The following good illustration of the language of the apostle, expressing his desire to depart and be with Christ, is found in Gilfillan's work on the Sabbath, p. 450. It is given by Rev. John Jameson of Methven, Scotland. "A man," says Mr. Gilfillan, "at once of high genius, the most saintly character, and the warmest, tenderest heart."
"For some time before his death, his mind on these occasions turned frequently to the doctrine of the resurrection; and at one time, with the view perhaps of apologizing for this, he spoke nearly as follows: 'My children, I never like to dwell long on the thought of death; that is a gloomy subject; my mind is always for bounding off to the bright morning of the resurrection, a morning so full of life, and peace, and joy. Ah! that is the morning which will vanquish death, and swallow up in perfect victory all the ill it has ever done to this poor heart of mine, by tearing asunder the finest ties which bound it to the earth, and sending some of our fairest flowers to the dull, cold grave. Why should death hold so many, all their days, in the bondage of its fear? What is it to die, but just to wink and to be with Christ?' This last thought seemed to dwell in his mind, and to yield him much enjoyment. When, not long before his death, a Christian friend spoke to him rather despondently of the long and weary ages that the body must lie in the grave, he replied in his usual hearty way, 'It is just to-morrow morning; you never think the night long when your sleep is sound.'"
This eminent minister could understand that, to the utterly unconscious, the period of time from death to the resurrection was as nothing; like the wink of an eye, or like the coming of the morning to one whose sleep is sound. It is evident that he saw no necessity for the modern spiritualistic view, that men go to their reward at death. His mind, like Paul's, was "for bounding off to the bright morning of the resurrection." Then the crown is to be given. "Henceforth [from the time the earthly course is finished] there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." Neither the apostle, nor Mr. Jameson, looked to death for their reward; but to the resurrection, which should give the victory over death. Yet those whose minds are filled with the idea that the real man escapes death wholly, may still contend that both held the now popular view.
R. F. COTTRELL.
The Christian's Anchor.
By A. Smith
WHEN Cyrus Field, on board the "Great Eastern," was searching in mid-Atlantic for the lost "cable," the draggle was lowered, and though lost to view in the deep waters, he knew by the trembling of the chain that it was accomplishing its work on the bottom of the sea. So the Christian mariner, on the tempestuous sea of life, knows "by the trembling of the chain," that his hope as an anchor is securely fixed in the sanctuary above.
When the lost cable was recovered, its nerve was thrilled with electric fire and bade to go with a message of regard and inquiry to the home of his friends in distant America. In a few moments, from the deep sea, by way of Ireland, came the responsive congratulation, and the cheering, "All is well."
How like the Christian's experience on the tempest-tossed sea of human life. The promises of God bind him to the throne in the jasper-walled city above; prayer thrills the connection, and the Spirit responds in whispers of peace.
A. SMITH.
OBITUARY
By M. J. Church
DIED, in Fairview, Fresno county, Cal., October 14, 1878, of congestion of the lungs, Marion C. Hutchings, only son of Brother Josephus and Sister Cynthia Hutchings, aged one year and four months.
M. J. CHURCH.
Santa Rosa, Cal.
By W. M. Healey, J. D. Rice
OUR meetings are well attended, and the interest is growing deeper. We have given the Sabbath question quite a thorough canvass, and presented the covenant, and up to date have thirty-nine names attached to it. This exceeds the church membership. At our last Sabbath meeting we had about one hundred grown persons and children who keep the Sabbath. God is blessing our efforts, and we look for more fruit.
A work like this cannot fail to arouse the dragon spirit, and it has been a question among those who sit in darkness as to how they are going to counteract and overthrow the influence of these meetings. Churches have warned their members not to go to the tent, and some have preached opposition sermons, but while they keep many away, others will come and hear. The Disciple [Campbellite] church have challenged us for a debate, and sent for their man. We hope they will get one that will stand by and give these subjects a thorough investigation.
We find much hard work looming up before us here. Pray God to help; for we need and must have his help to give his truth the victory over darkness and error.
W. M. HEALEY, J. D. RICE.
October 28, 1878.
Denmark.
By John G. Matteson
IN company with Brother Andrew Brorsen, I came to Ringsted, September 22. The brethren and sisters are all firm in the truth. They have increased in love since I last met with them. They seem truly to rejoice in meeting together, and it has been encouraging for us to meet with them. On the Sabbath, we felt that the Lord was near to bless. After due consideration, a church was organized. Ten brethren and sisters entered into church fellowship. The rest were not yet ready to join us. Brother K. Sorensen was chosen and ordained elder. Brother Brorsen united with them, and was also ordained elder. It seems necessary that he should be enabled to baptize and administer the ordinances in my absence. When, at some future time, the Conference shall think best to set apart this brother for the gospel ministry, perhaps he may be ordained an evangelist by the help of other ministering brethren in Europe.
We have had very interesting meetings at Valsomagle this week. The Spirit of God is moving upon hearts. Two more have embraced the commandments of God, and others are near to us. On the Sabbath we administered the ordinances, in which all took part. There are now seventeen Sabbath-keepers here who rejoice in one faith, one baptism, and one hope. I have never been with a company of believers who have shown more brotherly love and earnestness in their Christian conduct. Systematic benevolence was organized and a deacon chosen. One hundred crowns was pledged for the coming year, and more will be added if all goes well; 26 crowns was donated to help circulate the Advent Tidende. I am to-day on my way to Uhe. Brother A. Brorsen remains here to carry on the work. JOHN G. MATTESON.
September 30, 1878.
Knight's Ferry, Cal.
By E. L. McCapes
Commenced work here the 4th inst. Have held five meetings with some interest. Have made several visits, and distributed some papers and tracts. Thus far have had no opposition. I am allowed the use of a church, and several have attended meetings for the first time in several years. They seem to be interested in the truth.
E. L. McCAPES.
October 21, 1878.
General Tract and Missionary Society.
THE third annual session of the general tract and missionary society convened on the Battle Creek camp-ground, October 8, 1878. The meeting was called to order by the president and opened with prayer by Elder D. M. Canright. The minutes of the last session were read and approved, also the following summary of missionary labor performed by the various tract societies :—
The above includes four quarterly reports from Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska, Michigan, California, New York, New England, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, and Maryland; three from Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee; two from Vermont and Texas, and one each from Missouri and Virginia. Many of these reports failed to give the number of reports returned by the members, and the amount of money received by the societies. The number of new members reported is 796. The tract societies have purchased during the year, not including premiums, 13,525,465 pages of our publications. The number of premiums is 16,688; Annuals, 95,268.
A tract society having been organized in Europe, a report from it was read, which was as follows :—
Number of members, including those in Germany, Italy, France, Egypt, and Switzerland: 201
Number of missionary visits: 340
" " letters written: 198
" " periodicals distributed: 1137
" " pages of tracts distributed: 79,007
Money received: $55.80
The receipts of the general tract society during the year have been $447.15; expenditures, $455.08. The larger portion of this expense has been incurred for publications, which have been sent to nearly all the Southern States, and to England, Holland, Italy, and Africa, and, by means of agents in these places, to all parts of the civilized world. Extracts from letters calling for publications from these different countries were also read. In the South, not less than four companies are reported as having embraced the Sabbath from reading, besides scattered individuals who have received the truth in this manner. In some of these companies, Sabbath-schools have been organized, and they are using our books. Elder Burrill, who has recently labored in the South, stated that ninety-nine one-hundredths of the reading matter sent to the South is not only read but re-read by the people, even though it be back numbers of our periodicals.
Elder Wardner, delegate from the Seventh-day Baptists, was present, and made interesting remarks, in which he gave his experience in tract-distribution while in Britain. He stated that as the result of this distribution, which was accomplished by sending matter by mail, and by visiting from house to house, one company of forty were now keeping the Sabbath in Holland, and also that there were individuals and companies in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Norway.
Remarks were also made by Elder Haskell, in which he spoke of the increasing demand for missionary labor, and mentioned in particular the opportunities which are now presented for placing reading matter on board vessels, by which our publications can be sent to all parts of the world without cost.
The chair being empowered to appoint a nominating committee, Elders J. Fargo, J. N. Andrews, and U. Smith were named as said committee.
Annual Officer Elections
The second meeting was opened with prayer by Elder J. B. Goodrich.
The nominating committee recommended the following-named persons as officers for the ensuing year: President, Elder S. N. Haskell; vice president, W. C. White; secretary, Miss M. L. Huntley; assistant secretary, Mrs. M. K. White; executive committee, S. N. Haskell, W. C. White, and H. W. Kellogg, all of Battle Creek, Mich. These persons were unanimously elected.
Adjourned to call of chair.
S. N. HASKELL, President.
MARIA L. HUNTLEY, Secretary.
Popular Religion.
By Editor
The Philadelphia Lutheran Observer bewails the degeneracy of the times in matters of religion. It says that only a small portion of the people, especially in our large centers of population, make a practice of attending religious service; but “the most discouraging feature of the subject is not the comparatively small number of people who regularly attend the services of the churches, but the fact that most of those who do attend have become so worldly-minded, and manifest so little spiritual life and piety, that the difference between them and irreligious people is scarcely observed. Their chief idea of the church is its social brotherhood and enjoyment, without any restraint from the pleasures, pursuits and ambitions of the world.”
Bible Tracts.
A SCRIPTURAL tract for covers of the Bible; also for all who would know of the inheritance of God's people. Read in the order in which occur the following named portions of scripture; 2 Pet. iii; Rev. xxi, 1-5; Isa. lxv, 17-19; Isa. lxvi, 22; Matt. v, 5; Psa. xxxvii; Acts, iii, 19-23. C. P. W.
"THE SONG ANCHOR," for Sabbath-school and praise service, by J. E. White; in size and style like "Pure Gold" and books of that class. It is issued from the Pacific Press Publishing House, in Oakland, California. It deserves special consideration at the hands of Sunday-school people of this coast for these reasons: 1. Of the real excellence of the book as a book of Sunday-school music. 2. Of the most creditable style mechanically considered, in which it is gotten up. 3. That it is a California production, both composition and manufacture. Send for a copy and try it.
—Cal. Christian Advocate.
Correction
By E. W. F.
CORRECTION.—In report of Nebraska camp-meeting, I stated that twenty-six were baptized; I should have said twelve; also that the Conference had three hundred and fifty members; it should be two hundred and fifty. E. W. F.
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT.
By Editor
"Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully," (margin, negligently.) Jer. 48:10.
$1.50 EACH. H M Burleigh 5-41, A F Whiters 5-41, R B Lounsford 5-41, G W Sankford 5-41, E D Hoagland 5-41, Amos Butler 5-41. Fitzland Butler 5-41, Marietta Scott 5-41, Mrs Eliza Landen 5-41, R C Bram 5-15.
$1.00 EACH. Hiram Greathouse 5-12, Mrs Geo Deans 5-8, Wm H Duval 5-18, J P Morrison 4-41, John A Hansen 5-13.
75 CTS EACH. J B Stillwell 5.17, Chas Neston 5-17, Lizzie Harmon 5-17, M M Carrothers 5-17, Hon C Arkrought 5-5, John A Phelps 4-48.
50 CTS EACH. M E Martin 5-10, W R Boyker 5-10, Dr E W Kerr 5-9, W M Kerr 5-9, John Armstrong 5-9, W M Armstrong 5-9, Geo Hawkins 5-9, James Garrett 5-9, J. H Kerr 5-9, B B Kerr 5-9.
MISCELLANEOUS. Joseph Clark (2 copies) $3.00 5-41, John Collie 2.00 5-41, N Orcutt (5 copies) 1.88 5-6, A Frost (4 copies) 1.52 5-6, Eugene Packard 37c 5-6, Wm Nightengale 36, 5-6, Sarah Jones 2.00 5-41, Mrs N. J Bush 4.00 6-1.
Received on Account.
Cal T and M Society $31.15.
California Conference Fund.
Red Bluff $43.00.
Books, Pamphlets, Tracts, Etc.
CRUDEN'S Concordance; complete—library $3.50, cloth $2.75; condensed—library $2.00, cloth $1.75; post-paid.
Dictionary of the Bible. $1.75, post-paid.
Hymn and Tune Book; 537 hymns, 147 tunes. $1.
Song Anchor, for Sabbath-School and Praise service. 160 pp.. 50c.
Progressive Bible Lessons. 50 cts.
" " " " for Little Ones. 15 cts.
The Way of Life; a beautiful engraving 19x24 inches, with key of explanations. $1.00.
The Game of Life (illustrated). Satan playing with man for his soul. In Board, 50 cts.
The History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week. J. N. Andrews. 528 pp, $1.00.
Thrilling Life Sketches. Incidents in the life of an Italian of noble birth. By Francesco Urgos. $1.25,
Thoughts on Daniel. U. Smith. $1.00. Condensed paper edition, 35 cts.
Thoughts on the Revelation. U. Smith. $1.00.
Life of William Miller, with likeness. $1.00.
The Biblical Institute. U. Smith. $1.00.
The Sanctuary and its Cleansing. U. Smith. $1.00. Condensed edition in paper, 30 cts.
Life of Joseph Bates, with Likeness. Revised. Edited by James White. Tint, $1.00; plain, 85 cts.
The Nature and Destiny of Man. U. Smith. 362 pp. $1.00.
Bible from Heaven. D. M. Canright. 300 pp. 80c.
The Constitutional Amendment. A discussion between W. H. Littlejohn and the Editor of the "Christian Statesman." Bound, $1.00. Paper, 40 cts. First part, 10 cts.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. I. Mrs E. G. White. 416 pp. $1.00.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. II. Mrs E. G. White. 400 pp. $1.00.
Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. III. Mrs E. G. White. 400 pp. $1.00.
Life of Christ, in six pamphlets, by Mrs. Ellen G. White:
No. 1. His First Advent and Ministry - 10 cts
No. 2. His Temptation in the Wilderness - 10 cts
No. 3. His Teachings and Parables - 15 cts
No. 4. His Mighty Miracles - 15 cts
No. 5. His Sufferings and Crucifixion - 10 cts
No. 6. His Resurrection and Ascension - 10 cts
The Apostles of Christ, in two pamphlets. Mrs. E. G. White:
No. 1. The Ministry of Peter - 10 cts
No. 2. The Teachings of Paul - 10 cts
Sabbath Readings for the Home Circle. In two volumes. 60 cts. each.
The State of the Dead and Destiny of the Wicked. U. Smith. 40 cts.
The United States in Prophecy. U. Smith. Bound, 40 cts. Paper, 20 cts.
A Word for the Sabbath, or False Theories Exposed. (POEM.) U. Smith. Muslin, 30 cts.; paper, 15 cts
Advent Keepsake. Muslin, 25 cts.
Sermons on the Sabbath and Law, embracing an outline of the Biblical and Secular history of the Sabbath for 6,000 years. J. N. A. 25 cts.
Facts for the times. 25 cts.
The Nature and tendency of Modern Spiritualism. J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
Our Faith and Hope. Sermons on the Millennium, Second Advent, the Kingdom, the Judgment, the Time, the Sanctuary, and Saving Faith. 20 cts.
The Ministration of Angels, and the Origin, History, and Destiny of Satan. D. M. C. 20 cts.
The Atonement. J. H. Waggoner. 20 cts.
The Spirit of God. J. H. W. 15 cts.
Miraculous Powers. 15 cts.
The Complete Testimony of the Fathers concerning the Sabbath and First Day. J. N. Andrews. 15 cts.
The Three Messages of Rev. 14, and the Two-horned Beast. J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
The Morality of the Sabbath. D. M. C. 15 cts.
The Resurrection of the Unjust; a Vindication of the Doctrine. J. H. Waggoner. 15 cts.
The Two Laws. D. M. Canright. 15 cts.
The Seven Trumpets of Rev. 8 and 9. 10 cts.
Redeemer and Redeemed. James White. 10 cts.
Christ in the Old Testament and the Sabbath in the New. James White. 10 cts.
The Truth Found. J. H. W. 10 cts.
The Two Covenants. J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
The Hope of the Gospel: What it is, and when it will be consummated. J. N. L. 10 cts.
Review of Gilfillan on the Sabbath. 10 cts.
Vindication of the Sabbath. Morton. 10 cts.
The Date of the Seventy Weeks of Dan. 9, established. J. N. Andrews. 10 cts.
Matthew Twenty-four. James White. 10 cts.
Review of Baird's Two Sermons on the Sabbath and Law. J. H. W. 10 cts.
The Ancient Sabbath. Forty-four Objections Considered. 10 cts.
Four-cent Tracts: The Second Advent—The Seventh Part of Time—Celestial Railroad—Samuel and the Witch of Endor—The Ten Commandments not Abolished—Address to the Baptists—Present Truth—The Sufferings of Christ—The Two Thrones—The Third Message of Rev. 14—Spiritualism a Satanic Delusion—Redemption—Systematic Benevolence—The Two Covenants—Origin and Progress of Seventh-day Adventists—Milton on the State of the Dead—The Rejected Ordinance.
Three-cent Tracts: Much in Little—The Lost-Time Question—Argument on Sabbaton—Infidel Cavils Considered—The End of the Wicked—Scripture Reference—Who Changed the Sabbath?—The Second Message of Rev. 14.
Two-cent Tracts: Christ in the Old Testament—The Sabbath in the New Testament—The Old Moral Code of Ten Commandments not Revised—Definite Seventh Day—Seven Reasons for Sunday Keeping Examined—Elihu on the Sabbath—The Third Message—The Sanctuary of the Bible—The Millennium—Departing and Being with Christ—Fundamental Principles of S. D. Adventists—The Judgment; or the Waymarks of Daniel to the Holy City—The Two Laws—Spirit of Prophecy—One Hundred Bible Facts—The Law and the Gospel—God's Memorial—The Sabbath, the Day—First Message of Rev. 14.
One-cent Tracts: Appeal on Immortality—Thoughts for the Candid—Nahum's Chariots—The Perfection of the Ten Commandments—Coming of the Lord—Without Excuse—Which Day do you keep and Why?—Geology and the Bible—The Sleep of the Dead—The Sinner's Fate—Can We Know?—Is the End Near?—A Dialogue—Brief Thoughts on Immortality—The Christian Sabbath—Why Not Found out Before?—100 Bible Facts upon the Sabbath.
Address—THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES, OAKLAND, CAL.
For Sabbath-Schools.
By Editor
WE have now on hand, and can supply at short notice, a choice collection of handsomely illustrated books, suitable for Sabbath-school libraries or rewards. These volumes are instructive and attractive, besides being free from doctrines obnoxious to our people or any one else, and are void of the fictitious features common to most books for children and youth. Also a very nice assortment of reward cards—elegant and cheap. These books and cards are our own importation. Send for catalogue and price list, to PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.