Earlier text: THE IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL—The bishop of Hong Kong has ordained 3 Chinese clergymen. —Scotland, owing to its recent failures, is rated as £15,000,000 poorer than it was a few weeks ago. —The lives of the King of the Netherlands and the Emperor of Austria have recently been threatened. —On Tuesday, Dec. 17, for the first time in 16 years, the paper dollar was worth 100 cents, and gold lost its premium. —The Government of Spain have decided to expel all foreigners belonging to the International Society from that country. —Railroads pay $5,000 for killing a man; but the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company have paid $12,555 for killing a trotting horse! —Two of the Russian men-of-war built at Philadelphia for the Russian Government, sailed Dec. 22, and two others will leave in a few weeks. —The recent sudden thaw has caused numerous floods in England and Scotland; at Nottingham the flood is the greatest for 14 years. —One of the northerly provinces of Brazil is suffering from famine and pestilence of the most horrible character. —Severe storms are raging on the north and central Atlantic coast of Europe. The storm was predicted by the Herald weather bureau with remarkable accuracy. —The British forces are concentrating for a final attack on Candahar. It is said that Candahar is defended by only three or four weak Afghan regiments and a few hundred irregulars destitute of artillery. —A grand national exhibition will be held in Moscow in 1880, which will probably be accompanied by great festivities, as it will be the 25th anniversary of the Emperor’s accession to the throne. —The Christian Weekly says that an Italian medical society has requested the papers to cease reporting suicides, convinced that the publicity tends to increase the number of self-murderers. And adds: “We have little doubt that it is also true in this country.” —The Cincinnati Commercial publishes a list of murders and homicides in the United States during the year 1878, as reported in the papers from day to day. According to this list, there were during the year 1,268 murders in this country. —In Russia, ladies are to be permitted to study surgery and medicine, and take degrees in the universities. The Russian Minister of War has officially declared in favor of educating lady physicians for army practice, and the Czar is said to be greatly interested in the movement. —At 6:52 on the evening of Dec. 31, a very large aerolite was seen at Bayard, Ohio. It came from the east and disappeared below the western horizon. When almost directly overhead, it exploded with a distant, thundering noise. Two flashes accompanied the explosion. It was seen in neighboring towns. —It illustrates the apprehension excited by the recent attacks on European sovereigns that there is an organized conspiracy against all crowned heads, that several London detectives have been added to the police at Windsor Castle. Even the good and honored Queen Victoria may not escape an assassin’s attack. —A correspondent of the Presbyterian Journal, speaking of the poverty of the poor of Egypt, says, “I have seen children hunting for stray grains of raw beans among the refuse of the thorny provender where a camel had been feeding, as eagerly as we used to hunt for chestnuts among the grass on a frosty autumn morning.” —Jenny Lind made $1,000,000 in America, and her husband, Mr. Goldschmidt, invested it so successfully that it has doubled itself. She has a grown-up son and daughter. Sir Julius Benedict, the composer, Jenny’s old teacher, says the daughter would have been as great a singer as her mother ever was had she not been rich. —News of nocturnal arrests, general destitution, and apprehended riots, comes from Constantinople. It is believed that the cry of alarm has been raised by officials who think their interests are threatened or injured by the present ministry. There has been a further enormous depreciation of Turkish paper money, and, as a consequence, numbers of bakers’ shops have been closed. —Seventeen specimens of common table sirups were recently examined by R. C. Kedzie, A.M., Professor of Chemistry in the Michigan State Agricultural College. Fifteen of these proved to be made of glucose; one of the fifteen contained 141 grains of sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol) and 724 grains of lime to the gallon; and another, which had caused serious sickness in a whole family, contained 72 grains of sulphuric acid, 28 grains of sulphate of iron (copperas), and 363 grains of lime to the gallon. —Liquor-drinking Scotland has been told a blunt truth by the Lord Provost of Glasgow, that the loss of £5,000,000 which has fallen on the shareholders of the City of Glasgow Bank represents but its six months’ expenditure for strong drink. He then indicates to his countrymen, who are devising means to relieve the calamity, that they could wipe it off by reducing their liquor bills one-half for a year. What if they should make a clean sweep, and with heroic self-sacrifice give up the other half!—Christian Weekly. —Dec. 2, the heaviest gale known for years raged on the coast of New York. The storm record for November and the first eleven days of December, as given in the Maine State Press of Dec. 26, shows 28 stormy days in that time. These were severe storms of wind, snow, and rain; some of them were simultaneous on both the American and the European coast of the Atlantic, some were on the ocean, and one was a violent hurricane north of St. Thomas. —The young king of Siam is showing enlightened enterprise in his movements for establishing a system of education for his people, and also in his advanced ideas on the subject of religious toleration. When a case of persecution against some of his Christian subjects was recently brought before him, he promptly replied that the people must not be molested on account of religion, and instructions were forwarded to the authorities that the people had perfect liberty to follow the religion of their choice. —Southern Russia bids fair to rival Pennsylvania in the production of petroleum. The discovery of oil indications near the Caspian Sea was made public some time since, and on boring wells in that vicinity it has been found in abundant quantities. One well yields 10,000 barrels a day, and the oil, free from dirt, is forced seventy-five feet into the air. A Pittsburgh manufacturing firm recently shipped an improved drilling and refining outfit to Russia to be used there, and companies are rapidly forming for the further development of the territory. —Long Branch is proposing another great attraction in the shape of an iron pier extending into the ocean 660 feet, the extremity resting on tubular piles sunk in calm and untroubled water 450 feet beyond the breakers. At the pier-head, where steamers from this city will land, will be a two-storied observatory and saloon. About midway will be a music pavilion and café. An extensive sea-wall and breakwater form part of the plan, which is to be carried out, as sufficient capital has been subscribed to insure the construction of the great work. —While Mr. Talmage was giving “Night Scenes” in Brooklyn, Dr. John P. Newman was giving statistics in New York on “The Bright Side and Dark.” He said there were in the city 8,000 licensed drinking-places; 30,000 paupers; 10,000 neglected children; 20,000 women without character; 400,000 foreigners out of 1,000,000 population; and 30,000 transient daily. On the other hand he said there are 300 public schools and $4,000,000 spent on them yearly; 490 churches with accommodations for 375,000 people; 400 Protestant churches with a capacity for holding 275,000 hearers, and having 80,000 members; 520 Sabbath-schools, and 120,000 children. The city supports 27 charitable institutions, which annually receive 140,000 people. To her benevolence there is no end, and its blessings find their way into cellar, attic, and “Homes,” and to fever-stricken cities. Uranine.—This is the most recently discovered, and perhaps the most remarkable, of all the coal tar or aniline group of coloring substances, now so extensively used for the adornment of the finest fabrics. Uranine is said, by chemists, to be the most highly fluorescent body known to science. Its coloring power is astonishing; a single grain will impart a marked color to nearly five hundred gallons of water. A most interesting experiment, which anybody may try, consists in sprinkling a few atoms of Uranine upon the surface of water in a glass tumbler. Each atom immediately sends down through the water what appears to be a bright green rootlet; and the tumbler soon looks as if it were crowded full of beautiful plants. The rootlets now begin to enlarge, spread, and combine, until we have a mass of soft green-colored liquid. Viewed by transmitted light, the color changes to a bright golden or amber hue; while a combination of green and gold will be realized, according to the position in which the glass is held. For day or evening experiment nothing can be prettier than these trials of Uranine, which are especially entertaining for the young folks. We are indebted for examples of the color to the editors of the Scientific American, who are sending out specimens, free of charge, to all their readers. The subscription to the paper is $3.20 for a year, or $1.60 half year; and a better investment for the money could hardly be named. Sabbath School Department.
By G. H. Bell
LESSONS FOR BIBLE CLASSES.
LESSON XXVIII.—RECAPITULATION.
- WHERE do we find astonishing revelations in regard to the history of the world?
- To whom was the first of these revelations made?
- To whom were the others given?
- What were represented in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream?
- How were they symbolized?
- How was the kingdom of God represented?
- When was this kingdom to arise?
- How long was it to stand?
- How were the four great kingdoms represented in Daniel’s vision?
- Describe the fourth beast.
- What was denoted by the ten horns on the head of this beast?
- How were three of these horns plucked up?
- Describe this little horn.
- In the interpretation of the vision, what did the angel say that the power represented by this little horn should do?
- By what have all these predictions been fulfilled?
- What has the pope of Rome done?
- In Daniel’s second vision, what two systems of false religion are presented?
- What name is given to the first?
- What to the second?
- When it was asked how long these powers were to prevail against the saints and dishonor the worship of God, what answer was heard?
The book of Daniel contains astonishing revelations in regard to the history of the world, especial fullness being given to those parts that affect the interests of the people of God. The first of these revelations was given in a dream to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon; the others were given in vision to the prophet Daniel. In Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, the four great universal kingdoms of the earth were represented by the parts of a great metallic image. A fifth universal kingdom, the kingdom of God, was represented by a stone that smote the image upon the feet and dashed it to pieces. This kingdom was not to arise till the fourth kingdom should be divided into ten kingdoms; and it was to stand forever. In Daniel’s first vision, the four great kingdoms were represented by four beasts, coming up from the sea. The fourth beast was dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly. It had ten horns, denoting the ten divisions of the Roman kingdom; and among them came up another, a little horn, that plucked up three of the ten. It had eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. In the interpretation of the vision, it was said that the power represented by this little horn should speak great words against the Most High, should wear out the saints of the Most High, and should think to change times and laws. All these predictions have been fulfilled by that false system of Christianity represented by the apostate church of Rome, and known as the Papacy. The pope of Rome has assumed blasphemous titles, has persecuted the people of God beyond a parallel, and has thought to change the fourth commandment of the Law of God. In Daniel’s second vision, the two great systems of false religion, Paganism and the Papacy, are presented, the first being called The Daily, and the second The Transgression of Desolation; and when it was asked how long these powers were to prevail against the saints, and dishonor the worship of God, the answer was: “Unto two thousand three hundred days, then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” G. H. BELL. Away among the hills of northern New England were two infidel neighbors who had lived to man's estate, sinning and blaspheming against God. One of them heard the gospel message, and on hearing believed unto eternal life. A short time afterward the converted man went to the house of his infidel neighbor, and said to him,— “I have come to talk to you; I have been converted.” “Yes, I heard that you had been down there and gone forward to be prayed for,” said the skeptic, with a sneer; “and I am surprised, for I thought you were about as sensible a man as there was in town.” “Well,” said the Christian, “I have a duty to do to you, and I want you to stop talking and hear me. I have not slept much for two nights thinking of it. I have four sheep in my flock that belong to you. They came into my field six years ago, and I knew they had your mark on them, but I took them and marked them with my mark, and you inquired all around and could not hear anything of them. But they are in my field with the increase of them; and now I want to settle this matter. I have laid awake nights and groaned over it, and I have come to get rid of it. And now I am at your option. I will do just what you say. If it is a few years in State prison, I will suffer that. If it is money or property you want, say the word. I have a good farm and money at interest, and you can have all you ask. I want to settle this matter up and get rid of it.” The infidel was amazed; he began to tremble. “If you have got them sheep you are welcome to them. I don't want anything of you, if you will only go away; a man that will come to me as you have—something must have got hold of you that I don't understand. You may have the sheep if you will only go away.” “Oh,” said the Christian, “I must settle this matter up now, and pay for the sheep. I shall not be satisfied without; and you must tell me how much.” “Well,” said the skeptic, “if you must pay me, you may give me what the sheep were worth when they got into your field, and pay me six per cent on the amount, and go off and let me alone.” The man counted out the value of the sheep and the interest on the amount, and then doubled the dose, and laid as much more down beside it, and went his way, leaving a load on his neighbor's heart almost as heavy as that which he himself had borne. The full results of that scene are known only to God. One thing is certain, the infidel was seen to frequent the house of prayer, and we may be sure that he afterward believed that there was some power in the gospel, and that all Christians were not hypocrites.—Sunday Magazine. The Clapper Who Cracked the Bell
A CLAPPER in an old church tower professed to be greatly grieved because the bell it hung in was cracked. It was ever and anon telling of its grief in most dolorous tones, which excited the sympathy of many unsophisticated people. But the ghost of Diogenes coming along said, “Cease your whining, Master Clapper; remember in the first place that you cracked the bell, and in the second place nobody would know it was cracked if you didn’t tell them.” When you meet a man that is always complaining of the coldness of the church and the want of harmony among its members, tell him this fable. Those who make the most complaint are often those who are the most to blame. How is it with you, any way, is there a cracked bell in your church, and are you the clapper? The Bible as an Instructor.
By G. C. Tenney
It is a well-proven proverb that “of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” Books of instruction in the various acquirements are greatly multiplied, and they are written in the most pleasing and approved manner. Books on manners and morals, walking and talking, eating and drinking, are very numerous. Different branches of science have been deeply investigated by active minds, and the results of their investigations have been given to the world in well-written books. In seeking for the knowledge of this world our attention is called to these; and long, valuable years are spent in acquiring a knowledge of their contents. The true student realizes more and more how little one can know in this short life, and what an infinity of knowledge surrounds the small circle of human understanding. The pursuit of the different branches of knowledge is doubtless commendable; but great attention should be paid to the motive which actuates the student, as upon this depends the use which will be made of the knowledge gained. In education, as in everything else, final success depends upon the principle from which we work. And as the Judgment alone will determine the final result of every undertaking, the same principle should prompt us in all we attempt. If any man build upon other foundation, or work from other motives, hay, wood, and stubble will indicate the nature of his work. The fear of God, and a sincere desire to do good, should actuate us in all we do. This principle is appropriately called the beginning of wisdom, as it presents the only purpose worthy of our lives. An education without this principle wrought into its foundation and interwoven with its fabric is as worthless as the house upon the sand. This is the substance of all morality and righteousness, the fulfilling of God's commands. It is the first and second great commandments upon which hang all the law and the prophets. All the teachings of the Bible are but precepts, comments, examples, and illustrations of the same principle. The substance of all true knowledge is here. Though none of the Bible writers were D. D's. or LL. D's., they were men who, inspired by the Spirit of God, understood the wants of humanity, and in their writings they gave us the rules which should govern us in every ennobling pursuit. The moral teachings of the Bible do not consist in mere abstract precepts, but they are clothed with life and acted out in our sight. Righteousness and sin are illustrated side by side. They are traced in their courses from beginning to end, and their results plainly contrasted. The dangers which beset the slippery paths of youth are clearly shown by lively precepts and living examples. And although the personages brought out in the Scripture narratives do not possess the angelic perfections of modern fictitious heroes, they are true to human nature as we experience it, and they illustrate the great good which may come from wise and careful instruction. The surest guarantee of success in this life, and of entrance to eternal life, is to instill into the minds of the young an early love for the study, and respect for the teachings, of the Bible. Let the great principles of love to God and love to man be held up as the only worthy object of life, and let the calling of life be chosen with regard to those principles, and the foundation of a stable character, a noble education, and a useful life, will have been laid. Paul's commendation of Timothy was that from a child he had known the Holy Scriptures, to which fact may be ascribed his useful life. In the day of Judgment how foolish will appear the wisdom of this world to those whom it has led to ruin. How earnestly we should seek to gain and impart that wisdom from above which is revealed in the word of God. G. C. Tenney. THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
By James White
VOLUME five of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES will commence with the year 1879. Plans have been laid to make the coming volume better in every respect than past volumes have been. Without casting the least shade of reflection upon Sisters Hall and Frisbie, who have faithfully and ably acted the part of local editors in the past, we would here state that the General Conference has sent Elder J. H. Waggoner to California, whose first duty is the local editorship of the SIGNS. His experience as a writer and editor will make him of great service to the paper. While the labor of no one is called from our pioneer paper, new and valuable help is secured to make it in every respect just what the cause demands. The tract and missionary societies are ready to put it in the field to the ends of the earth, wherever the English language is read; and the publishers offer the SIGNS to these societies at lower prices than ever before. In addition to offers already made, we are prepared to say that this sheet will be sent to foreign lands, everywhere, and everywhere post-paid, for $2.00 a year. We hope that while the General Conference opens a mission to Great Britain, those of our brethren in this country who were born in the Queen’s dominions will remember the friends they left behind in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and who are elsewhere in Her Majesty’s dominions. We learn by letter from Elder Loughborough that he and his wife were to sail for England December 16, at 2 P. M. May that Hand guide and uphold our beloved Bro. Loughborough which has been with him the past ten years in his successful labors on the Pacific slope. The time will come when a paper and a press will be established in England; but not until our pioneer sheet shall have thousands of patrons across the great deep. Those who have had experience in publishing know that it requires no small amount of labor and means to conduct and publish a paper. We have papers enough for the present. Before another publishing house shall be located, either in Europe or America, those at Battle Creek, Mich., Oakland, Cal., and Bâle, Switzerland, should be better patronized and sustained, and raised above all embarrassment. The tract and missionary societies, and those still more personally and especially interested for their friends in other lands, need just such a paper as, by the grace of God, the SIGNS should be, can be, and shall be; and the Oakland publishing house needs the support. Be it known to the patrons of the SIGNS, that your board, spread with good things to constitute your weekly feast, is not gotten up as the housewife gets up dinner on washing-day, hastily and without forethought. No, indeed. The yearly round of forty-eight of these feasts must be planned beforehand. And first, the table must be spread with a proper variety. There must be sermons, editorials, experiences, reports of progress, expositions, and reports of the signs of the times in the political, scientific, moral, and religious world, items of religious and secular news, reading adapted to the home circle, and sound instruction touching physical, mental, moral, and spiritual culture. The volume for 1879 should cover the ground, as far as possible, of the reasons of our faith and hope. Tracts are good; but the weekly visits of a paper containing a variety is not only better, but much cheaper. In order that the foregoing plans be carried out, we make the following suggestions:— That there be order in regard to the several subjects to be presented. And in order to secure this, it seems necessary that, as a general thing, one writer should become responsible for a given subject, and that all others of the leading writers leave this field to him. If this be understood beforehand in season, the several writers can give the necessary attention to their field of thought, and better arrange the matter to be presented by them during the year. While it may not be our duty to direct in this matter, it may be our privilege to suggest the following, subject to changes, which may be matters of correspondence with the writer. And we suggest that the field of prophecy, especially that of Daniel and John, be explored by Elder Uriah Smith. Elder D. M. Canright present the immortality question, including its history. Elder James White, the Second Advent, kingdom, and signs of the times. Elder G. I. Butler, the perpetuity, design, and practical importance of spiritual gifts. Elder J. N. Andrews, the sanctuary of the Bible and the messages of Revelation 14. Elders Haskell, White, and Loughborough, the tract and missionary work. All general articles upon this important subject which do not demand immediate publication, should, after being carefully copied, be forwarded to box P, Denison, Texas, at present, before they are put in print. Mrs. E. G. White, the life of the apostles, also Bible sanctification. J. H. Kellogg, M. D., the harmony of science and the Bible, and the resurrection of the just, from a Bible and scientific standpoint—the Bible wrested from the hands of infidels. Elders White, Smith, and Andrews, the Sabbath, and the nature and perpetuity of the moral code. To save confusion, correspondence in relation to this matter is necessary immediately. Other persons and subjects can be announced when necessary. Mrs. L. M. Hall will conduct the department, The Home Circle. But one very important feature of our pioneer paper will be the reports of progress from Switzerland, France, England, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Norway, and Egypt. The correspondence of Elders Andrews, Loughborough, Matteson, Ertzenberger, Dr. Ribton, and others, will be read with the most earnest interest. And lastly, but not the least, we mention brief reports from all our live ministers, and officers of the T. and M. work throughout the world. These should be directly to the point, and necessarily brief. If they are lengthy because of rambling to points of no real interest, the editor will either reduce them, or throw them to the moles and bats. Save him the trouble, by spending ten minutes in arranging in your mind what you wish to say on paper before you take up your pen. We hope to give an article on the signs of the times in the first number of volume five, and hope that other subjects and other pens will also be represented in that number. And we need not here call attention to the importance of all beginning their subscription with the first number of the volume, or as soon thereafter as possible. Clubs should be made up at once, and those who wish to furnish this volume should forward names and addresses as soon as possible. For your friends to commence in February, March, or April, would be like giving them a book with a twelfth, twenty-fourth, or thirty-sixth of the first part of it torn off. Not less than ten thousand extra copies of the first number will be printed. Send in your orders, with the cash if possible. Let none delay for want of ready cash, if that article can follow the very next week, when the name and address will be entered upon our lists permanently. NEW YEAR'S IN BATTLE CREEK.
In accordance with the appointment of the General Conference Committee, the first day of January, 1879, was observed by the church in Battle Creek as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer. A special prayer-meeting was appointed at 9 A. M., which was very fully attended, and was a good season. At 10:30 the house was almost as well filled as at our regular Sabbath service. Bro. Haskell spoke on the nature and objects of fasting, and the circumstances under which it had been practiced by men of God in ancient times, according to the examples given us in the word of God. He was followed by Bro. Andrews in remarks also specially adapted to the occasion. The business meeting at 1:30 P. M. was also quite fully attended. The subjects of the houses of worship at Battle Creek and Oakland, and systematic benevolence, or the tithing system, for the year 1879, were introduced. The sum of $453.30 was pledged for the Oakland house; $255.30 for the Tabernacle at Battle Creek; and one hundred and forty-one of those present pledged a tithe of their income for the year 1879. Besides the tithe, the sum of $67.35 was pledged by those who have no income. On the evening of Thanksgiving day the church raised in thank-offerings about $267.00. Thus, on these three occasions, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, this church has raised in payments and pledges, exclusive of the $200 put upon the Christmas tree by Bro. and Sr. White, $1,505.62. Of this, nearly $1,000 has been paid in. In subscribing on New Year's nearly twice as much for the house in Oakland, Cal., as for the Tabernacle here, the church has shown in a marked manner how it can waive home considerations and home interests in behalf of a church in a far-distant State. But the cause is one and the same everywhere; and we feel an interest in the work on the Pacific coast the same as at our own doors, the same in Europe as in America. Many good testimonies were borne, and excellent determinations formed in reference to seeking the Lord more earnestly, and following him more closely for the year to come than in the past. In the evening a large and interesting meeting was held in the interests of Bible temperance and to take steps toward the formation of a national health and temperance association. In the way the day was spent, we feel that the year was well begun. May its promises of good be abundantly realized. AN APPEAL FOR THE TESTIMONIES.
By S. N. Haskell
The readers of the REVIEW have repeatedly had their attention called to the action of the General Conference in reference to placing the bound volumes of the Testimonies and Spirit of Prophecy in each of our churches. There is no church but can raise the sum of four dollars. This, at the reduced rates to churches, will pay for the eight volumes which at present constitute this library. These books should be in each church immediately, so that these long evenings may be improved in reading them. The presidents and secretaries of our various tract societies, and ministers and leading men in all our churches, should wake up to this matter. It is often remarked, “I believe in them, and have read them;” but upon further inquiry, not unfrequently we learn that although several years before some of the Testimonies had been in the church, yet at that time no trace of a Testimony can be found, and there is perfect ignorance upon the matter contained in them. An inspired penman says, “The devils also believe and tremble,” but this does them no good. It is faith that has a practical bearing upon the character which will avail in the day of Judgment. The object of putting these circulating libraries in our churches is, that the books may be accessible to those who are unable to purchase them, that all may thus become acquainted with their contents. Thousands of our people will be lost in the day of Judgment by not giving heed to such instructions as are contained in these Testimonies. There are no particular circumstances in life to which some portion or portions of them will not apply, in the warnings and reproofs they contain. Not a few of our brethren have had a sad experience in financial losses by not giving heed to the instruction given in them concerning “patent rights.” This is equally true in hundreds of cases in reference to many things relating to our spiritual interests. Many are unacquainted with what they do13not read them sufficiently. To neglect, is to slight them and to treat them with contempt. Those individuals, or that people, to whom God comes so near as to speak to them by his Spirit and by his special providence, cannot prosper without giving heed to the instruction given. When God by his Spirit or providence condescends to instruct people, it is for a purpose, and if they could get along as well without his admonition, it would be folly on the part of Omnipotence to impart it to them. Shall we by our actions charge God with folly? Will not our tract societies and ministers take hold of this matter at once, and within a few weeks’ time have these books placed in all our churches? Each church should immediately raise money to pay for them. They are neatly arranged in boxes, with full directions how to use them as circulating libraries. We recommend all to re-read the article entitled, “Read! Read! Read!” which appeared in REVIEW No. 1, present volume, last page. We heartily indorse it, and recommend our brethren everywhere to immediately enter upon the suggestions there made. S. N. HASKELL. GOOD NEWS FROM BATTLE CREEK AND OAKLAND; GRAND SUCCESS.
By James White
We are happy to learn from W. C. W. that the Christmas tree at Battle Creek, Mich., bore fruit in the form of cash amounting to more than seven hundred dollars. This is better than we expected. But we are astonished to learn from J. H. W. that the Oakland, Cal., church have done even more. Its numbers are about one-third the Battle Creek church, and most of these are very poor. There is not a tithe the property in the Oakland church that there is in the Battle Creek church, and yet their tree bore one hundred dollars more than the Battle Creek tree. If Battle Creek has done better than we expected, Oakland has done BEST. It is understood everywhere that California is a grand State for fruit; but that one tree in mid-winter should produce fruit to the value of more than eight hundred dollars!! Astonishing? Indeed it is. Hold the fort? We imagine we hear an affirmative response from all true hearts, not only all along the Pacific slope, from San Diego on the south to British America on the north, but from every part of our good country. The debts shall be lifted from these two houses, built for God, at the two great centers of the work. We wait with happy solicitude for full reports from all parts of the wide field. When these houses shall be free from debt, a pamphlet for each will be published, containing the names of the donors and the amount each has given, and a copy will be furnished to each donor free. JAMES WHITE. HOLD THE FORT.
By James White
SECOND RESPONSE TO APPEAL FOR BATTLE CREEK AND OAKLAND HOUSES OF WORSHIP.
Brother and Sister Darius and Sarah Reynolds, from Illinois, now sojourning at Austin, Texas, send $40 as a New Year’s present to the churches at Battle Creek and Oakland,—$20 each. They write, Jan. 1, 1879:— “Having noticed in the REVIEW your urgent appeal, and that of Sr. White, for help to relieve the Oakland church from a heavy debt, and also for more aid for the Tabernacle at Battle Creek, we have concluded to send you a donation of $40, to be equally divided between the two. We do not much favor the plan of building churches and then calling for outside help; but these cases may be exceptions. Certainly it would greatly embarrass the work all along the coast to lose the Oakland church. “I once gave $100 to help pay for a church bought by the Free Methodists in Chicago. It was purchased for $6,000, and was said to be worth $15,000. An agent was sent to solicit aid from Eastern Conferences, but he failed to get up an interest, or the people felt too poor to help, so the church went back to its former owners. But I believe this will not be the case with us. As long as our people have such stirring appeals for help, and such examples of liberality and consecration as you have given, the work, with the blessing of God, will succeed.” These dear, aged friends of the truth have done well in commencing the year 1879. We shall consider them good for $10 each at the commencement of each month for each of the two churches, until the debts shall be paid. All remittances for these houses in money orders or drafts should be made payable to James White, and the envelopes should be addressed, Eld. James White, Denison, Texas, Box P. Small sums in bank notes should be sent direct to REVIEW AND HERALD, Battle Creek, Mich., or to Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal. J. W. BISHOP SIMPSON ON THE LAW.
With all our heart we join in the applause with which the following utterances of Bishop Simpson were greeted by those who heard them. They constitute the closing portion of the fourth of the “Yale Lectures on Preaching,” recently delivered to the divinity students of that college, and published in the Independent of Jan. 2, 1879. Let them understand and expound the true meaning of the law, and then give it the place here recommended, and nothing more could be asked in this respect:— “The law of God should be distinctly set forth. The congregation should be gathered as around the base of Mount Sinai, as from the summit is heard the voice of God in those commandments which are eternal and unalterable in their character. The effect of preaching the law will be that some hearts will be opened; others may be repelled, and say, ‘Let not God speak to us any more.’ Some will object to the preaching of the law, and say, ‘Prophesy better things.’ But still the law must be preached. It brings the sinner to a recognition of his sins; that he has transgressed God’s holy law, and shows him the fearfulness of the doom which is impending over him. The law must be followed by the gospel. The awakened sinner must be pointed to the Saviour, that he may see that, deep as his transgression may be, the blood of Christ can wash it away. There are many preachers who love to talk of the gospel alone. They dwell especially on the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of Christ. This is well. It is more than well. It is essential. But sometimes they neglect these matters of the law, and assign them to a place in a past age, claiming that men now can be best moved by love alone. They may thus rear a beautiful structure; but its foundation is on the sand. No true edifice can be raised without its foundation’s being dug deep by repentance toward God. The gospel has no significance except as it is based on the positive law, which Christ came not to destroy, but to fulfill. The law without the gospel leads to service; the gospel without the law leads to antinomianism; the two combined produce ‘charity out of a pure heart and of a good conscience and of faith unfeigned.’ [Applause.]”