No one who believes in Bible history, and recognizes the progressive nature of truth, and the unfoldings of the plan of redemption in this world, can deny that there have been times when God has sent especial light and truth among men for their spiritual advancement. Nor can they any more consistently deny—what is simply a manifestation of cause and effect—that when a person rejects the truth, and shuts his eyes to the light thus set before him, he becomes just so far the victim of error and darkness. This is inevitable; and so long as he remains in this attitude toward the advancing work and truth of God, his condition must grow continually worse and worse.
Just this, we believe, has taken place in the religious world. The great movement in reference to the doctrine of the second coming of Christ, in the years 1840–1844, we verily believe was in the order of God, and recognized by the outpouring of his Holy Spirit; and it was designed to arouse the world to the momentous fact that the second coming of Christ was at the door. The churches of our land generally rejected that truth, and shut their eyes to that light. That attitude on this question they still maintain. According to the principle stated above, spiritual darkness and religious declension must follow, and increase among them. And that such has been the case is apparent to every beholder. The contrast between the condition of the churches previous to 1840 and their condition at the present time, is indeed startling. It is to this that we wish to call attention, not for the sake of invidious comparison, but that some may perchance take warning. Who, previous to the year first mentioned, heard of such church fairs and scenes of festivity as are common now, with their grab bags, fish ponds, lottery cakes, raffling, gambling, and riotous feasting? Some see and deplore these evils, but they are powerless to stem the tide. Many ministers object, and would protest against these things, but they are overruled by a worldly membership. And now it is coming to be a common thing to connect dancing with the other features, as will be shown in our next paper, and to introduce the selling of lager beer, as stated in the extract which we give below. Beer, dancing, gambling, gluttony! what more could the most depraved worldling desire? How much further can these things go before the message of Rev. 18:4, “Come out of her, my people,” must be fulfilled? We have been led to these thoughts by the following item, which we clip from the last number of the Domestic Journal:—
“Perhaps some of our Protestant friends may derive benefit from the sentiments of Father Scully, of Cambridge. He says: “Godless schools and most church fairs are only fit to give us a race of monsters. Church fairs demoralize our girls more than do our lowest theaters; for girls armed with their church-fair book, go forth under religious and parental sanction where they please and when they please, entering even bar-rooms to solicit chances and votes. The children think of nothing but the fair. Home, church, and school are banished. To the fair they are bound to go every night; and when lager beer is sold in our churches where fairs are held, how can we train our youth to look with horror on the evils of rum?”
The “Father Scully” of the foregoing extract is, we suppose, a Catholic; but by “godless schools” he refers to Protestant schools; so we infer he refers to Protestant church fairs; for something stronger than lager beer is generally sold at fairs in the Catholic church. But with either view, the spiritual condition of the professed churches is deplorable enough, and calls upon those who are powerless to reform the evils to separate themselves therefrom.
The Eastern Outlook.
While the star of empire is making its way westward, the crescent seems destined soon to make its way eastward, so far as its possessions on the European side are concerned. We take the following significant items from an article by J. M. Ludlow, D. D., written from Constantinople, and published in the Christian Weekly of March 11, 1882:—
Another very significant indication of the tendencies in Turkey was mentioned to me by an English officer who has been employed for several years in collecting statistics for the use of his government, and who has made many journeys through Turkey. He observed that already the property in the towns and farm districts was fast passing into the hands of the Christians. Moslemism has deadened not only the conscience, but also the enterprise of its devotees. Indeed they themselves, noticing their numerical and financial inferiority, speak of the probability of their withdrawing across the Bosporus whence they came into Europe. Many bury their dead at Scutari, on the Asiatic side, confessing the uncertainty of their possessions on this side.
The Moslems have a saying that their power in Europe will endure until the face of Jesus appears in St. Sophia; their ancestors meaning by this that they were to have perpetual possession. But the superstitious to-day find in the saying a prophecy of ill-omen. The early Christian builders of St. Sophia executed in rare mosaic work the face of Jesus in the wall above the altar site. The Turks, in their eagerness to efface every symbol of the faith they had conquered by arms, hastily covered the portrait with a thick coat of paint. But time is tearing off this desecration, and the face of Jesus is appearing in St. Sophia.
But a more rational omen is visible a few miles above Constantinople. There stand on the western bank of the Bosporus the frowning walls of the fortification built by Mahomet II., when the armies of the prophet first intrenched themselves on European soil. These walls are crumbling. The fortress was built in the shape of the initial of Mahomet’s name, which was to the faithful a pledge of its impregnability. But the devout Mussulman reads there now the word Kismet, “It is fate,” and looks longingly to the East, whither he has driven his hopes before him.
Missionary Meetings in Battle Creek.
By George I. Butler
During the last two weeks, quite an interest has been created in the missionary work in Battle Creek. It commenced on a very small scale. State secretaries were here from Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas, as well as Michigan; and in one of the rooms of the west Office building, they were receiving instruction from sister M. L. Huntley in reference to the proper method of keeping accounts, and as to the best course to be pursued in working up an interest in the missionary work. One afternoon, Eld. Haskell gave some instruction to these, and a handful of other interested persons, to help and encourage them. At the close of the meeting, he was invited to talk to them further. A number more came in to the next meeting. Then another meeting was desired, and the number continued to increase till it was thought best to adjourn to the north vestry of the Tabernacle, where several other meetings have been held with a good attendance.
Last Wednesday night the large room was well filled with interested listeners. The discourses given by Bro. R. have been practical, earnest, and instructive. He has dwelt upon the importance of doing work in the Lord's cause, and being real, earnest workers in his vineyard. He has given many interesting incidents showing how the Lord blesses those who are faithful in his cause, and
follow the Master's example in trying to get precious souls for whom Christ died. His words have stirred the hearts of the people to make vigorous efforts, until there is a desire to do more for the salvation of those around us.
This great church could be a mighty power in the world, if all were doing their utmost to advance the cause of God. Thorough consecration to the Lord has been shown in these meetings to be a mainspring which moves persons to be real missionaries for God. Merely sending out a few papers, or distributing a little reading matter, or keeping T. and M. accounts correctly, will not answer the demands of the Lord. We need to have our whole souls imbued with the love of Christ, till we see such excellence in his character that the preciousness of all earthly things is entirely eclipsed. The value of the heavenly world and the vanity of this world must be realized. There must be a vital connection between us and the true Vine, so that we are living, vigorous branches, bearing fruit to the Lord. When we are profoundly convinced of the excellence of Christ, and his Spirit dwells within us, it will be natural for us to labor for him. We delight to labor for what we love. If the heart is divided, be sure the world has the greater portion. Its service will be most easy for us. When the Lord has our whole heart, his service will be easy. We shall not try to see how little we can do for him, but how much. Distributing reading matter will not then be such a hardship. Everything we can do to advance the good cause will then be as agreeable as it is now to provide for the loved ones at home. The reason it is so hard now for us to give a little time and means to advance the Lord's work, is because our hearts are more in love with earthly things than with heavenly things. The heart needs converting. Until this change is wrought, the Lord's work will always drag in our hands. Oh, how valuable is the salvation of one soul! The happiness of one person secured through an endless eternity!
We trust these meetings have given clearer conceptions of the importance of the T. and M. work. The local society at Battle Creek have been taking 400 copies of the Signs, and had recently added 100 more; but at the close of these meetings, they concluded to increase the number to 800 copies, with a prospect of adding more. There is, besides, an active interest manifested in Good Health. This seems like doing something. The plan of sending copies of the Signs to large numbers of readers in any place where lectures are about to be given, has been tried, and has proved a success. A great interest may be kindled in this way, and many induced to come out to listen to the preached word. No doubt this plan will be acted upon in many places in the coming season. The batteries may thus be opened before the main battle between truth and error comes on, and the way be prepared for it. We trust our people all over the field will wake up on this subject. Let not your clubs of Signs grow smaller; on the contrary, make them larger. Let us not do less, but more. The day of Judgment will soon be upon us, with all its dread realities. Let us prepare ourselves and others for it.
The plan of sending secretaries to be instructed in the work by those of experience, is proving a splendid success. Several State societies have in this way found help in their difficulties, and got themselves in a good condition. It is not merely to learn to keep accounts; but it is to obtain knowledge of the real nature of the work, and how to maintain a strong, healthy interest. Those of experience can impart to others their knowledge, and thus all may be benefited. There are other State societies which might be greatly helped in the same way. Those secretaries who169thoroughly consecrate themselves to the work of God, may do as much good as many ministers are doing. Many of the difficulties which are thought to be so great in the T. and M. work, vanish when they have converted hearts and receive proper instruction. God will yet do a great work through this society. May he help us all to be faithful workers.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
THE WAY TO WORK.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
The formation of such habits as will mold the character and make it acceptable to God, is the essential part of the Christian religion. The redeemed will finally be saved because they have formed righteous characters. As the physical system partakes of the nature of the food which sustains it, so our characters are affected by what our minds feed upon. If a person dwells upon unbecoming darkness, doubt, and wickedness, his conscience will become defiled, his imagination impure, and his whole character will bear the impress of these evil principles. Those who will be translated when Christ comes in the clouds of heaven, will be those whose whole souls desire heaven and heavenly things. Honesty, moral integrity, and uprightness, will be the themes of their meditation and their delight.
Our publishing interests are the right arm of our power. To engage in the dissemination of the knowledge of present truth is to directly co-operate with angels and the Spirit of God. Let the mind become absorbed in this work, and it will elevate the soul. That which is impure, unlovely, evil reports, and the like, will fade from the mind; an anxiety to benefit others will take their place, and thus the character will become Christian.
In view of these facts, the work of the colporter and the canvasser becomes closely allied to that of the ministry; for the canvasser who is successful in the sale of our publications must come in close contact with other minds, and learn how successfully to reach the people. He would have very poor success, could he not gain the confidence of the persons whose patronage he solicits. If he is unable to avoid giving offense either by words or deportment, he should conclude that he has mistaken his calling, for he will inevitably meet with failure. He must be pleasing in his address, meeting incivility and insult with a kind and courteous spirit.
Whatever the character of the work offered for sale by the canvasser, he becomes inspired with the subject it contains. If it treats upon some worldly topic, he partakes of the same spirit. It is his theme by day and by night. Not a few canvassers have embraced the Sabbath, but, like many ministers who have come into our ranks from other denominations, their former experience, instead of fitting them to engage in this work, has given them a wrong mold of character. When the Illinois Conference voted to give a brother in that State a license he said, “If you want a Presbyterian sermon, I can give one; but I am too old to change my habits so as ever to learn how to preach present truth and interest the people.” Putting “new wine into old bottles” works no better in the nineteenth century than in our Saviour’s time.
There are scores of young men and women in every Conference who might gain a valuable experience by canvassing for some useful work. It would be a stepping-stone to some greater field of usefulness. The introduction of the truth by lawful means into any family, is a work worthy of the aspirations of any Christian. All cannot preach, but there are many who would become successful preachers by having an experience in dealing with minds, and in awakening an interest in the truth sufficient to create a sale for books and periodicals treating upon it. In fact, there are many ministers whose usefulness would have been far greater had their social faculties been cultivated by canvassing. However, the benefit derived would depend very much upon the nature of the book for which they canvass.
To become imbued with the spirit of that which would lead the mind away from God, would wholly unfit the person for usefulness in his service. There are works not denominational, but yet useful, which would give the right mold to the experience thus gained.
The health reform sustains the same relation to the cause of present truth that the right hand does to the body. Publications upon this subject can be canvassed for, and in this way a missionary spirit encouraged; also there is no better work for this purpose than “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.” We have a special work to do, a specific object before us, and we hope that none will be turned aside from those paths which will make them useful in the cause of our divine Lord.
S. N. HASKELL.
PRACTICAL EDUCATION,—COOKING, ETC.
By George I. Butler
IN THE REVIEW, two weeks since, reference was made to “Educational Matters,” and the importance of practical education. Eld. Haskell referred to the testimony concerning the importance of practical education in the preparation of food. It was stated also that the best educators were becoming interested on the same subject, and that many were deciding that education should become more practical. The State Register, published at the capital of Iowa, and a leading paper of the State, recently published the following article on this subject, showing what is being done in this line at the State Agricultural College, and the popular interest now being taken in the subject:—
THE COOKING SCHOOL.
The social event of Des Moines the past week was the Cooking School, conducted by Mrs. Mary B. Welch, wife of the president of the State Agricultural College, and who herself occupies one of the practical chairs of that important State institution. The school has surpassed all expectation, the intelligent women of Des Moines who have attended it being delighted with it, and a great and practical, and we hope lasting, good accomplished by it. Mrs. Welch is in charge of the Experimental Kitchen of the Agricultural College, a department she originated, and has ever since conducted, and in which position she has wrought a decided work of great value to the State. Indeed, the practical features and merits of that institution are little known and less recognized by the State. It surprises the people, when they come in contact with it, by the practical merit of the work. Two years ago it made its first exhibition at the State Fair, and the whole State was surprised at the showing it made. Every person of intelligence saw in it the one great attraction of the Fair. Mrs. Welch appeared with it, and showed to the public in practical form the good work of the Experimental Kitchen, and added materially to the public understanding and appreciation of the excellent character and scope of the work of the college.
Now, through Mrs. Welch’s school here, the attention of the State has again been called to the real, practical features of the college. How thoroughly she understands the science, art, or common sense of cooking,—whichever is the right name for it,—the complete success of this school is ample proof. There was no sham about it, no mere pretense. It was the actual skill of superior and yet practical cookery, taught by an intelligent and refined woman, happily able to impart such instruction, and to prove that cooking may be made attractive even to the most refined and fastidious of women. Indeed, while she taught how to cook and to cook well, she at the same time popularized cooking, for which let us all be thankful to her. In her double mission of teaching good cooking and teaching women to like to cook, she is the true evangel of the time. This world needs nothing more just now than a cooking mania—or, rather, a mania to know how to cook well. In some homes, where the good-wife still does the cooking herself, good cooking is not yet a lost art; but in the homes where the women neither cook nor know how to cook, and hire any one they can get to pretend to do the cooking, civilization is found to be a good deal of a failure. So, if intelligent, refined women like Mrs. Welch, who is as cultured in literary work as housewifely skill, and who at once manages a home that is fairly a poem in its practical order and elegant refinements, and fills a professor’s chair in a college faculty, can and will lead in the good work of popularizing cooking, and in inducing intelligent, refined women to become more earnest in the good cause of better cooking, let us bid them Godspeed, and encourage them all we can. It is hard work, and especially so to women of the slender strength of Mrs. Welch, who is the wonder of all who know her, for the great and increasing amount of work she does. She is a woman to be proud of, and a woman that Iowa is proud of; and in her mission of mingled literary and practical work, is doing more to advance and elevate and honor woman and home than all the woman-suffrage societies we have in the State.
This is an interesting article. The statement that “this world needs nothing more just now than a cooking mania—or, rather, a mania to know how to cook well,” shows how people of intelligence feel on this subject. Who can say that this is not the truth? Certainly those who have traveled much, and suffered from modern cookery would not deny it. It must be evident to every reflecting mind that education concerning that which is most useful and most important—that which is most used in every-day life—is the education that is needed.
While it is true that one important object of education is mental discipline, it is also true that this needed discipline can be obtained in learning something useful. We study grammar for the discipline obtained, but especially that we may learn to speak and write correctly. We study arithmetic to learn to reckon; geography, to learn about the earth; physiology, that we may know ourselves. These and many other studies are very useful, and we obtain discipline of mind while acquiring knowledge concerning them. If these positions are true, surely no one will deny the importance of knowledge concerning the proper preparations of food. By means of this our life itself is sustained. The health of every part of the body is dependent upon it. The greatest philosopher would soon die if not properly sustained by food. Education in this, as well as in various branches of handicraft and in the mechanic arts, would be a great advantage. Then many educated persons would not be as helpless as babes when left to engage in the activities of life.
The shape this subject is assuming in view of what the testimony teaches is but another evidence that the Lord is guiding in this work. Those testimonies, so despised by some, contain instruction on these points fully up to the most advanced system of education developed by the foremost educators of the age. They are not the work of fanaticism, but contain the soundest common sense. We are glad that steps are being taken to put this instruction into practical effect. We hope our brethren will avail themselves of the opportunities offered in the establishment of schools on the Pacific coast and in New England.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
TO MINISTERS.
By W. H. Littlejohn
The habit of drinking when speaking is, under ordinary circumstances, an unnecessary one. A little practice will enable a public speaker to dispense with the same, greatly to his own advantage. It is frequently difficult to obtain water suitable to be employed on such occasions, and when the speaker finds himself compelled to do without it entirely, he is greatly incommoded. The better way, therefore, is to dispense with the practice altogether, except in cases where the speaker is suffering from hoarseness or a hard cold. When170he finds himself in that condition, water will afford him some relief.
Personal experience, however, has satisfied me that there is nothing which can be employed to so great advantage in cases of hoarseness as a mixture of honey and water in the proportion of one part of honey to two parts of water. An occasional swallow of this beverage not only lubricates the organs of the throat, but seems also to relieve the lungs temporarily, when they are badly oppressed and speaking is both painful and difficult. We think that it would many times afford relief, where, without its use, the speaker might be compelled to give up public effort entirely. We recommend our brethren to try the experiment whenever they may feel the necessity of relief in the direction mentioned.
W. H. LITTLEJOHN.
Do NOT DELAY.
By George H. Bell
The announcement of a Seventh-day Adventist school in New England has come upon our people so suddenly that many will think it impossible for them to attend it before next fall. Now with some, this may be true; but in the case of others, the obstacles which prevent their immediate attendance might be removed, if the importance of such attendance were fully understood. Seeming impossibilities have many times been accomplished. We can do great things when we set to work resolutely and untiringly, especially if we are fully convinced that the object is a worthy one.
It may be thought by some that this spring term will be but little more than an experiment, and consequently of no great value. Such a view is wrong, as will be proved, if in the providence of God the school is permitted to open and proceed according to present intentions. Instruction will begin the very first hour, and from that time on, the teaching and studying will go vigorously forward. Teaching is not an experiment with those who are expected to start the school, and they will be ready to begin their work as soon as they see the material they have to work upon.
Again: some may think that there will scarcely be time to more than make a beginning, before being broken off by the summer vacation. This might be so under some methods of teaching, but we feel confident that it cannot be so under the proposed system of instruction. The minds of earnest students will be put upon trains of thought which they can pursue after they leave school; and the vacation will afford time for reflecting upon what has been taught, so that when the fall term opens, those who have properly improved the advantages afforded by the spring term will have a start of fifteen or twenty weeks, instead of ten or twelve.
No very extensive preparation will be needed for so short a term, and the vacation will give opportunity for a more ample preparation for the coming year. Come as you are. What though social and business relations have to be rather abruptly severed? When the war of the rebellion broke out, thousands of young men left everything on much shorter notice. It was an hour of peril. So, also, the cause which calls for recruits to be drilled in this school is an important one. The demand is urgent. Satan is neither slack nor dilatory in carrying on the work that is fast ripening the earth for destruction, and there should certainly be no delay on the part of those who would share in the work of saving souls.
It would be gratifying to teachers to have under their instruction during this first term a respectable number of sober-minded pupils, in order that there might be a fair chance to show the effects of their teaching, and thus establish faith in the efficiency of the school. No pains will be spared in furnishing, at the outset, all that is indispensable to success. Many have gone through life without an education, simply because they were always waiting for a better opportunity. May God give faith and courage to all who can reasonably step into the opening that now presents itself. G. H. Bell.
HOW TO HELP OUR OLD CHURCHES.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
It is coming to be a question of much importance, How can we best help our old churches? In the past, our chief efforts have been to raise up new churches, as we had no old churches to require attention, or at least so few as to demand but little. But every year the scale is turning. We are now coming to have many churches of fifteen or twenty years' standing. Some of these are quite large, numbering from forty to seventy actual members, with a whole generation of young people or relatives who believe the truth, but are unconverted. In many cases, there are scores of persons around these churches who really believe we have the truth, but they have not a disposition to obey it. Often these churches are more or less in trial or backslidden. Now, what is the wisest thing to do in such a case? Having labored with several such churches during the past year, I will give my impressions of the matter. They may not be correct, but it is the way things appear to me.
For instance : Here is a church twenty years old. About fifty embraced the Sabbath at first. Since that time they have had a regular course of lectures four or five times, and from twenty to fifty more have embraced the truth. Some have apostatized, many have died, and others have moved away. From thirty to sixty children have grown up, a few of whom are in the church; but the most of them have married and given up the truth. Trials have come up from time to time, and have wounded this one, soured that one, and destroyed confidence in the other one. Each has settled down to his own business, with little care or thought about other people. There is very little social intercourse among the different families. All efforts at missionary labors among their neighbors have ceased. They say, and with much truth too, that they have given out reading matter till no one cares to look at it any more. Their meetings are so poorly attended and so uniformly uninteresting that the young people do not care to go. And if an outsider happens to drop in, he seldom cares to come again.
When a minister visits such a church, he will meet discouragements on every hand. He is expected to preach on tithing, T. and M. work, temperance, and if on Sunday outsiders are in, he must give a lecture on the prophecies or the Sabbath. Now I am profoundly convinced that this is an unwise course to follow. All have heard on these things till they are a positive bore to them. All, both old and young, Sabbath-keepers and outsiders, are longing to hear something else, something that they have not heard before for the twentieth time. This is the universal feeling, as all must know. These things are all good, and should not be omitted on proper occasions. But this is not all there is of the Bible and of the gospel. If we confine our churches to these few subjects, they will just as surely suffer loss as the nominal churches have done by leaving out these important subjects, and dwelling only upon what they call gospel themes. If they have gone to one extreme, we should not be so foolish as to go to the other. We need all the truths of the Bible duly mixed together. In dwelling wholly upon doctrine and argument, we are in danger of becoming cold, exclusive, and unsocial. Such a feeling is spiritual death to any one.
Hence on visiting a church in this condition I have found the best success by beginning with something tender, sympathetic, and winning. For this purpose, nothing is better than the old, old story of Jesus and his love. Strive to revive hope, faith, and love in the hearts of the brethren. Then send them out. Hold prayer and social meetings from house to house. This brings them to each other's houses. Get up a load of brethren and sisters, and visit those who are on the back-ground. Send them out to invite in their neighbors. Labor especially to get the young, the backslidden, and the unconverted to come to Christ. By this time most of the little trials will have disappeared, and also many of the larger ones. When hearts are warm and tender, it does not take much to bring them together. At least, this has been my experience. The idea that we must have an investigation, and a church trial over every petty difficulty is a great mistake. It trains people to watch, criticise, and to judge their brethren, rather than to love and help them.
After a few weeks of practical, gospel preaching, all, church and outsiders, will be hungry to hear on our doctrines, and then it will do them good.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
A Request to Those Coming to Otsego.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
The State quarterly meeting is to be held at Otsego, Mich. We hope for a large gathering, the more the better. But there is one element often quite prominent in such a gathering, which we wish to avoid; that is, tale-bearing, backbiting and tattling. There is much talking about this brother or that sister, their peculiarities, weaknesses, or wrongs. Families are taken up and discussed, the trials of churches are laid open to all, the character and labor of ministers are made the topic of conversation.
Brethren and sisters gather in little companies and do this, do it on the way home from church, do it at the table, before the children, do it around the fire just before prayers. Often enough is done in this way to kill all the good of the meeting. Shame on such conduct! The Otsego church is at peace among themselves, having confidence in one another, in the brethren generally, in our institutions, and in the cause. They wish thus to continue. If any are burdened with complaints against anybody, or any church, or any institution, or any branch of the work, we want them to stay away or keep still. We have no need of such merchandise, and don't want them to peddle it in our church.
We expect our ministers who attend to set a good example in this respect. As they do, others will do. “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation,” Paul tells Timothy. 1 Tim. 4:12. This is the best kind of preaching. A sweet fountain does not send forth bitter water. Ministers should also be careful about cracking their jokes on other ministers, and laughing about them. It lowers and injures both. Don't do it before our children and our families, we beseech you. D. M. Canright.
To Brethren in Ohio,
By G. A. King
It is now decided that I return to Ohio. I sincerely hope that all, both ministers and people, will take the deepest interest in the circulation in this State, of “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.” The time has surely come for all our people to turn their attention to the all-absorbing theme of warning the world of the coming Judgment; and canvassing is one of the best means by which this may be accomplished.
Will all who have outfits, and all who wish to canvass in this State this summer, write me as soon as possible at Clyde, Ohio. G. A. King.
Light Within and Darkness Without
—He that has light within his own clear breast,
May sit in the center and enjoy bright day;
But he that hides a dark soul and foul thoughts,
Benighted walks under the midday sun,
Himself his own dungeon.
—Milton.
Sevastopol, Leesburg, and Coal City
By W. W. Sharp; S. H. Lane
Sevastopol and Leesburg.—Owing to poor health, I have been able to labor but little the past winter. Feb. 5-13, I was with the church at Sevastopol. Enjoyed some very good meetings. Organized a T. and M. society of seven members. They take a small club of the Signs for missionary work.
Feb. 17-26, was with the friends near Leesburg. All seem firm in the truth. Bro. Dunlap of Warsaw meets with them every Sabbath. I spoke in the M. E. church at Monoquet eight times, but they refused to let me present the Sabbath and life and death questions in the house, so I had to close. W. W. SHARP.
Coal City, Owen Co.—Commenced meetings here Feb. 18, since which time I have given seventeen discourses. Have sold books to the amount of $6.75. The attendance has ranged from fifty to four hundred. At first it was so rainy and muddy that but few could turn out.
We have the free use of the Baptist meeting-house, which will seat some three hundred. On one occasion we had it so crowded that about fifty had to stand up, and nearly one hundred who could not find room in the house listened on the outside at the windows.172Some seem deeply interested. We cannot yet determine results, but are hopeful that at least a few will embrace the truth. Bro. Richards and Oberholtzer, of the Patricksburg church, have been present a part of the time and rendered efficient help. S. H. LANE.
NORTHERN EUROPE.
By J. G. Matteson
We are busy at the printing-office trying to get copy ahead for the paper and to replenish tracts that are sold out. I intended to return to Moss, as some people there are favorably affected by the truth, but circumstances seem to demand more labor in Sweden, and I have decided to go there first. Next week, the Lord willing, I shall start in company with Bro. Rosqvist.
Bro. R. has had a taste of the severity which a church clothed with the power of the State can exercise. He has been punished as a heretic by those would-be orthodox churches that pretend to explain the meaning of the Bible, and wield the word of the law against offenders. And the end is not yet. Bro. R. has again been summoned to appear before the court in Grythyttehed on the second day of March, this year. The law on this point is now arranged so that he can be accused and punished every time he preaches where he has once been forbidden to do so.
What an illustration this is of the work of the church under the two-horned beast, as soon as the amendment of the Constitution can be effected. And how wonderful to think that the time is nearing when the dragon, in its last form, will wage the final bitter warfare against the remnant of the seed of the woman, that keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
As a remnant of barbarism, and as a specimen of the depravity of many people in old Sweden, I will mention the following: Last Christmas the priest in Grythyttehed preached, according to custom, at 6 o’clock in the morning. Crowds gathered to the church, Bro. R. with the rest. The priest (he is the chief instigator of the severe treatment suffered by Bro. R.) grew eloquent in praise of Christian liberty and all that Christ had done for them. He had finished all things on the cross. There was nothing left for man to do. All sin was taken away. We were now all justified and righteous in him. When service was over, there was a general hurrahing outside of the church, and the brandy bottles were waved triumphantly in honor of Bacchus, and this happy Christmas time. Before noon many teams with sleighs went through the streets, containing one or more persons lying on their backs, moving their arms and legs out and in (as Bro. R. expressed it) as lobsters move their claws. And this procession passed right before the dwelling of the priest. Now the law demands a fine for such proceedings also. But the priest cared nothing about enforcing it against them, although he is a more moderate drinker; for he does not generally get drunk before evening. Yet he is known all around as a drunkard.
Now Bro. R. had a meeting in the evening, and spoke on temperance, trying to show the necessity of total abstinence and the terrible consequences of the use of spirits. Many were moved by the truth on this point, and a temperance society was organized. But, lo, the man that tried so nobly to bring souls over on the side of truth and temperance, and whose earnest efforts were crowned with such good success, was dragged into prison, thrust into a dark, narrow cell, clothed with a miserable coarse prison costume, fed on sour bread and water, forbidden to speak or read aloud, or sing (worse in this respect than Paul and Silas were situated) and cruelly waked up out of his sleep every night at midnight, preventing any further sleep. Yet, thanks to the Lord and his sure word, Bro. R. never felt more happy in his life.
Another priest stated that he would rather have a diocese full of habitual drunkards than to have to deal with those miserable temperance folks. He feared that the people would be self-righteous when they abstained, and it is a sad fact that this idea is quite common. What a blessed work to snatch souls like burning brands out of such an infernal fire!
In Denmark, Bro. Brorson is laboring patiently from place to place. He is still in Sjælland. There are many open doors, and a few souls have been gained. Bro. K. Kristensen has also labored with some success in the northern part of Julland this winter. Bro. Berg is doing a good work in the vicinity of Drammen and Holmestrand, Norway, scattering our publications, and Bro. Ström is laboring acceptably in this place. Dear brethren, pray for the work in Northern Europe.