Earlier text: Pre-Millennial Advent—No. 6Spirit of Sacrifice.
By Stephen N. Haskell
“Neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” These were the words of David under peculiar circumstances. He had committed a grievous sin before the Lord, and Israel was involved in it. Consequently a terrible pestilence was upon Israel. “And there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men.” The angel of the Lord had stretched out his hand with a drawn sword over Jerusalem, the city of David. He was by the threshing-floor of Araunah the Jebusite. David saw the angel that smote the people, and he greatly humbled himself and repented of his wrong, and said, “Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.” The prophet Gad came that day to David and said: “Go up, rear an altar unto the Lord in the threshing-floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” It was now an important time; for if God accepted the sacrifice, the plague would be stayed. If the right motive did not actuate him in making the offering, and if he did not meet the mind of the Spirit of God, then he had no reason to hope but that further trouble awaited him. Immediately, he repaired to the threshing-floor, and made known to the owner of it the object of his visit, namely, to buy the floor to build an altar unto the Lord, that the plague might be stayed from the people. “And Araunah said unto David, Let my lord the king take and offer up what seemeth good unto him; behold, here be oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing instruments and other instruments of the oxen for wood. All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king.” David objected to this. He refused to make an offering to God of that which did not cost him anything. “Nay,” says David, “but I will surely buy it of thee at a price; neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” Here was a principle involved that God accepted, and not only was the plague stayed in the land of Israel when the offering was made, but a few years subsequent to this, God honored this spot by selecting it for Solomon to build the most splendid temple that was ever erected upon this earth. A sacrifice that costs nothing is not acceptable before God. And labor and sacrifice count in Heaven not so much for the amount performed as for the sacrifice it requires in the performance of it. The widow in the gospel had, doubtless, long desired to do something in the cause of God. The amount she could do was so small that she evidently felt it was beneath the notice of God or man. But her heart was full. She wanted to do something. She had only two mites. Her next meal was to be purchased with this small pittance, for it was all her living, even all that she had. With a thankful heart that she had even that much which she could give, she approached the treasury and cast it in. With a cheerful heart, she goes from the place, perhaps nevermore to think of her offering. It seems to have been a time of general collection, for the rich men were there, and they cast in much into the treasury. Angels were there to record what was done. The Saviour was there and beheld the whole transaction. He called the disciples’ attention to it, and said, “Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all. For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God; but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.” Thus in the day of Judgment when the books are opened, the amount set down to the account of the poor widow will appear larger than all that was done by the rich on that occasion. The burdened soul, full of anguish to do something in the cause of God, is regarded by him, and a broken and contrite spirit brings into the heart rays of light and joy. “To this man will I look,” says God, “even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” “He that goeth forth and weepeth bearing precious seed shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” It was with “weariness and painfulness” that Paul labored in the cause of Christ. God requires the heart’s supreme affection. If that is not given, God does not accept the labor, or the sacrifice we make. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” When the Jews entered into the promised land, they were to bring for a thank-offering a wave sheaf of the first-fruits. This was before they had put in the sickle to gather in the grain. Then when they had harvested their grain, the first loaf of bread made from the first threshed and ground corn was given to the Lord as an acknowledgment of his goodness to them. See Lev. 23. In all the temporal blessings that they received, God was acknowledged as the giver by them, when they gave to him a thank-offering of the first-fruits of the best they received. But when the Jews backslid from God, how great a change came over them in this respect. It was self first, and God afterward. They would do for the Lord if it cost them nothing. They brought to the Lord the refuse, the blind, the lame, and that which they could spare as well as not. This was showing contempt to the Lord’s ordinances and despising his name. It was not treating God with that respect they would show to their governors. They would not even shut the doors of the temple nor kindle a fire upon the altar without pay. This state of things is clearly described in the following words: “A son honoreth his father, and a servant his master; if then I be a father, where is mine honor? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the Lord of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the Lord is contemptible. And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the Lord of hosts. And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us; this hath been by your means; will he regard your persons? saith the Lord of hosts. Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for naught? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for naught. I have no pleasure in you, saith the Lord of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.” Mal. 1: 6–10. “Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the Lord of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the Lord. But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing; for I am a great King, saith the Lord of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.” Mal. 1: 13, 14. They had lost sight of the special providence of God and the sacredness of his work. To sacrifice was a burden to them. They had no relish for it. Religion had become to them a round of ceremonies without life and power. The burden of God’s cause did not rest upon them. And because of this, the labor of their hands was blasted. They had labored hard and brought in little. They failed in procuring what they wished to eat. They clothed themselves, but were not warm. They would at times earn much money, but it was like putting it in a bag with holes. It did not seem to spend well. When they looked for much, lo, it came to little. The Lord said all this was because he did blow upon it, and the reason why he blew upon it was because every man ran to his own house, or made his own interests first, and left the work of the Lord as a secondary matter. See Haggai 1: 5–11; 2: 16–18. But if they would return to the Lord and seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, he promised from that day to bless them. Hag. 2: 19. Our temporal blessings are oftentimes spoken of as being in proportion to our honoring the Lord with our substance. “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Prov. 3: 9, 10. Promises are numerous touching this point, and when the heart is fully imbued with the Spirit of God, so that it is drawn out for others to the extent that our ease, comfort, means, and all, are laid upon God’s altar, the Lord will bless the effort made. This is the missionary’s fort. It is where he will receive power from on high. It is here where sacrifices are made that cost something, that God will meet men and give a spirit that will reach hearts. It is when self is laid at the foot of the cross. It is when selfishness is rooted out of our hearts that Christ will come in, and not before. Publicans and harlots bid as fair to reign in glory as do those that daily mingle with their judgment-bound fellow-men, with hearts as unfeeling as a stone for their spiritual welfare. Missionaries are wanted who regard this cause as of more value than their farms or their merchandise. If men and women can go to heathen lands to toil and suffer every deprivation for the cause of Christ, and when there send their children to this country to be educated among friends, nevermore to see them in this world, how must Heaven look upon those who will let a worldly influence detain them from entering the work of Christ? “This life to toil is given,
And he improves it best
Who seeks by patient labor
To enter into rest.”
We want missionaries possessing the spirit of Christ, who will be true to God’s cause in every emergency, at whatever cost. We want men and women who will labor unselfishly in their neighborhoods, and in the community where they live, and who will not let the sinner go until he gives his heart to God. They should have hearts that are tender, that will feel for the sinner, and that will not wait until urged and urged to bear responsibilities, but who will be drawn out for the afflicted, and will sympathize with them. This spirit has not wholly left the earth. It exists in the heart of every true child of God. It is when sacrifices that cost something are called for that the heart is tested. It may be to renounce friends that are near and dear for the truth’s sake. A right eye or a right hand may cause us to offend; if so, we had better enter into life maimed than having two eyes or two hands to be cast into hell. But however costly the sacrifice, it cannot be compared with the sacrifice made for us; and our appreciation of that sacrifice is shown by the sacrifice we make for Christ. If it is full and complete, God accepts it; and it is consumed in his precious cause. S. N. HASKELL. Promises and Their Fulfillment.
By R. F. Cottrell
In the development of the great plan of salvation, God has seen fit to give promises of future events, and at the proper time fulfill them. The promises are to inspire faith, and their fulfillment discovers to the people how much faith they really have. Alas! how often is it found that faith is wanting. God revealed to Abraham that his posterity would be in bondage for four hundred years, but at the end of this period of service, he would judge their oppressors and deliver them and bring them again to the land of Canaan. Gen. 15: 13–16. It seems to have been thirty years from the time that Jacob removed into Egypt to the commencement of their servitude, when another king arose that “knew not Joseph,” for their departure was four hundred and thirty years to a day from the time that they went into Egypt. At the appointed time, God, faithful to his word of promise, sent Moses to deliver them. But it took as many signs to convince the Israelites that God would fulfill his promise as it did to convince Pharaoh that he should let them go; and many of them distrusted God all the way as they went, till their carcasses fell in the wilderness. They are examples to us who hear the last merciful message, a message which proclaims the final deliverance at hand. They lacked faith; how is it with us? Again, before the Jews were carried captive to Babylon, God promised them restoration to their own land. Jer. 27: 22; 29: 10. At the end of the seventy years, Jer. 25: 12, in the time of the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, Chap. 27: 7, with punctuality God punished the king of Babylon and began to open the way for the restoration of the people to their land. Some few who had faith in the promises began to seek God, to confess their sins, and pray for, and expect, their fulfillment. Dan. 9: 2–19. But how slow were the people to believe! And when a free privilege was offered to all to return, how few were ashamed of their sins and embraced the privilege of returning. Yet a few had faith to go up, and God sustained that few in their arduous work of rebuilding in troublous times. This is a lesson of faith to us. Will we learn the lesson? Again, the predicted Messiah came at the time appointed, at the end of the sixty nine weeks of Dan. 9: 25. The predictions of the prophecies were perfectly fulfilled in him, and in the commencement of his preaching, he proclaimed the time fulfilled, Mark 1: 15, and that the preaching of the gospel, as foretold by Isaiah, was being fulfilled at that very time in the hearing of the people. Luke 4: 18–21. And what caused the leaders of the Jewish people to reject him? Their unbelief in the fulfillment of the very prophets in whom they professed faith. They professed faith in Moses and the prophets. Said they, “We know that God spake unto Moses, but as for this fellow, we know not whence he is.” But Christ’s language to them was, “Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” The faith of the church is now being tested by the fulfillment of the closing message of probation, as promised in the word of God. Rev. 14: 9–12. But how few are ready to believe, when God redeems his pledges in the fulfillment of that which he has promised. The great mass of professing Christians are in imminent danger of disbelieving God’s word and providence, as did the Jews. If they believed the apostle John, they would believe the work that is now being done; for he, being in the Spirit, wrote of it. Those who shall finally reject this message, will make a fatal mistake. And how many who have professed faith in it, will, for want of real, living faith, make this same mistake. We want a living faith, a faith that works. The word to Israel now is, that they go “forward.” R. F. COTTRELL. Thoughts by the Way.
By D. T. Bourdeau
CONVERTED TO GOD AND CONVERTED TO MAN.
Those who are converted to God will tremble at his word, fear to offend him, seek to please him, be willing to suffer for the sake of his truth, love to commune with him, and prize the honor that comes from God, and the blessings of his Spirit more than worldly honor. Those who are converted to man will fear the word of man more than the word of their Maker, will fear more to offend man than they do to offend God, will prize the applause of men more than the approbation of God, will shrink from the suffering and self-denying part of religion, and will keep up such outward forms of religion as will keep them in repute with the popular religionists of the day, or with those of their sect or party. Such know but little of experimental religion, of communing and walking with God, of the blessedness derived from obtaining victories over sin. Such are to be pitied. They have no moral backbone. To-day they may acknowledge the force of the truth. To-morrow, if the truth is opposed by the popular tide, they will sell their conscience for the favor of the multitude. Such need to be converted to God. They have a poor prop to lean upon in time of trouble. I thank God that in all ages he has in his infinite wisdom seen fit to use unpopular truth to show what principles actuate men, and to reform those who will be reformed. This epithet is sometimes applied to those who preach present truth, who are also accused of destroying the church. But will it destroy the church to preach the coming of the Lord when he is near, and to show the importance of repenting and leading holy lives to meet him in peace? Let it be shown that this is a corrupt doctrine, and then will there be some fitness in the cry of wolves. But those who raise this cry will generally foam their shame and then run. Truth courts investigation, while error shuns it, lest its deformity should appear. SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS HAVE NO CREED.
Not long since, a preacher urged this fact, as an objection to receiving our views, even though they were true. He said we were like a ship without a compass, and if he joined us, it would be like starting on a ship for France and landing in China. This might be true, perhaps, if a creed was to take the place of the Bible. But if the Bible is a sufficient rule of faith and practice, I see not why it may not lead us safely to the port of eternal rest. It was a sufficient compass for the primitive church, and why may it not be for us? Our views are maintained by the Bible and are clearly stated in our works and sermons, and, thank God, our people are united on doctrine. But we are careful not to retard the work of reform and advancement in the truth by binding ourselves by human creeds to believe just what our fathers believed, right or wrong. D. T. BOURDEAU. The Funeral.
By Jos. Clarke
How it breaks in upon the routine of life! No matter how you may be hurried with business, labor, and care, the funeral procession arrests your attention. You inquire who it is; you look to see the coffin, if it is small, or middle size, or full size; you for a moment forget your farm or store, and think of the funeral, and inquire about the deceased. The subject of mortality and death is forced upon you; the grave and its tenants are before you; it seems to come in solemn procession before your mind, and you feel that you too may die, for death's sentence is universal. It is a subject not to be put off, and you solemnly meditate upon the theme as the funeral procession passes by. The attendant circumstances all loom up before you—the last sickness; the parting tears and words; the last fond look; the death struggle; the still, cold form, so precious, hastening to decay; the features, once so beautiful, now motionless and forsaken; then the coffin; the shroud; the short interval of solemn interest while the corpse awaits its burial in its deathly robes, and bereaved ones sorrow over the last relic of what was once the hope, and delight, and refuge of many now sad hearts. The appointed hour arrives too soon, and the hearse comes on its solemn errand. The funeral ceremonies for a moment call the attention; the solemn appeal of the preacher, as he talks of life and immortality, Heaven, the resurrection, and the life. The coffin is lowered into its narrow house; the earth falls heavily upon it; the grave is decently arranged, and the benediction is pronounced. The congregation retires in silence, and the mourners in their sadness return home to meditate more practically upon their loss; the friends sigh, but breathe more free again; and, little by little, the grave is forgotten; but the still tenant of the tomb awaits in silence the final trumpet which shall soon awake the dead. JOS. CLARKE. As the eye which has gazed at the sun cannot immediately discern any other object; as the man who has been accustomed to behold the ocean, turns with contempt from a stagnant pool; so the mind which has contemplated eternity overlooks and despises the things of time. Minnesota and the S. D. Baptists.
By GEO. J. BUTLER.
Our meeting at Medford, Minn., Jan. 24 and 25, was well attended by the friends of the cause in the State. One load came from Hutchinson, with a team, over one hundred miles; and quite a number came fifty miles. I was encouraged to see the readiness of the friends to turn out. Our meetings were all held in the Congregationalist church, through the courtesy of its officers. They only reserved the use of the house Sunday forenoon for their own society; and Mr. Brown, the pastor, invited me to fill the pulpit and preach to his own congregation at that time, which I did. These courtesies were very uncommon, to say the least. There seems to be a very friendly feeling toward us in Medford and vicinity, caused partly, at least, by the good influence of the camp-meetings. This was a general quarterly meeting of the Tract and Missionary Society. There seems to be a laudable interest in this important society on the part of many of the members. Minnesota was one of the first Conferences which had her quota of names sent in for trial volume of Review. There are numerous openings for labor in various parts of the State, many of which seem promising. When the brethren and sisters generally get that interest in the work that they should, then many will be seen embracing the truth within her limits. There was not as much spiritual life and zeal manifested in the meetings as I desired to see. I judge the lack of this is felt by many. As I was coming through the State toward Iowa, I made it in my way to call upon Bro. D. P. Curtis, of the Seventh-day Baptist church, with whom I formed a very pleasant acquaintance at the last camp-meeting at Medford. I enjoyed a very pleasant visit with him and his family for nearly two days. Bro. Curtis holds views more in common with us, perhaps, than most of his brethren in his own church, but still holds his connection with the church as an S. D. Baptist minister, though mainly laboring upon his farm. His church at Alden, Minn., are very much scattered, many having moved away to other parts. We should have had an evening meeting, but the weather became quite stormy, which hindered us. Bro. Curtis feels a great interest in the work of Sabbath reform now going forward among S. D. Adventists, and manifests a truly brotherly feeling. May God make him truly useful in turning souls to the light of truth which shines upon God's holy law. He has ability which can be better exercised than in working upon his farm. I cannot well refrain, in this connection, from speaking of my experience during the past year in forming acquaintances with S. D. Baptists in various parts of the country. This experience has been very pleasant on my part. And I truly rejoice that the coldness which existed years in the past, is being broken down, so that a better state of feeling has been growing between the two denominations. Why should this not be so? While the Sabbath of the moral law is held by us in common, and other denominations trample it under foot, why should not there exist a feeling of love and respect for each other? The law of God contains the great principles of God's moral government. The transgression of it constitutes sin. Obedience to it is one of the great essentials of true religion. A common sentiment upon this great code should certainly constitute an important link of sympathy between the two denominations. We do not suppose it would be practicable or profitable to undertake to unite these two churches. Conflicting views on other points forbid this. Our different methods of working, and differences in organization, would make this impracticable. But if each works in its own way, with zeal and energy, for the upholding of God's law in all its requirements, sympathy and respect should certainly exist between them. I am well satisfied that our people, especially those who stand in influential positions, share in these sentiments, and will try to act in harmony with them. Such will try to avoid any unpleasant issues on minor points of difference which would have a tendency to weaken the bond of sympathy between us. And, in the meantime, we shall go forward with the work committed to our hands, using those means and agencies which experience has taught us are best calculated to accomplish the work we have to do, and cheerfully leaving our S. D. Baptist friends to work in their own way. In this way, both can work to exalt the law of God before the world. My acquaintance with the S. D. Baptists during the past season has been a pleasant one, and not calculated, I trust, to widen the breach between us. Our meeting at Milton Junction, Wis., I shall long remember with pleasure. My acquaintance with Eld. Varnum Hull was also very pleasant. His visit to the Osceola meeting, I shall not soon forget. In reading his report of labor in Iowa, in the Sabbath Recorder, of Dec. 25, 1873, some weeks since, I noticed several points that may properly be considered, concerning our people and myself. I shall notice them with no fault-finding spirit, but with a desire to promote a better understanding between us. He speaks of his visit to Marion, Iowa, and of the existence of “two branches” there, the “Visionists and Anti-Visionists.” He says, “The last-mentioned class are increasing in numbers. They lack executive and pecuniary ability, or they would soon be the stronger body. Unhappily, they are striving among themselves, and are thus weakened.” I suppose him to mean by this that that class who have come out from the body of Seventh-day Adventists, through the country, because of their opposition to the visions of Mrs. White, are increasing, and would exceed in numbers the S. D. Adventist people soon, had they executive and financial strength; and that this statement was not to be confined to Marion itself; for there the “Anti-Visionists” have ever been in the majority. I confess to some surprise at this statement, and fear Bro. Hull is misled as to the facts. While S. D. Adventists have thirteen organized Conferences, regularly supporting about fifty ministers constantly in the field, and are enlarging their field of operations in all directions, I am very certain those of whom he speaks have not an organization in a single State where one regular minister is supported as a laborer. I know there are several individuals among them who speak their sentiments to the people occasionally. But the truthfulness of my statement in this respect is incontestible. There is no general agreement of sentiment among them which could constitute them one people to labor for a common object. And while S. D. Adventists hold camp-meetings in many States, with many hundreds and even thousands in attendance, as Bro. Hull knows from personal observation, we much doubt if there is a single State where our Marion “Anti-Visionist” friends could summon together one hundred persons of their own faith at one meeting. Neither was it financial ability or numbers that was lacking when Elds. Snook and Brinkerhoof led our Marion friends away from the body of S. D. Adventists; for we have no question that they had ten times the wealth and numbers in their ranks that S. D. Adventists had when their paper started; and yet the numbers and strength of the latter have increased continually, while the former have come so low through weakness that their paper has been forced to stop for lack of support, and its acting editor, during the past summer, as I am informed, took the printing materials into his possession for lack of pay. We assure Bro. Hull that their lack of prosperity arose from other causes than lack of financial or executive ability. Bro. Hall speaks at length of our meeting at Osceola, Iowa, last fall, and of the pleasure he experienced in attending it. But he heard with “sorrow” “Eld. Butler urge with much earnestness the authority of Eld. White and the visions of Mrs. White,” &c., &c. “It had been told me before that they thus exalted Mr. and Mrs. White, but I had hoped that it might prove a mistake.” This sermon that I preached, which was such an unfortunate source of regret to Bro. Hall, was simply designed as a rebuke to that spirit of murmuring and fault-finding, which is the bane of every good cause. No cause has ever prospered where there was not union and cordial support of those whom experience had demonstrated were the safest and most judicious counselors. Believing, as S. D. Adventists do, that the work in which they are engaged was foretold in prophecy as a true and genuine work of reform, preparatory to Christ's coming, it is not strange that they should feel some interest that those should be held in reasonable respect as leaders, whom twenty-five years of experience had proved were safe and wise advisers. If we have found, by a sad experience in the past when a different course has been pursued, that such a course has been of great detriment to this cause, where is the wrong in setting such example before the minds of our people, and the principles which underlie it? I confidently believe the great danger of the American people is, not in cultivating union and respect for authority, but in self-assertion and leveling down all authority and rule. While I would claim the right of private judgment and conscience as strongly as any, I would not consider it wise to go to the extreme, and lose respect for that authority which the Bible plainly teaches. Bro. Hull thinks it strange that I should attach so much importance to the visions of Mrs. White. Would he think it more reasonable to attach no importance to that light which we believe God is communicating? While he calls S. D. Adventists “visionists,” does he think they ought to give no respect to visions? While some of us do really believe God is giving light in this generation, as all Christians believe he did in the past, we could not be consistent, of course, without paying some degree of respect to it. The first point to settle is whether the visions in question are genuine or not. The characteristics of true and false manifestations are given in the Bible. The “law and testimony” should settle this, as well as all other religious questions. We cordially invite Bro. Hull to an examination of it before deciding it to be spurious. Bro. Hull further says: “They seem to have fixed the time when the world will end within five years. They have raised money to build a college. It will take most of the time to build, and make a beginning in a course of study. They talk also of building a health institute and printing establishment on the Pacific coast. Another course and use of means would better accord with so brief a term for the world to stand.” I confess great surprise that Bro. Hull should state what he did about setting time. This is something S. D. Adventists have never done. They claim to be in “the waiting time,” after the expiration of the prophetic periods, and never expect the time of Christ's coming to be preached or understood. We think it is near, and that we are in the last days. But where he should have got authority for such a statement, I cannot guess. Our prayer is, “Come, Lord Jesus, and come quickly.” And we shall rejoice if the event does take place in five years. But we have never taught it, so far as I know. In regard to building a school-house, where our children may be taught, and our young men may receive instruction to fit them for the ministry, S. D. Adventists think it most consistent with their faith. Believing the world are to be warned of this great event, they think it reasonable to furnish the means to do it with; so a place is to be provided where young men can be instructed for this purpose, not by taking a five years' course in heathen classics or the ponderous commentaries of the schools, but in such branches as will give them a fair, practical education, and a knowledge of the simple, plain truths of God's word. This is not in many cases a work of years. We reason like this: If the coming of the Lord was not to take place for a century, we might take hold of this at our leisure. Were it to take place in fifty years, we should be constrained to be more energetic. If in twenty years, then we should have to go to work more earnestly. But if in five or ten years, then we should have to be greatly in earnest. We should have no time to lose. Is this not a fair way to reason? Certainly, Bro. Hull would not think it consistent for us to sit down and do nothing because the Lord was coming soon. The reason why S. D. Adventists are more in earnest than some others is because they feel that their work is drawing to a close. This seems to them to be the most consistent course they can pursue to prepare every agency in their power to forward this work. Means cannot be better employed. It will be far better than to have it burn up in the last-day fires. We fail to see in these strictures of Bro. Hull any cause of repentance on our part. I hope these remarks will cause no offense to any of our S. D. Baptist brethren. As a people, we desire to manifest a spirit of love and respect for them and that this shall increase. We are determined, if difficulties do arise between us, that they shall be caused by no action on our part. We shall labor for union of feeling and sympathy between the two bodies. If consistent with his sense of duty, will the editor of the Recorder publish that portion of this article concerning the S. D. Baptists? GEO. J. BUTLER.
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Feb. 5, 1874. “I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK.”
Ah, tell me not of gold and treasure,
Of pomp and beauty here on earth!
There's not a thing that gives me pleasure
Of all the world displays for worth.
Each heart will seek and love its own;
My goal is Christ and Christ alone. In him I find my exaltation,
My fairest visions of delight;
I feed mine eyes, mine expectation,
On him alone, my Rest, my Light.
Each heart will seek and love its own;
My goal is Christ and Christ alone. The world and her pursuits will perish;
Her beauty's fading like a flower;
The brightest schemes the flesh can cherish
Are but the pastime of an hour.
Each heart will seek and love its own;
My goal is Christ and Christ alone. Against this tower there's no prevailing;
His kingdom passes not away;
His throne abides, despite assailing,
From henceforth unto endless day.
Each heart will seek and love its own;
My goal is Christ and Christ alone. His riches are too vast to measure;
His countenance is as the sun;
Apart from him there's nought of treasure;
He is the Changeless, Living One.
Each heart will seek and love its own;
My goal is Christ and Christ alone. However rough the road and dreary,
His glory marks me out a way;
Howe'er in need, distressed, and weary,
His strength, his grace, are as my stay.
Each heart will seek and love its own;
My goal is Christ and Christ alone. And though a pilgrim I must wander,
Still absent from the One I love,
He soon will have me with him yonder
In his own glory-realms above.
Triumphantly I therefore own
My goal is Christ and Christ alone.
—Translated from the German. I HAVE been laboring here about six weeks. There has been great opposition. But God has blessed his truth. There are now about thirty who keep the Sabbath here, and several others have expressed their determination to keep it. Twenty-five have subscribed for the REVIEW. Some are quitting the use of tobacco, and all seem determined to overcome. There are eleven earnest calls for labor now that I cannot attend. One is from Hurricane, Grant County. I lectured there last year, but before I could finish the full course, it became so muddy that I was compelled to close. I left with a promise to return, but have not yet been able. I dare not leave here till spring. Almost everything is being resorted to, in order to destroy my influence. Donation parties, &c., are kept up, drawing away hearers from my meetings. An aged sister, a member of the Methodist church for thirty years, has not till last summer been able to read for years. She has so recovered her eyesight that she can read, and is now in the truth. Bro. Olson is thirty miles from here pressing on in the work, but is lecturing in English, as his congregations are composed of English and Danes. While I write, the report is being circulated that I am about to sue a man here, and that my business is shaving and collecting notes, lending money at high interest, &c. Such are the arguments brought against the truth, and men professing godliness, I am sorry to say, are among the first to circulate them. Those who have embraced the truth here are heads of families, which brings under the influence of the truth enough children to sustain a Sabbath-school. I tremble at the responsibilities laid upon me. I never felt more to humble myself than now. The last testimony is what we need. We should not neglect to carefully read and heed it. The gifts are the right arm of our great commission. Bro. Decker writes encouragingly of the work. I pray that our Conference may come up, so that we may not be behind in any respect when compared with other Conferences. D. DOWNER. Burnside, Wis., Feb. 6, 1874. Victor, Iowa, Feb. 6. 1874
By R. M. Kilgore
The meetings near Victor have just closed with encouraging results. Others have been added to our numbers until twenty-four have signed the covenant and nine others are keeping the Sabbath. We have excellent Sabbath meetings; and a Bible-class is organized. Next Sabbath, I meet with the little band at Marengo; and the following Sunday evening I begin another series of meetings at Ladora, three miles in another direction from the first battle ground. Brethren, pray for me. R. M. KILGORE. Victor, Iowa, Feb. 6. 1874
Carroll Co., Mo.
By J. H. Rogers
Since reporting last, I have visited Bridge Creek, Carroll Co., Mo., in answer to the urgent request of Bro. Wilmot who from time to time has asked for some one to present the present truth in his neighborhood. I commenced lectures Jan. 23, and continued until I gave twelve discourses. One decided to keep the Sabbath, and the greater part of the congregation voted that they believed we had the truth. Circumstances obliged me to close for the present. Would be glad to hear from any of our brethren of this Conference relative to the cause. Altovista, Mo., Feb. 4, 1874. GEORGE M. DIMMICK
By George M. Dimmick
I came to Grove Lake, Nov. 11, where I found Bro. Hill. We commenced labor at the Raymond school-house. God blessed our labors very much. We leave over thirty keeping all the commandments, and rejoicing in the truth. Dec. 23, I commenced labor at West Union. Bro. Hill returned home, and left me here where I have been toiling on; but God has been with me in power. Twenty-five have been added to the little company here. More are interested who will obey. I feel to praise God for his goodness to me. The work is his and all the glory his. Pray for me, that I may be humble and work for the Master, that when the time of reckoning comes, he may say, Well done, good and faithful servant. Sauk Center, Feb. 3, 1874.