Earlier text: THE GREAT HOUSE AND THE VESSELS IN ITLESSON VIII.—THE TEST OF OBEDIENCE.
- What does God bring to bear upon all his people?
- Will any be permitted to enter his kingdom who have not learned to stand this test?
- Who were first subjected to this test?
- What was the result?
- What did they lose by their disobedience?
- To what did all men become subject in consequence of the sin of Adam and Eve?
- What is said about this in Rom. 5:12?
- How is sin defined in 1 John 3:4?
- What is the penalty for sin? Rom. 6:23.
- What is the only hope for men in this condition?
- How do we receive eternal life? Rom. 6:23.
- How may we know that the plan of salvation was made known to Adam and his descendants after the fall?
- These sacrifices showed faith in what?
- What confession was implied on the part of those who offered them?
- Were many of the antediluvians saved by the plan of salvation?
- Why not?
- Who was an exception?
- How did he live while surrounded by that exceedingly sinful generation?
- How did God finally release Enoch from this sinful world?
- What encouragement may we receive from Enoch’s life?
- Will any be translated who have not learned to walk with God as did Enoch?
- How do we show that Noah must have taught the moral precepts of God’s law to the antediluvians?
- How did God test Noah’s obedience?
- How did Noah stand the test?
- What evidence have we that his obedience was complete? Gen. 6:9.
God brings to bear upon all his people the test of obedience to his commandments. His subjects must all be loyal, and none will ever be permitted to enter his kingdom who have not learned to stand the test of obedience. Adam and Eve were subjected to this test in the garden of Eden. They did not remain faithful in this hour of trial, but broke God’s command. By so doing, they lost their innocence, the favor of God, their home in paradise, and their right to the tree of life. In consequence of their sin, all men became subject to death. Thus it was that by sin death entered into the world and passed upon all men, for all have sinned. Rom. 5:12. Sin is the transgression of the law, and the wages of sin is death. 1 John 3:4; Rom. 6:23. In this condition there was no hope for man but in the plan of salvation through Christ. So eternal life is the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 6:23. We know by the sacrifices they offered that this plan of salvation was made known to Adam and Eve and their descendants after the fall; for by these sacrifices they showed faith in Jesus Christ, the great sacrifice that was to be offered up for the sins of the world. They also showed, by taking the life of the victim offered, that they themselves were guilty, and worthy of death. Not many of the antediluvians were saved by this plan of salvation, because they would not avail themselves of it. Enoch, as we have seen, was an exception; for in the midst of that extremely sinful generation, he walked with God three hundred years. God then released him from a world of sin by translating him. This should encourage us to believe that we can live a godly life, even when surrounded by the gross wickedness of the present time. We may be sure that none will ever be translated who have not learned to walk with God as did Enoch. Noah was a preacher of righteousness. 2 Pet. 2:5; 1 Pet. 3:19, 20. Now righteousness is right doing, and the only perfect standard of right doing is found in the moral precepts of God’s law; so Noah must have taught those precepts to the antediluvians. God tested Noah by telling him to build an ark on dry ground, and to proclaim to the people that the earth was to be destroyed by a flood. For a period of one hundred and twenty years, Noah faithfully followed the instructions which God had given him. His obedience must have been complete; for it is said of him that “Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations.” Gen. 6:9. “PEACE, BE STILL!”
By Mrs. Wm. Jones
AMID the weary cares of life,
Amid the stormy battle’s din,
When anger dread, and fear and strife
Essay to gain an entrance in;
Whene’er our weary feet sink down
Beneath the dreary waters chill,
There comes a voice both sweet and low,
Forever saying, “Peace, be still.” All the warfare of the heart,
All the turmoil in the brain,
All our thoughts that form a part
Of our daily strife to gain
Victory o’er our direst foe,
Fighting with determined will
’Gainst his wiles,—but hark, so low
Comes that whisper, “Peace, be still.” For even the winds shall obey his voice,
And the Ice King flee at our Saviour’s will;
And the earth shall blossom, the sky rejoice,
Through our King’s commandment—“Peace, be still.” The developments of the communistic spirit grow more alarming. In the West, cities and towns have been invaded by traveling gangs of from two to four hundred, many of them, doubtless, honest laborers looking for work, but hardly to be distinguished from the tramps into whose company they have fallen. Railroad trains have repeatedly been captured by these traveling companies, who took forcible passage to such points as they wished to reach. A picnic in the woods at one point was assailed, when the tables were spread, by a gang of roughs who coolly drove away the owners and devoured the repast. The New York correspondent of the Ledger of this city says under date of the 16th inst.: “Without desiring to create unnecessary alarm, it is but proper to state, on the authority of the most observant police detectives, that there has been a great influx of tramps from the rural districts into the city within the past few days. They come not from any particular quarter, but from all quarters alike,—Jersey, Long Island, and Westchester. Whether they are acting in concert with one another, or are only having an accidental meeting, cannot as yet be determined, but of the fact itself there is no question.” Whether this is in anticipation of an outbreak like that of last summer, or to avail themselves of the opportunities of burglary which the absence of a large portion of the city population affords, cannot be positively affirmed. Certain it is that the scenes of riot, arson, and plunder witnessed a year ago in Pittsburg, were preceded by just such a gathering of tramps for days before along all the roads leading to the city. It is not pleasant to think that an outbreak, if it should now occur, would take place at a time when General Sherman is hurrying the whole of our little army to the north-west. Garrisons on the seaboard have been withdrawn, and heavy artillery regiments have been armed and drilled as infantry, and are en route to the seat of war. The official list of stations of troops shows that to-day there is only one regiment east of the Mississippi,—the 18th Infantry,—and it is intended to order that West also.—Chris. Statesman. LESSON VIII.—THE TEST OF OBEDIENCE.
1. What does God bring to bear upon all his people? 2. Will any be permitted to enter his kingdom who have not learned to stand this test? 3. Who were first subjected to this test? 5. What did they lose by their disobedience? 6. To what did all men become subject in consequence of the sin of Adam and Eve? 10. What is the only hope for men in this condition? 11. How do we receive eternal life? Rom. 6:23. 12. How may we know that the plan of salvation was made known to Adam and his descendants after the fall? 13. These sacrifices showed faith in what? 14. What confession was implied on the part of those who offered them? 15. Were many of the antediluvians saved by the plan of salvation? 17. Who was an exception? 18. How did he live while surrounded by that exceedingly sinful generation? 19. How did God finally release Enoch from this sinful world? 20. What encouragement may we receive from Enoch’s life? 21. Will any be translated who have not learned to walk with God as did Enoch? 22. How do we show that Noah must have taught the moral precepts of God’s law to the antediluvians? 23. How did God test Noah’s obedience? 24. How did Noah stand the test? 25. What evidence have we that his obedience was complete? Gen. 6:9. God brings to bear upon all his people the test of obedience to his commandments. His subjects must all be loyal, and none will ever be permitted to enter his kingdom who have not learned to stand the test of obedience. Adam and Eve were subjected to this test in the garden of Eden. They did not remain faithful in this hour of trial, but broke God’s command. By so doing, they lost their innocence, the favor of God, their home in paradise, and their right to the tree of life. In consequence of their sin, all men became subject to death. Thus it was that by sin death entered into the world and passed upon all men, for all have sinned. Rom. 5:12. Sin is the transgression of the law, and the wages of sin is death. 1 John 3:4; Rom. 6:23. In this condition there was no hope for man but in the plan of salvation through Christ. So eternal life is the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 6:23. Sabbath School Department.
LESSONS FOR BIBLE CLASSES.
By G. H. Bell
LESSON VIII.—RECAPITULATION.
- What does the book of Daniel contain?
- What do these lines of prophecy cover?
- What have we learned from these in regard to the general outlines of the world's history?
- Name these five universal kingdoms.
- What was to be the character of the fourth kingdom?
- How was it to be divided?
- How was this division symbolized?
- How long was it to continue in a divided state?
- When was the God of Heaven to set up his kingdom?
- When did this division commence?
- When was it completed?
- Could the kingdom of God have been set up in the days of Christ and the apostles?
- Why not?
- Where is this kingdom to be established?
- What proof can you give?
- What was to arise in the fourth kingdom?
- What was this body to do?
- What was it to think to do?
- What was this blasphemous power?
- When was it established?
- How long was it to have power to persecute the saints?
- To what date would that reach?
- What happened at that time?
- What is the present condition of the papacy?
- How will it be destroyed?
We have seen that the book of Daniel contains lines of prophecy that cover the entire history of the world, from Daniel's time onward. From these lines of prophecy we have learned:— - That there were to be five successive universal monarchies; the first, Babylon; the second, Medo-Persia; the third, Grecia; the fourth, Rome; and the fifth, the everlasting kingdom of God.
- That the fourth kingdom was to be stronger than any that had preceded it, and was to be remarkably fierce and warlike.
- That the fourth kingdom was to be divided into ten kingdoms, as symbolized by the ten toes of the image, and the ten horns of the fourth beast; and that it was to continue in this divided state till destroyed to make way for the fifth kingdom.
- That in the days of these kings [the divided state of the Roman kingdom] the God of Heaven was to set up his kingdom.
- That the division of the fourth kingdom commenced about A. D. 356, and was completed not far from A. D. 483; and, consequently, that the kingdom of God could not have been set up in the days of Christ or the apostles, more than four hundred years previous to the time when the division of the kingdom was completed.
- That the kingdom of God is to be established on this earth; for the kingdom is to be, not in Heaven, but under the heaven. Dan. 7: 27.
- That in the fourth kingdom there was to arise a religious body that would blaspheme the name of God, persecute his people, and think to change the law of God. Dan. 7: 8, 25.
- That this blasphemous power was the church of Rome, that ecclesiastical body commonly called the Papacy.
- That the papacy was established in A. D. 538, and had power to persecute the saints 1260 years, till 1798; when the pope was imprisoned, and the papacy received such a blow that it has not since that time had the power to persecute God's people.
- That the papacy has gradually lost all temporal power, and is now waiting to be destroyed by the brightness of Christ's coming, when his body [subjects] will be given to the burning flame. Read 2 Thess. 2: 3-9; Dan. 7: 11.
MISSIONARY WORK AT OUR CAMP-MEETINGS.
By S. N. Haskell
Our camp-meetings yearly increase in importance. During the first years of our experience in camp-meetings such locations were selected as were most easy of access for our brethren, the object in view being to benefit them without especial reference to the public generally. Experience soon taught us to do differently. At these meetings we should reach the mass of the people. It is now thought advisable to select our camp-grounds near large cities, at points that are central and easy of access, and to advertise largely, and bring together as many as possible to hear the solemn warning of the third angel’s message. Reporting for papers is an important matter, and one which should not be neglected, as it calls the attention of the reading public everywhere to us as a people and to our work. These large gatherings are not only becoming more numerous, but more largely attended by those not of our faith. This year there will be about twenty camp-meetings held by Seventh-day Adventists. These meetings are attended by from two thousand to twenty thousand people not of our faith. Estimating the average attendance at five thousand on Sundays at each of the twenty camp-meetings, the number of those attending during 1878 would be one hundred thousand. Of these many hear the truth for the first time upon whose minds a favorable impression will be made, but Satan will stand ready to catch away the good seed thus sown as soon as they go from the meeting. The question we propose here is, What are our missionary societies doing at these gatherings to fasten conviction upon these minds? Can there not be an especial effort made which will increase the efficiency of the preached word? We believe that this can and will be done. These are golden opportunities to do missionary work, which should not slip out of our hands. Our people take five thousand copies of the SIGNS in clubs, at a cost of three cents a number. Three successive numbers are remailed to one individual, to whom a letter is written. This raises the cost, including postage, to five cents per number, making an aggregate cost of $12,500 for the five thousand copies one year. The addresses of those to whom the papers are remailed are gathered from various sources, so that largely the writers are unacquainted with them. Upon a careful investigation we learn that not less than one family in ten of those who receive our papers becomes interested in present truth. This we believe to be a grand success; yes, we know it to be so, and we recommend this plan to our brethren everywhere. The expense of these twenty camp-meetings, not including the traveling expenses of our brethren, is less than $5,000. Here one hundred thousand people, by the providence of God, are brought under the sound of present truth. We are certain that our tract societies do not appreciate the missionary field which here presents itself. One hundred dollars would pay for one hundred and sixty thousand pages of tracts, or twenty thousand eight-page tracts. If our brethren would thus expend $100 they could furnish five thousand people with four different tracts on present truth at our several camp-meetings. If one-fourth part of the tracts were sixteen-page tracts, sixteen thousand could be purchased for $500. We unhesitatingly say that were this reading matter placed in the hands of those individuals at a time when their minds were solemnly impressed with the preached word, more than five times the good would be accomplished that would be if this reading matter was handed to the same individuals under other circumstances. We have not begun to realize the importance of this matter. Our object in writing this is (1) to awaken more of an interest in this branch of the work; and (2) to make some suggestions in reference to the manner in which this work should be done. Not only should tracts be distributed, but subscribers should be obtained for our periodicals. The first year of the camp-meeting at Groveland, Mass., it was estimated that twenty thousand people were present on Sunday. A daily report of the meetings appeared in the Boston Herald. An agent for that paper was upon the ground early and late, and obtained over one hundred regular subscribers for it. He was heard to make the following remark: “I wish your camp-meeting would hold another week, and I would be satisfied.” He stuck close to his business, was over every part of the ground, courteous, affable, constantly reading something that would interest his hearers, and in every45possible way was seeking out individuals who would subscribe for his paper. We can do the same for our periodicals, and we should do it. A number of the REVIEW will be gotten up especially adapted to this work, so that extra copies can be had for this purpose, if our brethren will wake up to this matter and take hold of it in earnest. The time has fully come when we should arouse from our state of lethargy in the cause of God and mean business. Tracts should not be distributed in a haphazard manner, but in the way which will count to the best advantage. They should be scattered like the leaves of autumn. We do not recommend a stand for general free distribution, where everybody is invited to come and take as many as they please; but there should be a book-stand where an assortment of pamphlets and bound books is kept for sale. Small tracts should be distributed freely to those who will read. Those of four, eight, twelve, and sixteen pages, containing pointed, well-written matter, should be placed in the hands of thousands of people at each camp-meeting. Persons should be selected to do this work and make it a specialty during the week of the meeting; but the most effectual time is in connection with the preached word, when the mind has become solemnly impressed with the truths heard. Some of our brethren should be selected to stand outside of the congregation, and watch the effect of the sermon; and as the congregation disperse, they should hand out tracts upon the subject presented. Frequently it will be noticed that some become especially interested. In such cases it may be well to give more than one tract. The mind should be given to it until the soul becomes inspired with the work. This should all be arranged beforehand. A sufficient number of brethren should be assigned positions, and should be ready as soon as the meeting is dismissed, so that none need be passed by without a tract. The minister should advertise at the close of his discourse that upon the right hand, or left, or in the rear, as the case may be, there are individuals who will give you a tract which further treats upon this subject. The book-stand, where bound books can be purchased, should also be advertised, mentioning the prices of some of the most important ones and the number of pages, etc. Also, at the proper time, at the close of a fitting discourse, advertise our periodicals, stating that agents are on the ground who will receive subscriptions. These persons thus employed should not controvert doctrinal points with any. They should be individuals of good deportment, agreeable in their manners, affable in their ways; so courteous and kind that the individual cannot help getting a good impression. Special efforts should be made by all our brethren to renew their subscriptions on our periodicals at the camp-meetings. Look at the posters on your papers, and see if your subscription is not nearly expired. If so, be sure to renew at this time. The secretary of the tract society should have a tent by himself, where he will not be molested by others’ coming in and disarranging his papers. He should have sample copies of the REVIEW, REFORMER, INSTRUCTOR, and SIGNS. He should make it his business to be at his tent at all hours between services. He should have a list of delinquents and those whose subscriptions will expire during the next three months. He should be prepared to answer any questions relating to the subscription of the paper, of any who may ask; in fact, everything pertaining to the interests of the subscription list, etc., etc. The camp-meeting should be a time when all our brethren who are not now receiving our periodicals should subscribe. The ministers should bring this matter up and urge its necessity. These practical points should not be neglected; they tell more towards building up a Conference than the most flowery discourses ever preached. If any prefer to hand their subscription money to the minister, this is all proper; but a special effort should be made by the tract society to see that our brethren have these periodicals at this time. Any of the librarians or brethren or sisters knowing of any who do not take the periodicals should co-operate in the matter. Another branch of the missionary work in connection with the camp-meetings is canvassing for our periodicals. Individuals should be selected to give their time and attention to this branch of the work. These agents should be constantly on the alert, seeking every favorable opportunity to recommend our periodicals to others. Hundreds of new subscribers should be obtained in this manner at each of our camp-meetings. We do not recommend that the same canvassing agent take more than one of our periodicals. If it be the REFORMER, let it be his business to obtain subscribers for it; and so with the REVIEW, the SIGNS, and the INSTRUCTOR. There should be two or more, a brother and a sister, for each periodical. The secretary at his tent should be prepared to take subscriptions on each of the periodicals, but the canvasser should have but one, and make a business of that. He should study to make it a success. He should not be boisterous; but he should quietly, courteously, and persistently engage in it. Men and women should be trained for this kind of work; they should make it a study as much as a printer or an editor does his business. They should be men of good address, who will not in any way repel others or be repulsed. If replied to in an uncourteous manner, they should never reply in the same spirit; but in a gentlemanly manner pass on to the next, with as much confidence as though success had crowned every effort. Agents for the INSTRUCTOR should generally be young people of both sexes. There should be a sufficient quantity of premiums for these periodicals on the camp-ground,—Manuals to be used with the REFORMER; Way of Life, with the REVIEW and the SIGNS OF THE TIMES; and the Poems, with the YOUTH’S INSTRUCTOR. Here is a field of missionary labor in which much can be accomplished. Our brethren and sisters generally can do a great deal in this branch of the work. Look up strangers and invite them to your tent, become familiar with them, not to crowd the truth upon them until they become disgusted, but to converse with them; get them to subscribe for our periodicals, and win them to the truth. We should be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves,” remembering that he who winneth souls is wise. It is expected that there will be sixteen more camp-meetings this present season, and there should be not less than two thousand subscribers secured at these meetings for our periodicals, including brethren who are not now taking them. Our brethren should be instructed at the first of the meeting how to take hold of the missionary work. Plans should be laid so that this business will not interfere with the religious interest of the meetings, but rather increase it. When this matter is properly understood, and conducted systematically and thoroughly, much will be accomplished. We appeal to our brethren and sisters in the fear of the Lord: (1) Attend the camp-meetings; come prepared to seek God practically, and learn how to benefit others as never before. (2) Come, not with a spirit to please yourselves, but to labor to forward present truth and to fill any position thought advisable by the leading brethren. We do not advise our brethren to spend one or two days in organizing and arranging, but those having charge of these things should be prepared—1. To talk these principles out distinctly and clearly; 2. To state definitely what should be done, and how the canvassers should proceed; 3. To have them appointed; 4. The one who has special charge of this work should ever be prepared to give instruction that will help at any time during the meetings. It is important that the secretary have a tent by himself at the commencement of the meeting. He should have a list of the subscribers for the REVIEW, REFORMER, and INSTRUCTOR, also of the TIDENDE and HAROLD if these are taken in the Conference. These lists should be pasted in a blank book, and kept in his own possession. He should also have sample numbers of each of the periodicals, and samples of each of the premiums. In obtaining new subscribers for the REVIEW, SIGNS, and INSTRUCTOR on these special occasions, when taken without premiums, we make the following proposition: The REVIEW and the SIGNS four months on trial for fifty cents, each, and the INSTRUCTOR one year, thirty cents. This offer is made to get the truth before those not acquainted with our views. Not one-twentieth of what we should do is being done to get the truth before others. Now is the time to work, for soon the night cometh wherein no man can work. There is no time to lose. Officers of the tract societies, and those having responsibility in these things, we appeal to you. Now is the time to lay your plans, especially in those Conferences where the camp-meetings are soon to be held. Send in your orders for extra copies of REVIEWS, INSTRUCTORS, and REFORMERS, also premiums if you do not have them on hand, to be used at this time. Give the matter immediate thought, and be prepared to move forward at an early stage of the camp-meeting, and thus take hold of the work in earnest. We expect to see a move at the camp-meetings this season in advance of any in the past. Be sure and send for sample copies of REVIEW, INSTRUCTOR, and REFORMERS in season. S. N. HASKELL, Pres. Gen. T. and M. S. GREAT BRITAIN.
By James White
The united kingdom of Great Britain, embracing England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, besides Australia, New Zealand and many of the islands of the sea, is a vast field of labor. And the fact that the millions of people of these countries speak and read the English language makes them a better field of labor for American missionaries with publications in the English language than those countries where the French, German, Italian, Spanish, Danish, Swedish and other languages are spoken and read. We have missionaries in Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark and Egypt, and publications in the French, German, Danish, Swedish, Italian, Spanish and Holland languages. And already not less than one hundred thousand dollars has been raised to support these missionaries, to publish books and papers in these languages and to establish a press in Switzerland. But up to this date we have done but very little for Great Britain and those countries under her Majesty’s rule. Are we not making a mistake in neglecting Great Britain and those countries where the people speak our language, while sending American-born missionaries to those countries where they labor under great embarrassments in consequence of not being able to speak and write other languages as readily as their mother tongue? We do not for a moment question the providence of God in sending Elds. Andrews and Bourdeau to Europe, and in the expenditure of one hundred thousand dollars as aforesaid. The fruits already seen, both in Europe and in America, fully justify what our American brethren have done. But in reference to what we have done for the people of other tongues, and what we have not done for Great Britain, may it not be said, in the language of the Master, “These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone”? Matt. 23:23. The Seventh-day Baptists have a small church in London, Eng., W. M. Jones, pastor. Bro. Jones has published several numbers of a quarterly sheet entitled, The Sabbath Memorial. The S. D. Baptists sent Eld. Wardner as missionary to Great Britain, and for certain causes which need not here be named, division and discouragement came upon the few who observed the Sabbath, and Eld. W. was called home. The doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventists, through our publications and the brief visit of Eld. Andrews, had taken a strong hold of those who revered the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Bro. Jones and Wardner circulated many of their and our tracts which have had their influence to prepare the way for more consecrated and efficient labor by an experienced American missionary. And as there is a general expectation among the discouraged few in England and Scotland that we are to send them help very soon, the present autumn is evidently the time to strike. We therefore earnestly recommend that Eld. J. N. Loughborough attend our General Conference the first of October, and that he be sent to Great Britain by the Conference. We also recommend that Bro. Joseph Smith, an Englishman by birth, who has spent several years at the Battle Creek College, go with him. There are two others from Battle Creek, now in Switzerland, who were born in England, who could labor as missionaries in connection with Eld. L. to great advantage. As publishing can be done in England much cheaper than in America, Eld. L. should commence immediately on his arrival to re-print our tracts and smaller pamphlets. And if there are reasons for raising ten thousand dollars to establish a press in Switzerland to publish in other tongues, tenfold stronger reasons exist for the establishment of a press in England to re-print our works in the English language, that they may be circulated throughout the united kingdom, and wherever her Majesty’s rule extends. A few years since, the opening of a mission to Australia received considerable attention from our people, and C. C., of San Francisco, Cal., pledged one hundred dollars; but no missionary has been sent for the reason that that province is not the place to commence. When the work is fully established in England, a thousand avenues will be opened to scatter the light throughout Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand and to the islands of the sea. Let the one-hundred-dollar men get ready. If Eld. L. goes to England the coming autumn, we shall see the press established there in less than two years. This should be done under the supervision of W. C. White before his return from Europe. There are now in the ranks of S. D. Adventists thousands who were born in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, who have tens of thousands of relatives and friends they left behind when they came to America. When a mission shall be opened in Great Britain, then will be the time for these to correspond with their friends, to send them publications, and call their attention to what is being done in their own land. The doubting Thomases may think this too great a work to be accomplished in so short a time; but they should understand that we as a people have ever been behind the opening providence of God, as we evidently are in reference to a mission in Great Britain. And let it also be borne in mind that but few have seen the necessity of “broader plans” until those plans have been laid and been put in successful operation. When Eld. Canright was with the writer in the Rocky Mountains five years since, our mind was greatly exercised relative to publishing on the Pacific Coast. Here we wrote certain articles entitled, “Broader Plans,” and as we stated our plans touching the establishment of the press in California to Eld. C., he gave close attention to every word until we had finished, then replied in substance as follows:— “Well, Bro. White, that sounds well to the ear, and I shall be glad to see it, if it is ever accomplished; but I do not see how it is possible. It will take a long time to accomplish so great a work. It has taken more than twenty years to establish the REVIEW Office at Battle Creek, Michigan.” This was the discouraging view taken of the matter by one of our most energetic fellow-laborers, who has ever been among the very first to second immediate action for the execution of plans on a broader scale. But the work that has been accomplished during the past five years in the incorporation of the Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association at Oakland, California, according to the laws of that State, with a capital of $40,000, embracing lots and publishing buildings in the very heart of Oakland, Cal., the most beautiful city on the globe, and now having a population of forty-five thousand, has exceeded our expectations and plans a hundred-fold. In the brief period of five years a business has been built up that calls for two large cylinder presses and four job presses to do the outside book, music and job work, besides the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, which has a circulation of nearly 10,000, and our own book work. We have also added a complete bindery. And very recently we have added electrotyping, stereotyping and the manufacture of the Scotch type, which has been in use both at Battle Creek and at Oakland since the Pacific Press has had an existence. More has been accomplished in establishing the Pacific Press at Oakland, and in building up the cause on the Pacific Coast during the past four years, than was done at Battle Creek in establishing the REVIEW AND HERALD Office and in building up the cause everywhere in a quarter of a century. Time is short; and as the time draws near for the great work to be cut short in righteousness by the “loud cry,” and the 144,000 to be sealed, waiting for the coming of the Son of man in glory to gather his people who have made a covenant with him by sacrifices to carry forward enterprises for the advancement of the cause, work will be executed in a single year which took a quarter of a century at the beginning of our work. Therefore, in view of the shortness of time and the wide door that is opened before us by the providence of God and the rapid increase of the work, it must be evident to the friends of the cause that a mission should be established in Great Britain immediately, and that before 1880 the press should be in active operation in England with a capital sufficient to do as complete business in the line of printing and binding as is now done at Battle Creek and at Oakland. We close by saying that in view of the great work before us, and what God has done for us in the past, and the confidence we have in the willing hearts of our people to furnish the necessary means, we have full confidence in the accomplishment of this good work within the time aforesaid, and may God add his blessing, and put into the hearts of his people the spirit of Caleb and Joshua. “We are able” by the help of God to enter upon this work “at once,” and with his hand upon us to accomplish it in his good time. This subject will be laid before the General Conference for the action of that body when the matter will be more fully set before the friends of the cause, and pledge papers will be circulated for $100,000 to be paid in installments before the first day of January, 1880. GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE. 1. A church having both an elder and a deacon, who leads the meeting in the absence of the elder? 2. Has the church a right to choose a leader, with the consent and advice of the elder, to lead in his absence? F. D. ANS. 1. No other provision being made, it is considered the place of the deacon to lead in the absence of the elder. 2. Yes. 1. Has the sanctuary in Heaven always been the place of God's habitation? 2. Is the mercy-seat his throne? 3. Has the “testimony,” the ten commandments, always been beneath it in the ark? 4. Has the Sabbath commandment always been a part of the testimony? 5. If so, who kept it prior to the creation of man? A. H. V. ANS. 1. There was no need of a sanctuary before the plan of redemption was instituted. How long after this it was that that tabernacle was erected “which the Lord pitched and not man,” we are not informed. So long as it has existed, we understand it has been that of which the prophets have spoken, as God's “holy habitation.” 2. No. See chapter 22, “Between the Cherubim,” of the late work on the sanctuary. 3. The Heavenly ark and its mercy-seat came into existence, of course, with the Heavenly sanctuary. And ever since this ark was made, we understand that the law of God has been placed in it. 4. Yes. 5. The angels. See Biblical Institute, p. 145. What does Paul mean by saying, “One man esteemeth one day above another; another esteemeth every day alike”? Rom. 14:5. M. E. W. ANS. Paul refers to days that were set apart by ceremonial observances. Some were inclined to retain the shadowy ritual, and still pay respect to its days. Paul does not abruptly forbid this, but says, “Let every one be fully persuaded in his own mind.” That it is these ceremonial days to which he refers we know, because the first and second verses show that this is his subject. To illustrate: A man writes a dissertation upon the moon. In the course of his essay, he says, “It shines with borrowed light.” What shines with borrowed light? The sun, says one. No, we reply, the man does not say that; for he is not writing about the sun, but about the moon. The moon is his subject; and when he says, “It shines with borrowed light,” he means the moon. Every one would acknowledge this to be a legitimate conclusion. Just so with Rom. 14:5. The ceremonial law is Paul's subject; and when he speaks of days, he means the days which were made special days by that law, and no others. That the term “every day” does not include the Sabbath of the Lord, is shown by Ex. 16:4. 1. Is it right to hive bees on the Sabbath? 2. If hay is down on Friday, is it right to let it out to be secured on the Sabbath? A. L. B. ANS. 1. The fact that the question is asked shows that some doubt exists in the mind on the question, and that should bees be hived on the Sabbath, the unpleasant consciousness would remain that possibly the Sabbath law was violated in so doing. Now we know of Sabbath-keepers who would not for any consideration hive bees on the Sabbath; they are not troubled with any such doubt or perplexity; and we think they take the wiser course. 2. To the second question we should say, No. ANSWERED BY LETTER. G. W. Rogers, H. W. Decker, J. H. Waggoner, H. T. Brush, G. H. Murphy, W. S. Salisbury, Sherwood and Co., N. Orcutt, M. L. Williams, W. G. Smith, C. H. Gurney, D. Morrison, M. B. Duffie, H. S. Gurney, C. W. Stone, A. J. Cudney, L. J. Caldwell, R. M. Kilgore. Correspondents are requested to confine themselves to questions which will be of interest to the readers of the REVIEW in general, and not to themselves alone. Do not ask too many questions in the same letter. Two or three, at most, are enough. We have now on hand three hundred and sixty letters containing questions which we have not yet found time to answer. The accumulation has become so great that we cannot now promise to answer them all, but shall select such as we deem will be of most interest, to be answered, as other duties may permit, from time to time.