for more than a week past mediums have had their hands full. Every spirit gone before, from the days of Sardanapalus to Jim Fisk, seems to crowd in in these balmy spring days, and wants to make himself or herself heard, and, if possible, seen of all men. The growth of spiritualism in San Francisco within the past five years has been something wonderful. What a few years ago was a band of struggling men and women, hooted and jeered at by the multitude, and made a subject of ridicule by all, exists to-day as a society numbering over 4000 open and avowed believers in this city, and as many as 6000 and more who believe, yet because of their own or their friends’ sake hesitate to have their opinions or predilections known. There are upwards of one hundred In this city who stand in the same relation to the laity as the full-fledged clergyman. Among these, there are doubtless some, of course, who are insincere in their profession, and who trade upon the credulity of their followers; but the majority are sincere men and women who occupy a respectable position, and stand well among their fellows. There are some of these, also, who are oftentimes, it may be, carried away by their impressions or imagination, and in this state are led to believe more than the truth; but, as a rule, they are sensible, earnest, and, in many instances, really brilliant in their profession. THE SOCIETY OUTGROWS ITSELF.
The spread of the faith in San Francisco has indeed become so great that, at the regular meetings of the Spiritualistic Union, held on Sundays at Charter Oak Hall, room could not be found for the people who flocked to witness the exercises. Some time since, owing to a certain little difference of opinion among the three or four thousand members of the Society affecting the discipline of the Order, a separation took place, and now there are two Spiritualistic Societies in full blast. The principal one, of which George A. Kendrick is president, meets every Sunday at Mercantile Library Hall. A Sunday-school for children, or a “Children’s Progressive Lyceum,” as it is called, is also in session every Sunday at the same place, under the auspices of the same Society. The other branch, called the “Independent Spiritualists,” of which Mrs. Ada Foye is president, meets every Sunday at Charter Oak Hall. The two branches, though entirely separate in organization, are yet one in sympathy and have the same end in view, viz.: the propagation of truth as spiritualists believe it, and the inculcation of spiritual doctrine as it may be handed down through the best mediums in the world. At Charter Oak Hall, on Sunday afternoons, all the principal mediums in the city get together, and hold what is called a Conference. The meetings are nominally free, a small admittance of ten cents only being demanded. By this means, a large circle is formed, and hundreds of skeptical ones are induced to come in and witness the manifestations, who could never in the world be enticed into the private rooms of a medium upon any pretense whatever. These meetings are largely attended, the hall being generally packed to overflowing. The spectators are not all believers, by any means. Indeed, at these meetings, as a rule, the audience is largely composed of a class who, believing in nothing, merely drop in “to see the fun.” They frequently go away with an air that reminds one of the lines in Goldsmith’s “Deserted Village”:— “Fools who came to scoff
Remained to pray.”
Then the reporter relates at length many wonderful manifestations which he saw there himself. Spiritualism is evidently gaining rapidly, not only in numbers, but in respectability. We watch it with interest as a sign of the advent. PRESENT circumstances cause me to make an appeal to our American brethren and sisters to favor our little Swedish Mission with the lending of a charitable hand, to send the Swedish Advent Herald to some honest-hearted Swede, in the neighborhood where you live. At the present, for the first time, I have an opportunity to find a welcome stopping place, where I need not pay for my board, while I present our faith in the soon coming of our Lord Jesus. This is owing to the fact that a considerate and truth-loving man in Illinois sent the REVIEW to this family. I stopped with them over half a year ago. This powerful, but silent missionary has not only converted the man who received its visits, who is deacon of a Baptist church, but even the minister of the same church and both their families. Further, the deacon, after he had learned the value of the message and his heart became attached to the blessed truth, sent some tracts to his friends in Kansas, and those tracts have lead their families to the holy Sabbath of their God. Those families are now eagerly working to spread light about them with feelings of joy and gratitude for the favor. They feel indebted to the God of Heaven, as well as to him whom God used as an instrument to enlighten them. If you, dear reader, had only an opportunity to listen to the fervent prayers and heartfelt wishes that go up to God in behalf of those who have been the means of bringing the knowledge of present truth to those souls, you would not hesitate a moment to do all in your power to become an object of such a true and tender feeling. Let us look at the nature of the work. We believe that this message is preparing souls for eternal glory. Every soul who is truly converted to God's truth and presses forward, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, in an active life of purity, will ere long gain an eternal crown of rejoicing. Oh, my soul! how couldst thou cease from laboring in the Lord's vineyard if thy labor will bring such a great price! Reader, I hear you say, “If I could only be a missionary, oh, how I would delight in that great and glorious work!” This is the right kind of feeling that ought to fill your heart, brother or sister; and, now is your time to act out your principles. You can be a missionary. You can be one to-day! Follow the example set by our dear brother of Illinois, who, by a small effort to draw the attention of his fellow-beings to God's eternal truth, can look upon a little mission of his own to-day which has already reached two States including fourteen or fifteen members. He can stay at home and feel that, by the blessing of God, he has been the founder of a mission that may continue to grow great and bring forth an abundant harvest at the coming of the Reaper. “Go and do thou likewise.” Lansing, Iowa., April 28, 1874. Extracts from True Missionary.
By Editor
As so few of our brethren are yet subscribers to this periodical, we lay before them the following facts taken from the last number, as we are unwilling that so many should be entirely unacquainted with the good things that are continually appearing in this monthly. We cannot promise many extracts of this kind. The sure way to get them is to subscribe for the Missionary itself. Meanwhile, read the following items of good cheer. WORK AMONG THE SWEDES.
By John Nevins Andrews
It seems evident that God's hand is set to the work of the third angel's message. This is specially manifest from the manner in which it is taking hold upon the people of other tongues. In my recent visit to Waukon, Iowa, I was deeply interested to learn that the Swedish people a few miles east of that village were becoming interested in the observance of the Sabbath, and in the doctrine of the near advent of Christ. The first Sabbath which I spent in W., seven of these friends came to the meeting and remained over the first-day meetings also. The second Sabbath a larger number came, including some who were undecided. My interview with them was of great interest to me. They gave great evidence of a desire to learn the truth, and of a willingness to obey it at whatever cost. I will state how they came by the truth. Some years since, sister Carlstedt, a Norwegian sister, who received light on the Sabbath from Bro. Matteson, felt impressed to send some Danish tracts to a Swedish sister Johnson of Wisconsin. These tracts were the means of converting sister J. Thereupon she felt in turn impressed to send tracts to her own brother by the name of Sweedburg, living some eight miles east of Waukon, Iowa. And not satisfied with this, sister J. visited him. The result was that he also began to observe the Sabbath. As he was a local preacher among the Swedes, his conversion created considerable uneasiness among that people. Elder Hamren, the regular Swedish Baptist preacher, was appealed to for help to put down the Sabbath. But Eld. H., who was educated and trained as a Lutheran in Sweden, and had there, at the expense of his situation as a Lutheran minister and school teacher, become a Baptist, had learned that truth may not always be on the popular side, and also that truth is worthy of being followed at any expense; proved to be candid enough to examine the subject before giving his decision. As the result, he also became a Sabbath-keeper. Another Swedish Baptist minister was sent for, who was so far convinced of the truth that he rendered the first-day Swedes little help. But at last one was found who came and excluded the Sabbath-keepers from the Swedish Baptist church. So again Bro. Hamren was called to sacrifice his position as minister and school teacher, and he did it with the same promptness as before. He said if he could trust God for salvation, he could also trust him for a livelihood. His former brethren, knowing his poverty, said that they would starve him into a recantation. But I am persuaded that he has too fully counted the cost in what he has undertaken to be deterred from obedience in such a way. I was very happy to make his acquaintance, and to explain portions of the present truth to him and others through Bro. Sweedburg, who understands some English. The wife and daughter of Bro. H. walked twelve miles to attend the second Sabbath meeting above-named. I also formed an interesting acquaintance with Bro. and sister Sweedburg and with several other Swedish Sabbath-keepers. I trust they will all stand steadfast in the truth, and prove an honor to it by their godly lives. Several other Swedish friends, who are halting between the Sabbath and the no-Sabbath teaching, took pains to attend, and treated what was said with great candor. May they yet become commandment-keepers. I trust these Swedish friends will be looked after by those who can preach in their tongue. J. N. A. RESULT OF MISSIONARY WORK.
By M. J. S.
The missionary work which was entered into by some of the members of the T. & M. Society near Potterville, Eaton Co., Mich., is still increasing in interest. The Sabbath-school and Bible-class have now closed their third quarter, with a membership of forty-four. There have been nearly three thousand verses recited during the past quarter, by the two classes of children, numbering twenty-six. But what rejoices our hearts more than all else, is, that God's holy word has not only been treasured in the mind, but has reached the hearts of some of these dear children, and we now see them trying to form Christian characters. The last Sabbath of the old year was a season never to be forgotten. The Lord came very near to us, as earnest prayer was offered, and weeping was heard all around the room. There was no excitement, but solemn, earnest pleading with God, that this might be the glad hour when these children would yield their hearts to him. Fathers and mothers, who had led prayerless lives until within a few months, were now, with tears, pleading with their children to go with them in the service of the Lord. Nor was it in vain. Fourteen of the children arose and spoke for the first time, saying they wanted to be Christians, and keep all of God's commandments. Thus closed the school, the last Sabbath of 1873; and as we parted with these dear friends for another week we felt that the Lord's hand was set to this work, and that we should see fruit of this effort. Soon, a desire was expressed by those who had recently started in the service of the Lord that they might have a weekly prayer-meeting. The appointment was given out, and their neighbors, from one to two miles distant, were invited to attend. The attendance was good, ranging from twenty-eight to forty, and this, not in a village, but in a place where from the house in which the meetings were held you could count but two houses. Through the woods they came, young people, and those of middle age, until the room was full. Some who had never attended before came to the prayer-meetings; and as different ones spoke, confessing their past wrong course and asking forgiveness, telling their determination to lead different lives, it affected the hearts of some present. The remark was made, “There must be something to this,” such a change was apparent. Instead of the balls and parties which had been attended by some in this neighborhood the winter before, it is now the prayer-meeting. In families where God's name had been taken in vain, the altar of prayer is now erected. Morning and evening, parents and children join together, asking help from the Lord to do right. As the numbers increased in the Sabbath-school, it was thought best to ask the privilege of occupying the district school-house, one mile from the place where we formerly met. This was kindly granted us. Others are attending, and an interest is manifested to learn the truth. Sabbath and Sunday, April 11 and 12, Eld. S. N. Haskell being at Potterville, some of the friends had the opportunity of hearing one of our ministers speak for the first time. An opportunity was also given for baptism. Nine presented themselves as candidates, and wished to be taken under the watchcare of the church. There were six of one family. The father, mother, two brothers, and two sisters, all these were of the family who had come to years of accountability, except one older brother. There were others who wished to be baptized, but sickness prevented. A desire is expressed by those who were baptized (though nothing was said to them personally) to earn their dollar and become members of the Tract Society, to be enabled to send tracts to their friends. Their hearts go out after others as did the hearts of the first disciples of our Lord, and though very poor, they think they can deny themselves in some things as the little girl denied herself of her breakfast so as to be able to put something into the treasury of the Lord. Those who have united their interest with us as a people, who formerly used tobacco, have laid it aside, and feel that a “victory has been gained.” They are interested in health reform. These subjects have not been pressed upon them. It has seemed as though the dear Saviour was gently leading them himself. Truly, happy are we who are permitted to see what our eyes have seen, and feel what our hearts have felt. We know that it is the Lord's work, and that “it is not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.” The little children are interested in the work. One little boy eight years old asked one younger (who had praying parents) if he would tell him how to pray. He told him to ask the Lord for just what he wanted. He said he would, and as his mother had erected the family altar, he has since prayed with her. Our hearts swell with gratitude to our Heavenly Father for his blessing that has attended so humble an effort, and we still pray that others may be brought to keep all God's commandments and embrace the religion of Jesus Christ. Four Weeks in New England.
By Geo. L. Butler
HAVING some business matters connected with the cause to call me to the East this spring, I concluded to hold a few meetings and spend a short time there, hoping it might be for the good of the cause. My first meeting was in Bordoville, Vt., April 4 and 5. There was not as large an attendance as I hoped to see. But perhaps the people were partially excusable on account of the bad going. Our meeting was one of labor; the preaching was plain and close, designed to show all what characters we must possess in order to pass the grand review of the Judgment. It was not expected to result in great present joy and rejoicing; still we trust good will result in the end. Many thought the preaching was just what was needed. I had never before been at Bordoville. The large church there have a work to do to share largely in the blessing of God. They need arousing and inspiring. April 11 and 12, I spent in Bolton, as it was thought advisable by the leading brethren in Vermont. Here a small church was raised up a few years since. They have had but little labor, and I found them in a rather discouraged state. We had very bad weather and bad going, and but few were there. But I think good was done, and several expressed themselves as much encouraged to go on and strive for higher attainments in the Christian life. These were all the meetings I could well hold in Vermont at that time. I felt very much impressed that the brethren in this State need help and encouragement, and rousing up to feel the greater importance of eternal things. I fear worldliness and a settling down into an easy state of indifference are characteristic of too many. There is good material in Vermont, and brethren there of experience. But in order that the work should prosper, there must be an arousing among the people. I had the privilege of spending some days, in company with my aged father who went East with me, at Waterbury, the place of my birth, in the society of old friends and relatives. These, though not believing with us, treated us very cordially and made our stay pleasant. My meeting at Norridgewock, Me., April 18 and 19, was quite a pleasant one to me. The spring is cold and backward, and the going could hardly have been worse; yet the brethren took considerable pains to come out. We should doubtless have had a large meeting had the going been favorable. Bro. Goodrich was present and preached once. He has been laboring at Somerset Mills, where some ten or a dozen have come out strong in the truth. Half a dozen came from there over the terrible going to our meeting, with whom I formed a very pleasant acquaintance. They seemed to be substantial, reliable people, and love the truth. This was my first visit to Norridgewock. I felt much attached to the friends in Maine, and there seemed to me to be a more encouraging state of feeling here than in Vermont. Bro. Goodrich reports many openings for labor—far more than he can fill. Truly the harvest is great and the laborers few. Our social meeting Sunday morning was an encouraging one. I enjoyed it much. If Maine could have the laborers she needs to take hold with Bro. Goodrich, who is trying to do all he can, I think there would be a good forward movement in that State. The lack of labor is badly felt. My meeting at Boston, Mass., April 25 and 26, was quite a large one. On the Sabbath their hall was nearly filled. The brethren and sisters came from Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Portland, Me., New York city, and various parts of Massachusetts, and I understood it was the largest attendance of our people ever at one meeting in the city. I was encouraged by this. And there seemed to be a mind to take right hold to work. The public sentiment of the friends of the cause in the New England Conference seemed to me to be healthy. They want to do all they can. On Sunday, our meeting was much smaller than the day previous, on account of a most unpleasant storm. It rained and snowed till the streets were filled with slush. It could hardly be more unpleasant. The lack of laborers in the cause afflicts the New England Conference the same as the others I have mentioned. Were it not for this, I see no reason why the cause might not move on here. The brethren and sisters are trying hard to make up this lack as far as they can by the distribution of reading matter; but the lack can only be partially filled in this manner. Where are the men to fill this crying want? My visit, on the whole, has been a matter of satisfaction to me, and I trust of good to the cause. Battle Creek, Mich., May 1, 1874. In a stirring article on “Our Work,” Bro. Haskell says:— It was declared eighteen hundred years ago that the truths of the third angel’s message, which are so contrary to the natural heart, should be proclaimed before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings. To-day this is literally true. In Norway and Sweden there are Seventh-day Adventists. Late news from Denmark reports additions to the numbers already existing there. France and Spain have living witnesses to this truth. Italy, the territory of that blasphemous power which changed the law of God, has her Seventh-day Adventist minister and a small body of Sabbath-keeping Christians. Late news from Russia gives us the fact that there also are found members of this sect which is everywhere spoken against. In Switzerland we have a mission, and a goodly number are observers of God’s holy Sabbath. Old England has a few scattered Sabbath-keepers in different parts of the kingdom. Even those States and Territories in this country which have never been visited by the living preacher, are found to contain more or less of our people. Leading colored men in the South, who have never heard a single sermon from our people, have been raised up to proclaim these views. To obtain a correct view of the remarkable progress of this work, we only need to go back about twenty-five years, when the whole edition of our works printed in two weeks was carried to the post-office in a carpet bag, whereas now, in one week, seven cart-loads of reading matter, allowing thirty bushels to a cart-load, are sent from the office of publication to the different parts of the world. Do you ask for evidence of its prosperity? Here it is. And yet in our own land there are scores of cities and towns that have never had their attention called to this subject. What is our duty under these circumstances? Walla Walla, Washington Territory.
By I. D. Van Horn
We arrived here April 8. Since then we have attended two Sabbath meetings with good interest each time. We find about thirty Sabbath-keepers in this valley, and all give us a hearty welcome, and they manifest a good interest in pushing on the work. We have our new tent pitched in Walla Walla city, and have given two lectures. There was a large attendance for this place. The weather is as mild here now as it generally is in Michigan a month later. We enter upon our work here with cheerful hearts. Our post-office address is Walla Walla, Washington Territory. Pray for us. I. D. VAN HORN.