p. 87 | Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 11. (3/16/1876)

Earlier text: THE GREAT APOSTASY AND THE MAN OF SIN

THE BOOK OF REVELATION.

By G. W. A.

In many respects this is the most remarkable book in the Sacred Canon. It is emphatically a book of variety, a book of ideas. Probably no portion of the Bible presents such an extensive range of topics as is given in the Revelation. To substantiate this, we present some of the subjects which are treated of in the Apocalypse. Of course in elaborating these mighty ideas, the Spirit has introduced other points which are often quite as important as the ones mentioned. Here is a topical catalogue of the contents of this wonderful book:—

The Sabbath—the Seven Churches—Vision of the Throne of God—the Twenty-four Elders—Seven Spirits of God—Four Living Creatures—the Sealed Book—Golden Vials Full of Odors—Number of the Angels—Seven-fold Praise to the Lamb—the Seven Seals—Pagan and Papal Persecution—the Reformation—Signs in the Sun, Moon, and Stars—the Great Day—Holding of the Four Winds—Seal of God—the 144,000—the Heavenly State—Seven Trumpets—Destruction of Western Rome by the Northern Barbarians—Destruction of the Eastern Empire by the Saracens and Turks—the Great Advent Proclamation—Seven Thunders—the Little Open Book—a Bitter Experience—a Prophecy to the Nations, Peoples, and Tongues—the Two Witnesses—Measuring of the Temple of God—the 42 Months—the Thousand Two Hundred and Three-score Days—the Three Woes—Anger of the Nations—Wrath of God—the Wonder in Heaven—Great Red Dragon—the Old Serpent—Woman with Eagle’s Wings—Time, Times, and Half a Time—Wrath of the Dragon—Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns—Its Deadly Wound—Its Healing—the Two-horned Beast—Image to the Beast—Mark in the Hand and Forehead—the Number 666—the Three Messages—Wrath Threatened—Commandments of God—Faith of Jesus—Spirit of Prophecy—the Dead in the Lord—the Harvest—Vine of the Earth—Great Wine Press—Seven Angels with the Seven Last Plagues—Sea of Glass—Heavenly Harpers—the Eternal Victory—Song of Moses—the Heavenly Ministration Finished—Pouring out of the Plagues—their Terrible Particulars—the Work of the Spirits—Gathering of the Nations—Armageddon—Battle of God Almighty—the Great Earthquake—It Is Done—Babylon, in its Papal and Protestant Forms—Her Destruction by Fire—the Eighth Beast—the Papacy Distressed by Earthly Governments—Sorcery—Much People in Heaven—Marriage of the Lamb—the Marriage Supper—Angel Adoration Reproved—Heavenly Armies on White Horses—Supper of the Great God—the Lake of Fire—Those Cast Therein—the Bottomless Pit—Its Key—the Devil Bound—the 1000 Years—First Resurrection—Second Resurrection—Satan Loosed—Gog and Magog—Second Death—the Great White Throne—the Books Opened—Death and Hell—New Heaven and New Earth—the Holy City—New Jerusalem—It comes Down Out of Heaven from God—Its Glory and Dimensions—Precious Stones—the Shekinah—Nations of the Saved—River of Life—Tree of Life—Removal of the Curse—No Night—Who Are Blessed—Adding to and Taking from the Book of Revelation—What the Spirit and Bride Say—the Heavenly Benediction.

Here are over one hundred interesting particulars. How evident that no other portion of Holy Writ presents such a vast range of topics as is here produced. Nearly all of those blessed subjects which are especially important at the present time, are mentioned in the Revelation. It is emphatically the book for “the last days.” “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for THE TIME IS AT HAND.” Chap. 1: 3. G. W. A.

Second-Hand Religion.

By Roswell F. Cottrell

Though we have free access to the fountain of revealed truth, the Bible, which is able to make the man of God perfect, thoroughly furnished to every good work, yet the great mass of men choose a second-hand religion, taking what others have taught for the truth, instead of what God has clearly revealed. In things pertaining to this life, they are wise enough to look out for themselves, so that no man shall deceive them; but respecting a preparation for the world to come, they willingly leave themselves in the hands of others. Not feeling sufficient interest in it to learn what God has taught for themselves, they implicitly trust their hopes of eternal life to those who have, like themselves, followed the traditions of their fathers from ages and generations past.

The gospel plainly requires that every one should repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. All in Christian lands know this; and in every land of Bible light the meaning of baptism is laid open, so that among all the learned there is “not a dog to move his tongue” against immersion, as valid and genuine baptism. All agree that it is. But tradition has long taught that something else will do just as well; and therefore a substitute for what God requires continues to be offered, with the vain hope that it will be equally acceptable with Him who has said, “In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” They would not take a counterfeit one-dollar bill, though assured that it would pass just as well as the genuine. But in matters involving the favor of God and an interest in the eternal world, they will trust in the word of men, ignoring the word of God.

The fourth commandment of the holy law of God, delivered with his own voice and written with his own finger, still requires all to remember and keep holy the day on which he rested when he made the world. That day was not the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth day; for he labored on each of these; but the seventh day was the Sabbath, or rest-day; for he rested on this and on no other. But while the commandment of God bids us rest on the seventh day, because God rested on it, men tell us that another day, the first day of the week, will do equally as well, and even better, because they think the day of Christ’s resurrection more worthy of commemoration than the creation of the world.

There is not the least intimation of this change in all the Scriptures of truth. Men pretend that there is, because they choose to follow the easy rut of tradition, rather than venture the asperity of turning into the forsaken and narrow track of truth. It is true that the counterfeit will pass as well, and even better, in this world, than the genuine. But how sad will be the disappointment when it shall be presented at the bank of Heaven!

Let me exhort and beseech you, dear reader, to go to the fountain-head of truth, and not, in a land of Bibles, get your religious ideas second-hand. There is great light at the present time from revelation, if we will receive it. But the days are perilous, from the fact that there is great danger that the light will be rejected, and the false light of tradition will still be followed in these closing hours of probation. The rage of the world is riches, pleasures, and popular applause. While these things fill the heart, religion being a secondary thing, a mere expedient by which to get to Heaven when the earth can no longer be enjoyed, you will be content to take your religion second-hand, not having time nor disposition to go to the fountain and draw for yourself.

R. F. COTTRELL.

SYNOPSIS OF BAPTISM.

By H. A. St. John

1. Baptize, {Dip. Plunge. Immerse.} 34 Greek Lexicons Matt. 28 : 19.

2. Down into the water, Acts 8 : 38.

3. Up out of the water, Acts 8 : 39.

4. Much water, John 3 : 23.

5. In Jordan, Matt. 3 : 6.

6. Buried, Rom. 6 : 4.

7. Planted, Rom. 6 : 5.

Sprinkling or Pouring? No, NEVER.

Immersion? Yes, CLEARLY.

All ancient versions previous to the 9th century, sixteen in number, use a word signifying IMMERSE.

Since the 9th century twenty versions say IMMERSE.

All English translations that do not use the word baptize, say IMMERSE.

Here are some of them.—1. Emphatic Diaglott. 2. Wilson. 3. Anderson. 4. Whiting. 5. Geo. Campbell. 6. Lackman. 7. Tregelles. 8. Sawyer. 9. American Bible Union.

What is the duty of the sinner? “Repent, and be baptized, every one.” Acts 2 : 38.

What is the duty of the Christian minister? Make disciples, baptize, and teach. Matt. 28 : 19, 20. H. A. ST. JOHN.

LOSING TIME.

By R. F. Cottrell

Time is too precious to be lost. This has ever been the case; but as we near the close of our probation, the value of the few fleeting moments that remain seems to be greatly enhanced. A great work is to be done; and the time is short in which it may be done. Evil tempers are to be subdued, and a perfect victory over selfishness, self-will, and sin is to be gained, and a work of benevolence and philanthropy to be done.

Are we improving our time? Are we doing the work necessary to be done, to make our calling and election sure? That brother or that sister that is filled with the spirit of fault-finding, murmuring, grudging, and rebellion, is losing time—precious time, that cannot be recalled. This bitterness must be got out of your heart, or you are lost. The time you spend in nursing your own evil disposition, by magnifying the faults of others, real or supposed, is worse than lost; instead of advancing, you are drawing back to perdition. The doubts of the truth and work of God which you cherish, while you murmur against his chosen instrumentalities, are sinking you down, and disqualifying you to do the work so necessary to be done for your own salvation. You are drawing off your sympathy from the cause and work of God. Satan is pleased; for you are giving yourself over to his influence and becoming his willing servant. Oh, that I might arouse you before it is too late to retrace your steps and make your peace with God. While you remain in your present condition, the chances against you are increasing. You are losing time! Be entreated to at once set about the work of redeeming the time. Humble yourself. “Have faith in God.” Have faith in his work. Gather with Christ, and not scatter abroad. God will do his work right; and he is the judge of all. Bring yourself into harmony with the work of God; rejoice in its increase and extension in all the earth; and make a determined and persevering effort to do the work God has given you to do, now, while it is called to-day.

R. F. COTTRELL.

IT IS COMING.

By H. A. St. John

It draws very near. I mean the State quarterly meeting of the Ohio T. & M. Society. April 1, 2, is the time. But before it comes I desire to say a few words to the Society.

TO THE MEMBERS.

Do not fail to make out your reports. If you have no blank, appeal to your director for one immediately. Fill out the blank carefully and distinctly, better use pen and ink. Put in a donation, even though it may be small. Get your report into the hands of the director before your district quarterly meeting if you can; if not, have it all ready to hand to him as soon as you come to the meeting. Do not expect him to run around and gather up reports; be anxious to get them into his possession.

TO THE DIRECTORS.

Get a report from every member if you can. Condense, or put them all into one. This you can do on the blank. Use pen and good ink. On the back of your report give the number of actual, living, working members in your district. Leave out none that work in the smallest degree. Write on the back of the report the number of reports received, also the number of reports that contain donations. Have your report all ready, and be diligent to get it into the hands of the State secretary before the first session of the State quarterly meeting. If you bring it to the meeting, pass it into her hands immediately upon your arrival. If you cannot come, send it by mail in season; but come yourself if possible. We hope to see all our directors at the next meeting.

TO THE STATE TREASURER.

Please bring accounts, book, money, &c., all to the State meeting. We want you there.

TO THE STATE SECRETARY.

Of course you will be present, with all needed documents.

Let those that come, pray; let those that do not come, pray, that the meeting may be a profitable and blessed season.

H. A. St. John.

THE THIEF ON THE CROSS.

By J. H. McCulloh

Our Saviour’s observation to the penitent thief on the cross is strongly insisted upon as proving the doctrine of the immediate consciousness of the soul after death. “Verily I say unto thee to-day, thou shalt be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43. But in this speech the all-important matter is to determine where the comma is to be placed; for if it be inserted after the word to-day, instead of before it, our Saviour’s words only imply an assurance given that day, i. e., in our idiom, at that time, that the penitent thief should be with him in paradise, without specifying the particular time; and since the ancient manuscripts are without points, no one has a right, in such a case, to insist upon placing the comma where it will make sense according to his peculiar notions on the general subject. Persons unaware of the manner in which the ancient Greek manuscripts were written, must be informed that the Scriptures were originally written not only without points, but also without any separation of the words from each other. The following is the literal translation of the passage in question, which, to prevent any cavil, I have taken from The Triglot Evangelist’s Interlinear Translation, and which I have copied in the manner in which the ancient Greek manuscripts were written:—

“ANDHESAIDTOJESUSREMEMBERMELORDWHENTHOUSHALTCOMEINTHYDOMINIONANDSAIDTOHIMJESUSVERILYISAYTOTHEETODAYWITHMETHOUSHALTBEINPARADISENOWITWASABOUTTHETHIRDHOUR,” &c.—J. H. McCulloh, M. D., in Our Rest.

Prohibitory Law and the Ten Commandments

SOMEBODY has condensed a volume of argument in the following: “It is said that the trouble with the prohibitory law is that it is ahead of public sentiment.” That’s what’s the matter with the ten commandments.

French Government Refuses Papal Title Recognition

A FRENCHMAN of wealth and prominence has recently been granted a title by pope Pius, but the French government refuses to recognize it, or to permit him to wear it, as the pope is no longer a temporal sovereign and hence has no right to confer titles of nobility. This decision cuts off the ambitious hopes of many who have received titles from his holiness or are expecting them, and will also cut off one lucrative source of his income.—Christian Weekly.

ENCOURAGING PROSPECTS IN SWITZERLAND.

By D. T. Bourdeau

I HAVE now been in Switzerland over four weeks, and as I have taken quite a view of the state of the cause in this country, it may be proper for me to write a few lines to my American brethren from the stand-point of my personal observation.

In company with Bro. Andrews, I have visited all the churches of Sabbath-keepers in Switzerland; and the result of this has been a strong attachment to these dear brethren and sisters, and a growing respect for the Swiss people. I believe there is as good material among this people as among any other nation. I find them fully up to our American brethren in Systematic Benevolence and the missionary work, and can say they have laid a good foundation on temperance, by laying aside tea, coffee and tobacco. Though Eld. Andrews has for a time worked to great disadvantage in using an interpreter, yet he has earnestly endeavored to bring the Swiss brethren up to the standard of the work in America. His coming to Switzerland was timely, and, under the blessing of God, brought deliverance to dear Bro. Ertzenberger, and much-needed help to the cause in Switzerland.

In my visit among the churches, I found that they were in great need of instruction and help in social meetings, and on temperance, with reference to wine, etc. Yet I had no word of reproof for them on these points; for it seemed to me that, with the spirit of sacrifice they had manifested in many respects, if they were shown their duty, they would cheerfully perform it. We have commenced to labor on these points, and are greatly encouraged in seeing a good reform started. We have already had four good social meetings with the church in Locle. Yesterday all the brethren and sisters took part, excepting two or three. Among these were three of the youth. It was a sweet season. We almost fancied ourselves in a spirited social meeting in America. The God of America is the God of Europe; his work is one, and his truth affects his honest children wherever they may be found.

Some of these dear brethren and sisters offered their testimonies in the form of brief fervent prayer and praise; yet these testimonies showed intelligence, piety and deep feeling, and we were glad to hear them, knowing that in time this important branch of divine worship would assume its proper shape. Such had been our experience with the Belgians in Wisconsin.

The Swiss people generally eat four or five times a day, and use wine at least twice a day. At the close of a discourse on temperance yesterday, several expressed a determination to reform still further; for most of our Swiss brethren have commenced to reform in these respects, and have donated of their means quite freely to the tract and S. B. funds, and we believe that though they are but a handful, they will act a noble part in publishing a paper by further sacrificing for God in carrying out the principles of temperance.

One encouraging feature is that two of our promising Swiss brethren, who seemed almost hopelessly bound by their financial matters a short time since, are making up their minds to soon enter the gospel field as evangelists.

Sister Revel, of Italy, who has stood alone for years in that country, writes that her courage is good, and that she will wait patiently for the coming of Bro. Urgos and such other laborer as may accompany him.

God is greatly helping Bro. Andrews in re-writing the book on the Three Messages. Much light is breaking in upon our minds on these important subjects, which are so shaping as to have a general and forcible application. We hope that our American brethren will have the same work in English after awhile. It will comprise sixty-four pages. We are following Bro. Andrews closely in translating, and are also translating enough of Bro. White’s “Exposition of Matthew Twenty-four” to make another excellent sixty-four page tract. We have both enjoyed much of the blessing of God in this work, though we long to enter new fields, and shall do so as soon as we have these works in French.

I have a strong desire to go to France soon, but now feel that I owe a debt of gratitude to Switzerland, one of whose noble daughters, Mme. Feller, did more than any other person, except my parents, in giving me a French education in a mission school which she founded in Canada.

We feel at home in Europe because we have the clearest evidence that we are in the path of duty. The change of climate has been rather hard on our lungs, but we have strong faith that the God who has called us will sustain us even in Europe.

We now expect that in about six weeks we shall open our mission in Bale. We think we have a sense of the sacredness and importance of the work. We must go there with a strong force, and prepared to present the truth in both the German and French languages. It may be our duty to call for Bro. Ertzenberger after awhile, and have him replaced by some other brother. We shall need wisdom at every step. With solicitude we ask our brethren generally to pray for us.

D. T. BOURDEAU.

Locle, Switzerland, Feb. 14, 1876.

MICHIGAN

By Dudley Marvin Canright

ROCHESTER.

Friday, Feb. 25, we came to Rochester. As our own house, unfortunately, is three miles out of town we held our meetings except on Sunday in the Universalist church. I have observed that it is a poor plan to build a meeting-house just outside the village. In a few years it is almost certain to be just where you do not want it, as the tendency is always toward the village. If a few brethren move away from a meeting-house a little ways out of the village, it thus becomes of no use; so they found it in this case, as in several others I know of. They propose to move their house immediately.

We had a good attendance from the outside, and all our people were out upon the Sabbath and Sunday. We found the church quite dull and cold. They seemed to have little idea of doing anything in the meetings themselves. Sabbath afternoon, after a good deal of hard work, about twenty came forward for prayers; but in many cases it was not with that earnest interest that we have seen in other places. Still, quite a number seemed to feel as they should. Several brethren who had been entirely backslidden here took their stand for the Lord again.

Sunday we held our meeting in our own house. I tried to set before the brethren their condition as I viewed it, and what their duty was. The Spirit of the Lord came into our meeting in a large degree, and we had a most excellent season. All but five or six voluntarily took part in the meeting. Hearty confessions were made, wet down with many tears. A good number of those who started the day before arose and spoke in this meeting. We all felt to thank God and take courage. It was voted to suspend all business, and devote a whole week to a special effort for the church in meetings here. After this we set before them the subject of S. B., in which all then heartily took part. This important branch of their duty has been greatly neglected here. Their entire pledge last year was only $125; now they have raised it to $428, and it is no higher than it ought to be.

Bro. Lamson joined me Monday, and we continued our meetings every day, and nearly every evening, till after the next Sabbath. We had special meetings for the young people. Some of these were very excellent, and a good start was made by several. Quite a number, however, held back entirely; but we felt that we had done our duty faithfully.

We had a business meeting in which we inquired into the cases of all the members of the church. Bro. Randall was elected and ordained elder, and one of Bro. Lawrence’s sons was elected deacon. On the Sabbath Bro. Lamson baptized five, and celebrated the ordinances. He says that it was an excellent meeting; and he left the brethren in good courage. There are no special trials in this church, and there are quite a number of good, strong brethren and sisters there. What they need is more zeal and devotion and earnestness in the work.

LAPEER.

Friday, March 3, I came to Lapeer. Had a good turnout the first evening. Sabbath quite a number came in from Flint, Tuscola Co., and from other churches. This church, as is well known, has been greatly afflicted with trials from its very beginning, from which it never has fully recovered, though probably it is the freest from them now that it ever has been. Still we find some petty trials to be looked after. We found them very dull and backward in social meetings. But toward the last they took hold better, and we had considerable freedom in our meetings. Sabbath afternoon sixteen came forward to seek the Lord. Most of these were young men and women.

Bro. Fisher was here, and Bro. Lamson came down evening after the Sabbath. He preached twice on Sunday, and I spoke on Systematic Benevolence, after which the brethren all promptly took part in it, raising their pledge from $241 to $460.

We held meetings all the afternoon Monday, in which many items of business were attended to. Bro. Wm. Potter was elected and ordained elder of the church, and Bro. A. Crownheart deacon. A treasurer and a clerk were also elected. Eight persons presented themselves for baptism, all of whom were received into the church and then baptized by Bro. Lamson at the close of the meeting. This was a very pleasant scene to us. They were all young people above eighteen years of age. We feel that these will add strength to the church. There are quite a number of others who should be baptized, and probably will be soon. Good resolutions were formed, and solemn promises were made by the church to take hold of the work more earnestly.

There are over sixty Sabbath-keepers here. If these were all zealous in the work, this would be a strong church. While there are some elements of weakness, there are many good, strong souls here. This church is able to do much in the cause financially, much more than it is doing. The missionary work has been allowed to run down to almost nothing here. If they are to have freedom and light this work must not be neglected. Bro. Fisher will remain a week to finish up the work.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

Lapeer, Mich., March 8, 1876.

WISCONSIN

By H. W. Decker

Jan. 19, I commenced a series of meetings at this place,—Fish Creek. The interest has been remarkably good from the beginning, and such an eagerness to hear I never witnessed. Many times the house was so crowded that I had just room enough to stand. The Lord has wrought mightily for the people. Stout hearts have yielded to the power of truth, and are now rejoicing in it.

Full sixty are keeping the Sabbath, and nearly all of these have subscribed to the covenant. Besides these, the names of about fifty children are enrolled for the Sabbath-school, which is fully organized and in successful operation. Nearly the whole village has turned to the Lord, which includes the lawyer, the merchants, the justice of the peace, and the school-teacher. Bad habits are being laid aside, and all appear willing to accept the whole truth. They are going to build a meeting-house the coming summer.

There has been no opposition of any account. A Methodist preacher has spoken twice in favor of the first day of the week, but it had the opposite effect from what he expected, as it confirmed the people in keeping the seventh day. It was the same old story. I reviewed one discourse; but the people decided that the other was not worth reviewing. Books have been taken freely. There is some interest in this vicinity among the Norwegians. About a dozen have taken their stand in favor of the truth during these meetings. We expect Bro. Olsen here soon to make an effort for others.

My heart is full of gratitude to the Lord for his helping hand. I would give him all the praise, try to walk humbly before him, and at last receive the reward of the faithful.

H. W. DECKER.

Fish Creek, Feb. 26, 1876.

IOWA AND DAKOTA.

By John F. Hanson

My last report ended with Dec. 28. A few days were then spent with my family. Nov. 12, I arrived at Omaha, Nebraska, where I labored with some success for a little over two weeks. I sold and gave away several dollars’ worth of books, and obtained fifteen subscribers for our periodicals. Six have given their hearts to the Lord in that place, and have commenced to keep the Sabbath; but as I did not find as good an interest as I desired, and as it was very expensive to hold meetings in that place, I felt free to leave for the present.

At this time the subject of a Tract and Missionary Society attracted my mind so much that I felt it duty to visit all our Danish churches and encourage our brethren to engage in this important part of the work.

Dec. 10, I met with the brethren at Cedar Falls. Providentially, Bro. Nicola, of Iowa, met me at this place, and assisted me in starting the good work mentioned above.

Dec. 17–28, I labored with the young church at West Dayton, Iowa. The blessing of the Lord was manifested in all our meetings. Four were baptized and added to the church. A Sabbath-school and Tract Society were organized. These friends have shown a willingness to take hold and live out the present truth better than many of our Scandinavian brethren. Spiritual Gifts is read and accepted with great delight among them. I feel that the time must soon come when all our Danish churches should know all about the teachings and labors of Bro. and Sr. White.

Jan. 1 and 2, 1876, I had the privilege of being with the church at Crescent City, Iowa. The day appointed for fasting by the General Conference Committee was spent accordingly. Testimonies were given which bore witness that we had the best meeting we ever enjoyed with that church. On Sunday, Jan. 2, three were baptized and added to this church, which now numbers twenty-nine. This church has steadily increased in numbers ever since it was raised up two years ago. May the Lord help them to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

After a short time with this and the Elkhorn church, I came to Swan Lake, Dakota, where I have labored since Feb. 3, under the blessing of God, to the encouragement of many souls. A little over a year ago I visited this place for the first time. Only one family were then keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. As a result of reading the TIDENDE and other works in Danish on present truth, there are to-day in that neighborhood between forty and fifty that are rejoicing in the Lord and earnestly trying to keep all his commandments and the faith of Jesus.

Our meetings have all been attended with heavenly power. Sinners, young and old, have been moved to confess their sins before God and man. Never, since I began to speak in public, which is now about sixteen years, have I felt the power and goodness of God to attend my feeble labors as at this place. Oh! may I come still nearer to my Lord.

Feb. 18 was also a good day with the friends here. Eleven willing souls were baptized in Swan Lake, a beautiful place, and the holy ceremony was performed in the presence of over two hundred. God was present by his Spirit, and we felt that it was good to obey the Lord.

Twenty-one have united in church fellowship. With the blessing of God, and the faithful watchcare of our beloved Bro. Frederikson, their elder, others will soon join their number. Systematic Benevolence was adopted by the friends here for the support of the ministry with a heart that beats in union with our people. $100.-00 were promised for the coming Conference year. Besides this, the brethren here paid to me $25.00. This means work, considering their circumstances.

Dakota Territory is a promising field, especially among the Scandinavian population. It has never as yet been visited by any American missionaries from the S. D. Adventists; but we think the way is fully open to labor among that class also. Especially in or near Swan Lake our Danish brethren have begun to scatter books and pamphlets in English, and are praying for some fruit to appear. They earnestly ask our dear Bro. White, President of the General Conference,

to remember Dakota, and send some one to sound the last message of mercy to their American neighbors.

When will all our people as one man engage in the work with more earnestness? Souls are perishing for true light, both here and in my own country. Oh! for a little more zeal mingled with wisdom from Heaven, to fulfill our mission here below, and soon we shall hear the voice of our dear Redeemer say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” JOHN F. HANSON.

Feb. 28, 1876.

WORK WHILE THE DAY LASTS.

By R. F. Cottrell

Work while ’tis day; soon cometh the night In which no work is done; Improve the precious hours of light, Ere they shall all be gone.

Days, months, and years, swift passing by, Pause not, though you may sleep; A faithful record up on high The holy angels keep.

That record, though another write, Is dictated by you; Deeds, words, and thoughts, in living light, Delineated true.

And soon that record you shall meet, And then it will be known Whether “Well done,” your ear shall greet, “Sit down upon my throne;”

Or you shall hear the word, “Depart, You are not known of Heaven;” And you shall wail with broken heart, Too late to be forgiven.

Let these few, fleeting moments write A record true above, Of actions that will bear the light, Of words and works of love!

R. F. Cottrell.

RAVENNA, MICH.

By A. O. Burrill

From Jan. 20-25, I visited this church. After the first meeting, I had an attack of the ague, and Brn. Root and Edgar carried on the meetings. The interest was good from without. A church was formed, numbering seventeen members. Bro. John Wright was chosen elder and Edward Stafford deacon. As they were set apart by prayer, and the laying on of hands, we felt that the Lord was present to sanction it by his Holy Spirit. On Sunday, twenty-six came forward for prayers.

About three years ago I gave a course of lectures here, and about twenty began to observe the Sabbath. These, with the few scattered ones who lived here before, have maintained meetings and a Sabbath-school since. I did not visit them for more than a year, yet their numbers increased, and now as we return to them we find their neighbors anxious to hear the truth, and some have decided to obey. I have been with them again for one week.

Last Sabbath, Feb. 26, a goodly number from Wright met with us, and at the close of the afternoon meeting thirty-eight came forward for prayers. These were principally sons and daughters of Sabbath-keeping parents, and many of them never had made any start to serve the Lord before.

As the good Spirit of the Lord came into our meeting the tears flowed freely, and many parents felt that their prayers were being answered.

Sunday, thirteen were baptized and added to the church, making their number thirty. There are still others who observe the Sabbath in this vicinity, and when they are all present with their children, they number some more than one hundred.

Systematic Benevolence was set before them, and their pledge for this year amounts to $218.92. Last year it was less than $50.00.

I shall remain one or two more Sabbaths with them, to look after the interests of the cause here. My P. O. address, till further notice, will be Saranac, Mich.

A. O. BURRILL.

March 1, 1876.

ST. LAWRENCE CO., N. Y.

By J. Wilbur

I came to this county to labor about the middle of December. After spending a short time in the village of Gouverneur trying to strengthen those that had become interested in the third message at the tent-meeting held here last season, I went into a new field to labor in the northern part of the town. I met with strong opposition for a few weeks, and at times became almost discouraged about seeing any fruit; but continued to toil and pray on, distributing tracts and conversing with the people during the day, and preaching to them in the evening.

The third house that I entered to distribute reading matter in the village I was saluted by the proprietor with the following words: “Are you one of them seventh-day Adventists?” I suppose I am, I replied. “Then I want you to take yourself out of here as soon as you can.” I tried to reason with him, but it was all in vain. But in the Griffith district where I have bestowed the most labor, I found a class of persons who were not so bigoted as to think that they knew all that was worth knowing, but, like the noble Bereans brought to view in Acts 17:10, 11, they “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” One man stated that although he had been a member of a church for twenty-five years, and had read the Bible a great deal, he had perused it more during three weeks of these lectures than he had before for two years.

As a result of these meetings, a goodly number have believed. Neighbors and relatives who had been enemies for weeks and months broke down before God, confessed to each other, and met together to hold prayer-meetings in each other’s houses. Some started in the service of Christ who had never made any profession of religion before. Backsliders started anew in the service of the Lord. And a few had already commenced to keep the Sabbath before I left them in February.

When I returned, day before yesterday, I found the interest still rising. Brn. B. L. Whitney and A. H. Hall had made them a visit in my absence, which was highly appreciated. And the books and tracts, as well as denominational papers, had been doing a good work here while I was gone. Some of the “well-to-do farmers,” and leading men of the place, who asked a great many questions, and were the strongest opposers at first, are now acknowledging that we have the truth, and are giving their friends and religious teachers no little anxiety about them. One man, after listening to a sermon from his pastor on the nature and destiny of man, his quotations from old poets, and Grecian philosophers, without any proof from the Bible to substantiate his doctrines, arose at the close of the sermon (to the astonishment of all in the house, for he was a man of good education and had opposed the present truth almost every night for weeks), and said to the minister that he had been a member of the church thirty or forty years and had been filled with quack medicines in the shape of unscriptural doctrines until he was sick and disgusted. This led to a lengthy discussion, and the end is not yet. The preacher is coming here to-night to look after the flock. It had been deserted so long when we came here that we found, at our meeting the first night, children from five to eight years of age who had never heard a sermon. We are expecting lively times. Pray for us. J. Wilbur.

North Gouverneur, March 2, 1876.

CONSCIENCE POINTS TO A JUDGMENT TO COME.

THE universal belief of men in the retributions of another life shows that conscience gives a uniform lesson on this subject. No man feels safe. To every mind there is “a certain fearful looking for of judgment.” It is seen in the tendency of our race to dwell upon the dark side of every event, and to interpret every strange and mysterious occurrence as an omen of evil, or a token of divine anger. Men know something of their own wickedness. They know they are not punished as much as they deserve, and they are fearful that God is about to bring them to judgment.

A fine illustration of this is found in the book of Daniel. “Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.” To insult the God of the Hebrews, he “commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was at Jerusalem;” vessels consecrated to the service of the Lord of hosts.

The king and his companions “drank wine, and praised the gods of gold and silver, of brass, of iron, of wood and of stone. In the same hour came forth the fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote upon the plaster of the wall.” No one knew the nature of the writing, nor could the wise men of the city read it. Yet, when the king saw the part of the hand that wrote, his countenance changed, and his knees smote one against another. But why this agitation and alarm? Why not regard this mysterious inscription as an omen of good? Why not fill up the vessels of God’s house, and drink deeper? Why not call for music, for the song, and the dance? Why not point to the inscription, and with exultation exclaim, “See, the gods have accepted the offerings of this night of revelry, and are well pleased. They have thus signified their pleasure. Yonder stands the sentence which promises long life to your king, and prosperity to his kingdom.”

Not so thought that impious monarch. He could not read the writing, but he well knew it boded no good to him or his kingdom. Conscience told that wicked king that the God whom he had insulted was about to take vengeance upon him, and call him to judgment. And when Daniel gave the interpretation of the handwriting, he did but confirm what conscience had already made known.—Sel.

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