Review and Herald, Vol. 50, No. 17. (10/25/1877)

Review and Herald

Oct 25, 1877

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 25, 1877

General Articles.

Sabbath-School Address.

We herewith present the Sabbath-school Address delivered by Bro. J. E. White, at the late Yountville, Cal., camp-meeting, omitting a few extracts, and some statements relating more particularly to the work in California.

The aphorism of Solomon, “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it,” is well embodied in the more recent saying, “The way the twig is bent the tree inclines.” Too much importance cannot be attached to early training. The clear-sighted policy of the Catholics seems to have grasped this principle and brought it to perfection; and instead of proselyting from other denominations, they hold their present membership, and maintain schools for the children. In these schools are insidiously sown the seeds of superstition and Catholicism, which seldom fail of filling their churches in after years with devoted members. Indeed, their working plan was well worded by a prominent bishop: “Give me the training of the child for the first seven years, and I care not what his future surroundings and training may be.”

To our own people I would say: If we lose the children through carelessness or neglect, we are losing the choicest of the harvest; for Christ has said, “Of such is the kingdom of Heaven.”

Fully realizing the weight and importance of early training, Robert Raikes, of Gloucester, England, in the year 1781, gathered together as many of the ragged and dirty children as he could induce to leave the streets, and each Sunday had them instructed in reading and the church catechism. In a short time a visible improvement was effected both in the manners and morals of the children, who came in considerable numbers. They attended church with their teachers, and a great many learned to read, and say their catechism. Such was the origin of the Sunday-school. About sixty years ago this system was introduced into the United States.

Until within a few years, the Sunday-school was employed almost exclusively in imparting instruction in the common branches of education. In such capacity it was a great blessing, as it afforded the poor almost their only opportunity for obtaining the most meager knowledge of reading, writing, and arithmetic. But since the increased facilities for learning brought about by the free-school system of the present day have been introduced, this necessity has been removed, so these schools are now almost entirely restricted to religious instruction.

With Seventh-day Adventists as a denomination, the Sabbath-school system acquires tenfold significance. We find our Saviour saying, “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.” In obeying this injunction it has been discovered that we are nearing the close of this world’s history, and that important events are right upon us; and new truths have been brought out, which it is for our eternal welfare to learn and obey. Not only does our Saviour command us to search the Scriptures, but we have also the injunction of Peter, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”

If these Bible injunctions mean anything, they enjoin upon us a careful searching for the system of truth contained in God’s word; and when we have found it we must study it carefully and thoroughly until we are able to give a reason for our hope and belief always and to every one that asks us. The Sabbath-school among the Seventh-day Adventists, therefore, is not only a place where children may become acquainted with the first principles of Bible truths, but where the Bible student can lay hold upon the pillars of our faith, and become conversant with its teachings.

Last spring Eld. Smith crossed the Rocky Mountains for the purpose of holding a Biblical Institute at Oakland. The good results of this have been felt all along our coast, from Oregon to the southern counties of California. But comparatively few individuals had the privilege of attending this course of instruction; and those who did attend were only benefited in proportion to the careful study expended upon the lessons by themselves.

The privileges of the Sabbath-school and Bible-class (we speak of them as one) are open to all; and, as in the case before referred to, the advancement of any member depends only on the amount of study expended. Great and good results have been felt as the result of about twenty days’ study by the few who came to Oakland. One day each week, or fifty-two whole days in each year, God has reserved to his people for just this purpose; and it is a sin in the sight of Heaven to so weary ourselves with the cares of the week that we are unable to make every Sabbath tell in storing our minds with God’s truth.

Every church may each Sabbath hold its own Biblical Institute, the results of which, if rightly conducted, can tell just as strongly during the next year in the acquirement of Bible knowledge as did the Institute at Oakland. We do not wish to be understood as underrating the blessings of the Biblical Institute. Its importance and benefit cannot be overestimated. We mention it as a high standard; and hold it up as encouragement to all, that though deprived of the benefits of that drill, yet the means are within our own grasp, without leaving our own church, or neglecting our daily avocations, of grasping and appropriating to ourselves the blessings so highly prized by those attending the Institute at Oakland.

We shall be held responsible in the great day for the God-given opportunities which surround us. “Unto whom much is given, of him shall be much required.” We have, prepared to our hand, the simplest and clearest system of truth the world has ever known. Twenty-five years ago it was only by the closest research and study that the truths we now hold so dear were mastered and understood. Now, nearly every point we can mention is clearly and forcibly brought out in one or more books penned by careful and able writers. The pioneers have cleared the way by great labor and study. Hard thought has worn lines of care upon their brows, and their heads are frosted prematurely; and we have only to pick up and appropriate the gems of thought and pearls of truth which it has cost them so dearly to strew in our pathway. God has, in these last days, opened his great store-house of light and truth, and its beams are flooding our pathway. Does he hold us responsible for the way in which we improve upon this glorious light which surrounds us? Most assuredly he does. In Christ’s parable of the talents the principle of the whole parable is contained in the winding-up statement: “Unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance; but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.” He that improves upon the light he now has, will have more light given him as he can make use of it; but he that fails to improve upon the light he receives—the light he already has grows dimmer and dimmer, until it, too, frequently goes out in total darkness.

We have felt that the Sabbath-school was not doing one-half for our people which it might do if uniformity of action, and steadiness of purpose were maintained. I have been connected with the Sabbath-schools of California for more than three years, and know something of their wants. The greatest want is a realizing sense of the importance of the Sabbath-school system. The next is a deep personal interest in the school by every church member, which will not allow trifles to keep us away from our posts of duty.

Let us consider the steps necessary to organize and successfully conduct a Sabbath-school. As there will doubtless be many schools to organize on this coast, we will commence at the very first.

After assembling together all who are willing to join in the school, the first step is the election of officers for the quarter. The officers necessary are a superintendent, an assistant superintendent, and a secretary who can also act as a treasurer. If the school has a library, a librarian will be necessary.

The best way to vote for officers is by ballot. Then every one feels that he has had his say. To bring this about, the one organizing the school acts as chairman and appoints a committee on nominations, which committee, after consulting with the chairman, declare their choice. The object of this nominating committee is simply to centralize the ideas of the school, and give them some point from which to work. If any one objects to the selection he can vote for any one he chooses. The voting is done by ballot. Some persons appointed by the chairman as tellers collect the votes and count them, and report the count to the chairman, who announces the result.

Officers for the school should be elected each quarter, the superintendent, of course, acting as chairman in after elections.

After the election of officers the school is ready to organize. Classes are divided off and teachers appointed by the superintendent. The course of study is then decided upon by vote of the school, and then the school is ready for work.

But what is the object to be attained? Is it simply to pass over a certain amount of ground? or is it to so discipline the mind that it can grasp and master ideas? If the latter is your aim, you will find it up-hill work at first. Perhaps the mind has not been held to close thought for years. In your school-boy days it was comparatively easy to master quite difficult problems. But you cannot do it now. Why cannot you do now what you could then? Is not your intellect as strong in manhood as it was in youth? It certainly is. Then where lies the difference between youth and more mature age? It is here. Your mind is not trained to close thought as it was then. The discipline of mind is lacking. Look at the arm of the blacksmith who swings his heavy hammer from morning till night. The muscles stand out like whip-cords, and a blow from it is something formidable. The mistaken Hindoo, who allows his arm to hang motionless at his side as a religious penance, soon loses control of it entirely, and it dries up and becomes as useless as a stick.

Had the mind been exercised a little each day from youth to middle-age, it would, like the arm of the blacksmith, have increased in discipline and power, until with the greatest strength of manhood would have been coupled the greatest vigor of intellect.

Shall we be held responsible for the use we make of this God-given boon to mankind, this crowning glory of the race? We certainly shall. God bestows not his blessings upon us without a purpose, and he is jealous of the use we make of them. If, during the week, the mind has been wholly employed with the care of farm or household, shop or factory, and upon the Sabbath we are disinclined to exercise it, it is, like the Hindoo’s arm, gradually losing what strength it did have; and we are slowly verging toward the fate of the servant with one talent. “From him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.”

I know of no course of study for Sabbath-school discipline and instruction equal to Prof. Bell’s graded system of question books. By a series of graded lessons in the children’s book, the learner is brought up step by step, until he is able to grasp the stronger food—the principles of truth brought out in the book for youth. I would recommend this book for the Bible-class as well as for the youth. For a work of its size it seems almost impossible that so much ground could be covered in so thorough a manner as we find it in this book. For children and beginners the small question book is especially adapted.

Every school should have its programme. A good plan is to divide the exercises of the school into three parts, consisting of opening, class, and general exercises; the opening exercises to occupy fifteen minutes, and to consist of (1) singing, (2) prayer, (3) report of secretary, (4) singing; the class exercises take about forty minutes, and the general exercises twenty minutes. This gives one hour and a quarter for all the exercises of the school, which is about the length of time that can be employed to the best advantage.

Let us consider these different exercises in their proper order.

SINGING.

How often are we pained with the listless, soulless singing in some Sabbath-schools. Mistakes are easily overlooked where all are earnestly endeavoring to praise God in hymns and psalms and spiritual songs. But carelessness and indifference in this part of God’s worship is a sin. In the language of another, “God is not pleased with jargon and discord. Right is always more pleasing to him than wrong. And the nearer the people of God can get to correct, harmonious singing, the more is he glorified, and the church benefited, and unbelievers favorably affected.”

If we had the privilege of listening for a time to the glorious music of Heaven, as did the shepherds of old on the plains of Bethlehem, when the multitude of the heavenly host sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men,” and then if we should listen to the listless, careless singing we too often have in our worship here, it would seem inappropriate, harsh, and discordant.

Glorious melody is a part of the attraction

and worship of Heaven. Music and singing have always been a part of the worship of God upon earth. I suppose the war song of Moses, sung by the thousands of the children of Israel to commemorate the overthrow of Pharaoh’s army in the Red Sea, was a grand old anthem. And if we could listen to the compositions of the sweet singer of Israel, as rendered by the thousands of trained Levites, accompanied by his grand orchestra described in the last psalm, we should call the Boston jubilee discordant and lacking in melody.

Paul, in speaking of the gifts in the church, in the fourteenth chapter of First Corinthians, says, “I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” We can praise God just as much in the grandest of hymns, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow,” as we can in the best prayer ever uttered; and we mock God if our minds are wandering to other things, so that we sing it in a careless, listless manner.

The greatest need at present is not so much a finished musical education, as an appropriate use of what we already know. The greatest necessity for the exercise of patience has been with those who could sing quite well, but who did not have interest enough to watch the leader, and as a consequence would be about one word behind.

We want the children to sing. Pieces should be selected a part of the time especially for their benefit. The teacher should explain the meaning of the words, and we should hear their sweet voices in every hymn. At recess in day school they exercise their voices to the fullest extent. Get them interested in the songs of the Sabbath-school, and you will be surprised at the volume of tone added by them.

OPENING PRAYER.

The opening prayer should be made by the superintendent, or some one designated by him, and should be especially adapted to the occasion; that is, it should be couched in such words as children can understand and appreciate. It should not be continued to wearisome length.

SECRETARY’S REPORT.

The secretary’s report should be a short account of the doings of the previous school. It should give the number present and the number absent, and the standing of the school—perhaps of the classes. A uniform system of keeping the record and reporting should be adopted by the State.

CLASS EXERCISE.

On this point better instruction than I can give will be found in the prefaces of Prof. Bell’s question books. A few hints will not, perhaps, be out of place. In selecting teachers for the classes, the superintendent should exercise great care. Some who would make excellent teachers in the Bible-class, will not succeed well with a class of children. Good government, combined with ability to interest children, are requisites which should be carefully considered in the selection of teachers for children.

To the teacher I would say, “Improve the time.” Do not allow any of the precious moments allotted to this exercise to pass in silence. If you cannot talk yourself, get the children to asking questions about the lesson. Do not be contented with simply asking the questions given in the question books. They are simply given as the outlines of what the lesson should be. If entered into with the right spirit one question will suggest another, until the time allotted for this exercise will seem too short.

GENERAL EXERCISE.

In this important branch, more depends upon the superintendent than in any other exercise in the school. The best success has probably been achieved by making this general exercise a summary of the lessons which have been that day recited. To do this the superintendent must make himself thoroughly conversant with the lessons of all divisions of the school. If this is too great a task for one person, the assistant superintendent should take a certain part of the work.

In every lesson there are parts which the superintendent can make of great interest to the school. To do this the school should be well furnished with maps, blackboards, &c., which can be used in illustrating the lesson. Perhaps the school is passing over the wanderings of the children of Israel. A map should be upon the wall showing the countries through which they passed. Such illustration will impress the lesson upon the minds of children more effectually than hours of talk.

If the answers to general questions are given in concert by the school, or by any one who chooses, you will find that there are two or three who have learned the lesson well and will answer every question. In this way the discipline is all confined to the two or three, and the rest will miss a great benefit. To obviate this difficulty the school should be numbered, and each number, with the name it represents, should be written on a card. Then when the superintendent asks a question the secretary calls the number which he finds on the first card drawn. The person whose number is thus drawn is expected to answer the question.

By following this plan this exercise becomes of benefit to all, as all will be quite sure to come prepared if there is a probability that they will be called upon to answer questions. If the answer given does not fully meet the point, the superintendent, or some one called upon by him, should make plain all doubtful points. In this way much light will be shed upon points which would otherwise remain dark.

The superintendent’s office is no sinecure, and should be entered upon with an earnest determination to make the school a success.

MEMBERSHIP.

To keep up the membership personal effort will be necessary. It is not enough to say, “There will be a Sabbath-school,” and wait for them to come. There are many who will come out at the first invitation; but there are many more who will not join the school until they have been personally seen, and the benefits of the work presented to them. At Oakland this matter has been proved to a demonstration. There was a certain class that it seemed impossible to reach; and when several removed from the place it left our school numbering only about forty. There were forty more who should come. We talked about it in the Sabbath-school, we talked about it in the meeting, but to no purpose. Every one thought it meant some one else. At last one Sabbath afternoon in company with Bro. Gillett, the assistant superintendent, we went from house to house, calling upon these individuals, urging them to assist us by their presence. The next Sabbath our school was increased one-third in numbers, and we have retained this membership since.

When a teacher has a class assigned to him he should consider that he is responsible for its membership. If scholars are absent the teacher should see them personally, find out the reason of their absence, and encourage them to attend. There is no telling the influence for good the teacher can exert upon the spiritual condition of his class if he undertakes the work in a right manner. More than upon any one else the prosperity of the school depends upon the energy and devotion of the teachers.

It would be impossible in one short address to present the workings of the whole school system. Perhaps you think I have entirely left the subject—the children. I have tried to strike at the root of the matter. If the fathers and mothers are interested in the Sabbath-school work, and show by their actions that they regard it as something of importance, there will be no trouble with the children and youth. And just as surely as the parents and elder brothers and sisters are indifferent, just so surely the children’s classes will be indifferent, if not empty.

That Land of Rest.

By Mrs. Lilla D. Avery Stuttle

There is a haven beauteous and bright, A land of rest, a fair, immortal shore, Where never come the dreary shades of night, And the inhabitant is “sick no more.”

I long for thee, O blessed land of rest! My soul is weary of the haunts of sin: I fain would hasten to that region blest, And leave behind me earth’s discordant din.

Where’er I turn, there’s naught that meets my eye Save marks of God’s displeasure, far and near, And wails of anguish, and the mourner’s sigh,— These are the sounds that fall upon the ear.

But in that land where my blest Saviour dwells Is perfect joy, and there I long to go, Where Heaven’s sweet melody forever swells, And life’s pure crystal waters ever flow.

And if this joy eternal may be mine, I’ll count but dross the joys that earth may bring; If like the sun and stars I may but shine Around the throne of my beloved King.

Mrs. Lilla D. Avery Stuttle.

WANTED

By M. Wood

Missionaries for God are wanted,—faithful men and women, who will stand at their post unflinchingly, who will not shirk responsibilities, but who, under any circumstances, will be found faithfully performing their duty in the fear of God. The truth must be brought before the people in a careful manner, by those who unite meekness with wisdom;—by those who are “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves;” who search the Scriptures; become familiar with the truths applicable to the closing scenes of probation; seek God’s face and favor; and whose hearts are filled with love to God and for perishing souls around them.

If we have the true missionary spirit burning within our breasts, we shall not hold ourselves aloof from our fellow-men, but come close to them; for their souls are as precious as our own. We shall carry the light into their homes; and in a gentle spirit plead with them to come to Jesus, pray for them and with them when it seems proper, show them there are higher attainments they may reach, and then speak to them of the sacred truths for these last days. We have seen within the last few weeks most glorious results from this kind of missionary labor.

God calls for men and women of stability, of firm purpose, of the stamina of John the Baptist, who could not be swerved and governed by circumstances. There are those who, in times of religious peril, may almost always be found in the ranks of the enemy. If they have any influence, it is exerted on the wrong side. They do not see the importance of entering upon the work of God with an undivided heart, nor the moral obligation they are under of giving all their strength to the support of the truth they profess. Such will receive a reward according to their works.

We need to return to primitive holiness, to come nearer to God; we need to draw fresh and frequent supplies of sap from the Living Vine: we shall thus be better prepared to carry out the principles of the law of God in all the relations of every-day life. God has spoken to us as to no other people since the days of the apostles. He has given his servants light, and knowledge of his will, to be communicated to others. We may become living channels through which this light may find its way to honest hearts; and in the kingdom of glory we may see souls saved by our feeble efforts.

It is use that gives power to the muscles and the brain. And nothing will give greater spiritual strength than visiting the sick and desponding, ministering to them, and helping them to see the light, and to fasten their faith upon Jesus.

Giving a tract, loaning a book, or speaking a word upon present truth, is not all there is to the great work of saving souls. Christ took the disagreeable task upon himself of leaving the royal courts of Heaven, coming from the abode of purity and unsurpassed glory, to dwell a man among men. “He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” This work he voluntarily took upon himself. He sought not his own ease and comfort. “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.” He took up his abode in a world seared and blackened by crime, violence, and iniquity. He did this to save souls, and shall the objects of such amazing love and unparalleled condescension excuse their lives of selfishness, and feel at ease in Zion? Shall we choose our own pleasure, and leave souls to perish, because we shall meet with disappointments and rebuffs if we labor to save them? Christ paid an infinite price for man’s redemption, and shall we say, “Lord, I will not labor in thy vineyard; I pray thee, have me excused”?

The Master says, “Go labor in my vineyard,”—not next week or next month, but to-day. It is now that God wants prayerful, faithful workers, who will sow beside all waters. Those who labor thus will be surprised to find how trials resolutely borne for the sake of Jesus will give firmness to the faith, and renew the courage. In humble obedience is hope. Jesus says, “Behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give to every man according as his work shall be.” The reward which Paul looked forward to (Titus 4: 8; 1 Cor. 9: 25) will be lost by those who do nothing for Jesus. Weak hands will be unable to cling to the Mighty One of Israel; feeble knees will fail to support in the day of adversity. Christian workers will receive the glorious prize, and hear the “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

Never were there such openings for workers (especially in New England) as at the present moment. God has wrought for this Conference in a most wonderful manner. Eld. Canright, and his corps of faithful helpers at Danvers, are constantly hearing from famishing souls in the adjoining towns, the Macedonian cry, “Come over, and help us.”

The cause needs help now; it needs brain and muscle; it needs the sanctified heart and consecrated purse. Some when in poverty are generous of their little, but become penurious as they acquire property. They will invest their means in uncertain speculations; they will manifest great wisdom in accumulating filthy lucre. And one reason why they have so little faith in God and his closing work is because they do not keep giving, as God prospers them. Under the Jewish system the Lord required the first-fruits,—the first-fruits of the corn, the wine, the oil, and the wool were to be consecrated as an offering to him. The gleanings and the corners of the fields were reserved for the poor; for our gracious Heavenly Father has not forgotten their wants. At the feast it was commanded that the poor, the widows, the orphans, and the strangers should be invited. At the close of every year all were required to make solemn oath whether or not they had done according to the command of God. This arrangement was made by the Lord, to impress upon the people that in every matter he must be first. They were to bear in mind that their gracious Master was the true proprietor of their fields, their flocks, and their herds. See Ps. 50: 10–12; Haggai 2: 8. All is the Lord’s: we are simply acting as stewards of his goods.

The liberality displayed by the Jews in the construction of the tabernacle and the erection of the temple, illustrates a spirit of benevolence which might be imitated by those even who profess to be looking for the soon-coming of the Saviour. Freed from their long bondage in Egypt, they became wanderers in the wilderness; yet scarcely were they delivered from the armies of the Egyptians, who pursued them in their hasty journey, when the word of the Lord came to Moses, saying, “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering, of every man that giveth it willingly, with his heart, ye shall take my offering.” The people had small possessions, and no flattering prospects of adding to them, but an object was before them, to build a tabernacle for God. They withheld nothing; all gave with a willing hand, not a tenth of their increase, but a large portion of the principal of their capital stock. They devoted it gladly and heartily to the Lord; by doing so they not only pleased God, but gave back to the lender his own.

There are at the present moment high and holy enterprises which require means in order to successfully carry them forward. They are too numerous to mention; but the attentive and interested readers of the Review are cognizant of them. And those who invest in these enterprises experience a more elevated and permanent enjoyment than if their means were expended for personal gratification or selfishly hoarded for greed of gain. All investments in the cause of God are profitable and safe. The money is placed in bags that have no holes: it is secure.

Can Christians living near the close of time, and boasting of a broader light than the Hebrews had, be satisfied with their

offerings when not half so large as were those of the Jews? Their liberality was to benefit their own nation. The work in these last days is not a local work: it extends to the uttermost parts of the world. The message of truth is to go to all nations, tongues, and peoples: its publications, printed in many different languages, are to be scattered abroad like the leaves of autumn, until the whole earth shall be lighted with its glory.

The spirit of liberality is the spirit of Heaven. The spirit of selfishness and covetousness is the spirit of Satan. Christ’s self-sacrificing love was revealed upon the cross. He gave all he had, and then gave himself, that man might be saved. The cross of Christ appeals to the benevolence of every follower of the blessed Saviour. The principle illustrated there is to give, give. This, carried out after the principles laid down in God’s word, will manifest itself in good works and a saving faith. The principle of the worldling is to get, and to keep what he gets. “By their fruits ye shall know them;” and those who work upon this principle, and follow it up, thinking that gain is godliness, will make a sad mistake. The fruit of such labor is misery and death.

Our talents, our means, our knowledge, are not merely for our own benefit: these blessings are to be used for the salvation of souls, to elevate man from his life of sin, and to bring him, through Christ, to the Infinite God. “Ye are not your own: ye are bought with a price,”—one of infinite value, the precious blood of Christ. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” What an incomparable love is this,—a theme for the most profound meditation! Men who are captivated by Satan, and are crazy for gain, disappointed and unhappy in their pursuit of the world, need the knowledge of this truth to quiet the restless hungering and thirsting of their souls.

We repeat it: Missionaries are wanted, not only in New England, but wherever the sons of men dwell. Oh, for a thousand experienced missionaries to enter the fields white for the harvest! Oh, for those who will work, and watch, and pray, to lift weary souls to the bosom of a compassionate Redeemer! Oh, for hearts free from selfishness, that all our energies might be devoted to the work of Christ! We have the greatest work ever committed to the care of men, yet there are scores who profess to believe these sacred truths, who are paralyzed by the sophistry of Satan, and are doing nothing for God, for others, and for themselves, but who rather hinder the work. When will they act like those who wait for their Lord? M. Wood.

INFIDEL AGREEING WITH PAUL.

An admirable reply was once made by a careful reader of the Bible to an infidel who attacked him with such expressions as these: “To suppose that the blood of Christ can wash away sin, is foolishness: I don't understand or believe it.”

The Bible student remarked, “You and Paul agree exactly.”

The infidel replied, with much surprise, “How is this that Paul and I agree?”

“Oh,” said the student, “turn to the first chapter of first Corinthians, and read the eighteenth verse.”

The infidel read, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God.”

The infidel hung his head, and ever after studied the Bible with new feelings. Under the gracious teachings of the Holy Spirit, he was soon led to believe it to be the power of God unto salvation.—The British Workman.

A GLIMPSE OF NATURE.

Thank God for the silver moon in heaven, And for her track of light Athwart the ocean's darkened breast, And athwart the hush of night; Thank God for the holy sunrise calms, For the scarlet sunset's glow, For each tender tint That doth glance and glint On the answering sea below.

Thank God for the towers of purple cloud, As they catch morn's ruby light, For that fore-glow, and eve's after-glow That wanes into the night: These lift our hearts above the earth, Heaven's gates ajar we see; And if such the palace door— When we pass the threshold o'er, What will the Presence be!

But not yet we list the angels' psalms: Refreshed in heart and brain, We turn from lights and shades and calms, To the City's bounds again. In the work-day world the Master waits, That his sheep which are lost we win From the sin and the strife Of their outcast life— He waits that we bring them in.

—Missing Link Magazine.

INDIVIDUALITY

By Eliza H. Morton

EVERY intelligent being is at birth endowed with certain powers of mind and body, which must be developed by self-culture. The “Great Designer” has given man materials with which to work out a noble life; but to do this, the physical powers must be strengthened, the intellectual faculties exercised, and the moral sensibilities quickened, until the man is symmetrical, mentally and physically.

Robertson, in the following beautiful words, expresses our individual accountability to God:—

“There is one universe in which separate stars differ in glory; one church in which a single spirit, the life of God, pervades each separate soul; and just in proportion as that life becomes exalted, does it enable every one to shine forth in the distinctness of his own separate individuality, like the stars of heaven.”

Work is necessary in order to reach the measure of full and perfect development. The virtues that help adorn a noble character should be cultivated. Goodness, humility, and truth should take the place of error, selfishness, and pride. The Spirit of the Most High should dwell within every heart, and transform and beautify every life. This work of individual self-improvement must take place in the church before the people of God are perfected, redeemed, glorified, and saved.

ELIZA H. MORTON.

Allen’s Corner, Me.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY VIOLATED.

In the Independent, of Aug. 16, 1877, H. L. Wayland, D. D., speaks of Sunday laws as follows:—

About five years ago, I wrote an article for The Independent on “The Sabbath Laws,” in which I expressed the opinion that we have no right to compel any one to regard Sunday, or any other day of religious observance. No one must interfere with his neighbors in the exercise of their religious liberty; but we may not prevent a man from laboring on Sunday, unless his labor be of such a kind as to destroy the Sabbath of others. Very many who would admit all this in regard to those who religiously observe the seventh day of the week would stop there. To me it appears plain that it applies universally—to the friar, who regards every day as a Sabbath, and the atheist, who sets at naught all days. We have no right to demand that a man should observe our Sabbath or any other Sabbath. We have simply the right to say that the great body of the community shall not be prevented from observing their Sabbath. Hence the right to prohibit bands of music, public processions, railroad trains, steam-whistles, military displays, bolt factories, and all sources of noise and confusion in the vicinity of a place of worship on the Sabbath. Beyond this we have no right; and it is a violation of religious liberty to require my neighbor to forego his labor on my day of worship.

I am sure of the sympathy of The Independent in speaking of a recent flagrant violation of these principles. In the town of Cussewago, Crawford Co., Penn., on the 16th of June, Mr. Daniel Waldo and his hired man, Albert Wood, were tried before Justice Blystom, Venango borough, on a charge of violating the Sabbath laws, by running a planing mill, and by tilling a field of potatoes with a cultivator. It was shown that there was no place of worship within several miles, that Mr. Waldo and Mr. Wood are Seventh-day Baptists, regularly observing the seventh day by abstinence from labor. But, for all that, they were fined $4.00 each.

I most earnestly hope that this instance of actual oppression may lead to a re-examination of all our Sabbath legislation, and that we may put our Sabbath laws on the true basis—the real Roger Williams ground.

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