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Signs of the Times, Vol. 1, No. 22.

The Sermon
Earlier text: The Law and the Testimony

Christ and the Law.

By Ellen G. White

JESUS would convince his enemies that his teachings and miracles did not supplant the law, or detract from its dignity, or lessen its claims. His works were in strict accordance with both the moral and the ceremonial law. Christ was the angel who went before Moses, and guided the travels of the children of Israel in the wilderness. God had said to Israel, "Behold, I send an angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions; for my name is in him. But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries." Ex. 23:20-22. This angel, Christ, gave Moses the ceremonies and ordinances of the Jewish law to be repeated to the people.
The rebellion of Israel against the law and authority of God, caused their destruction. The honor God had given them of being thus conducted by his Son, increased their sin. The charges of the Jews that Christ did not regard the law of Moses, was without the least foundation. Christ was a Jew, and, to the hour of his death upon the cross, observed the law binding upon the Jews. But when type met anti-type, at the death of Christ, then the offering of the blood of beasts became valueless. Christ made the one great offering in giving his own life, which all their former offerings had foreshadowed, which terminated the value of all the sacrificial offerings of the Jewish law.
Since the fall, no immediate communication could exist between God and man, only through Christ. And God committed to his Son, in a special sense, the case of the fallen race. Christ has undertaken the work of redemption. He purposes to maintain the full honor of God's law, notwithstanding the human family have transgressed it. He will redeem from its curse all the obedient who will embrace the offer of mercy by accepting the atonement so wonderfully provided. Through his mediatorial work, Christ will fully vindicate the holiness and immutability of his Father's law.
Adam and Eve at their creation had knowledge of the original law of God. It was imprinted upon their hearts, and they were acquainted with the claims of law upon them. When they transgressed the law of God, and fell from their state of happy innocence, and became sinners, the future of the fallen race was not relieved by a single ray of hope. God pitied them, and Christ devised the plan for their salvation by himself bearing the guilt. When the curse was pronounced upon the earth, and upon man, in connection with the curse was a promise, that through Christ there was hope and pardon for the transgression of God's law. Although gloom and darkness hung, like the pall of death, over the future, yet in the promise of the Redeemer, the star of hope lighted up the dark future. The gospel was first preached to Adam by Christ. Adam and Eve felt sincere sorrow and repentance for their guilt. They believed the precious promise of God, and were saved from utter ruin.
Paradise was lost to Adam and the curse was pronounced upon the earth because of the transgression of the Father's law, and death came because of sin. Adam found by sad experience that it was easier to transgress the commandments of God than to resist and press back the tide of moral wretchedness that was pressing in upon him. Those who lived before the flood were favored in having a knowledge of the law of God communicated to them by Adam who conversed with God and angels in Eden. He lived among them nearly one thousand years, and by his teachings, example, and humble obedience to all God's requirements, exalted the law of God. He sought to turn his posterity from transgression to a life of obedience and faith in a Saviour to come.
The knowledge of the law of God was preserved from Adam to Noah, and from Noah to Abraham, and from Abraham to Moses, for the benefit of all who should live upon the earth. The blessings upon the patriarch Abraham for obedience are repeated to Isaac in these words: "And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws."
Enoch first received instruction from Noah, and he observed the law of God, and served him with singleness of heart. He became so pure in character that the Lord communicated his will to him, and through holy vision revealed the great events connected with Christ's second appearing, and also the wickedness that would prevail just prior to the end. Enoch was a faithful preacher of righteousness, and sought to turn men from the transgression of the law to faithful obedience. He walked with God three hundred years, giving to the world a faithful example in a pure and spotless life, which was in marked contrast with that rebellious and self-willed generation who boasted in their open disregard of God's holy law. His testimony was not regarded because men loved sin better than holiness. Enoch was borne by angels to Heaven without his seeing death.
In the destruction of the inhabitants of the old world by the flood is clearly represented the faith of all those who continue to transgress the law of God. Enoch's translation to Heaven represents the commandment-keeping people of God who will be alive upon the earth when Christ shall come the second time, and who will be glorified in the sight of those who hated them because they would keep the commandments of God. These also will be translated to Heaven without seeing death, as Enoch and Elijah were.
The great wickedness of the people before the flood had reached unto Heaven. And the Lord made known to Noah that he would destroy man whom he had created, from off the earth by the waters of the flood, because of their continual transgression of his law. Noah warned the people. He believed the word of God, and faithfully preached to that sinful generation, and made every effort to turn them from transgression to obedience. But he was unsuccessful. Only his own family at last received his message. The terrible judgments of God in their destruction should have been sufficient warning to all who should afterward live upon the earth, that God will surely punish those who disregard his law. But as the people multiplied upon the earth, men became bold in their transgression of God's law. Idolatry existed and increased to a fearful extent, until the Lord left the hardened transgressors to follow their evil ways, and he chose Abraham from an idolatrous family, and made him the repository of his law for future generations.
The Lord communicated his will to Abraham through angels. Christ appeared to him, and gave him a distinct knowledge of the requirements of the moral law, and of the great salvation which would be accomplished through himself. Abraham was appointed of God to preserve the truth amid the prevailing sins and corruptions which were increasing. But the descendants of Abraham departed from the worship of the true God, and transgressed his law. They mingled with the nations who had no knowledge or fear of God, and gradually imitated their customs and manners, until God's anger was kindled against them, and he permitted them to have their own way and follow the devices of their own corrupt hearts. He had conferred special blessings upon Abraham because he was faithful in keeping his commandments, and had chosen his family as his peculiar treasure.
God revealed to Abraham his purposes through vision. He was shown in a figure that his posterity would become bondmen to an idolatrous nation, because of their transgression of the law of God, and that they would be punished for their apostasy.
But when they humbled themselves before God, and acknowledged his dealings, and cried unto him earnestly for deliverance from the oppressive yoke of the Egyptians, their cries, and their promises to serve God and to be obedient to his law if he would break from them the oppressive yoke of bondage, reached Heaven. God answered their prayers in a most wonderful manner, and Israel was brought forth from Egypt and taken to himself as his peculiar treasure.
After the Lord had made a covenant with Israel in a most solemn manner to be a peculiar treasure unto him, they were brought forth out of their tents and from their encampments to meet with God. And the Lord graciously condescended to come down upon Mount Sinai, not to give a new law, but to speak, with an audible voice in the hearing of all, the presence of his law which already existed. The presence of God made the mountain sacred, and neither man nor beast was permitted to touch the mountain on penalty of death. The Hebrews were instructed that everything that was connected with God must be regarded with the greatest reverence. They were greatly exalted in thus being made the repository of his law. "And Mount Sinai was altogether on smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire; and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly." And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount.
The Lord made the occasion of speaking his law a scene of awful grandeur and sublimity, in accordance with its exalted character. The ten commandments were spoken amid thunder and flame, and in great power and glory. The voice of the Lord was like a trumpet waxing louder and louder, and in a full volume rolled down the mountain. The earth trembled and quaked, and the very mount seemed to be moving from its foundation. The host of Israel shook with fear, and fell upon their faces before the Lord. The awe-inspiring voice, and the terrible glory displayed upon the mount were to them most impressive.
God accompanied the declaration of his law with the most sublime exhibitions of his power, that the Hebrews might never forget the scene, and that they might be impressed with profound veneration for the Author of the ten commandments. In this the Lord shows to all men the sacredness and importance of his law. The law of ten precepts was by no means given exclusively to Israel, to be confined to them as a people, but the Hebrews were made the repository of the law which was to be handed down to us. The entire history of the children of Israel was "written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come." No Hebrews could so fully estimate the sacredness and exalted character of God's law as those who accepted Christ as their Redeemer. He was the foundation of the entire Jewish system.
E. G. W.

The Life of William Miller.

THE following is the conclusion of the Introduction to Sketches of the Christian Life and Public Labors of William Miller, Gathered from his Memoir by the late Sylvester Bliss, and from Other Sources, by Elder James White. The compiler says:—
If it be objected that the second-advent movement, as introduced in our country by Mr. Miller, could not have been in harmony with Providence, in fulfillment of prophecy, because those who engaged in it were disappointed, then we suggest that, if God's people never have been disappointed on the very point of their expectation when prophecy was being fulfilled in their experience and history, then it may be that prophecy has not been fulfilled in the Advent movement. But if one instance can be shown in Sacred History where prophecy was fulfilled by those who were entirely incorrect on the vital point of their confident expectation, then, after all, prophecy may have been fulfilled in the great second-advent movement of 1840-4. This matter should be fully tested.
The prophet of God had uttered these words about five hundred years before their fulfillment: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem; behold thy King cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly and riding upon an ass." Zech. 9: 9. In fulfillment of this prophecy, while Christ was riding into Jerusalem in the very humble manner expressed by the prophet, the chosen twelve and the shouting multitude cried, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" Matt. 21: 9. The people and even the disciples, did not as yet understand the nature of Christ's kingdom; and they verily thought that Jesus would on that occasion claim his right to the throne of David, and then and there be crowned king of Israel.
And when Jesus was requested to rebuke his disciples, he replied, "I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." Prophecy had gone forth, and must be fulfilled if the Spirit of God from necessity should call hosannas from the very stones.
But the people did not understand the nature of prophetic fulfillment of their time; and their disappointment was complete. In a few days they witnessed the dying agonies of the Son of God upon the cross, and as Christ died, their hopes in him died also. Nevertheless, prophecy was fulfilled in the ardent hopes and triumphant hosannas of those who were so soon overwhelmed with bitterest disappointments.
In gathering material for this work, we have copied very largely from Mr. Bliss, especially from the correspondence and writings of Mr. Miller which are incorporated in his Memoir. And we have thought best to introduce matter from the pen of Mr. Miller, not found in his Memoir, as his writings, probably, better represent the Advent movement and cause than those of any other. And as the best means by which the people may learn the real sentiments, the candor, and the true piety of this humble servant of Jesus Christ, we would let his writings testify.
The introduction into this small volume of so large an amount of matter from Mr. Miller makes it necessary to omit a large portion of his Memoir that is devoted to his earlier life, as we hasten to his deeply interesting Christian experience. But in necessarily omitting portions, we hope not to appear to do Mr. Miller and his biographer injustice, while we content ourself with little more than space for this introduction, and foot notes.
In the preparation of this work, we have been greatly edified and refreshed in spirit, as we have necessarily read very much from the able, candid, and godly pen of Mr. Miller; and we heartily wish the same blessing upon the candid reader.

Bringing in the Sheaves

Petaluma, Cal., April 5, 1875.
“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Good Work at Petaluma

By Dudley Marvin Canright

We have now held meetings here five weeks, and the Lord has been pleased to bless our labors beyond what we expected. The weather has been pleasant most of the time, only twice has it rained enough to injure the meetings. There were about a dozen Sabbath-keepers here who had held on alone for six years, with very little labor or prospect of addition. It seemed to be a hard and unpromising field; but the way opened favorably for another course of lectures, and by the advise of Bro. White I came here, though I desired another field.
Some of the time we have had an audience of three hundred, but most of the time it has averaged about seventy-five, and these have attended almost constantly. Bro. and sister White spent a few days here; and sister White remained twelve days, speaking a part of the time in each meeting. I was very glad of this help. Seventeen grown persons have taken their stand with us upon the Sabbath. We still continue our meetings with some hopes of reaching a few more.
There are some very interesting cases among those who have come out. One brother had become almost a confirmed skeptic by seeing the inconsistent lives of professed Christians, and the unreasonable doctrines held by the churches. The doctrine of the sleep of the dead, and the destruction of the wicked commended themselves to his judgment; and the fulfillment of prophecy gave him faith in the Bible. With tears and deep emotion he now expresses his thankfulness for the truth. An educated Catholic lady and her parents have embraced the truth. She publicly renounced Catholicism and took her stand with us. For years she has held the highest grade certificate as a teacher. We hope she may be an ornament to the truth and useful in the cause. In several cases we can see the direct providence of God in leading and preparing these souls to see the truth. Had these lectures been given six months ago, scarcely a soul of these who have come out would have been so situated as to have heard us, but now they were all ripe for the truth. Shall we not acknowledge the hand of God in this? How important that we be directed by the Lord in our labor, when and where he has prepared souls for the truth. Last Sabbath was a good day for us. Over thirty were present, all Sabbath-keepers. Those who have lately embraced the truth publicly confessed it. Six united with the church, and others will come in soon. On Sunday we had a house full, when six persons were buried with Christ in baptism. Among these was one brother whose wife embraced the Sabbath four years since. He was then an infidel, and opposed to the truth; but after carefully examining the present truth over and over he gave up his unbelief, embraced the third angle's message, and is now heartily joined with us and with his most excellent wife. Is not this the work of God? The little church here have great reason for gratitude to God for what he has wrought in their midst. It should be to them renewed evidence that God's hand is in this work, and with his servants.
D. M. CANRIGHT. Petaluma, Cal., April 5, 1875.

Missionary Department.

By S. N. Haskell

"Philip saith unto him, Come and see." John 1:46.

The Lord's Converts.

It is said that upon a certain occasion an individual under the influence of intoxicating drink came reeling from the gutter, and thus accosted Whitefield: "I am one of your converts." "I should think so," was the reformer's reply. "If the Lord had ever converted you, you would not have been in that condition." When the Lord converts men it is done right. He makes no mistakes. The truth of God, accompanied by his Spirit is the divine agency in this work. The Saviour prays "Sanctify them through thy truth." The apostle's words are very much to the point. "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ." 1 Pet. 1:2. And Paul says, "Hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and the belief of the truth." 2 Thess. 2:13.
Our anxiety should be to co-operate with the Spirit of God. To successfully do this, we need to have a living connection with the Lord; in short, to walk with God, talk with him, and be in such a state of mind that we can hold communion with him. It is while we are in this condition that the light of God can be reflected through us upon others. It is not wise to urge truth upon others faster than the mind can receive and digest it. It will prevent the accomplishment of that which we have in view. It is remarked that of a given number there is not as great a discount on those who have embraced the truth by reading as on those who have received it by hearing lectures without taking pains to read for themselves. Here is the strength of the missionary who visits and prays with families, and furnishes them that reading matter which their interest in the truth will prompt them to read. Truth backed up by the Spirit of God will convert men and women. The battle is more than one-half fought when men are anxious to investigate the truth of God for themselves.
Let the life and general deportment of the one acting as a colporteur be blameless, and when individuals become interested to investigate for the truth's sake, we have no fears as to the result. The Spirit of God will give a tender conscience and will guide into all truth. We cannot recommend this course too highly. There are hundreds of young men and women among us who could canvass the neighborhoods, villages, and cities, and leave in their pathway light which would shine until the coming of the Just One. There are living witnesses of the fruit of this kind of labor from Maine to California. And these individuals have come from the ranks of the world and from infidelity, as well as from other denominations.
An interesting case has recently come to light which clearly illustrates the utility of scattering our publications. About one year ago, reading matter was placed in the hands of a family residing in Herkimer Co., N. Y. The family consisted of a man and his wife and seven children. The oldest of the children was about twenty-one years of age. They were native Welsh. In a short time, some of the children commenced to observe the Sabbath. Finally, the entire family, together with a man who was in the employ of this family, and his wife, eleven in all, embraced the Sabbath, and are now rejoicing in the truth. None of this number professed to enjoy religion at the time they commenced to read. Neither was this work a mere theory with them, but they sought that heart work which led them to erect the family altar and openly acknowledge God in their earthly bounty which they were daily receiving.
Learning of the publishing house at Battle Creek by the advertisement on the last page of the tracts, they supplied themselves liberally with other reading matter, and also subscribed for our periodicals.
They soon became interested in the subject of health reform, and came to a conclusion different from that of Spurgeon, who thought that he could "smoke to the glory of God." This habit had been a great source of satisfaction to them, but they renounced their tobacco both in smoking and chewing. Tea and coffee were also discarded. The swine, which had been an article of food with them, and had been raised as a source of profit, was banished from the table and farm. The hired man, who also embraced the Sabbath, was a native Frenchman. Thus a door was opened for the truth to spread in two other tongues. This was accomplished simply by reading the truth, accompanied by the Spirit of God. They already partake largely of the missionary spirit. They have become active members of the Tract Society, and have donated quite freely for its support.
The fruit of their efforts is already becoming apparent. With additional labor, two others in their vicinity have taken their stand with them, while others are interested. This is the Lord's work; and it is only one of the many instances where the fruit of the missionary efforts in distributing our publications is being seen. "The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul."
We look over our country, and in those States where the truth has been most extensively preached there are many cities and villages where they have not heard of it. There are States where as yet but a few have had their attention called to these truths. Then there is the world to be warned. Where are our young men and women who will enter this work, if not as ministers of the word in the common acceptance of the term, at least as colporteurs? Let them become active missionaries, visit families, pray with them, point them to the Lamb of God, and leave with them that reading matter which will, with the blessing of God, lead them to see the beauty and harmony of the truth. When we compare what we are doing with what we might do, it is comparatively nothing. If there were not persons everywhere who are anxious to read; if the reading matter was not already made to our hand, or if there was a law to prevent this work, we might have some excuse; but as it is, there is no excuse, only a want of consecration. The time has come when we should enter this work in earnest.
—S. N. HASKELL, in Review and Herald.

Quarterly Report of the California T. and M. Society.

The Second Quarterly Meeting of the State T. and M. Society of California was held at Napa, Napa Co., April 3, 4, 1875.
Meeting opened with prayer by Elder James White. Elder J. N. Loughborough presiding.
Owing to the absence of the State Sec., A. W. Everts was elected Sec. pro tem.
State report was read as follows:— Rec'd for membership, $24.00 " by donations, 10.90 " book sales, 24.05 " for almanacs, 1.60 " for Kansas relief, 22.05 " Reformer and Instructor, 11.00 Total, $93.60
No. of families visited, 220; letters written, 266; new subscribers for SIGNS, 72; Tidende, 10; Review, 3; Instructor, 93; Reformer, 50; Svensk Harold, 3; Reviews distributed, 375; Instructors, 63; Reformers, 50; SIGNS, 457; Almanacs, 27; pages of tracts and pamphlets loaned, 22,054; given away, 71,010; total, 93,064; bound books loaned, 17.
Remarks were made by Elder White on the best method of sustaining the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. He stated that with a circulation of 5,000 copies at $2.00 a year for a volume of fifty copies, or at $4.00 per hundred copies, all the expenses of the publication of the SIGNS would be fully met.
On motion, the following Preamble and Resolution, offered by Elder White, were adopted:—
Whereas, 5,000 copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES can be published at the rate of $4.00 per hundred copies, or at $2.00 for a volume of fifty copies, therefore
Resolved, That we recommend as the best method of sustaining the SIGNS that the Tract and Missionary Society use the surplus copies of the paper to a great extent instead of our denominational tracts.
Two requests for books to be placed in Libraries were read and accepted. One signed by Henry F. Lampshire, Brownsville, Clear Creek Co., Colorado; the other signed by T. C. Branch, Modasto, —. The first mentioned application was referred by vote to Elder White, and the second to Elder Loughborough to be supplied by the Cal. Conference.
The matter of increasing the circulation of the SIGNS was again discussed; and by motion Elder J. N. Loughborough, Bro. Charles Chittenden, and sister A. M. Driscoll were chosen as committee to see that the measures were carried out as expressed by the foregoing resolution.
Meeting adjourned to call of President.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Pres.
A. W. EVERTS, Sec., pro tem.

God Is Good.

By R. F. Cottrell

To him who views it as it is, God is very kind and good. His goodness is in all his dealings towards us. He will be a kind and loving Father to all who will believe and put their trust in him. His goodness leads all to repentance, although all do not know it. It is natural for us to selfishly desire happiness; and we do not therefore always understand that all our afflictions are the blessings of a kind Father, only sent in love; and that all things work together for good to them that love God.
It is good to recognize a kind Providence in all things. Not a sparrow falls without our Heavenly Father. We certainly are the objects of his care. He greatly desires to save us. To yield our will to his in all things is needful for us. We shall have his approving smiles if we fully consecrate ourselves to him and to the interest of his cause, and believe and trust in him. Let us who are naturally so distrustful learn to trust in him. It is sinful to be unbelieving and distrustful. It is sinful not to confide in his promises.
And if we believe him we believe what he is doing for us. We believe in the light that shines from his word, and not from his word alone, but what he is doing in fulfillment of his promises. He is enlightening our minds in these last days, is giving us line upon line and precept upon precept. Faith walks in the light. No one thus highly favored of God will neglect to walk in the light, if his heart is right with God. And no one who walks in all the light regrets it in the end. But how many are in increasing peril of being lost by not being willing, or by neglecting, to walk in the light. God with much long-suffering, is proving his people. It will be seen at length that those who have heeded his counsels have taken the better course. We have obstacles in the way to overcome. It is right that we should have. All tells in our favor, if improved aright. We can by the help of God overcome. All must be brought into submission to the will of God. Self must be crucified, then can we labor for the Lord.
A great work is to be done in behalf of our fellow-men. A remnant are to be gathered out who will be saved in the day of the Lord. We may have a part in this honorable and glorious work. But if we do, we must be fitted for the work. We must be endued with power from on high. This will be given to those who are faithful to the grace already given. Let it be our highest aspiration to have a part in the work of the Lord.
God is good; and he is no respecter of persons. He will honor those who honor him, and they that despise him shall be lightly esteemed. Who will heed his counsel and share in the honor that comes from above? It is for us to decide.—R. F. Cottrell, in Review and Herald.

Stewardship.

By James Upham

No BEGGAR is thy God; He needs no aid, Poor child of clay! The world’s vast wealth, created by a word, Is his to-day.
Yes, but a word, and other worlds shall fill The space afar, Beyond where light has failed, with tired wings, From farthest star.
Think not to bribe a place in God’s esteem With gilt and gold, E’en though thy gifts should hungry thousands feed From stores untold:
Or structures rear, and every chair endow, For learning’s use; Or gospel heralds to the heathen send, Their bonds to loose.
God gives the work thy character to test, Or mold complete; ’Tis love, and faith, and faithfulness, He seeks— All else is cheat.
The love he asks is Godward, manward, too— The twain are one; Take heed, lest thine be sheerest love of self, Or be undone.
’Tis faith in God and all that God has spoke— A faith that works; ’Tis faith in Christ as Saviour, Teacher, King, Nor service shirks.
’Tis faithfulness from faith, nor less from love, To God and man; ’Tis faith and love co-working out in act, Where’er it can.
Dost thou bring much, and yet keep back a part? ’Tis worse than naught; ’Tis not the smile of thy approving Lord— Mere name is sought.
Hast but a mite to bring, and bringest that? With God ’tis more, Than all the millions brought with noise and pomp From hoarded stores.
He in whose eye the millions are as mites On motive looks; Each is a steward of a sacred trust— God keeps the books.
—James Upham, D. D., in Watchman and Reflector.

Meetings in Woodland

By J. H. Waggoner

From Woodland, Cal.

MEETINGS are still continued in Woodland with favorable indications. Last week I considered the outlook rather discouraging, as I was a stranger to most of the congregation, and could see but little interest outside of the church. Now I learn that there was a deeper interest than I was aware of. Two arose last night to take a stand for the truth; others are deeply convinced, and we confidently hope several more will soon decide for the truth.
Bro. Kellogg has arranged to spend a few days with me in visiting, which will be of great service in the work. His acquaintance with the people will enable me to visit to much better advantage than I could alone. Several interested ones are so far in the country that I cannot reach them without assistance.
To-day, Sunday, the 4th, I am appointed to speak on baptism, but the administration of the ordinance has been postponed for a week, for several reasons.
As Bro. Kellogg can spend but a short time with me, I believe it would be for the interest of the work to have some one join me before the meetings are closed who is acquainted here. It would be at least a saving of time, and might be the means of reaching some who may otherwise be lost sight of. How long I shall remain here I cannot say —shall be governed by what seems to be duty.
The Lord has blessed me with good freedom all the time I have been here. Sometimes the presence of the Spirit and power of God have been manifested in a large degree. The church has been a long time without preaching, and they all appear to be greatly strengthened and encouraged.
We ask the prayers of all that good may be done here; and God be glorified. J. H. WAGGONER. Woodland, April 4, 1875.

Still Drifting.

By Editor

Under this heading the Christian Press, of March, 1875, utters the following note of alarm at the downward tendency of morals and religion at the present time. Believing that the world is to progress rapidly into the temporal millennium, it would be prompted to put as favorable construction as possible on all transpiring events. Nothing, therefore, but the clearest evidence could wring from it the confession that much of the boasted progress of to-day is in the direction of heathenism. Such testimony to the truth is therefore doubly powerful. It says:
Notwithstanding the loud and frequent boasts of the onward march of civilization, we cannot close our eyes to the fact that much of what is called progress is in the direction of heathenism, rather than toward that Christian elevation which can alone benefit, bless, and save the world from barbarism. This is specially true in reference to the observance of the Sabbath. Twenty years ago the citizens of Cincinnati would have been shocked at the idea of the Opera House being open on that sacred day; and now it is not only open for the exhibition of the lowest class of plays, such as acrobatic feats and clog-dances, but such dignitaries as Archbishop Purcell honor them with their presence and patronage, and it calls forth scarcely a remark. We take the following from the Cincinnati Daily Gazette, of February 15:

"SUNDAY NIGHT AMUSEMENTS.

"Vine Street, on the hither side of the Rhine, was brilliant with 'sacred concerts' last night, which were attended by good audiences. At Wood's Theater the 'sacred concert' consisted of the German comic opera of the Czar and Zimmerman, performed by the late opera troupe of the Robinson's German Opera House, for the benefit of the chorus which was left in the lurch by the sudden failure of that promising enterprise. This opera, which is familiar to German opera-goers, was well played, and did not appear to lose its character by being transformed into a 'sacred concert.'"
"At the 'Grand' Opera House the 'Grand Sacred Concert' for the benefit of a Catholic society at Carthage, consisted of a variety entertainment, instrumental and vocal music, farces, acrobatic performances, dances, banjo solos, etc., and was attended by an audience respectable in numbers and appearance. The first part consisted of male and female choruses, a trio, a fantasie for clarionet, and the Hallelujah Chorus; the second, of a comic piece called 'The Soldier's Revenge,' sacred acrobatic feats by the brothers Davenport, a sacred character piece called Mississippi Sal; a sacred champion clog-dance, a banjo solo and song; Tom and Jerry; the Flour Barrel, by the Davenport brothers; Dutch specialties, by George Davenport, and a short sacred farce called 'The School for Scandal.' All these were set down in the bills headed Sacred Concert, and their sacred character was well maintained. The venerable Archbishop Purcell, with a party of friends, occupied a proscenium box, and enjoyed the sacred acrobatic feats and clog-dances with much satisfaction."—Review and Herald.
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