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Review and Herald, Vol. XXX, No. 5

THE LORD’S HIGH WAY.
Earlier text: THE PRAYING BANKRUPT.

DEFENSE OF THE TRUTH IN SAGINAW CO., MICH.

By M. E. Cornell; R. J. Lawrence

We do not remember ever witnessing a more desperate effort to put down the truth, than the one just made in this section. One Eld. Levington (Methodist) of Monroe City, was sent for to come and put down Adventism. He came and gave three discourses in three different places, his speech being nearly the same in each place. We heard two of the discourses, and reviewed them. At the last meeting an effort was made to cut off our privilege to reply before the same audience. To prepare the way for our defense two hundred copies of the following circular were distributed.
“HEAR,” THEN JUDGE.
Whereas, in a lecture given at the Court House last Friday evening, the religious views and character of Adventists were most shamefully misrepresented, and stigmatized as, “Fanatics, Deceivers, grossly ignorant,” and “worse than Mormons, Mahometans, or any other class of false teachers,” and,
Whereas, an effort was made to prevent free speech in Midland City, by exciting prejudice against a humble, yet honest and respectable minority, advising the people to not give them even a hearing, and attempting to put in extra appointments, so as to prevent their making their defense, thus taking away the rights belonging to a free American citizen, therefore:
Resolved, that it becomes our duty to enter our solemn protest against such a spirit, as unbecoming a gentleman or Christian, and contrary to the spirit of free investigation, and the genius of American liberty.
By the liberality of those who are for granting equal rights to all law-abiding citizens, we have the privilege of announcing for our defense—Sunday Afternoon at 5 o’clock, at the Court House.
Fellow Citizens, will you do us the Justice to hear our defense, and public Confession, of just what we do believe? We promise to speak candidly with due regard for the feelings of those who may differ from us.
Respectfully Submitted, M. E. CORNELL, R. J. LAWRENCE.
The result was that a large audience was assembled, much prejudice removed, and our cause is now standing higher than ever before in this vicinity.
Mr. Levington is regarded here by his people as a man of superior ability, both natural and acquired. That he takes the same view of himself is evident to all who see or hear him. Holding up his book on Baptism before the people, he advertised it thus:
“This book, of which I am the author, is recommended by the most learned theologians of the day as the best work ever written on baptism. It is their opinion that no more need be written on the subject. In this work you will find reference made to the Adventists, and false theories tested by the same rules I have used this evening.”
The Methodist preacher stationed here seconded this puff, and quoted the opinion of the celebrated Dr. Duffield as a specimen of how great men regarded this book. It was amusing to see how he was taken back when we informed him that Duffield was one of those time-setting fanatics; that his time for the end was 1866. Mr. Levington had falsely charged us with being timeists, and represented that such were the worst of fanatics.
We will now give from our notes some of his positions with the substance of our replies.
Levington. The religious system of Adventists denies that man has a soul. This little book (Which? Mortal or Immortal?) teaches that men and beasts are just alike, and compares them to snakes and toads.
Reply. These statements are utterly false, as we will now show from the book he quotes. On page 17. “We readily grant man all the properties and all the attributes which the Bible gives him. We are simply unwilling to grant him more. And hence the imputation of no-soulism to our belief is a burning disgrace upon all those who will thus condescend to expose their ignorance or their malice. Be it understood then, that there is no issue here. We admit that man has a soul. All Bible students, so far as we know, admit this, &c.
In regard to the statement that we make man no better than a snake, we will read again on pp. 36, 37. “Not that he (Solomon, Eccl. iii, 18–20) intended that man is in no respect superior to a beast; for he is, in many respects; in his organization, in his reasoning faculties, and infinitely so in his future prospects, if righteous.”
We will mark this, false statement No. 2.
Levington. This book teaches that angels are gross beings like unto beasts, and no better, because it makes them literal and material.
Reply. This is false statement No. 3. On page 20. “The whole history of angels shows that they are literal beings, vastly superior, of course, in their organization, to mortals composed of flesh and blood, but none the less personal on that account.”
Levington. The Adventist’s Heaven is as gross as that of Mahomet or Swedenborg. They believe that beasts will be saved. How ridiculous the idea that brutes will be exalted to a place in the kingdom!
Reply. Every Methodist preacher knows, or ought to know, that John Wesley believed that beasts would be in the kingdom. Dr. Adam Clarke believed the same. See Commentary on Ps. civ. Is it more absurd for us to believe in the restitution of beasts than it was for Clarke and Wesley? Was the garden of Eden gross? If beasts were in Paradise lost, will they not also exist in Paradise restored?
Levington. The Adventist’s definition of soul or mind is blood, breath, appetite, &c. Now if this view is correct it will stand the test every time. Let us try by the process called, “experimentum crucis.” “If soul sin,” i. e., if the blood sin, according to Adventist’s definition! “I will write my law in their mind,” i. e. in their blood, or breath!
Reply. The original word, translated soul and mind, is also translated, person, blood, air, &c., &c. The connection must decide to what it refers in any given text. So then, all of absurdity Mr. L. has shown, falls on King James’s translation, instead of falling on what he supposes our definitions.
But we now propose to try Mr. L.’s definition of soul by his own rule. If it is right it will stand the test every time. Let it have the experimentum crucis, or test of the cross. He defines soul to be an immortal mind, or the intelligent part of man. Ps. lxxviii, 50. “He spared not their soul (immortal mind) from death.” Prov. xxv, 25, “Cold waters to a thirsty soul,” i. e., an immortal mind. Num. xi, 6. “Our soul is dried away,” i. e., immortal mind is dried away! Num. xxxi, 28. “One soul (immortal mind,) of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep!”
Levington. Tell a man to love God, and he knows what you mean, but of what use would it be to talk it to a dog or a horse? Man understands because he has an immortal soul.
Reply. Tell a dog it is time to get the cows or to watch the wagon, and he knows what you say; now talk the same to a snail! Has the dog an immortal soul?
Levington. The God of Adventists is a gross body of flesh and bones; they have even tried to paint him on charts.
Reply. This is false statement No. 4. We have never attempted to represent God upon canvas or paper. We have represented the earthly sanctuary with the typical priest before the ark, also the position of Christ, but with no idea that it was a representation of his features. But some Catholics, and some Protestants, have engraved and painted an imaginary likeness of Christ. Neither have we ever believed or taught that God was a gross body. The substance of the self-existent God may be so many million times more refined than man, that it is impossible for mortals to behold or comprehend it. The highest idea we can have of Deity may be fully met in one of the angels, if we could see them in all their brightness; and like John on Patmos, we would be ready to bow down and worship them as God.
Levington. What we call mind or soul cannot be affected with disease or death.
Reply. If it can be affected with disease, of course it can be by death, and hence it can not be immortal. There is nothing more evident than that disease of the body does affect the mind. The mind grows up with the body and goes down with it in old age to second childhood. Why is it that our friend so reduced with long sickness is so childish? You say his mind is so very weak he has no more judgment than a little child. Exactly so, his mind is affected with disease. Ofttimes the mind is affected to that extent that it goes crazy. Could an immortal mind go crazy?!
Levington. Adventists pretend that the sun rose on Adam in the garden, and on them here in Michigan the same moment. That they can keep the same absolute moments here and opposite us.
Now suppose a ship load of Adventists sail from Australia to New York. Five days before their arrival they keep their Sabbath, and when they land, they find their brethren in the city are keeping the Sabbath, and they are two days apart. A dispute arises and they are all in confusion.
Reply. We never thought the day began all around the world the same moment of time, but as the world revolves, it brings each day in its regular order to the people all around the earth. And Mr. L.’s imaginary difficulty is as much against keeping Sunday as it is against keeping the seventh day. Mr. L.’s illustration of the ship load of Adventists was quite amusing to many of the audience.
“They laughed, ’twas well, but the rule applied, Soon made them laugh on the other side.”
Now suppose a ship load of Methodists sail from Australia to New York, and five days before their arrival they keep their last Sunday, but on their arrival, lo, they find their brethren going to church. Here they are now two days apart. A dispute arises and they go all into confusion! Therefore it is all folly to try to keep the first day of the week on which the Saviour arose. But stop, we mistake! The spherical form of the earth does not affect Sunday because it is popular. The round world only affects the day which it is not popular to keep.
Levington. After reading this book (Which? Mortal or Immortal?) the question arose in my mind, How shall I put it down? The plan I have used to night was then suggested to my mind.
Reply. It seems the question was not, like that of the unprejudiced reader, May it not be true? but with a spirit of spite and desperation “How shall I put it down?” The plan suggested to his mind was that of misrepresentation and falsehood. What spirit could have suggested it? The plan illustrates one scripture, namely, “We have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves.” Isa. xxviii, 15.
M. E. CORNELL. R. J. LAWRENCE. Midland City, Mich., July 2, 1867.

CONSECRATION.

By L. E. MILLNE.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Low at thy feet, dear Lord, I fall, And consecrate to thee my all; Nothing from thee, would I withhold; O let thine arms around me fold.
All on thy altar, God, I lay, O spurn not my request I pray; But gracious Lord, thyself reveal, And on my heart, O set thy seal.
From secret sins, O set me free, Perfect thine image, Lord in me, Safe in thine arms then I’ll abide Mid earthly woes, what’er betide.
Then will my faith, O Lord, prevail, Though Satan and his hosts assail; While angels bright, my steps attend, Encamp around, and me defend:
Though weary oft, and faint, and weak, Like Noah’s dove, the ark I seek, O nevermore my steps shall rove, While sweet I rest, with Christ my love.
United to the living vine, In thine embrace will I recline, And should I suffer pain or loss, I’ll sing the triumphs of the cross.
Then brighter shall my pathway shine, Lit up by rays of love divine, Joyful I’ll tread the narrow way, Then soon with Christ to endless day.
L. E. MILLNE.
Health Institute, B. C., Mich.

From Sister Johnson.

By R. Maria Johnson

BRETHREN AND SISTERS: My face is still set for glory. I still love God and his dear Son. I love the Review and the pure Bible doctrines taught by it. It is almost eleven years since I commenced to observe the seventh-day as the Sabbath, and yet I believe I now greet the return of this sweet day of rest with greater delight than ever before.
I praise God for the light of present truth which shines forth from the sacred page and the prophetic chart. I rejoice also in the light of Health Reform. Although I am still suffering from chronic diseases, I firmly believe it has, under the blessing of God who in compassion hath given us this glorious light, saved me from going down into the grave and leaving my four little ones behind to be taken in the snares of the evil one. Yes, although many times bordering upon the grave I am still spared to them, and am trying to realize more fully what a solemn and fearful responsibility rests upon me to bring them up in the fear of the Lord, especially while their dear father remains undecided with regard to the Sabbath and kindred truths. Often in the anguish of my soul I cry out, How long, O Lord, must I and my little ones tread this thorny path alone! Often as disease presses upon me, together with the cares of this life and the trials of the way, darkness gathers about me and I feel almost discouraged, and seem in danger of losing sight of the prize. But as I begin in agony to ask, Can I give up? help from on high seems to be sent, and I am enabled to look away to the sanctuary; and as I catch a glimpse of our Saviour who is still ministering there I answer, Oh! no, I can never give up the struggle while he still pleads and mercy still lingers for me.
Last April I bade a long adieu to the dear lone ones of Hancock Co., Ohio, expecting never more to meet them again this side of the land of rest where parting is no more. I brought a letter with me but do not know when I shall be permitted to meet with the people of God. Still as we have not yet bought a home here I trust our lot will be cast where I can take my children to the house of God upon his holy Sabbath, a privilege which we have seldom enjoyed, as we lived some distance from the place of meetings.
With a heart beating in unison with the people of God, and craving an interest in their prayers, hoping to meet you all when our Deliverer comes, I am your sister in Christ.
R. MARIA JOHNSON.
Marshall Co., Ind.

From Sister Tobey.

By A. O. Tobey

BRO. SMITH: I have felt of late that I have not done all I could in the cause of truth, and I wish to redouble my efforts, that I may be the means of doing some little good in the vineyard of my Master. I fear lest the blood of souls be found in the skirts of my garments. I fear lest it may not be said of me, “She hath done what she could.” I have determined of late by the help of God, that in every way in my power, I will strive to advance the cause of truth, and honor Him who died to redeem me, by my daily walk, by my conversation, by lending papers and books to those who will read them, by devoting one-tenth of what I earn to the promulgation of the doctrine of the coming of Christ and its associate truths. Even more, if God prospers me, I will do according as he prospereth; though my friends think that as my health is poor and I earn but little, that it is not my duty to do anything for the cause. And even poor, human nature sometimes asks, What if sickness overtakes you, and your friends reproach you for what you have done? But I cast aside such thoughts as unworthy the Christian, as dishonoring Him who has promised to bestow such blessings upon those who do his will, and who has promised never to leave nor forsake.
Am I presumptuous when I say I have no fear of want? My trust is in God. The silver and the gold are his, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. The promises are all yea and amen in Christ Jesus. The hand that in such rich colors can clothe the lily, the hand that feeds the sparrow and the raven, can provide for the necessities of his children. We are bid to ask and receive, and this I believe will embrace not only spiritual necessities, but also temporal wants. I believe there is a lack of faith on the part of God’s people—a lack of earnest, effectual, importunate prayer. Oh when will the children of God learn to step out on his promises! I believe it is time for the followers of Christ to show their faith by their works. A. O. TOBEY. Rock Island, Ills.

ROLL YOUR BURDEN UPON GOD.

By B. S. Barnes

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is staid on thee.” Blessed thought! Kept in perfect peace by our heavenly Father! What precious promises we have in the word of God. Feeling burdened, we read, “Cast your burden on the Lord.” The load seems heavy at times to do even this; but turning to the original we find it, “Roll your burden upon God.” This is the word to the weary soul. We can in passive trust roll the burden upon God, and feel Christ an all-sufficiency. Thank God, who supplieth all our needs.
Oh! how my soul shrinks from cultivating singularity for mere singularity’s sake. But when new sacrifices are in the narrow way, though they be heavy as “Pilgrim’s” load, we should double our consecration, do every duty, let men think as they will. The Lord is our Shepherd, and we must follow him. He leads us by still waters and in the paths of righteousness. Christian’s journey is most finished. Yes, we are
“Nearer the port by every wave!”
Praise God! Even now we can see our Father’s house peering in the distance. A few more struggles, and the conflict will be ended. We shall have fought the fight, and finished our course; and blessed will it be if our Father in Heaven shall say unto us, Enter in where “the wilderness shall be as Eden, and the desert as the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody.”
B. S. BARNES. Battle Creek, July 4, 1867.

Conference Department.

Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x, 25.
This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.

From Sister Edmunds.

By Angelia J. Edmunds

Hush sad soul, why this repining? Thy dear Saviour was lonely here; his life was one of sorrow; he was acquainted with grief; look to him; for he can sympathize with thee.
Behold him pleading in the sanctuary before the mercy seat. To him the careworn may flee and find a sovereign balm, a solace that will support, although all earthly friendship may fail. This friend knows the inmost recesses of thy heart. Persevere in the right. Do not grow cold and formal. Always may thy heart overflow with love to God and love to man. Then shall thy way be accepted of him who is to be the Judge of every one.
Always be ready to speak encouraging words to the lonely traveller; for thy heart is often lonely and often longs “for sweet companionship with kindred minds.” Tell them they are not alone and uncared for. Jesus loves you. Angels love you. Don’t grow weary,
“Overcome, and faithful be, Thou shalt glory see.”
“Now here’s my heart and here’s my hand, To meet you in that heavenly land, Where we shall part no more.”
Oh! what a joy fills my heart while trying to encourage others. By so doing I encourage myself. These are a few of the thoughts that often occupy my mind on the holy Sabbath, while I think that many dear brethren and sisters are enjoying meetings and Sabbath-schools together; while we are denied these privileges. But to-day I would say for the encouragement of every lonely one, We will not grow weary in well doing; we will not forget the mercy seat; but, like our Jesus, we will often be found in secret prayer, while we toil on weeping and sorrowing here; and ever as our eye of faith catches a glimpse of the reward for the faithful, we will sing and praise God for his great goodness to us.
Our Redeemer left his bright home in glory, and died to save us. Shall we murmur because we are often lonely? No,
“Jesus bids us shine, You in your small corner, I in mine.”
A few short months we have lived here in Johnstown, Barry Co. One precious soul has decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. He is determined to press on with the remnant, and by overcoming everything wrong finally gain a home in Heaven. My heart rejoices to-day.
Dear brethren and sisters of Newton, you know how great was the anguish of heart we suffered when we took the parting hand. I feel now to say that it was all for the best that we should be separated. My determinations are as strong to-day as they ever were. I will try to be faithful and meet you in Heaven. I love the whole truth.
Dear readers, you that have an interest at the throne of grace, pray for us and for our neighbors, that others here may be constrained to obey the truths of God’s word.
Our P. O. address is Bedford, Calhoun Co., Mich.
ANGELIA J. EDMUNDS.
SISTER C. BAKER writes from Chemung Co., N. Y. I have been trying for the last six or eight years to keep all of God's commandments, and the testimony of Jesus. My heart is drawn out in love toward all God's dear people that are looking for the coming of Jesus. I want to be one that can say, This is my God, I have waited for him and he will save me. I feel very unworthy, for I have not made that progress that I might have made with the light I have had. My trials and discouragements have been many. When I commenced keeping the Sabbath my companion commenced with me, but has since turned back to the world, which is a source of great grief to me. Pray, brethren and sisters, that I may overcome and stand with you at last on Mount Zion. I am trying to live out the Health Reform as far as it is in my power, for I believe it is of the Lord.
SISTER E. BARBER writes from Kent Co., Mich. I am the only Sabbath keeper in my family or neighborhood, and am not without my trials and afflictions. Still I mean, by assisting grace to overcome. I feel like saying with David, “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me; for my soul trusteth in thee; yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge until these calamities be overpast.”
“I am not skilled to understand, What God hath willed, what he hath planned; I only know at his right hand Stands one who is my Saviour.
“I take God at his word and deed. Christ died to save me—this I read— And in my heart I find a need Of him to be my Saviour.”
Bro. J. H. Cook writes from Lynn Co., Kansas: Please continue sending the Review, as we cannot one moment think of being without it. Its sermons, its editorials, its cheering reports from the careworn ministers, its Conference Department, &c., cheer our lonely hearts, and inspire us with fresh courage, and convey to us timely instruction and admonition as we travel over life's uneven journey. We love the Review because it is the advocate of great truths which have brought peace and heavenly consolation to our minds, and which at times inspire an unutterable longing for the final consummation and the coming of our dear Lord to reign.
RATHER set than follow examples.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

By Ephraim

The following article, signed “Ephraim,” appeared in the “Ontario (N. Y.) Repository and Messenger,” of June 5, 1867. Thus by various means, the living preacher, and the secular as well as religious press, the attention of the world is being called to the great fact, that the end of all things is at hand. The writer says:—
“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.”—Amos iii, 7.
“The wise shall understand.”—Dan. xii, 9.
The design of prophecy is to confirm the belief of God’s people in His over-ruling Providence, as they behold the gradual development of prophecy into history; to cheer them in times of trial and persecution, and thus animate them to that faithfulness in well-doing, which is an important element in the fulfilment of prophecy.
Accordingly, we find that upon the eve of certain great events foretold in Scripture, a general expectation of those events has prevailed among the students of the “sure word of prophecy.” Thus, Daniel, at Babylon (Dan. ix, 2), “understood by books” the prophecy of Jeremiah (Jer. xxv, 11, 12, and xxix, 10), respecting the seventy years of Jerusalem’s desolation. As the day of deliverance approached, Daniel became more earnest in confession of his own and his people’s sins, and in prayer for the fulfilment of the promise. Doubtless he animated the pious hopes of his fellow-captives by rehearsing the Divine promises to them.
So, also, when the Babylonian, Medo-Persian and Greek monarchies had given place to the Roman power, as indicated in Nebuchadnezzar’s vision of the great image (Dan. ii,), and Daniel’s vision of the four beasts (Dan. vii,), there was a general expectation of the Messiah, founded on Dan. ix, 25 and other prophecies. Even heathen nations, instructed by Jews resident among them, shared this expectation; and a glowing passage in one of Virgil’s poems, heralds the coming man, “The Desire of All Nations.”
In like manner, as the time of Messiah’s Second Advent approaches, we find a prevalent and increasing impression, even upon irreligious minds, that the world’s great crisis is very near. So general an agreement as to the significance of passing events and chronological calculations, is good evidence of their correctness.
Peter says that “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” It is evident, according to ordinary chronology, that we are near the end of the 19th century of the Christian era, or 5,867 years from creation of Adam and Eve. Our Bible chronology, however—the work of Archbishop Usher and others—is erroneous, a mistake having been found, dating back to the time of the Hebrew Judges. Students differ as to the extent of this error, some assigning to it only a few years, while others allow it 159, which with the conceded fact of our Lord’s first advent having been four years earlier than A. D. 1, would place us, at the present time, in the year 6,000 from Adam. It is certain that we are very near the expiration of this period. The general opinion of Jewish Rabbis and Christian commentators warrant us to expect, in the condition of the world, a counterpart of the seven days of the week, or six millenniums of sin, war, suffering and death, and then the seventh, “the Sabbath of the whole earth,” under the reign of Messiah, The Prince of Peace. His coming will be signalized by the overthrow of all opposing governments, by mighty physical convulsions, and the “resurrection of the JUST.” John says, (Rev. xx, 4,) that certain faithful witnesses for Christ shall live, and reign with Christ a thousand years; after which the “rest of the dead” will rise to judgment.
From the above remarks, and from the recent events which have crippled the temporal power of the Pope, the remarkable movement among the European Jews, the prevalence of famine, earthquakes and pestilence, the general preparation for war, even amidst the cry of “Peace, peace!” we conclude that the end of this dispensation is at hand. “Millenarian doctrines” are rapidly spreading. In London, large meetings have been held for mutual instruction and exhortation. “The Prophecy Investigating Society,” and other bodies of clergymen and laymen, including many of the best and ablest men, united in declaring “The Lord is at hand!”
Nominal Christian, hast thou on the wedding garment? Self-righteous moralist, the Master saith, “Ye must be born again!” Weary pilgrim, travel-worn, suffering, perhaps, a lifetime of pain, be of good cheer! Soon shall “the Master come and call for thee!” Sowers of the good seed, the time is short. “In due season,” yea, very soon, “shall ye reap if ye faint not!” If it be our Lord’s will, we shall abide unto His coming and with “them that sleep,” meet Him in the “air,” and bid Him welcome to His kingdom.
Therefore, beloved brethren let us be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the “work of the Lord, forasmuch as we know that our labor is not in vain in the Lord!”

A HOLIDAY, A FAST-DAY.

By H. F. Phelps

The turning a holiday into a fast, is no doubt a strange idea to the world, and we might add with truth, full as much, if not more so, to professors of religion generally; for indeed they are becoming more and more, pleasure seekers in every sense of the word. All holidays are held in high esteem by them. They join hand and hand with the world. Look, and tell me; can you at any of these public assemblies discern any difference between a professor of the religion, of Jesus, and a man of the world, who is a moral man? If there be any difference, it would, I fear, be in favor of the latter. This would be the rule. There are exceptions. They have become “lovers of pleasure, more than lovers of God.” Whither are they drifting? Going to convert the world? The world has converted them, so that they need to learn again the first principles of religion, and again do their first works. They are fast drifting down to the awful gulf of everlasting destruction.
Reader, where are you? Are you in this company? If so I beseech you to pause for one moment. The final leap will soon come. Stop before you reach that point. A little company are to be gathered together before the decree bring forth, who will be found keeping all the commandments of God.
Even now, in the midst of darkness and superstition upon all sides, we can see a little company coming out, heeding the call, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you, and will be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” They are a little company; they are despised; they are the poor in relation to this world; but they want to be rich in faith. They esteem the pleasures of the world of no worth. They seek the society of the good; they long for more consecration to the work of God. And in view of their unworthiness, and lack of spirituality, they change a feast-day into a fast, leave the busy world, and meet together to worship God. The good Spirit of God is present with them. It works in the hearts of those present. They confess their faults one to another. They cry to God for help. God hears, owns and blesses them. All receive new strength as they covenant anew to serve the Lord better than they have in the past, and they feel indeed, “that it is better to be a door keeper in the house of God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness for a season.”
Thus the little company felt who gathered at Oronoco, Minn., July 4, and we doubt not that it was thus with all who earnestly sought the Lord on that day, not only in this state, but in other fields, where our brethren, feeling that when one member suffers, all suffer with it, met to worship God. We believe that none felt that it was a sacrifice made in vain.
H. F. PHELPS.
Pine Island, Minn.

REPORT FROM BRO. RODMAN.

By P. C. RODMAN

I AM still endeavoring to press on in the good work. Held meetings June 8, and 15, with the Abington church. Held in all, six meetings and attended to the ordinances which was both interesting and profitable. The Church expressed themselves as encouraged and decided to press on in the work. The Health Reform is especially interesting them, so much that there is an apparent improvement among them since April when I was there before. I hope nothing may turn them from the good purpose of mind they expressed to live out all the truth, and for this they must inform themselves by reading the Bible, and with the help we are blessed with, such as the Review, Health Reformer, How to Live, &c. And I find our friends don't know what Spiritual Gifts teach on many points. Query: How can we know by experience the benefits of good food unless we partake? So how can we know what service the spirit of prophecy will be to the church, if we do not read and practice what is taught? See 1 Cor. xiv, 22.
The elder of the church, Bro Buxton, is doing them good service. The Lord help him in meekness to instruct and comfort his brethren. His wife united with the church by letter. They are both trying to be thorough in the Health Reform. I was pleased with my visit with the church, upon whom I called as far as I could. I believe God will prosper them by adding to their numbers such as shall be saved if they only cultivate the gathering spirit. I felt, on the whole, as much encouraged with my visit to this church as at any former time.
The 19th I came home to Ashaway, stayed over Sabbath, preached twice. The 25th had social meeting. There is not that taking hold of the work here I wish to see. My prayer is, Lord, save us from lukewarmness, and help us to be zealous and repent; that is, reform in every particular. I believe the friends intend to come up in the work; but good resolutions will not save us from Satan's power. So while we resolve to obey, may we commence the work at once. Then light and peace will come from God, and the sweets of obedience shall be ours, as we journey here, and that heavenly home be entered by us at last. Rev. xxii, 14. God's commandments are exceeding broad.
The 26th, I went to Peacedale. Held meetings at Bro. Arnold Holland's, whose two daughters were baptized by me a few weeks since, they having decided to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. May the Lord sustain this family, also Bro. Nichols and wife who are alone in this village, in the third angel's message, giving them grace to go through to Mount Zion.
Our first-day Advent friends seem kind. May the Lord help them to see all the truth and embrace it, that they may be saved from Satan's power, and enter the city of God at last. The 27th I started for New Shoreham. Being detained at Newport until Sabbath morning, I employed the 28th in visiting friends in Middletown, and having time, I called on sister Allen, who stands alone in the message there. I hope the Lord will sustain her, saving her from being like Bro. Cottrell's peddler, “too deep in the country,” lest Satan ensnare her, and she lose the heavenly country and a right to the tree of life.
Sabbath, A. M., started from Newport for New Shoreham a distance of 30 miles in an open boat. Arrived about 11 o'clock. Met with the brethren at 4 P. M. Thereappears to be a holding on generally here. I hope to do them good through Christ which strengtheneth me.
P. C. RODMAN.
New Shoreham, R. I.
Bro. J. C. Bartlett, who embraced the truth some six years since in Wakeman, Ohio, now residing in Emmet Co., Mich., reports that a brother-in-law of his has lately commenced to keep the Sabbath. They, with their wives, now hold Bible Class and prayer-meetings. May the Lord bless them and add to their numbers. We want to see the standard raised in many places.
Bro. P. Strong writes from Duplain, Mich.: I came back to this place and found all trying to live who started when I was here before; but the houses of worship are all closed against us. We had a grove meeting on the Fourth, and a very good turn out, and good interest. Our present Sabbath meetings are held in a barn.

THE CRAFTSMEN. ACTS XIX, 24.

By F. W. Morse

COVETOUSNESS.

“By this craft we have our wealth,” and this Paul is persuading and turning away the people, not only from these our manufactured gods, thus overthrowing our profitable trade, but also declaring against all “gods which are made with hands, so that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at naught; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia, and the world worshipeth.”
Satan works well to gain his purpose. First by doubt and unbelief. See verse 9. Next he tries miracle-working to confirm the word of unbelief. See verse 13. He then whirls his train of delusion over the track thus prepared for it, into the very midst of Vanity Fair with all its grand interests of gain and craft, idol worship, temples and magnificence,—the cherished objects of adoration for “all Asia and the world.”
Thus is the mammon-blinded soul kept by the power of Satan through unbelief, unto perdition.
The working of the adversary at Ephesus is a good general illustration of his manner of proceeding in all time, especially in the last times. His final effort in tempting the Son of God was by presenting all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them, and in the last days covetousness is a leading characteristic of the wicked world in general, whilst the repeated admonitions to the chosen flock, concerning this withering, blasting iniquity, clearly proves them not exempt from danger in respect to it.
In the prophetic outlines of closing events, our Lord compares the state and condition of the world to the antediluvian period, when the multitudes were buried in the pursuits of vanity and folly, being filled with all covetousness. And they “knew not until the flood came and took them all away.” In view of the fulfilled tokens of the end, and these marks of depravity in the human race, he presents a solemn admonitory warning for the special benefit of his followers. “Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” Luke xxi, 34.
Again, if we examine the record of God’s dealings with his ancient people, we see that his fury was poured out upon children and aged, husband and wife, house and field, “for from the least of them even unto the greatest of them, every one of them is given to covetousness.” Jer. vi, 11–13.
“These things are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come,” and “if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.” “By this craft we have our wealth,” has been the ruin of more than one Demetrius. They who are engrossed in the pursuit of gain, money getting, and property scheming, fall into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men’s souls in perdition. They do not like to retain God in their knowledge, for all those principles of Heaven-pleasing benevolence are withered and blasted, and the cursed fruits of stinginess and selfishness only are manifested, and they can think of none but dear self. There is no room for thoughts of God and Heaven, and there will be no room in Heaven for them. They have no interest there, their treasures are not there, but here.
Earthly gain and splendor are not characteristics of the heirs of the world to come. If they were, then men would gather into the ranks through considerations of promotion or plunder.
The voice of inspiration assures the child of earth, that those who will live godly shall suffer persecution, want and shame, in things of this carnal world; that they must forever turn away from the earthly diadem, glittering though it be, and trace the narrow, rugged pathway that was traveled by their divine Master, if they would at last be crowned by his own dear hand, with the unfading coronet of Heaven. They can then choose or refuse; die to the world and live to God, or live to the world, and at last taste the second, awful death and the fiery indignation that shall devour the adversaries.
F. W. MORSE. Deerfield, Minn.
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