Earlier text: Jesus Only“Is the Lord among Us?”
By R. F. Cottrell
“And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among us, or not?” See Ex. 17:1–7. Though the Lord was invisible, and not present to the senses like the idols and graven images of the heathen, yet he had given sufficient evidence of his presence and protection in bringing them out of Egypt and through the sea. These unmistakable evidences should not have been forgotten in a day. We all now think they should have trusted God, who had displayed such wonders in their behalf, and should not immediately, when brought into trial, have given themselves to unbelief and murmuring, and skeptically asking, Is the Lord among us or not? Such unbelief we all now condemn. We think, Had we been there, we should have trusted our merciful and powerful Deliverer. But have we learned, my brethren, believers in present truth, the lesson of perfect trust? In addition to the light of the past which has been put on record for us, God has led us to our present position by the prophecies and their fulfillment and the help of the Holy Spirit. The evidences given we have been compelled to accept, and we have started out to walk in the light, and prepare for the coming of the King in his beauty. Our work is mentioned in prophecy, and those who “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” in these last days are a prophetic people. We cannot deny the truth of the position to which God has led us any more reasonably than the Israelites could doubt that God was leading them accordingly to the promise made to Abraham: “And also that nation whom they shall serve, will I judge; and afterward shall they come out with great substance.” Gen. 15:14. Yet how often doubts and fears are indulged, and come to the surface, if not in open apostasy, in such significantly skeptical questions as, “Whither are we drifting?” As individuals, we may be drifting into infidelity, which will end in perdition; but the work of God is going forward to the promised end. What God has promised is being fulfilled, and it will all be fulfilled. We need not tremble with fear of the failure of this message, which is already going to “many peoples, and nations, and kings, and tongues.” We need not fear that this cause will drift downward. We need not doubtfully ask, “Is the Lord among us?” All we have to do is to work in harmony with this work, believing the promises of God, and relying on their fulfillment. The Lord is with us if we are with him. Individually, we have a work to do; and if we faithfully perform the work allotted to us, we shall witness the fulfillment of all that God has promised. His work will finally be successful, though thousands may fall through unbelief. “Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Heb. 4:11. Bro. Waggoner, in his Review of Baird, pp. 8, 9, speaks as follows upon this point:— On this subject, referring to the Saviour’s words in Mark 2:27, he says:— “I think this principle laid down by Christ is the clue by which we may unwind all the difficulties that have been ingeniously or stupidly wound around this Sabbath question, whether by Jews or Adventists, who seek to lure us away from the glorious liberty of the Spirit of Christ, and place us under the bondage of the letter, to which beggarly elements they themselves are in bondage.” It is no excuse for Mr. Baird that the substance of the above paragraph was drawn from Mr. Robertson; the real author did not clothe it in such exceptionable language. By this we are to understand that Mr. B. thinks if we keep the law just as God spoke it, we are in bondage! Can anything exceed this in impiety? It may, indeed, appear like bondage to the carnal mind, which, Paul says, “is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” The carnal mind ever rebels against God’s law; it cannot bear just restraint. And when it cannot justify open rebellion it takes refuge in evasions. Something different from that which God has commanded will suit it better. And it will be content with just difference enough to let self triumph; to evade the cross, and to choose some other way than God’s way. Reader, is it possible that they who keep God’s law exactly as he spoke it with his own voice—just as he wrote it with his own finger—are “under the bondage of the letter!”? that they are in bondage to “beggarly elements”? How far, judge ye, must we depart from the plain literal reading of God’s holy law to reach that “liberty” of which Mr. Baird boasts? Is it possible that these are the words of a Christian minister? Had they proceeded from one who never learned the distinction between liberty and licentiousness we should not be surprised. Vermont Camp-Meeting Report: Whites Speak to Crowds
By Dudley Marvin Canright
AUGUST 18, Bro. and Sr. White, and myself left Battle Creek for the East. For two days and nights we rode upon the cars. Even this afforded a good rest to Bro. and Sr. White from the overwhelming labors of the past three weeks. I greatly enjoyed this privilege of conversing with them. I am glad to see and know that God is abundantly blessing them and sustaining them with health and cheerfulness in their increasing labors. We arrived upon the camp-ground Friday morning, and were cordially received by the friends. We found forty-two tents pitched upon the ground besides two large preachers’ tents. Actual count showed three hundred and sixty-eight encamped on the ground. The tents were all of good size and neatly kept. All seemed to be of good courage and hopeful in the work. Vermont has had but little labor for years, and many have gone West to strengthen the cause in those new States. Yet under these circumstances Vermont holds its own, with perhaps some gain, which shows that it is a good field, and that the cause has faithful friends here. After so brief a rest, both Bro. and Sr. White took hold and spoke with as great freshness, interest, and power as ever I heard them. This being a new place for the camp-meeting, the people turned out by hundreds in the daytime and evenings of other days besides Sunday, and they paid the best of attention. Sabbath afternoon Sr. White made a special appeal to the unconverted and to the backslidden to come forward and seek the Lord. One after another arose with tears and weeping and separated themselves from the congregation. We exhorted and sang for an hour and still they came till about eighty were upon the mourners’ seats. Many of these were young men and women, the sons and daughters of Sabbath-keepers who had grown up unconverted. Now they gave their hearts to the Lord. Angels rejoice at such a scene, and so did we. As we bowed to pray for these the Spirit of God was present in great power. Many touching confessions were then made. Several of the old friends of the cause were there and spoke of their experience in the message twenty-five years ago. This called out some touching remarks from Bro. White which caused the tears to fall freely. Sunday we had a good audience; but our meetings were somewhat broken up by rain; yet as many as could be packed into the big sixty-foot tent remained all day and it was also full at evening. Bro. White spoke in the morning with good freedom, on Our Faith and Hope. In the afternoon Sr. White spoke for two hours, with a clear voice, securing perfect attention from the crowded audience though it rained most of the time. Few speakers could have done this. Altogether, Bro. White spoke four hours on Sunday, Sr. W., two hours, and I, one hour and a half, all of which was heard by hundreds who never heard our message before. The only church in the village near by dismissed their meeting to attend ours. On Monday, we had fine weather and a large audience again. Several told us they were fully convinced upon the Sabbath, and some said they should keep it. We know that a deep impression has been made upon the community. Not the least disorder occurred during the whole meeting. The business transactions, as is always the case with our people, passed off in perfect harmony. On the whole, we feel well pleased with our camp-meeting, and the friends will go to their homes much encouraged. How they View It.
By J. O. Corliss
THE San Francisco Weekly Post, summing up the labors of Moody and Sankey in London, quotes what the rector of one of the largest city parishes says about the attempt to bring in the working classes, which was made the special work of one week: “Only about one-fifth of the hall was filled. I watched the people as they came out, and saw but very few of the working class. I have questioned people of all classes who have attended these services and their experience has been the same. . . . This religion of mere emotion and sensationalism, with its antinomian theories, its instantaneous conversions, its arbitrary divisions of the converted and unconverted, its preaching of terror and damnation, its test question, ‘Are you saved?’ and its confessional in the guise of an ‘inquiry room,’ is only attractive to those who approach it with a foregone conclusion.” “To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” When men depart from the primitive method of preaching “the word” and resort to sensationalism and animal magnetism to bring people to the service of God, they will ever make a signal failure. A few may be moved upon fitfully by such operations, but the mass turn away from them with loathing, and ask for something more substantial. “Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” is the only preaching that will permanently affect the heart. J. O. Corliss. All about Croquet.
By J. Byington
A WORD to the fifty converts recently baptized at our camp-meeting at Battle Creek. If you will spend one-half the time the people of the world spend in playing croquet in reading your Bible and prayer, you will then have the best kind of recreation, and be growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. I hope our elder brethren will set a good example in this matter to the lambs of the flock. For the want of opportunity to express these thoughts on the camp-ground, I would speak through the REVIEW. J. BYINGTON. [Bro B. speaks of spending one-half the time the people of the world spend in playing croquet in Bible reading and prayer; and we would recommend that the other half be not spent in croquet. We are waiting as patiently as we can for the time to come when the malignant type of croquet fever now raging shall subside, which may the Lord in mercy grant may come soon. Ed.] Camp-Meeting at Flint, Mich.
By D. H. Lamson; E. R. Jones
The approaching camp-meeting at this place will be exceedingly important in its character. Probably but little or no business will be transacted at this gathering, so that the time may all be spent in religious meetings. Multitudes in this part of the State need a meeting such as we hope this will be—a meeting where God is sought and found to the joy of many hearts. It is hoped that the most strenuous efforts will be made by all to attend from the first day to its close. Let every energy be bent by all the churches, especially in this locality, and by each individual member, to secure a large attendance. Let nothing but insurmountable obstacles induce any to stay away. Come, prepared to work for Christ and his truth. This is indeed a wide field of labor, and the harvest is white all around. We would urge the request in the last REVIEW, that those who attended the Battle Creek meeting shall not therefore stay away from this, as there is ample room here for all to work. Very many who will come to this meeting have been but a short time in the message, and need the solid faith of the veterans in the cause. It will be a grievous disappointment if neither Bro. nor sister White can be present. But we hope even yet, and it is the prayer of every heart that the providence of God may direct their steps hither. For ourselves, it seems as if we could not yield the point. But the work is one, and may the will of God be done. Grounds that will answer the purpose well have been secured without cost, and apparently all is favorable to the success of the meeting. Come, with the love of God burning in the soul, and we shall see the truth, like a glorious conqueror, marching on, and our own hearts, as well as others’, will be inspired with new energies and renewed courage in the work of overcoming. May all of us feel our need, and come down while the waters are troubled, and step in and be healed. Come, you that love the truth a little, come and drink deeper of the well of salvation. Let the backslidden and the half-hearted come, and be healed. Let all who thirst, and all who will, come, and take the water of life freely. Once more we invite, nay, we urge, the ardent and fervent to sacrifice much, if need be, to attend this meeting, and let no proper inducements be withheld to influence those we love most and best, as well as all others, to place themselves in saving relations to the precious truths for these times. Come, to the meeting, and may the God of armies come with you and encamp about you. D. H. LAMSON,
E. R. JONES. Poverty Pinches, but Vice Leaves an Ulcer
POVERTY pinches, but not half so hard as vice. The one wounds to heal; the other leaves an ulcer. Communication from Bro. Ertzenberger.
By J. Ertzenberger
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN AMERICA: Although you have heard nothing from me for a long time, I have often thought of you; but I have not felt that I was in a proper state to write for the Review, and therefore have kept silence. My writing at this time is by way of humiliation. Bro. Andrews has spoken of the fact that after my return to Switzerland I lost sight of my dependence upon the Lord, and was left to go on in my own strength till I learned how evil it is for a poor, erring mortal to have his own way. I did not backslide all at once, but step by step. I left the good counsels of the dear brethren in Switzerland, and gradually departed from the Lord and pursued my own way. My course was sinful before God and a great grief to my brethren, and so the face of God was hidden from me, and darkness and anguish filled my soul. Even after the arrival of Bro. Andrews, I could not see the sinfulness of my course in its true light. But, through the help of God, his patient and earnest efforts in my behalf were finally the means of great good to me. I could understand my dangerous position and see my sinful course, and the Lord helped me to repent of my sins and to correct my wrongs. After thus becoming reconciled with the dear ones in my native land, and being determined to obey God, as his providence seemed to plainly call me to Germany, I came to this field of labor. It was with the approval of the Swiss brethren that I came here to labor for the dear Saviour. And since the time that I left Switzerland, he has continued his good work in my heart, even until now. Before I started with Bro. Andrews for Germany, I began once more to enjoy the free Spirit of God. And during my sojourn in this region, my heart has often been so filled with his grace that I have wept before him. Even at this time tears are filling my eyes. I have made many failures in the past, and I have grieved the Lord and have also grieved his people. I deeply regret my faults, and I am striving more earnestly than before to make clean work for the kingdom of God. And by these lines I would ask you, dear brethren, to forgive me. And as St. Peter after his humiliation spoke no more haughtily, but with a deep sense of his unworthiness, I join in in his words: “Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.” The foregoing will explain my silence in in not answering letters from America, though I was very grateful for them. Forgive me in this also. And will you all pray for me? Yours with Christian love, J. ERTZENBERGER. Vohwinkel near Elberfeld, Prussia, July 21, 1875. Work among the Swedes.
By James Sawyer
A few months ago, a gentleman in a tea store in Portland, Me., wrote, saying that he would act as agent for Swedish publications, and would ask no compensation for so doing. A few packages of tracts were sent him; and this place being, as we supposed, on the route of travel from Sweden in Europe to New Sweden in Maine, we expected to hear from these tracts again. June 27, we received a letter from our friend in Portland, stating that he had sold the most of the tracts among the Baptists; that they were thankful for them, and desired more; and that some approved of the doctrines set forth in them, and would like to be informed on other points of our faith. A few weeks ago, we received the following:— PORTLAND, ME., JULY 7, 1875. “To the Svensk Harold: I lately received your paper, and have read a great deal in it, and I find its contents to be very precious, because in every way it shows me that God’s word is the ‘Book of books,’ wherein all treasures lie. I wish you would send me a bound volume of your paper for 1874. Please send it to J. P. Gelott, New Sweden, Me. I also ask you to send the Harold, from the beginning of this year, to the address of Chas. J. Gelott, 94 Brackett St., Portland, Me.” One brother from St. Paul, Minn., lately wrote: “Three are now keeping the Sabbath here, and others are investigating.” This result was brought about mostly by the distribution of tracts and the Harold. Another friend from Brooklyn, N. Y., writes: “Please send me a copy of your paper. Perhaps I shall become a subscriber.” In a few weeks we received a subscription from a person in that place. Another in St. Cloud, Minn., writes: “I saw an advertisement in your paper of a tract, entitled, ‘Seven Reasons for Sunday-keeping Examined.’ I am undecided what to do. I wish to know whether the Sunday should be kept holy or not; so I write that I may become informed. Please send me something to show how the Sabbath was changed.” The following is an extract from a letter from a friend in Sweden, in answer to one which was sent about six weeks before:— STJÄRNHOF, JUNE 25, 1875. “DEAR FRIEND: Yours of the 5th of last May I received yesterday, and it was all the more welcome because it was unexpected, and especially because it was from an Englishman, one in whose language I always had an interest, although I never have had an opportunity of learning its elementary principles. At the same time that I received your letter, I also received three copies of the ADVENT REVIEW and a few copies of the Svensk Harold, for which I am very thankful. “It is a great encouragement and consolation to me to see the teachings of God’s word therein set forth in their purity. We seldom hear of this being done, because the taste of the readers is so perverted that healthful food is not relished with wholesome seasoning, but it must be mixed with sweetmeats, in order to be made palatable. “I will say I was fortunate in borrowing a few numbers of the Svensk Harold, and in them I saw some things about the kingdom set forth in a correct manner. “You ask me about my residence. Soon I shall have none; for I know not what day I, with my family, shall become outcasts under the bare heaven. Where I am now, I have been teacher for twenty years. The religious freedom which you have in America is not found here. The State here makes her subjects Christians, and woe to him who will not become such an one. It is, however, such Christianity as one may pray to be delivered from. “It is the daughter of harlots who, by her servants the priests, under the color of law and justice, forces me from house and home, clothes and food. I cannot rely upon her doctrines. I cannot associate with her and drink of the wine of her fornication. Here I am without friends or brethren, as a lone sparrow upon the house-top. My condition is far from pleasant. Unbelief says, Where shall I find a table in the wilderness? God’s word says, ‘Fear not; for I am with thee.’ “In friendship, J. EKDAHL.” Another writes from Chicago that five have lately embraced the truth in that city. Several subscriptions have been sent in from that place of late. The people have a desire to read, and the publications in the Swedish can be circulated much more extensively than they have been. Will the brethren please search out the Swedes in localities where they reside, and send in names to the Svensk Advent-Harold? I SEE by the REVIEW that the Minnesota brethren are recanvassing the ground where the Tract and Missionary Society have given the paper for a year, and that71where it is not read they stop the paper, or send it to some one who will read it. This made me look over the little field I canvassed last spring. I have been over part of the field several times. I think all are reading—some with interest; and where there is not an interest, I have tried to awaken one. I find several who are convinced that we are correct in keeping the seventh day. J. L. I ASKED the Lord that I might worthier be,
Might grow in faith and hope and charity;
And straight, “Go feed my lambs!” he answered me. “Nay, Lord!” I cried. “Can outward deeds avail
To cleanse my spirit? Heart and courage fail,
And sins prevent, and foes and fears assail.” And still, “Go, feed my lambs!” was all I heard.
But should I rest upon that simple word?
Was that, indeed, my message from my Lord? Behold, I thought that he his hand would lay
On my sick soul, and words of healing say,
And charm the plague-spot from my heart away. Half wroth, I turned to go; but oh! the look
He on me cast—a gaze I could not brook;
With deep relentings all my spirit shook. “O dearest Lord,” I cried, “I will obey,
Say what thou wilt! only lead thou the way;
For, following thee, my footsteps shall not stray.” He took me at my word. He went before;
He led me to the dwellings of the poor,
Where wolf-eyed Want keeps watch beside the door. He beckoned me, and I essayed to go
Where Sin and Crime, more sad than Want and Woe,
Hold carnival, and Vice walks to and fro. And when I faltered at the sight, he said,
“Behold I died for such! These hands have bled,
This side for such has pierced been.” He said: “Is the disciple greater than his Lord?
The servant than his Master?” Oh, that word!
It smote me like a sharp, two-edged sword! And since that hour, if any work of mine
Has been accepted by my Lord as sign
That I was following in his steps divine; If serving others (though imperfectly),
My own poor life has worthier come to be,
And I have grown in faith and charity, Dear Lord, be thine the glory! Thou hast wrought,
All unaware, the blessing that I sought.
Oh! that these lips might praise thee as they ought. South-west Missouri.
By J. G. Wood
I HAVE just closed a series of meetings held about three miles from Clintonville, Cedar Co. When I went there, I found seven who had covenanted to keep the commandments of God. Two of these had lately embraced the truth through reading papers and tracts sent them by some of our faithful brethren and sisters. I labored there about two weeks. Nine united with them, and five were baptized. Our meetings increased in interest, power, and excellency, to the close. We leave a company of sixteen, united and rejoicing in the truth. May they walk humbly before God. Montevallo, Mo., Aug. 18, 1875. Our meetings at Douglas Center closed last evening. The congregations were good from the commencement to the close. There was much prejudice to meet; but by the blessing of God it was removed from many minds. I spoke three times every Sabbath and first-day, and each evening but one, making fifty-three discourses in four weeks. We had, besides, a Bible-class and Sabbath-school every Sabbath but one, and last Sabbath we celebrated the Lord’s supper. Yesterday, after preaching three times, we went two miles to a beautiful lake, where I baptized seventeen. There are quite a number of others that believe the truth, and we hope they will soon obey it. Money being very scarce, we sold but few books. We baptized a little company in this place last May, and we left an addition by our tent labor which increases their number to thirty. All seem much encouraged to be diligent and faithful. Bro. Tenney, of Dell Prairie, will attend their Sabbath meetings. Bro. Smith has been a successful helper. We are now on our way to Ontario, Vernon Co., 25 miles south-east of Sparta, and about 20 miles south-east of Leon, where, the Lord willing, we shall commence meetings next Sunday, the 29th, and continue till the tent-season closes. Hence, my address will be Ontario, Vernon Co., Wis., until further notice. Douglas Center, Aug. 23, 1875. Ionia, Co., Mich.
By E. Van Deusen
At the close of our tent labor at Hubbardston, I went north to Carson City and vicinity to attend to matters relative to the cause. It being a very busy part of the season (harvest), we could hold but few meetings on week days, so I visited from house to house, trying to help and encourage the brethren. At North Shade, a class of fourteen members was organized, with Systematic Benevolence to the amount of $23. A Sabbath-school of about twenty members was also organized. Brn. J. and R. Sisley labored at this place last spring, and some of the believers here received the truth as the result of their labors. At Spring Brook, organized a class of eleven members, with S. B. to the amount of $36; and a Sabbath-school of twenty-four members. I then returned to Carson City and assisted the brethren in arranging their S. B., they having heretofore been connected with the Matherton church. The amount of their S. B. is $61. These churches may expect to stand in the favor of God if they will observe the following rules:— - Never be absent from prayer and social meetings without the best of reasons, and go, not to be a hearer only, but to take part in the exercises.
- Let the same rule apply to Sabbath-school duties.
- “Be at peace among yourselves.”
- Pay S. B. when due, if possible. Consider yourselves under the most solemn obligation to God in this matter. The church or person that allows this duty to become a secondary affair will surely lose by such a course.
Arrived at this place Aug. 8, and found a good interest, and Bro. Burrill in excellent spirits. The truth has found some of the honest, and they are rejoicing in it. The Lord is working for his cause; to him be all the praise. Muir, Mich., Aug. 16, 1875. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
By S. B. Whitney
As I stated in my last report, Bro. Hall and myself came here with the tent and commenced meetings on the 30th of July. Considerable missionary labor had been expended before we came, and as a result two or three were partially keeping the Sabbath, and others were investigating. Some interest was manifested, and the attendance varied from twenty-five to about two hundred. Spiritualism was exciting some interest, and that subject called out a tent full. By invitation, I repeated the discourse on that subject in the Baptist church, which drew a full house. Our location was not favorable, being on the very outskirts of the village, but it was the best we could procure. But about a week ago, through the influence and efforts of some of the citizens of the place, we secured a more convenient lot, which had been refused us when we came, and we pulled up stakes and moved, the advantage seeming to warrant our doing so, which the sequel has proved. The interest is increasing and extending, and the prospect is fair for some fruit at least. The editor of one of the village papers has taken quite an interest in our work, publishing notices gratuitously, and is giving a synopsis of the discourses in his paper. He has sent a copy of his paper to the REVIEW with a request to exchange. A request has been made us to speak on the subject of the Sabbath at a place four miles from here next Sunday morning, an appointment having been made by a minister from this place to speak there on the same subject in the afternoon. We have engaged to comply, not having an appointment for that hour in the tent. As is to be expected, such an interest raises an opposition, and we expect to have a battle to fight. Brethren, pray for us and the cause. S. B. WHITNEY.
Gouverneur, N. Y., Aug. 17, 1875. Pierpont, N. Y.
By H. Hilliard
THE meeting at Pierpont, Aug. 8, was well attended. Three willing souls who love the truth were baptized by Eld. Taylor. Four weeks ago, eight were baptized here by Bro. T., making a company of about thirty who are striving to keep the commandments of God. There are quite a number here who are sympathizers and attend meetings, but have not fully united with us. Though trials are experienced by the way, we hope they may purify all those who are making efforts to live out the truth. Here a pleasant site was generously offered by two individuals who were friendly to the truth, which was accepted by the church, and they have laid the foundation for a meeting-house 26x38, which they intend to erect and finish off this fall. I think they will accomplish it, as there seems to be not only a willingness to work, but an anxiety to arise and build. H. HILLIARD. Discovered his Mistake.
By Percy T. OdeKirk
I HAVE thought for some time past that I was trying to keep God's commandments and be a Christian, and I have but recently discovered my mistake through the teachings of Bro. T. M. Steward, who is at present staying with us at this place. I bless God that a few of us have found new light through Bro. Steward's efforts, and that we have come out on the Lord's side, and are resolved to keep the holy Sabbath day. I have read your valuable paper with much interest. May God bless you in your good work is my prayer. Your brother in Christ, PERCY T. ODEKIRK. J. L. TOWNSEND writes:— I have received more enlightenment from the perusal of the REVIEW the past year than from all other religious books or periodicals I have ever read during my life. Why? Because now I see more harmony and beauty in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, than ever before. I shall endeavor to get others to read, believing that they will find “Christ” enough in every number to save them. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” DIED, of congestion of the liver, near Pine Creek, Otsego, Mich., Aug. 20, 1875, Bro. Aaron H. Hilliard, aged fifty-five years. He was converted in early life, and embraced the Sabbath upwards of twenty years ago, in Northern New York. He removed to the State of Michigan in the spring of 1859, where he has since resided. During the last week of his life, his sufferings were great, but they were borne with resignation, and he died with a bright hope of eternal life. His last hours were very happy. He leaves a wife and seven children to mourn his death. The church of Otsego, of which he was elder, have suffered a great loss which cannot easily be made good. He was highly respected in the community for his conscientiousness and integrity. His religious experience was consistent and earnest. His funeral services were largely attended by friends and neighbors. The house of worship was densely packed with sympathizing friends, who listened with interest to the funeral discourse from the words: “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” The writer was called from Allegan to attend the services Sunday, Aug. 22. Another faithful Christian is laid away to rest; but soon he will come forth to life and immortality. May God speed the glad morning when death will be swallowed up in victory. GEO. I. BUTLER. DIED, at Lake City, Wabashaw Co., Minn., Aug. 11, 1875; my older brother, A. H. Sanford, and Mr. Benjamin Cramer. While excavating a fire cistern eighteen feet in diameter, the yielding nature of the soil required that it should be protected by planking, and when they were about twenty-two feet below the street level, the whole structure gave way, burying Mr. Cramer about six feet and my brother about twelve feet in the ruins. The latter was born in St. Joseph Co., Mich., May 6, 1834, and leaves a wife and six children to mourn the loss of an affectionate husband and father. Mr. Cramer was born in Pennsylvania, and was twenty-eight years of age. He leaves a wife. Funeral services were held Aug. 12. Appropriate remarks were made by Eld. Beach, at the Baptist church, from 1 Cor. 15:55. E. E. SANFORD. DIED, at her daughter's residence, in Keithsburg, Ill., Aug. 12, 1875, Mrs. Emily Smith, aged seventy years and nine months. Having completed the allotted time of life in her Master's service, she died in triumphs of a living faith. She leaves to a large family, hitherto unbroken, the rich legacy of a faithful wife and mother's example. She was brought home to Newville, Ind., and buried in the new cemetery, Sunday, Aug. 15. E. LEAVITT. DIED, of fever, at River Point, Minn., Aug. 9, 1875, Sarah M., daughter of Gardner and Rose Storer, aged one year and seven months. Little Sarah was a very lovely child, and her sudden death has caused a feeling of general sadness throughout the community; but we hope to meet her soon when the Lifegiver shall come to call his children home. Words of comfort were spoken on the occasion by Eld. Barkoo, from Mark 10:14. M. A. WINCHELL. How many of the churches, of the Christian organization of the land, pass the poor, dying drunkard by, and leave him to perish. It is sickening to see the most vital of moral enterprises so utterly neglected by those who are ready to give money and prayers for the heathen of Asia, but not a syllable or a cent to save the young men from reeling into the damnation of the dram shop. It is sickening to see so many wine glasses on the tables of so many professing Christians, and to hear so many sneers at teetotal fanatics from lips that are fluent in orthodox creeds and confessions. All the assaults of infidelity against the church of Christ do not harm her half so much as her own lamentable neglect of the drunkard, and her own silence under the terrific iniquity of the liquor traffic. If every church in the land would do its duty, we should soon see a suppression of the great majority of the rum dens, which are now feeding the grave with victims,—Sel. Facts are stubborn things, and they will not go out of the way for any one, not even for theology. Here is an interesting little incident told by a writer in the Christian Union. It shows that animals have reason. Are they therefore immortal? “As the merits of cats and dogs have been at divers times set forth in the Christian Union, it seems only fair that their much-abused victim, the rat, should have a share in the public interest. The following story I know to be true. A lady, living in the country, had her attention drawn one day to some rats in an outer room, surrounding a pail which had been prepared for the pigs. Observing them carefully, she soon discovered that a young rat had fallen into the pail, and that his friends to the number of five or six were in consultation as to the best means of rescuing him. The lady called others of her family to witness their manoeuvres, while they continued busily at work, regardless of the presence of the spectators. By twining their feet together, (the hindfeet of the foremost rat being entwined with the forefeet of the next, and so on) they formed a chain extending over the side of the pail. The foremost rat, supposed to be the mother, then reached down, grasped the young one in her arms, and both were drawn out on the floor. Unfortunately their deliberations had occupied so much time that the young rat was drowned before he was extricated, and apparently the intelligence of his friends did not extend so far as to attempt resuscitation.” Locust-Eating in Turkey, Arabia, and Persia
We read in the Bible, that the food of John the Baptist was “locusts and wild honey.” A great deal of pains has been taken by commentators to prove that it was not what we call locusts, but the fruit of the wild carob-tree, that John ate with the honey that he found in the wilderness, where he lived. But I do not think that any one who has traveled in Arabia, or found rest and shelter in an Arab’s tent, and been guest at his hospitable board, would thus judge of what the Bible means by “locusts.” In Turkey, Persia, Arabia, and all that region of country, locusts—genuine, bona-fide locusts—have been eaten from remote antiquity; and to this day, they form an important item of the food used by the common people. The Bedouins collect them in immense quantities, and, after a partial drying, pack them in sacks. Then at their convenience, when the season for collecting is over, they steam the insects in close vessels over a hot fire, winnow them in broad baskets, to remove the legs and wings, and then pulverize between flat stones. When wanted for food, they are only moistened with a little water, just as the Arabs do in preparing their date-flour, and then the repast is all ready. The Turks eat locusts in the same way, and by very many other Orientals they are regarded as the choicest of dainties. The Moors boil or fry them, seasoning with salt, pepper, and vinegar; and they pronounce them even superior to quails and pigeons. The Hottentots make from the eggs a delicious soup; they also roast the locusts over a slow fire, and eat them as we do caramels or bon-bons. Dr. Livingstone says he used them at first from necessity, when deprived of all other food; “but, strange to say, grew daily more fond of them, and, at last preferred them to shrimps or oysters.” —From “Some Queer Dishes,” St. Nicholas for Sept. Under Grace.
By Chas. B. Reynolds
CHRIST said, “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” Do what is written in the law. Keep the ten commandments written, by the finger of God just as they read—this do, and thou shalt live. From Genesis to Revelation we have the same rule: Repentance toward God, first; then faith in Christ. Both are essential—the one is as essential as the other; but to be effectual they must be in the order given; for until we are convicted of sin, till we have freely, honestly, fully, confessed sin, and have been converted; that is, until we have turned from the transgression of God's holy law to glad obedience (for anything short of this is not repentance), until we have truly repented, we have no claims upon a Saviour. Repentance is a condition of pardon. Having repented, then, by and through faith in Christ, he acting as our great High Priest, we obtain pardon. When pardoned from the penalty of our sin (our transgression of God's law), then, and not till then, we are under grace. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin [continue to transgress the law] that grace may abound? God forbid.” Rom. 6:1. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins [transgressions of God's law]; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:1, 2. Then to obtain grace, to be under grace, we must exercise faith. “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law.” Rom. 3:31. CHAS. B. REYNOLDS.